Rio Ngumoha starts and 'big talent' given rare chance: Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Wolves - opinion
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The high volume of games Liverpool are playing right now could mean Arne Slot freshens up his squad against Wolves with starts for Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.Ever since his impressive cameo off the bench in the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, there have been calls for Ngumoha to play more senior football. If Gakpo and Salah aren’t to blame for their poor form, then who is? 🤔 Slot was quick to move any blame away from Gakpo after being asked about one goal in nine games…Credit: Molly Darlington/Getty Images Multiple pundits, including Steven Gerrard, have even said the Liverpool teenager does more than Cody Gakpo, which will hopefully lead to him finally being named in the XI this weekend.Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Wolves features Trey Nyoni and Rio NgumohaFriday’s FA Cup clash will be the Reds’ third game in six days, and Slot simply can’t keep playing the same XI.The most glaring change he needs to make to the XI is dropping Gakpo and starting Ngumoha.The Dutchman has scored one in nine, while the Liverpool Academy talent is creating more chances per 90 than Kylian Mbappe.Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Wolves – GRV MediaIn the remainder of the frontline, Hugo Ekitike has to keep his place because there are no other fit number nines, while Salah, who is also struggling for form (one goal in 10), should be replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai.With Florian Wirtz not expected to start vs Wolves as he recovers from his injury, Alexis Mac Allister could then be pushed into the 10 role, where he looked much improved against Forest recently.That would allow Trey Nyoni, who Slot called a ‘big talent’ in January, to start just his third game of the season for Liverpool.Given that Curtis Jones continues to disappoint, Ryan Gravenberch will have to keep his place in the side, though there may be one change in the backline.
Who you dropping for Ngumoha against Wolves in the FA Cup then? Credit: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images Kerkez has struggled to play three games in one week since signing for Liverpool from Bournemouth, where he never had to contend with European football.So we could see a run-out for Andy Robertson to ensure the Hungarian full-back is well-rested by the time Liverpool return to Champions League action next week.Ideally, Slot would have the ability to make more changes during such a hectic run of games, but Liverpool’s lack of depth limits his options somewhat.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox