Fa Cup: Wolves v Liverpool – Andy Robertson wants improved performance
fa cup — Andy Robertson says Liverpool must raise their level after a midweek defeat as the two sides meet again at Molineux with a place in the quarter-finals at stake; kick-off is scheduled for 2: 45 PM ET on Friday, 6 January. Robertson warned the Reds have to play better than they did in the Premier League loss if they are to progress. The match follows a 2-1 league win for Wolves earlier in the week.
Fa Cup rematch: team news and fitness
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot intends to field a strong side for the cup tie and confirmed there were no fresh injury concerns in the squad after the midweek game. Slot said Florian Wirtz trained “half and half” with the team and could be available for a brief role, describing the player as a potential “joker” for a few minutes on the pitch. Slot also warned of the strain on his squad, noting this season has frequently required three games in seven days and that playing time and selection take that into account.
Key talking points and quotes from both camps
Andy Robertson, Liverpool defender, urged improvement, saying the team will have to be better than in the previous meeting if they are to move on. Slot added that Liverpool have “a few options” to change the team but not a full extra eleven, and that sometimes choices are made over playing time because of the congested schedule. He also reflected that it was probably unwise for Jeremie Frimpong to have played the full 90 on Tuesday.
Wolves head coach Rob Edwards framed the match as crucial for his side and said the squad must be even better than they were earlier in the week if they are to repeat their success. Edwards praised the players’ work and competitiveness against top teams, said the team will review areas to improve and expected Liverpool to come back stronger. He described the cup tie as “the most important game of our season” while acknowledging the recent league win had been hugely significant at the time.
Match stakes, suspensions and absences
The midweek Premier League clash ended 2-1 in Wolves’ favour after an added-time goal from Andre followed an earlier finish by Rodrigo Gomes. For the fa cup rematch, Wolves will be without Andre because he is suspended for the cup tie. Liverpool face selection constraints: Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined, and Joe Gomez faces the prospect of suspension for the quarter-finals if he picks up a booking should Liverpool progress.
What to expect next
With the two clubs meeting again three days after the league contest, immediate focus will be on whether Liverpool can respond with a stronger display and whether Wolves can replicate the performance that secured them three points. Slot has signalled intent to field a strong team and may use Wirtz as a late impact option; Edwards has warned his players to prepare for a different, sharper Liverpool. The outcome will reshape both clubs’ cup runs and selection choices for upcoming fixtures, and the tie will be decided on the night at 2: 45 PM ET on Friday, 6 January in front of the Molineux crowd. The fa cup rematch is set to be a decisive moment in both clubs’ seasons.
