Arne Slot transfer target gets nod as ‘pivotal’ 26-year-old starts - Wolves predicted XI vs Liverpool
Predicting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup away at Liverpool in the Premier League.
Wolves return to Premier League action this weekend with arguably the toughest match of the season, away at title favourites Liverpool.
Vitor Pereira’s side are huge underdogs ahead of Sunday afternoon’s tie at Anfield but come into the game with great confidence having won back-to-back fixtures.
The surprise 2-0 victory over local rivals Aston Villa at Molineux was followed up by a win of the same scoreline away at Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup. Not only are the two victories a huge boost but two clean sheets mean so much given Wanderers’ defensive struggles so far this season.
Toti Gomes’ return on the left of the back three has added great balance and Pereira’s men have benefited as a result. He’s not the only difference maker, though, with so many players displaying their importance over recent weeks.
It’ll be a very tough task to keep the momentum ticking at Liverpool, but here’s the lineup we reckon Pereira will name to give Wolves the best chance of a positive result.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Liverpool
GK - Jose Sa
The goalkeeper has become the clear number one under Pereira, comfortably ahead of Sam Johnstone in the pecking order for league fixtures.
RWB - Nelson Semedo
The wing-back is such a vital play for Wolves and he has been for quite some time. Wanderers will need to Semedo on song for any rare counter-attacks.
CB - Matt Doherty
As much as Doherty has been rather hot and cold over the past couple of months, he certainly offers a goal threat and often combines well with Semedo on the right.
CB - Emmanuel Agbadou
Agbadou looks absolutely worth the £16 million paid last month. Most signings without prior Premier League experience take a while to settle but the Frenchman has taken to the division like a duck to water.
CB - Toti Gomes
Now finally back from injury, Toti’s pivotal return has been welcomed with open arms by Pereira. Having the Portuguese back helps Wolves’ defensive structure hugely, as shown by consecutive clean sheets.
LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri
Ait-Nouri enjoys his more advanced role as a wing-back as he can sometimes be a little exposed defensively when deeper. Arne Slot will be watching closely as Liverpool are interested in his services.
CM - Andre
Andre looks more settled under Pereira than he did Gary O’Neil and he should continue his run of starts. Marshall Munetsi, meanwhile, probably needs a little longer to settle.
CM - Joao Gomes
Back in the team following a suspension, Gomes scored the opening goal of the FA Cup win at Ewood Park. The Brazilian has the potential to be a key player for Wolves.
RW - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
It’s a tough call between Bellegarde and Sarabia but the former probably gets in due to his pace and power. He also scored a great goal in the recent win over Aston Villa.
LW - Matheus Cunha
The talisman of this side, Cunha recently signed a new contract following intense transfer speculation in the recent window. He’s often best out on the left where he can cut onto his stronger right foot.
ST - Goncalo Geudes
Guedes needs to work on his finishing but he consistently gets into the right areas. His pace could be crucial in behind as Wolves seek to surprise Liverpool on the transition.
