Ekitike Set to Steal the Spotlight as Injury-Hit Liverpool Face Wolves Test
Liverpool have found their rhythm again in recent weeks and are keen to maintain their positive momentum when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Premier League action on Saturday.
The Merseyside club has secured three consecutive victories across all competitions and stretched their undefeated run to six games following a dramatic 2-1 triumph over ten-man Tottenham Hotspur in their previous outing. Arne Slot will be hoping for a more comfortable afternoon against bottom-placed Wolves at Anfield.
The Dutch manager is without several important players for the Old Gold's visit, but should expect nothing less than a dominant performance against the league's weakest attacking and defensive unit. A win could see Liverpool climb back into the top four, though this will depend on Chelsea's outcome against Aston Villa later on Saturday.
Here is how Slot might set up his Liverpool team against Wolves.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Wolves (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—When the situation became frantic in the final moments of an unnecessarily tense victory over Spurs, it was Alisson who maintained his composure under intense pressure. The Brazilian continues to be vital as the last line of defense behind a shaky backline.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—With Joe Gomez unavailable and Conor Bradley's fitness uncertain for Saturday, recently returned Frimpong could be deployed at right back. Should Bradley be available, however, the Dutch player might be utilized on the right wing.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Wolves have managed only nine Premier League goals this campaign, but Konaté's erratic displays will give Jørgen Strand Larsen and his teammates confidence of finding the net.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk struggled in the latter stages against Spurs as Liverpool fell apart, with the Dutch defender continuing to perform well below his typical high standards.
LB: Andy Robertson—Should the attack-minded Frimpong get the nod at right back, Robertson could be deployed on the opposite flank to balance his forward surges with a more cautious approach.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Against Wolves' physical midfield, Gravenberch will need to provide Liverpool with stability in the middle of the park. He's appeared more like his usual self in recent matches.
DM: Curtis Jones—Jones has been in solid form since returning to the Liverpool lineup, though he was somewhat subdued against Spurs. Nevertheless, he's typically the player attempting to create opportunities in midfield.
RW: Federico Chiesa—Chiesa hasn't featured in a Premier League starting eleven this season despite usually making an impact as a substitute, but Mohamed Salah's Africa Cup of Nations duty and Dominik Szoboszlai's ban could provide him with a rare starting chance.
AM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister's recent dip in form remains a significant concern for Liverpool, given how instrumental the Argentine was to previous success. He's found it difficult in an advanced midfield position since Slot adjusted his tactical setup.
LW: Florian Wirtz—Given medical clearance after a fitness concern, Wirtz is expected to feature on the left flank against Wolves. After recording his maiden Premier League assist last weekend, he'll be eager to score his first Liverpool goal in any competition.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Ekitiké has sparked Liverpool's recent resurgence with his goal-scoring form, netting five times in his last three Premier League appearances. Alexander Isak's leg fracture places additional responsibility on the French striker to perform.
