Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday against visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers, aiming to extend their six-match unbeaten run.
The Reds will be full of confidence after a marked improvement in form following their nightmarish run earlier in the season, and while Wolves sit on a near-impossibly low total of two points, the Premier League has repeatedly shown that no opponent can be taken lightly.
After all, while Wolves were clearly a more formidable side last season, the Reds still had to scrape out a 2–1 win at Anfield the last time the teams met—needing a Mohamed Salah penalty to do so—serving as a reminder that Liverpool will need to be at their best to claim all three points.
Additionally, a host of absences through injury, international duty, and suspension means Slot will have just twelve confirmed fit and available players, barring any last-minute clearances—making efficiency with his resources essential.
The match will also carry significant emotional weight, with Liverpool inviting the late Diogo Jota’s sons to serve as team mascots—a touching tribute to the striker who represented both clubs and adds a poignant layer to the occasion.
So, with an improving Liverpool facing a side that could rank among the weakest in Premier League history, how should Arne Slot best deploy his troops on Saturday?
Starting XI:
Alisson Becker- Not much thought needed for this one. The starter whenever fit.
Virgil van Dijk- Same goes for VVD. It might have been ideal to see the likes of Giovanni Leoni in a match like this, but with a thin bench, Slot will need to lean on his captain.
Ibrahima Konate- Virgil’s go-to partner gets the nod. While he has shown flashes of great ability—most notably against Inter and Brighton—those performances were followed by a steep drop-off against Tottenham. This should provide a favorable matchup to help him continue settling back into the consistent form he showed last season.
Milos Kerkez- Beginning to settle into his role at the club. Slot may have considered Robbo’s veteran presence to maintain stability if we had a different opponent after Kerkez started against Spurs, but Wolves’ current form offers an ideal opportunity for the Hungarian to get more reps in.
Jeremie Frimpong- The same logic applies to Jeremie. It was encouraging to see him return against Tottenham after a lengthy injury layoff, particularly as one of his deflected crosses led to an Ekitike goal. Even if there is some rust in his first start back, Liverpool should be able to manage it, and it is worth giving one of the club’s summer signings valuable minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister- With three players who have been playing consistently as midfielders available on Saturday, it’s hard to see Slot lining up the middle of the park any other way, starting with the Argentine. Macca hasn’t impressed quite as much this season as he did during last year’s title-winning campaign, but this match presents a good opportunity to get the No. 10 back on a run of improved form.
Curtis Jones- In my eyes, the local lad has been one of the season’s biggest pleasant surprises, and with his recent form and limited midfield options, he’s virtually guaranteed to start. He has established himself as a passing maestro this season, and it would be great to see him register his first goal contribution of the campaign.
Ryan Gravenberch- Another almost-guaranteed starter given the options available. His defensive prowess makes him a fantastic choice as usual, but it would be great to see him more involved on the ball. After a flying start to the season, scoring a remarkable three goals—well above his usual tally—he has managed just one goal contribution over his last 10 games.
Florian Wirtz- There’s a slight chance Cody Gakpo could be available off the bench if his knock is resolved in time, but Flo is expected to start on the left. It must have felt like a huge weight off his shoulders when he recorded his first league goal or assist of the year against Spurs, and I’d love to see Wirtz take control of this match against the Premier League’s weakest defensive side.
Federico Chiesa- The time is finally now. After supporters have long urged Slot to start the Italian more frequently, it seems he has little choice but to deploy Chiesa on the right, with Mo Salah away on international duty for Egypt and Dominik Szoboszlai suspended. Perhaps it’s fortunate that Liverpool are playing such a weak side with limited options on the right, but this start will feel more than deserved for Chiesa.
Hugo Ekitike- An absolute no-brainer. With Alexander Isak sidelined by a serious injury and no natural striker on the bench, Hugo will be tasked with leading the attack against a side that has conceded 37 goals in 17 games this season. Can he find the back of the net for a fourth consecutive match?