Liverpool have survived a first leg scare at Anfield to defeat Wolves 1-0 at Molineux Stadium to qualify for FA Cup Fourth Round.
Julen Lopetegui makes two changes from the team that played at Anfield, with Sa coming in between the sticks for Sarkic while Moutinho replaced Goncalo Guedes, who missed out altogether.
Jurgen Klopp meanwhile made wholesale alterations from the 2-2 draw in the first game, with Kelleher in for Alisson in goal while Tsimikas, Gomez, and Milner came into the back four. Bajcetic and Keita started in midfield, while Carvalho and Elliott replaced Salah and Darwin Nunez alongside Gakpo served as the front three.
Starting Lineup
Wolves: Sa; Jonny, Tote Gomes, Nathan Collins, Dexter Lembikisa; Rayan Ait-Nouri, Joseph Hodge, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Adama Traore; Raul Jimenez.
Liverpool: Caoimhin Kelleher; Konstantinos Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, James Milner; Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, Naby Keita; Fabio Carvalho, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott.
Liverpool took control of the game from the start, dominating play and trying to break through Wolves‘ defense.
The hosts sat back to defend against the rampaging Reds, who were speedily surging forward trying to find a quick opener.
The game took on a frantic pace as Wolves tried to break on the counter when in possession of the ball. Their attempts were foiled by the Jurgen Klopp boys who were taking over the Molineux Stadium with full force.
It was not long before the Premier League giants took the lead. It was a brilliant goal from Elliott, who took the ball from his own half and unleashed a superb, dipping effort. Sa stretched his length to point out the ball but failed, as it flies pass him into the net.
After the goal, Wolves began to roll out of their shelves and tried to force the ball through to the Liverpool box but it was self-defeating effort.
The move saw Liverpool move a step closer to doubling their lead with quick counters trying to utilise the open spaces in Wolves’ defense.
The Reds effectively neutralise the Wolves attacking prowess as the first half drew to a close, and were comfortably in control of proceedings.
Jurgen Klopp’s changes paid off as the team went into the first-half break as the better side, with Wolves obviously losing the spark they garnered at Anfield despite playing in front of their home fans.
Nothing changed in the second half. Liverpool stayed put and were exploring lapses in Wolves’ defense to double their lead.
Despite playing second fiddle to the visitors, Wolves gradually made inroads into the game late in the second half.
As Liverpool remained in control of the game, Wolves looked more dangerous when launching attacks, as they searched for an equaliser.
Liverpool survived a late pressure by the hosts to secure the win and qualify for the FA Cup Fourth Round with a slim 1-0 victory over Wolves.
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