As the Anfield gates open for today’s Premier League encounter, the atmosphere is a strange mix of expectation and anxiety. On paper, it is a mismatch of epic proportions: a surging Liverpool side against a Wolverhampton Wanderers team marooned at the bottom of the table with a meager two points. However, behind the scenes, Arne Slot is facing a selection jigsaw puzzle that could define the festive period.
With both squads potentially missing up to eight players each, this isn’t just a game of football; it’s a test of squad depth and managerial ingenuity.
The Injury Ward: A Crisis on Both Sides
Liverpool’s squad depth is being pushed to its absolute limit. The most significant blow is the confirmed absence of Alexander Isak, who is set to be sidelined for months with a broken leg. The Swede’s injury leaves a gaping hole in the frontline that Hugo Ekitike is now expected to fill as the only recognized, fit No. 9.
But the problems don’t stop there. Mohamed Salah is currently away representing Egypt at AFCON, and Dominik Szoboszlai is forced to sit this one out following a suspension-triggering fifth yellow card picked up against Tottenham. Add to that the muscle injury to Wataru Endo, the continued absence of Joe Gomez, and long-term recovery for Giovanni Leoni, and the spine of the team looks remarkably thin.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Jeremie Frimpong is back in the fold and could provide much-needed thrust from the right, while Florian Wirtz—who has been in stellar form lately—has recovered from the cramp that hampered him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The availability of Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley remains a “50:50” toss-up, though Slot hinted they are more likely to impact the game from the bench.
The Chiesa Conundrum: If Not Now, When?
One name is on every Liverpool fan’s lips today: Federico Chiesa. Despite his “heroic” stoppage-time interception against Sunderland earlier this month, the Italian has struggled to earn Arne Slot’s trust, clocking only 151 minutes of Premier League action—none of which have come from the start.
Paul Merson, speaking to Sportskeeda, has labeled this the “perfect” opportunity for the former Juventus man. “Chiesa will never let you down… he has got that energy Liverpool need,” Merson noted. Slot himself has finally opened the door, admitting that with Isak out, Chiesa is being prepared for a central role to alleviate the burden on Ekitike. With nine games looming in January, managing Ekitike’s workload is vital, and Chiesa’s versatility might finally see him rewarded with that elusive first Premier League start.
🟢 The Tactical Blueprint: The “False 9” Hybrid
In our signature Footstrike tactical breakdown, we look at how Slot might deploy his limited resources today. Expect to see a fluid front three where Hugo Ekitike occupies the center-backs, but Florian Wirtz and Federico Chiesa act as “inverted creators.”
With Szoboszlai out, Wirtz will likely drop deeper into the ‘half-spaces’ to receive the ball, drawing Wolves’ Emmanuel Agbadou (if he weren’t at AFCON) or Toti Gomes out of position. Look for Chiesa to make diagonal runs from out-to-in. If Slot plays Chiesa centrally, expect a ‘False 9’ system where Chiesa drops deep to link play, allowing Frimpong to overlap into the vacated space on the right wing. This tactical flexibility is designed to bypass Wolves’ predicted low block.
Slot’s Honesty: Luck, Performance, and the “Justice Score”
In a refreshingly honest pre-match press conference, Arne Slot admitted that Liverpool’s recent climb up the table has been aided by a “bit of luck” that was missing earlier in the campaign. He pointed to the wins against Brighton and Tottenham as games that were much more equal than the results suggested.
“Performance doesn’t always give the result you expect,” Slot remarked. It is a sentiment many Reds fans share; earlier in the season, Liverpool dominated games only to suffer “unlucky” defeats. Now, the reverse seems true. However, the stats back the improvement: the Reds have conceded significantly fewer high-quality chances in the last fortnight, a trend that must continue against a Wolves side that has nothing left to lose.
Wolves: A Wounded Animal
While Liverpool struggles with depth, Wolves are in a full-blown survival crisis. Rob Edwards will be without Toti Gomes (hamstring) and winger Rodrigo Gomes, who isn’t expected back until February. With Emmanuel Agbadou also at AFCON, the visitors arrive at Anfield with a depleted defense and a spirit that has been battered by a winless run.
The Footstrike Verdict
Despite the injury crisis, Anfield remains a fortress. The key to the game lies in how quickly Liverpool’s “makeshift” attack can find its rhythm. If Chiesa starts and Wirtz maintains his creative spark, the Reds should have enough quality to dismantle the league’s bottom side.
Predicted XI: Kelleher; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Chiesa, Ekitike, Diaz.
Anfield Pulse: Our social media poll shows that 84% of you want to see Federico Chiesa start today. Will Arne Slot finally listen to the Kop, or will he play it safe? Let us know your score predictions in the comments below!
