Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today hinted at ringing the changes over the festive period after saying he will treat the Liverpool and Manchester City games “on their merits”.

McCarthy is expected to keep the same side that made it three wins in four against Burnley on Sunday against Liverpool on Boxing Day.

But in the wake of the United storm when McCarthy made 10 changes, he admits he will assess the effects of the game at Anfield before deciding on any changes for the home clash against Manchester City 48 hours later.

“I’ll treat them on their merits. We’ll be going to Liverpool trying to win the game,” said McCarthy.

“We have to play at full tilt to get anything from Anfield and Manchester City the same, so whether all the players can do it or not, I don’t know. If I have to make changes, I will.

“Everyone is on alert, but they’re all better prepared if I have to call upon them as well.

“And I’ll have to call on some of those lads who played at Old Trafford – they’re raring to go. But there’s no plan to call on them.

“We had a gameplan at Tottenham and we’ll have to have a similar one at Liverpool.”

McCarthy has revealed it took several team meetings and some rollickings to get the players performing at their maximum again after the seasonal low against Birmingham.

“The meeting the Birmingham game when I made them watch the game on their own was the starting point,” said the boss.

“I think them watching the game themselves made the penny drop. I also had a few harsh words with one or two, but that’s what management is all about.”

McCarthy has no sympathy for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who has presided over nine defeats in 17. “I don’t expect any and I don’t give any out either,” he said.

With Compton pitches frozen, Wolves trained again today at Molineux and they will travel to Steve Morgan’s Carden Park complex to stay for Christmas night after Christmas lunch with their families.