Liverpool vs. Wolves Pre-Match

International Breaks Stink

I do not like international breaks. There are way too many during club season. Too much drama. Will your players come back healthy? Or at all? Will some Dutch critic shred your captain out of some kind of impotent jealousy? Will your exciting young striker suffer from being over-played in matches that have very little impact for his national team? Will the best goalkeeper in the world be sat on the bench at a game that is played at 3 AM Liverpool time only to have to play thirty six hours later after traveling half-way across the world?

Yes. Yes, all that will happen. And if you’re Liverpool, there will definitely be an away game at the early kick-off less than 48 hours after your players return home. Because the EPL that do the schedule are jerks. Not once, but twice Liverpool have the early game after an International Break. Yes, we get to do this again on 21 October. Granted its home. Against Everton.

Rant over. You will have to excuse my saltiness. My dog died on Saturday. I blame that on the international break. Frankie would never have left me if Liverpool had a match. She was a big fan and always sang along to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

I will miss my buddy, and I expect Liverpool to reward my pug’s steadfast support with a win. Despite everything.

And I think Liverpool do win. Although, I see this game at Wolves on the early kick-off is a big, potential banana skin. I am a bit nervous.

Looking at our team’s superior talent, we should beat Wolves 4-0 easily. We never play well at that early time so I am going 2-1 for the win. Hard and nervous, leaving us fans all jittery until the final whistle.

Considering Virgil will serve one more game suspension for telling a ref what we were all thinking when he got sent off against Newcastle. And there is uncertainty about Trent’s fitness.

I think Klopp will rest Trent. However, Konate is back in full-training. And that is reflected in my line-up. The muscle issue for Nunez will likely see him on the bench. With Diaz having to travel so far, I am predicting Jota to get the start alongside Gakpo and Salah.

Mid-field is the wildcard. I am certain about Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. It’s the choice between Endo and Gravenberch that I am struggling. I believe Klopp goes with Endo given his one week’s seniority over young Gravenberch.

I could see Tsmiskas coming in for Robbo, but I don’t think Klopp does. I do think he might rest Trent out of an abundance of caution and start Gomez. I would give Kelleher a run out, considering how far Alisson traveled and how late in the window. Klopp will not. Best goalkeeper in the world.

Kelleher should get all the cup games as goalkeeper.

That leaves Matip and Konate to fill out defense. Although, I would not be surprised if Quansah gets a run out.

Regardless, I will be so glad to have Liverpool footback back this weekend. After a super rough week.