Liverpool Face Wolves as Wirtz Injury Crisis Deepens—Team News and Starting XI Revealed
Liverpool aim to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League win on Tuesday evening when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have discovered their rhythm under Rob Edwards's guidance.
The Merseyside club extended their winning streak with a home triumph over West Ham United on Saturday, where their set-piece dominance drove a 5–2 result that may have been generous to the home team.
Arne Slot's squad have regained their winning momentum, though they face a tricky challenge in midweek given Wolves' recent upturn in form.
The Premier League's bottom-placed team surpassed Derby County's infamous single-season points record low by defeating Aston Villa on Friday evening, and despite most observers already writing off Wolves for relegation, Edwards's players are beginning to demonstrate renewed vigor.
Liverpool Still Missing Creative Spark
Liverpool Still Missing Creative Spark
Florian Wirtz was absent from Liverpool's last two wins due to the back problem he picked up before kickoff at Nottingham Forest two weeks ago and is likely to stay out this week.
No new injury worries emerged from Saturday's 5–2 success, and Jeremie Frimpong returned as a substitute. Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni continue as long-term casualties for the title holders.
There's optimism that Isak, who suffered a leg fracture in December, could return at the beginning of April.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. West Ham
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. West Ham
GK: Alisson—Liverpool's first-choice keeper narrowly escaped calamity on Saturday, though his brief run of clean sheets ended when Tomáš Souček scored from close quarters.
RB: Joe Gomez—Slot needs to manage the injury-prone Frimpong carefully, who might only be ready for another brief substitute appearance on Tuesday evening. Therefore, Gomez, who has also struggled with fitness problems this campaign, should keep his starting spot.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—The French defender has established himself in the lineup, with his performances becoming more consistent. Liverpool will be eager to convince Konaté to extend his contract with the club shortly.
CB: Virgil van Dijk— Liverpool's skipper has satisfied Fantasy Premier League managers with his recent contributions, and Wolves will need to neutralize the impressive Van Dijk's aerial threat from set pieces to achieve an upset victory.
LB: Andy Robertson—The Reds face six matches before the international window, so Milos Kerkez is expected to rotate minutes with Robertson throughout this period.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—The towering midfield anchor rarely misses a Premier League minute under Slot's management.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Following what has been arguably his most challenging Liverpool season to date, the World Cup champion has netted twice in consecutive Premier League matches. Can he extend this streak to three games.
RW: Mohamed Salah—The Liverpool legend couldn't find the scoresheet during the Reds' five-goal display, as set pieces dominated proceedings. Salah's impact appears to be diminishing, and his record against Wolves isn't particularly impressive, with six goals in 14 encounters.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Szoboszlai has operated in various positions for Liverpool this campaign and has emerged as the club's most impressive player thus far. The Hungarian midfielder will likely be freed from defensive duties and should enjoy considerable license to advance into attacking areas.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo maintained his strong scoring record against West Ham at the weekend with his goal, which in Slot's view, likely secures his starting position for the coming weeks.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Ekitiké broke a four-match goalless streak in impressive fashion last weekend, opening the scoring before providing two assists in Liverpool's victory. The French striker will retain his central role for the midweek fixture.