Liverpool begin their defence of the FA Cup when they host Wolves in the third round, at Anfield on Saturday night. The Merseyside club enter the clash on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League, while Julen Lopetegui’s side were held to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in a West Midlands derby.
CUP HISTORY
Liverpool enter the game as holders of the trophy, having beaten Chelsea on penalties in the final last season. The Reds have exited the FA Cup in the third-round in four of the seven seasons they began as holders. The eight-time holders will be aiming to secure their ninth FA Cup trophy this season. Wolves have won the trophy a total of four times, their most recent coming in 1960 against Blackburn Rovers. Wolves exited the cup in the fourth-round last year, with a 1-0 defeat to Norwich City at Molineux in February.
CURRENT FORM
Liverpool last six games (all competitions):
L WL W W L
Wolves last six games (all competitions):
L WW W L D
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
With Premier League opposition at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has announced he will field his strongest available side, as the Reds aim to go far in this competition. James Milner and Roberto Firmino may be available for Saturday’s game, but they are not expected to start as of Friday. Despite usually relying on second keeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jurgen Klopp has revealed Alisson will feature in the FA Cup this season. Jordan Henderson returns after suffering from concussion. Naby Keita was absent in training on Thursday – there has been no update as to why. Van Dijk will certainly miss the game and be out of action for several weeks following his injury against Brentford in the first half. However, a debut is expected for new signing Cody Gakpo following his £35m move from PSV.
Injury List:
· Virgil Van Dijk (hamstring)
· Arthur (thigh)
· Luis Diaz (knee)
· Diogo Jota (calf)
Wolves
The visitors are expected to set up with a strong eleven to match Liverpool, despite suffering injuries in their visit to Villa Park midweek, including forward Daniel Podence. The Wolves manager believes it is only a minor knock though. Lopetegui may give Matija Sarkic a start in goal for Wolves and offer Matheus Cunha a full debut since signing from Atletico Madrid on loan. Pedro Neto, Chiquinho and Sasa Kalajdzic will not be available for Wolves.
Injury List:
· Daniel Podence (knock)
· Boubacar Traore (unknown)
· Chiquinho (knee)
· Pedro Neto (ankle)
· Sasa Kalajdzic (knee)
Liverpool predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson (GK); Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo.
Wolves predicted XI: (4-3-3): Matija Sarkic (GK); Nelson Semedo, Nathan Collins, Max Kilman, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Joe Hodge, Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes; Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Matheus Cunha.
Head-To-Head
Wolves have lost 11 of their last 13 games against Liverpool in all competitions, the two wins did however come in the FA Cup (2-1 January 2017, 2-1 January 2019). Liverpool have also been eliminated in five off their seven FA Cup meetings with Wolves – the last win coming in February 1952.
Match Officials
Andrew Madley - Referee
Harry Lennard - Assistant Referee
Nick Hopton - Assistant Referee
David Coote - Fourth Official
Mike Dean - VAR
Simon Bennett - Assistant VAR
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