06 Jan 2019 13:16:45
Pretty sure we will see lots of changes for Wolves tomorrow with Mignolet, Moreno, Jones, Sturridge, Lallana likely to start, probably Shaqiri and Keita will also play. Thing is who do we expect to see at CB? Surely VVD and Dejan need a rest but have we any others who can come in? Matip, Gomez obviously injures atm, Masterson? Philips? Thoughts anyone?


1.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 13:37:37
Ki-Jana Hoever could potentially play at centre back. Although I suspect, if he does play at all, it would be at right back to give Trent a rest. Perhaps Milner at right back and then Ki-Jana Hoever at centre. Van Dijk needs a rest in my opinion, he is the only player to have played every minute of every game this season. We could play Lovren but he has played a string of games after being injured and has looked largely suspect. Personally, rather have Van Dijk talking Ki-Jana through the game rather than Lovren.

Nat Philips is still injured I believe. Otherwise, I suspect he would have played a part either in the first 11 or bench. I do expect Curtis Jones, Camacho, Shaq, Sturridge, Keita to play a part in the match, whether from the start who knows. Perhaps even Origi unless the club fear injury during a period where he could potentially be sold.

Mignolet and Moreno have been confirmed already. So, it's going to be a blast from the past for many of us and a return of the shaky defence. Thank god for Van Dijk, Alisson, Robertson etc. Hopefully our offensive capabilities are enough to see us through. But I suspect this match will be a lot trickier then many of us expect.


2.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 13:49:29
Why would lovren need a rest?


3.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 14:41:06
Not a rest but my concern is he is injury prone and we cannot afford to lose another centre back while Matip and Gomez remain injured. Best to keep him away from the Wolves game and ready for the next match in the Premier League.


4.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 15:09:20
I was thinking about the CBS too. Im on the same wave for VVD he really needs to get a rest but if he feels well and the fitness coaches feels he is okey too then its all fine, the danger of injury tho is always there. Same for Lovren he is injury prone and he better be around tham not for the EPL games. But then here it comes the question who plays CB if one of them gets rested nevermind the two. Klopp did mention that Fabinho is in the list for CBs so we may see him there.


5.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 15:42:04
What about you Ed001, do you expect a changed 11 tomorrow mate? Who would you pair up in central defence?

{Ed001's Note - I expect it will be changed but I would go pretty much full strength, only rest forwards.}


6.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 17:01:45
LFC Mango - You're right that VVD has played every minute, but he never looks fatigued. He doesn't "seem" to need to make that much effort to be as good as he is. If he stays injury free, I don't think it'd be a problem for VVD to play every minute of every match in all competitions.

I'd like to see Ki Jana Hoever play but I think that this is the wrong game for him. I'd rather he played at right back with the rest of the team at full strength in another game. Starting him in a weakened team that might be vulnerable to a slip up is potentially bad for his confidence. He has been described to have a very mature mentality though.


7.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 17:33:54
We’ve heard Migs and Moreno. Don’t see the point in not playin Alisson, we did it for the league cup and got knocked out. Keita hasn’t had much football, Fabinho didn’t start against city, Sturridge needs a game and Shaqiri will probs play too. There’s some good players there. Have we any wide players who could play left wing if Sturridge starts with Shaqiri on the right? Assuming mane is to be rested?


8.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 17:42:02
Why does Lovren need a rest? he's barely played this season, as for VVD he seems to play games at half pace and never seems flustered so I’m not majorly concerned about a burn out.


9.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 17:47:39
I with Ed01 on this one. We can rotate the forwards and the mid's BUT since defence is where we are thin and lack experience esp. at CB since Milner can play RB if TAA needs a blow. If we can go full strength in defence if need be. I know VVD could need a rest and Lovs needs a rest as well cos he could wake up tmrw with a bad back BUT one of them HAS to play. We will see what happens.

{Ed001's Note - defenders cover less distance than the rest (other than keepers) so need less rest.}


10.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 20:51:45
Great point, Ed. Maybe that explains why VVD is still in top form despite having played near every minute of the season thus far.

{Ed001's Note - I should have made it clear, I was referring to centre backs, as fullbacks do cover a lot of ground. But I do think there is merit in keeping the centre back pairing together as much as possible.}


11.) 06 Jan 2019
06 Jan 2019 23:51:14
Has everyone forgotten that the players get a winter break this season, so will get a rest without us having to field a second string team in the FA cup.