I'm not a big fan of the term "relegation six-pointer," but it's kind of fun to say that a massive club is in one. So, with all apologies to Liverpool supporters, Liverpool are traveling to Molineaux for a relegation six-pointer against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The visitors will once again this season be without Steven Gerrard, leaving them a bit thin in the midfield. As a result, Christian Poulsen makes a rare start today, with Joe Cole on the bench but not 90 minutes fit. Poulsen's inclusion, along with Lucas, Maxi Rodriguez, and Dirk Kuyt, means that Raul Meireles is likely to play an advanced central role.
Wolves are a bit restricted by injuries, but all of their key players are available. Wayne Hennessey will start in goal ahead of American international Marcus Hahnemann, while Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle both start in a partnership up top.
Wolves lineup (4-4-2): Hennessey ; Ward, Zubar, Berra, Stearman ; Hunt, Milijas, Henry, Jarvis ; Doyle, Fletcher
Liverpool lineup (4-2-3-1): Reina ; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Kelly ; Poulsen, Lucas ; Rodriguez, Meireles, Kuyt ; Torres
The match kicks off at 7:45 am ET and can be seen on both ESPN Classic and ESPN3.com in the United States. The match was moved to ESPN Classic from ESPN2 due to the Australian Open tennis matches running long. They're not bumping Rafa Nadal, nor should they. With no Americans and no Steven Gerrard in the lineup, I suspect that Ian Darke will talk about the Boston Red Sox a lot.