Gakpo To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Wolves | OneFootball

Liverpool settled for a 2-2 draw that must feel like a defeat, particularly after James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equalizer in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. But they still have a seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League standings ahead of hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

Although the Hoops are struggling for survival, the Merseysiders, having dropped some crucial points in the title race, cannot be complacent. They clinched an edgy 2-1 win at Molineux early into the season, however, the urge to stay up could drive the Midlanders for another spirited performance after an emphatic 2-0 win against Aston Villa in their previous league encounter. The Reds can’t afford to lose points at Anfield with successive tricky away tests waiting in the wings.

Predicted 4-2-3-1- Liverpool Lineup To Face Wolves

Defence

Alisson Becker had a tough time against the Toffees as he could have done little to stop either goal. But he remains irreplaceable between the sticks for his exquisite positioning, one-on-one excellence and the trademark passing attribute.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Trent Alexander-Arnold controls the ball during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux on September 28, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Arne Slot managed Trent Alexandre Arnold’s minutes at Goodison Park by bringing him as a second-half substitute. The flamboyant right fullback is expected to replace Conor Bradley in the starting XI having recovered from a brief injury problem. Andrew Robertson should keep his place down the left ahead of Kostas Tsimikas, also, the central defensive duo Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk must restore stability in the heart of the backline after struggling against Everton’s aerial threat and direct gameplay. Joe Gomez’s fresh injury concern leaves Liverpool with Jarell Quansah as the only other first-team centre-half.

Midfield

The Blues did not allow Ryan Gravenberch to drive the game from the deep, but the dynamic Dutchman must be raring to go again overcoming a rare below-par performance. He will be accompanied by Alexis Mac Allister who offers his creative spark with box-to-box movements, swift skills, slick passing and through balls into the final third. Wataru Endo could be involved as a late substitute to see out a victory, and so is Harvey Elliott, as a versatile midfield option. Curtis Jones is suspended following his post-match marching order due to a clash with Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré.

Dominik Szoboszlai has cemented his status as an attacking playmaker who also injects energy and work rate in the middle of the park. Mohamed Salah must be leading the Ballon d’Or race with an incredible 27 goals and 19 goals in 35 appearances across competitions, and the red-hot Egyptian would look to add a few more to his tally against Vítor Pereira’s men. Cody Gakpo was taken off on Wednesday due to a knock, and the gaffer could deploy Luis Diaz down the left if the Dutch attacking ace fails to recover in time.

Attack

Slot must decide whether to go with Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota if Diaz is shifted on the flank. However, the Portuguese marksman should get the nod against his former employers given his sharpness and poaching traits in and around the box.