Wolves are taking on Liverpool today at Molineux in the Premier League.
Wolves had no game last weekend due to the FA Cup – a competition Wolves really ought to have still been in but for some awful decisions in the game with Liverpool at Anfield.
Wanderers went on to lose the replay 1-0 at Molineux. But Liverpool then went and lost to Brighton, in what felt like justice.
Wolves and Liverpool are doing battle once again today, and Julen Lopetegui has a few new faces in his squad this time around.
The club had a good January, with six signings coming through the door.
It’s possible at least a couple of them could be starting today, and here’s an XI Lopetegui could go with against an erratic Liverpool side…
Predicted Wolves XI to face Liverpool – New signings Cunha, Lemina and Sarabia all start
Jose Sa needs a strong performance for Wolves.
He’s looked jittery in recent matches. And he was partly at fault for the goal Harvey Elliott scored in the previous meeting. Hopefully the addition of Dan Bentley has been good for him so far in terms of the new man giving him a bigger push.
Lopetegui may be tempted to play Craig Dawson today. But Nathan Collins and Maximilian Kilman probably do just about deserve to keep their places after some improved performances of late.
Nelson Semedo and Hugo Bueno are probably going to be the full-backs.
In midfield, we might see a three as we did against Manchester City.
Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes are both pretty nailed on picks. And they could be joined by £10 million signing Mario Lemina, who can offer industry. If Wolves can win the midfield battle – and there’s a very good chance of that – then there will be a great chance of taking all three points.
In attack, Daniel Podence will surely start. He’s been Wolves’ most dangerous player in the final third this season.
On the right, Pablo Sarabia might get the nod from the start. Adama Traore could perhaps come on later to run at tired legs.
And through the middle we could see Matheus Cunha, who’s only had one start so far since his arrival at the club.
Raul Jimenez and Diego Costa are currently not offering enough, so Lopetegui might unleash Wolves’ record signing as a centre-forward.
Lopetegui could be tempted by Jimenez. But he may also want something different after the Mexican was ineffective against Manchester City.
Wolves can beat Liverpool today.
We know they are on the rocks at the moment. And we have seen Wanderers run them close twice last month.
If everyone is at it, and the Molineux crowd can lift the players, then there’ll be a great chance of getting three huge points. And a win over the Reds can serve as a huge catalyst.
Wolves (4-3-3): Sa/ Semedo, Collins, Kilman, Bueno/Neves, Nunes, Lemina/Sarabia, Cunha, Podence.