Liverpool predicted lineup vs Wolves: injury news and selection calls ahead of Anfield clash
Liverpool return to Premier League action at Anfield with significant selection questions hanging over Arne Slot as Wolves arrive on Saturday afternoon. The Reds are juggling fitness concerns, suspensions and absences at a crucial point in the festive schedule, forcing a reshuffle that could shape both the starting XI and the tactical approach.
With attacking options stretched and several senior players either unavailable or carrying doubts, this fixture is shaping up to be as much about problem-solving as performance. Below is a clear look at the latest Liverpool injury news, the predicted lineup, and the key decisions facing Slot.
Liverpool injury news shaping selection
Liverpool’s squad depth is being tested once again. A serious leg injury sustained last weekend has removed a major attacking option from contention, leaving Slot short of senior forwards. Compounding matters further, Mohamed Salah is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, depriving Liverpool of their most consistent goal threat.
Cody Gakpo remains a doubt after being rated only “50-50” to feature, while Federico Chiesa has emerged as a genuine option to start following encouraging performances in domestic cup competitions. His sharpness and direct running could prove valuable, particularly against a Wolves side expected to defend compactly.
In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai is unavailable through suspension, narrowing Slot’s choices in the engine room. Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones are therefore expected to shoulder additional responsibility, offering control and ball progression behind the attacking line.
Defensively, there is quiet concern over Ibrahima Konate’s fitness after his absence from recent training images. Should he fail to recover in time, Liverpool may be forced into an improvised solution at centre-back. Andrew Robertson is one option to slot inside if required, though that would weaken the left flank.
Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni all remain sidelined, while Conor Bradley is also being monitored after recent fitness issues.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Wolves
Slot is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 shape, prioritising balance and control rather than wholesale change. Alisson is set to continue in goal, with Virgil van Dijk anchoring the defence.
Jeremie Frimpong is pushing to start at right-back after returning from a two-month absence, though his minutes may be managed carefully. Milos Kerkez is likely to continue on the left, offering energy and width.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are expected to form the deeper pairing, allowing Mac Allister to operate further forward as the creative link. Florian Wirtz, cleared after recent injury concerns, should provide intelligence and movement between the lines.
Chiesa is the standout attacking selection call. With options limited, this could be a rare Premier League start, supported by Wirtz and Mac Allister behind central striker Hugo Ekitike.
Predicted Liverpool XI:
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Chiesa, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike
Key tactical questions for Slot
This match may reveal as much about Slot’s adaptability as it does Liverpool’s quality. With pace and depth reduced in attack, Liverpool are likely to rely more heavily on positional discipline, quick combinations and controlled pressing rather than sustained high-tempo transitions.
Chiesa’s role will be particularly interesting. His willingness to run at defenders could stretch Wolves horizontally, creating space for Wirtz and Mac Allister to exploit centrally. Meanwhile, the midfield pairing must provide sufficient protection if full-backs are encouraged to advance.
Defensively, maintaining stability will be vital. Wolves have shown they can punish disorganisation, especially on the counter-attack, making Liverpool’s rest defence a key focus.
Wolves test amid festive congestion
Wolves arrive at Anfield capable of making this uncomfortable, especially against a Liverpool side still adjusting to enforced changes. Squad management will be critical with the festive schedule offering little recovery time, and Slot may already have one eye on rotation.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s home record and structural clarity under their new head coach offer confidence. If the Reds can navigate the injury disruption and impose control early, they will expect to collect three valuable points.
This predicted lineup and injury news underlines just how thin the margins are becoming. For Liverpool, adaptability and composure may prove just as important as talent.
