Liverpool are drawing 0-0 with Wolves at Molineux in their FA Cup fifth-round clash. It’s the second meeting between the sides this week after Wolves’ shock 2-1 win on Tuesday dented Liverpool’s Champions League hopes.
So far, when returning to the scene of their top-flight crime, Liverpool have been rather average, with the scoreline between Rob Edwards’ men and the Merseyside giants reading 0-0 in the FA Cup, much like it did at the half-time stage a matter of days ago.
Can the Reds respond and secure a place in the quarter-finals? Here are the first-half player ratings from ReadLiverpoolfc.com
Alisson – 6
Having zero saves to make so far, Alisson is yet to be caught out in between the sticks.
He will hope he continues to have a quiet night, as Liverpool progress through to the FA Cup quarter finals, after looking shaky in that 2-1 defeat.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
Dominik Szoboszlai has officially ditched the braids following that midweek defeat, returning to his trademark look for tonight’s clash and his performance has been just as polished as his new trim.
The Hungarian has looked remarkably stable despite being asked to fill in at right-back, reading the game perfectly while maintaining his usual attacking threat. He’s already notched two key passes from deep and has looked dangerous with every delivery from a flurry of Liverpool corners.
Joe Gomez – 6
Coming into the side in the heart of defence to replace Ibrahima Konate, Gomez has also looked solid throughout what has been a largely uneventful first 45 minutes.
Still, the 28-year-old has looked polished, having completed 23 of his 24 passes so far at Molineux.
Virgil Van Dijk – 6
Likewise, Van Dijk has been untroubled so far, as Wolves burst forward on occasion.
Winning an aerial duel for his troubles, the Dutch colossus will hope he can put one of Liverpool’s corners to good use in the second half to secure another memorable goal for the season.
Andy Robertson – 6
Robertson was afforded a rare start in the left-back spot this evening, ahead of Milos Kerkez, and the Scotsman hasn’t looked out of place, so far.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
Gravenberch was handed a start this evening, even after Slot substituted him off at the half-time mark of the 2-1 defeat on Tuesday.
Perhaps the ex-Feyenoord boss should’ve dropped Gravenberch completely, as the 23-year-old has offered very little centrally so far, away from a speculative effort here and there at Sam Johnstone’s net.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Mac Allister hasn’t been any livelier, as the second part of the two midfield anchors, with only 24 touches of the ball coming the Argentine’s way.
Will he pull off another spectacular strike in the second half?
Mohamed Salah – 5
Salah would surely love to add to his goal tally as well in the second 45 minutes, having endured a ropey first half at Molineux.
He was, of course, the only Liverpool goalscorer during the 2-1 defeat when he coolly slotted home past Jose Sa.
So far, though, he has been quiet in the attacking areas, with zero efforts registered. To make matters worse, he has failed to tally a single accurate cross, as well.
Curtis Jones – 6
Jones has, at least, been more accurate with the ball at his feet, even if he hasn’t created a whole lot, with 100% of his passes coming off.
Winning five tackles and duels, as well, Slot will hope his homegrown Anfield product can be even more vibrant in a second-half win for his travelling side.
Rio Nguhoma – 7
Thankfully, Nguhoma has been Liverpool’s one saving grace in a flat attacking lineup so far.
The 17-year-old possesses no fear when bounding through on goal, and has terrorised the Wolves defenders throughout with his mazey darts forward.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Gakpo has also tried to make himself a nuisance so far as Liverpool’s lone marksman this evening, with one first-half effort on goal being blocked.
