LFC.SUpporters
You'll Never Walk Alone
Liverpool.com
Liverpool predicted XI vs Wolves as Arne Slot set to make Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah decisions
08:39, 06 Mar 2026
Arne Slot could swap Rio Ngumoha for Mohamed Salah in Liverpool's line-up against Wolves
Arne Slot has several selection dilemmas to solve when he selects his Liverpool starting line-up to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Friday’s FA Cup clash
The Reds head back to Molineux three days on from the gruelling injury-time defeat in the Premier League, with Wolves no doubt buoyed by that victory. The FA Cup offers Wolves’ greatest chance of success this season, with Rob Edwards’s side cut adrift at the bottom of the table.
The same can be said of Liverpool’s priorities, though, given it will not win the Premier League and faces a daunting path in the Champions League. That has been underlined by Slot’s team selections in the competition this season, with the Dutchman naming strong line-ups against Barnsley and Brighton & Hove Albion in the previous rounds.
READ MORE: How to watch Wolves vs Liverpool in US and UK - TV channel, live stream, FA Cup team newsREAD MORE: Wolves has two players missing for Liverpool rematch with key man suspendedHe will likely opt for something similar on Friday, especially as his first-choice XI failed to beat Wolves in midweek.
Yet, at least some rotation is expected back in the West Midlands. Steven Gerrard’s calls for Rio Ngumoha to start may well be answered, while Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson could return to the team.
With Jeremie Frimpong still regaining full fitness, he will probably drop to the bench after playing 72 minutes on Tuesday. Joe Gomez will likely replace him in the team.
Frimpong is unlikely to start against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)
Fitness levels could also determine Slot’s choices, with the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike in need of a rest.
Yet, it’s unlikely that all the quintet will be given the night. Liverpool simply doesn’t have the options.
Those numbers have been further depleted by Florian Wirtz’s recent injury, although Slot confirmed the German may be fit enough for a cameo appearance off the bench.
If changes are to be made, the wide areas seem like an obvious place to make them. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are struggling, while Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa are available, though neither is yet trusted to start league matches.
Ngumoha could start for Liverpool against Wolves(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Article continues belowSlot selected Alisson in the fourth-round win over Brighton, although Giorgi Mamardashvili played in the Barnsley victory. It’s unclear who will start in the fifth-round encounter.
Calvin Ramsay, Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison are fringe members of the squad who Slot may turn to, but it seems unlikely that any of the trio will start. They could be seen off the bench.
Liverpool predicted line-up: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Cheisa, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Ekitike.
How to watch Wolves vs Liverpool in US and UK - TV channel, live stream, FA Cup team news
08:00, 06 Mar 2026
Rob Edwards and Arne Slot will meet for the second time this week.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool will travel to Wolves for the second time this week, this time in the FA Cup, hoping to avoid a second defeat at Molineux in the space of four days.
Last time out, Arne Slot's men lost to an Andre goal in second-half stoppage time. Mohamed Salah had pulled the Reds level but another disappointing performance meant the game was in the balance in the final stages and Curtis Jones and Alisson Becker contrived to give possession away in a dangerous area.
Aiming to put things right and book a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Liverpool will have to play much better this time around to earn a result. And Slot could freshen his side up with a few changes.
READ MORE: James Milner names ex-Liverpool teammate as most underrated star he's played withREAD MORE: Alexander Isak injury update offers hint at likely Liverpool return dateRio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa are among those who could come into the Liverpool starting XI. Jones will also be hoping for another start, potentially in place of Alexis Mac Allister, while Florian Wirtz could play a few minutes late on after returning from injury.
Fans in the UK will be able to watch the match live on BBC One and TNT Sports. It will be available to stream via the iPlayer. In the U.S., the FA Cup is broadcast by ESPN, with this match only available via streaming on ESPN+.
Ahead of the game, Slot was questioned about Liverpool's slow starts in matches, which have caused a real problem throughout the season — including in its previous clash with Wolves.
"It's not the perfect word to use because it's not what I feel, but I cannot come up with another one: I'm almost annoyed if you say 'that approach'," the Reds boss said.
Watch LFC safely from anywhere in the world with Nord
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
From $3.39 a month
Nord VPN
See the dealWatch every Reds game, at the Kop or away, with Nord VPN. Prices from $3.39 a month depending on package, with a free Amazon gift card included with many deals for a limited time.
"Because the approach is not different, the approach is we want to have the ball as much as possible, and we want to have it back as soon as possible. So, we always press high and when we have the ball we try to attack.
"Then, that in the final part when we have the ball in the same position it leads to chances as it didn't happen in the first 70 or 80 minutes, that is something I see as well. But that's not down to approach. Or maybe we don't understand each other exactly when you mean 'approach'.
"But we don't approach the game by saying, 'OK, in the first 70 minutes, we don't want to have the ball or we don't want to attack.' No, we do. That it doesn't lead to anything, that we completely agree on.
"But that might also be due to the fact that an opponent is fitter in the start of the game than in the end. Maybe, I don't know, that they became a bit more like, 'Oh, we're 1-0 up so let's be even more defensive, let's give them a bit of more space.'
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
"Or there's more urgency with us. But it's never the approach. We always start the game in the same way and we play it in the same way.
"But that there is a difference between the last 10 minutes in chance creation compared to the first 80, that's clear. There's no difference in the approach.
Article continues below"If you mean that I approach it like, 'OK, let's stay calm and let's wait, wait, wait.' No, no, no. 'Attack as much as you can.' That's also what you see in the game.
"We bring enough players forward, but that we're not able from all the ball possession to create a lot of chances, that's not something new to me. That has happened throughout the whole season."
Liverpool could be without 5 players for Wolves game after Florian Wirtz news
07:00, 06 Mar 2026
Florian Wirtz during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool will definitely be without four players as it takes on Wolves for the second time this week, with Florian Wirtz potentially set to make a comeback from injury.
The Reds will be missing Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni — but Wirtz will be assessed ahead of the fixture and he could return and play a small part off the bench. Arne Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the German has taken part in sections of training this week.
But if Wirtz does feature at Molineux, it will only be for a few minutes. It is also possible that Liverpool will wait to use him against Galatasaray in the Champions League next midweek.
READ MORE: James Milner names ex-Liverpool teammate as most underrated star he's played withREAD MORE: Alexander Isak injury update offers hint at likely Liverpool return dateWith Liverpool struggling in the final third without Wirtz, though, his return will be welcome. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo have both been well below par of late.
"It's not only about that individual," Slot insisted ahead of the game.
"If we don't generate enough from the sides then maybe we don't switch the ball fast enough, we don't bring them into enough open situations to improve these players.
Rob Edwards and Arne Slot will meet for the second time this week.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
"We have of course a 17-year-old player (Rio Ngumoha) who is improving more and more and more. It's not always the transfer market; the answer is also the training ground and trying to improve that part.
"But again, show me which teams are doing that so much better than us in the Premier League. I can show you one in La Liga where Lamine Yamal is playing, but I didn't see a lot of chances coming from there (out wide) from the games I watched on Wednesday."
After losing to Wolves in the Premier League, Liverpool needs to bounce back here. And the FA Cup is a major chance for Arne Slot's side to win silverware in a season where they have generally been a mile away from where they thought they would be.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
From $100
LFC.com
See the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
"We always found every game we play very important and we always find every trophy we can win very important," Slot also said in his pre-match preview with reporters.
Article continues below"So, last season we tried to win four and this season we tried to win four as well. But two are not possible anymore, the Premier League and the League Cup.
"So the other two we are in, we try to win it, as we've always tried at this club. And of course for us qualification for the Champions League is massive, as we all know.
"But that's not on the line tomorrow. Tomorrow the FA Cup is on the line and that's a massive game for us."
Wolves has two players missing for Liverpool rematch with key man suspended
19:43, 05 Mar 2026
Wolves manager Rob Edwards.(Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)
Wolves will be without Tuesday's match-winner Andre Trindade as it faces Liverpool at Molineux for the second time this week.
Andre, a Brazilian international signed from Fluminense in 2024, scored the winner midweek with a deflected effort from the edge of the penalty area. But having already been booked twice in the FA Cup this season, he will be sidelined for the Liverpool rematch due to suspension.
Winger Enso Gonzalez remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Hee-Chan Hwang returned from nearly a month out to be named on the bench against Liverpool last time out and could be involved here.
READ MORE: James Milner names ex-Liverpool teammate as most underrated star he's played withREAD MORE: Alexander Isak injury update offers hint at likely Liverpool return date"We made some changes, but that was because of knowing what was coming up," Rob Edwards said in his pre-match press conference.
"Also, we felt it was the right way to try and win the game on Tuesday night. We did that for both those reasons and it’s hard for me to prioritize either game.
"We’re really valuing this game tomorrow and this game tomorrow is now the most important game of our season, but Tuesday night was the most important game of our season at that moment.
Liverpool conceded another injury-time goal against Wolves
"It was really difficult for me to not value a game against Liverpool in the Premier League, so it was about trying to pick the right team to win a game of football, and knowing that we’ve got to be really good.
"We might have to ride our luck a little bit, and maybe things go our way for what happened to happen and now we’re in a good spot now, apart from Andre suspended, where everyone’s fit and available for tomorrow night."
Liverpool will still be without at least four players — Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni — but Florian Wirtz could return and play a small part off the bench.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreFrom $100
LFC.com
See the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
"We always found every game we play very important and we always find every trophy we can win very important," Arne Slot said in his preview with reporters.
Article continues below"So, last season we tried to win four and this season we tried to win four as well. But two are not possible anymore, the Premier League and the League Cup.
"So the other two we are in, we try to win it, as we've always tried at this club. And of course for us qualification for the Champions League is massive, as we all know.
"But that's not on the line tomorrow. Tomorrow the FA Cup is on the line and that's a massive game for us."
Jurgen Klopp 'in talks' over sensational coaching return after Liverpool spat
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
18:02, 05 Mar 2026
Jurgen Klopp is being linked with a return to management(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a surprising move to Atletico Madrid.
The former Liverpool manager currently serves as Red Bull's global head of soccer. Recent reports suggested dissatisfaction within the company regarding his work. However, Red Bull dismissed these rumors, expressing satisfaction with Klopp's performance, yet speculation about a possible departure has resurfaced.
Now, Spanish media outlets are suggesting that Klopp is being eyed as the successor to Diego Simeone at Atletico. This would be a fascinating development, especially given Simeone's Anfield spat; he was sent off at the ground last September and had to be escorted away from Liverpool fans near his dugout after the Reds' 3-2 Champions League win.
READ MORE: Arne Slot issues positive Florian Wirtz injury update as Liverpool star takes 'next step'READ MORE: Alexander Isak injury update offers hint at likely Liverpool return dateThis summer, Simeone will be entering the final year of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano. However, Spanish TV show El Chiringuito has reported that Klopp is in advanced talks about taking over from the Argentine.
El Chiringuito suggests that Klopp is in discussions with Mark Rowan, the CEO of Apollo, the majority shareholder of Atletico.
Given how emphatically Red Bull dismissed the recent rumors surrounding Klopp, the company might be equally taken aback by these reports from Spain.
Diego Simeone was sent off at Anfield before he was dragged away from Liverpool supporters who were heckling him(Image: Getty Images)
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, dismissed the latest speculation by stating: "This is total nonsense and completely unfounded.
"On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with Jurgen Klopp's work. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That's where we are putting our full focus and our energy."
When Klopp revealed he was departing Anfield in 2024, he maintained he would never manage another English soccer side. Nevertheless, he remained silent on the possibility of taking charge of another European club.
Following Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso's dismissal by Real Madrid, the German was swiftly touted as a candidate for the Bernabeu hot seat.
The Premier League champion was also mooted as a possible successor for the Germany national team role, should current manager Julian Nagelsmann depart after the World Cup.
Article continues belowIn a September interview with The Athletic, Klopp emphasised he was relishing the newfound freedom away from football, highlighting the pleasure he has derived from attending weddings and visiting the cinema.
Yet, he appeared to leave the door slightly open regarding a potential return to management. When questioned whether he is certain about not wanting to coach again, he responded: "That's what I think. But you don't know.
"I'm 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, 'You said you'll never do it again!' Er, sorry, I thought 100 percent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don't miss anything."
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain makes feelings clear on Andy Robertson transfer reunion
Ryan McDonald
18:01, 05 Mar 2026
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is now playing in Scotland(Image: Getty Images)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed he would relish the chance to link up with close friend Andy Robertson at Celtic Park.
The former Liverpool midfielder, 32, spent several years alongside Robertson at Anfield, where together they secured the Premier League and Champions League titles. The duo developed a strong friendship, with Oxlade-Chamberlain turning to the Scotland left-back for guidance when considering a high-profile transfer to Glasgow.
Celtic-supporting Robertson, 31, wasted no time in encouraging his former Liverpool colleague to make the move to Scotland's central belt. However, Oxlade-Chamberlain revealed he was already well-versed in the club's appeal, thanks to his relationship with Robertson from day one.
READ MORE: Arne Slot issues positive Florian Wirtz injury update as Liverpool star takes 'next step'READ MORE: Alexander Isak injury update offers hint at likely Liverpool return dateSpeaking on the Celtic FC Podcast, he said: "Yeah, we were very close with Robbo and his family, his mum and dad.
"We were next-door neighbours for years, so I knew about Celtic and Glasgow, to be honest, from them for years. Robbo makes it no secret what he thinks about this club.
"And yeah, when I was linked, he was the first one who called me and said, 'Get yourself up there now.'
Andy Robertson and Oxlade-Chamberlain were teammates at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"But I'm obviously really close with Robbo and his missus and his kids, and my missus is really close with them also, so we get on really well with them."
Robertson, who was let go by Celtic as a youngster due to his stature, has consistently been touted for an emotional homecoming to the club he supported growing up.
The Scotland skipper's Liverpool contract expires this summer, and uncertainty surrounds his Anfield future following his demotion behind Milos Kerkez in the defensive hierarchy.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain hinted he'd relish linking up with Robertson at Celtic, insisting the left-back would be a sensation.
He said: "Having him as a reference point was perfect for me. He's told me where I need to live, where I need to go.
Article continues below"He's told me everything. He's a proper Glasgow boy... I just said to him, 'It's a shame you're not here with me.'
"Maybe I came a bit early... he might join me soon. He's a bit younger than me, Robbo.
"I'd hope to see him here one day. I think he'd be amazing here."