Midweek League Cup victories over Millwall and Brighton respectively have done something to restore confidence to both sides, however.
Both managers are faced with a number of selection dilemmas, regardless, even, of the various minor injuries and knocks that players on each side are suffering. Mick McCarthy will surely only pick his team after late fitness tests for Roger Johnson, Kevin Foley and Steven Fletcher. The latter’s fitness, in particular, will be of key concern for the Wolves boss as he decides whether to revert to his usual 4-4-2, or stick with the 4-5-1 which demolished Millwall 5-0 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Dalglish will have to decide which players to drop from a near-full squad, with just Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson on the injury list. Jose Enrique will reclaim his left-back spot after being rested against Brighton. Expect Martin Kelly to slot in at right-back after surviving 86 minutes at the AMEX Stadium on Wednesday, and either Martin Skrtel or Sebastian Coates will take the vacant centre-back spot.
The Slovakian had a nightmare against Tottenham at right-back on Sunday, but was an ever-present (literally) in the league last season, so he may be called upon. Coates, meanwhile, has shown signs of quality (as well as lapses of concentration) in his two appearances since signing for Liverpool in August, so this may be the time to make the perfect home-debut. A back-line of Carragher and Coates would not be the fastest, however, so Liverpool would have to take care not to drop too deep and risk giving Wolves’ influential midfielders (like Jamie O’Hara) time on the ball, while at the same time not leaving too much space in behind for players like Kevin Doyle to exploit.
In midfield and attack, the Reds really do have an abundance of options. Lucas Leiva, Jay Spearing, Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Maxi Rodriguez, Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll are fighting for just six spots. Lucas will be tired after playing a full 90 minutes against a Spurs then a Brighton side which kept the ball so well, but seems to be an integral part of the Liverpool midfield so it is unlikely Dalglish would consider resting him (just don’t be surprised if his usual boundless energy isn’t on show in the closing stages of the match).
Spearing played fairly well on Wednesday night and, considering his impressive performances at the end of last season, deserves a go in central midfield while Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson are comparatively struggling for form. Gerrard will not be rushed back from injury if he’s not ready, but he looked fine in his cameo appearance against Brighton, and his energy and drive could be just what Liverpool need to get their league form back on track.
It seems likely that Stewart Downing will return to Liverpool’s left-wing, but it will be interesting to see if Andy Carroll retains his starting place after Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy formed such a formidable attacking trio (especially in the first half) on Wednesday night. My guess is that the big Geordie will start again up-front, but don’t be surprised to see him substituted early if things aren’t going Liverpool’s way.
Liverpool will look to use their forward players’ movement to good effect, particularly by encouraging Suarez (and possibly Bellamy/Kuyt) to drift into the channels and overload Wolves’ isolated full-backs (as they did against Brighton). They will also need to be calmer in possession (which means Charlie Adam either has to curb his tendency to always look for spectacular but improbable passes, or be content with a place on the bench) so that they can get their full-backs forward and really dominate Wolves in the way that the home fans would expect. And Lucas will need help with the defensive aspects of the midfield, something he was severely lacking against Spurs, especially if he is not at full fitness.
Wolves had success in this fixture last season with a sturdy, battling 4-5-1, but McCarthy will have noted the ease with which Tottenham demolished the Reds with their expansive, assertive 4-4-2 last weekend. Ultimately, Liverpool will have to be better prepared for Wolves than they were for Spurs if they are to return to winning ways. Mick McCarthy’s side can be very effective, and last season they were prone to impressive, spirited performances against the bigger teams in the league (including at Anfield in December). With pace on the wings, a sturdy defence (particular if Roger Johnson is present) and a battling midfield platform from which to attack, they will be no pushover on Saturday.
Possible tactical line-ups:
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