Topic: Liverpool vs Wolves preview - 16:30, Sunday 29 Dec

[LFCTikiTaka]

Just checked on a few sites and it seems to say that (correct me if I have taken this the wrong way!) where Nat is already registered for us, he should be available immediately for selection after loan recall as he was already a Liverpool player.

"Phillips will come back to Merseyside at the beginning of next month and be eligible for Reds matches, starting with the FA Cup tie against Everton on January 5."

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/380083-nat-phillips-returns-from-stuttgart-loan

[slaphead]

And the show rolls on. We need to play a high tempo game to stretch a team that must be tired after their exertions against City. We may start with a few fresh faces and bring on the more experienced players if needed.

The key thing is to not allow Wolves any time to settle and to move them all over the pitch.

3 points for us is the only important statistic.

I can't see then being too tired mate to be honest, they has the extra man for most of the game and had the vast majority of the ball. They'll be brimming with confidence, so will we, and theres no better team in the country than us when we're full of confidence.

[PaulF]

So in theory taa can get a ban for a yellow card, but as wolves player with as many yellows won't?

[JC the Messiah]

I can't see then being too tired mate to be honest, they has the extra man for most of the game and had the vast majority of the ball. They'll be brimming with confidence, so will we, and theres no better team in the country than us when we're full of confidence.

They worked bloody hard. They might have had an extra player, but they went 0-2 down and had to fight to get the win.

Certainly wasn't a stroll against 10 men.

[JC the Messiah]

So in theory taa can get a ban for a yellow card, but as wolves player with as many yellows won't?

Yes, it's based on the number of games the club has played in the league. Seems fair...?

[slaphead]

They worked bloody hard. They might have had an extra player, but they went 0-2 down and had to fight to get the win.

Certainly wasn't a stroll against 10 men.

Course it wasn't a stroll, but I am not expecting tiredness to be a factor for them more than it is for us. Maybe it will, a lot of teams have really rotated today, maybe it will be the same for both sides who knows. As long as we get 3 points and no injuries they can run us all over the park for all I care

[Mighty_Red]

I can't see then being too tired mate to be honest, they has the extra man for most of the game and had the vast majority of the ball. They'll be brimming with confidence, so will we, and theres no better team in the country than us when we're full of confidence.

Of course they will be knackered, they will have 24hrs less rest than us. It will probably only show up later in the game, esp as we have more options off the bench.

They will have to make changes, we will only change if where we think we need it.

[Samie]

Does Slappy know that Nuno recycles the same players every fuckin' time. He's got a small squad mate. 

[slaphead]

Of course they will be knackered, they will have 24hrs less rest than us. It will probably only show up later in the game, esp as we have more options off the bench.

They will have to make changes, we will only change if where we think we need it.

Forgot about the extra 24 hrs right enough. That being said, they just came back from 2-0 down to beat Man City with a late winner, tiredness will be the last thing on their mind. Just smash them into next week and then we can discuss whether the fuckers were tired or not

[thaddeus]

Even allowing for injuries we still have a strong squad with options in most positions to rest the most tired players.

Alisson
TAA - Gomez - VVD - Milner
Wijnaldum - Lallana - Keita
Salah - Origi - Shaq

I'm assuming Keita and Salah will start as they were taken off early against Leicester.  Hopefully Hendo is fit as he's more mobile and physical in the six role than Lallana.

[The 1989 Brit Awards]

We should be winning this very comfortably. Yes Wolves are tired and all, but above everything, they're just kinda shit in comparison to us. The game against City with 10 men showed they can barely string an attack when they can't specifically play to their full strengths, and Van Dijk & Gómez showed they can comfortably handle that pace when up against Vardy & Co.

 

[Kennys from heaven]

"Phillips will come back to Merseyside at the beginning of next month and be eligible for Reds matches, starting with the FA Cup tie against Everton on January 5."

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/380083-nat-phillips-returns-from-stuttgart-loan

Aha! Thought he was already called back. Explains it.

[Supersuarez7]

Wolves will go at us with their strongest starting 11, they are currently sitting 7th with a game in hand on 2 of the other teams above them and they could actually go 4th place which means CL, and for a team like wolves I dont think it matters they played 48 hours before, it will be gung ho from them in pursuit of a possible top 4 place, could be a really smart move or be the undoing of them, either way we need to field our fittest starting 11 and think about the next game when it comes round.

[duvva 💅]

Thanks for the excellent OP.

Counting down the hours, just can’t wait to watch us at the moment.

Expecting a few changes here for us, certainly in midfield and up front. There isn’t much room for manoeuvre at the back due to the injuries. No idea whether they make changes and think it’ll be a good tough game, but if we play the way we can then we win.

[killer-heels]

Wolves may have rested players but the fact that they played against 10 men and had most of the ball against City probably means they will go into this one at full strength.

On the flip side in his interview today their manager said he is considering some changes. Will see tomorrow I guess.

[Suareznumber7]

yup . Was thinking Shaq and put down Ox.  I'm an idiot

[MNAA]

I see news headlines of Jimenez, Doherty, Traore all sending warnings that they’re going to beat us. Are they serious? From having 5% chance maybe, now they have 0

Come on lads. Rotation or no rotation ... let’s beat this bunch of shameless copycats. Sing your own songs you muppets!

[terry_macss_perm]

"Phillips will come back to Merseyside at the beginning of next month and be eligible for Reds matches, starting with the FA Cup tie against Everton on January 5."

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/380083-nat-phillips-returns-from-stuttgart-loan

I don’t think you can recall a loan player outside of the transfer window.

[RedG13]

Great Op Classycara. Excitied for the game I think Klopp will rotate a little.

I think we will see
Alisson
Trent-Gomez-Virgil-Robertson
Gini-Lallana
Shaqiri-Firmino-Origi
Salah

Could see Mane instead of Salah also. Maybe Milner starts also. Hendo May start also

[solidgold]

They will come to Anfield hoping to salvage a point. Parking the bus and hoofing it to Traore on quick breaks. Most important for Pool is to spread it wide and have Naby And Mane to cut in and break them down with quick one-twos. Need Allison higher up the pitch too to cut off Long balls forward.

[JJ Red]

A difficult one for sure today. Their style and set up are perfect to hurt us. Hopefully we are on it from the start, and their previous exploits and lack of rest will take its toll. Certainly wouldn't be upset to see Traore start on the bench.

Hopefully the shortened rest period for them, and general tiredness (small squad) will take its toll and a couple of early goals from us will make them lose interest.

Would really like to see Mo hit some good form. He seems really patchy this season.

[deano2727]

Rotate a couple of players if any could do with a break. We should still have enough to beat what should be a leggy Wolves side at Anfield.

[PaulF]

Ten man city, for most of the game, only just lost. City are 13 points or something behind us. We really should have the beating of Wolves.
Hate sounding over confident, but it's the belief that Klopp's instilled.

Anyway, I'm loving all this footie, feels like we , or a 'rival' is playing \ losing every evening.

[SteveZissou]

Klopp has done the right thing by using the strongest team vs Leicester, that clearly means he will make changes tomorrow. The following players will have to play, as we have to be in top shape again on Thursday:

Shaqiri, Origi, Milner, Lallana

Gini has more energy so he can be retained.

Salah played both games in Qatar, but since he was pulled out early vs Leicester, it's possible Klopp will start him again.

Finally, Klopp can indeed freshen things up with the 4 changes, but once again, we desperately lack a wing-back option to help Trent and Robbo.
These boys will need a holiday soon.

How:

Becker
Trent, Gomez, Virgil, Milner
Gini, Lallana,
Shaqiri,
Mane, Firmino, Origi

[Passmaster Molby]

Wolves may have rested players but the fact that they played against 10 men and had most of the ball against City probably means they will go into this one at full strength.

On the flip side in his interview today their manager said he is considering some changes. Will see tomorrow I guess.

If Wolves go into this game with largely the same team that played 42 hours before they will get destroyed by us. He has to make changes for fresh legs, otherwise they will get run ragged the last 20-30 minutes of the match.

[rocco]

If Wolves go into this game with largely the same team that played 42 hours before they will get destroyed by us. He has to make changes for fresh legs, otherwise they will get run ragged the last 20-30 minutes of the match.

Their manager already said before the city game he would rotate , for one of the city or our game

[Passmaster Molby]

Their manager already said before the city game he would rotate , for one of the city or our game

I said earlier in this thread I wouldn't be surprised if he made as many as 9 or even 10 changes (I would suspect it will be around 7 or 8 ) with one eye on staying fresh for their much more winnable game mid-week.

[UntouchableLuis]

I think in terms of the front 3 today one will be on the bench (most likely Mane or Bobby) and Origi starts.

Vs Sheffield United I think all 3 start.

Fa Cup 2 drop down to the bench.

[Nick110581]

Wolves play Friday/Sunday/Wednesday, which is nuts.

Thought they went full strength versus City too?

We need to go strongest team for this just to keep momentum.

[King Kenny 7]

Think they will throw everything at us today - they have nothing to lose and no one would seriously expect them to trouble us. It really is a free hit for them and what a feather in their cap it would be to be the first team to beat us this season.

Stuff like this freaks me out and brings back memories of the Wimbledon cup final.


A clever workman like team performance is what we need, keep the ball, run them ragged and pick them off.
Think Trent should be protected and be on the bench and wouldn't be surprised if Hendo and Bobby were rested.


Lets finish the year on a high with a win at Anfield. 

[RedKenWah]

Expecting a tough game to be honest. I think we’ll be focussed on what they can do counter attacking wise if given the chance so I kind of expect a more controlled approach. I wouldn’t blame Wolves for deciding to park the bus somewhat as well given their hectic schedule and having only played the other night.

I think we’ll win but I don’t expect a Leicester esque type game if that makes sense

[kaesarsosei]

Looks like I am in a minority but I think we will absolutely smash these to pieces. I reckon Nuno would take your hand off for a 1-0 defeat right now.

[jckliew]

C'MON YOU REDS!
3 points.

[JC the Messiah]

Did those very worried about Wolves and especially Traore, actually watch Wolves against City? Did they watch us against Leicester?

City's defence was awful, and their counter-attacks weren't all that 90% of the time. City were nothing like this Liverpool side, with the solidity in defence and potency in attack.

City certainly didn't attack up the wings like we do with Trent and Robbo, and I think Guardiola was wrong to sub Aguero off when Ederson was given his marching orders. Made it easier for Wolves - who still went 0-2 down!

As for Traore and he's been playing better than previously, there's now a footballer on display rather than just some muscle-bound 100m sprinter. But he's not that good. Klopp will play Robbo (I'll be surprised if he doesn't for this one) and Traore will have some defensive duties to do, otherwise there's going to be a lot of space for our attacks out wide. Wolves are no mugs, but our back 5 and the defensive protection from our midfield will be enough to negate their threat.

They looked leggy and exhausted against City (who also looked knackered), and we play at another level of intensity to City. We will also have 11 men, 11 men who are in the best side in the world.

We also have an extra day's rest, which is key. Our game against Leicester was a stroll compared to Wolves' game against City.

We're also at Anfield.

We're also wearing our World Champions shirts.

I'd expect Klopp to make minimal changes with the available players, and maybe up front is where we'll see them if he and the staff think Mane and Salah need a rest. But maybe he thinks they're fine and need more game time to get their goal-scoring sharpness back.

Milner coming in to the side is also likely. I'd be slightly surprised if this is at fullback though. We're playing a top 6 side, so Klopp will not be taking them lightly. They're not Everton. But they're also not Liverpool.

[-Willo-]

Wouldn't shock me if Wolves try Adama on the left to go at Arnold, as he won't get joy against Robbo/Mane to be honest.

[JC the Messiah]

Wouldn't shock me if Wolves try Adama on the left to go at Arnold, as he won't get joy against Robbo/Mane to be honest.

He'd be useless out there. He's not skilful enough to switch wings. Not against a top-class fullback like Trent. Also, our midfield will offer far more protection than City's did.

[JC the Messiah]

I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Traore start on the bench, and him brought on later in the game to run at tired legs.

[Sinyoro]

Wolves may have rested players but the fact that they played against 10 men and had most of the ball against City probably means they will go into this one at full strength.

On the flip side in his interview today their manager said he is considering some changes. Will see tomorrow I guess.

Wolves didn’t rest any players. They started their strongest team and ran out of ideas at 2-0 down. They had to change something. Johnny was playing poorly and I suspect Jota was carrying a knock. Vinagre and the young lad Neto swung the tie for them. City had to look after that left flank more, which freed Traore to cause more damage.

We need to watch out for Jota (if he plays). He is the one who breaks off the defensive line- their Vardy.
Neves springs the attacks from deep, occasionally shoots when close to goal.
Shut these two and that’s it. Traore for me is way too predictable so can be controlled much easier.

[Welshred]

No its not to do with wolves game but quick question, anyone know why salah was substituted vs Leicester? Thought he tool chances where passing would have been better in more than one occasion, just not clear if klopp pulled him off because of it

He played near 90 minutes in the CWC semi, then near 120 minutes in the final. 60 against Leicester. He's having his minutes managed so he doesnt pick up an injury.

[Red_Mist]

Wolves have only lost 3 all season so are obviously tough opposition. But not as tough as us. Leicester away style thumping or Leicester at home injury time winner. Anything will do...just get another 3 points on the board Reds, by whatever means. Give zero hope to the chasing pack.