Wolverhampton Wanderers face off against Liverpool at Molineux this evening in the FA Cup Third Round replay. Forced into another meeting after the previous one ended 2-2, both sides are likely to heavily rotate with lots of games coming thick and fast.
Julen Lopetegui’s side remain begrudged by what happened the last time the two teams met, as Wolves were denied a late winner by the video assistant referee (VAR). Central defender Toti Gomes was flagged offside, but there was no video footage available to confirm it - despite the fixture taking place at the technologically advanced Anfield.
The Wanderers head coach reportedly held a 90-minute meeting with Howard Webb after that particular incident. Wolves will be hoping for no such mishaps this time around as they hope to progress through to the next round of the FA Cup, to face Brighton and Hove Albion away from home.
It will no doubt be tough to get there, as Liverpool are of course a very strong side, but they are in quite the rut at the moment. Having followed up their 2-0 loss away at Brentford last Monday with an even worse 3-0 defeat at Brighton at the weekend, Jurgen Klopp and his men have dropped in confidence somewhat.
Regardless of how exciting an FA Cup run is, however, Wolves will likely prioritise Sunday’s trip to Manchester City and that will probably be reflected in tonight’s starting XI. With that in mind, here is the team we think Lopetegui will go with – in a 4-3-3 formation. See below.
1. GK: Matija Sarkic
Did a decent job in the reverse fixture, so we think Lopetegui will see this as a chance to give the Montenegrin some game time. | Getty Images
2. LB: Jonny Otto
Lopetegui has tried phasing the Spaniard back into contention and we think this will be a time to build fitness. | Getty Images
3. CB: Toti Gomes
Probably should have had his goal given at Anfield. Did have an error leading to goal in that game but was solid with plenty of aerial duel and tackle wins. | Getty Images
4. CB: Max Kilman
Put on a sensational performance against West Ham and may have taken first priority at centre back away from Nathan Collins, who was poor. | Getty Images