WOLVES VS LIVERPOOL: PREVIEW

Liverpool travel to the Molineux to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow as the festive fixtures continue apace. The Reds remain 3rd in the league table, two points off leaders Chelsea, whilst hosts Wolves sit 8th, level on points and goal difference with Manchester United. We preview the game.

Bruno Lage has imprinted his methods and style on this Wolves side after a rocky start as Espirito-Santo’s successor. He’s tightened them up defensively and has them flying, even with their glaring lack of goals. Wolves have the joint third best defence in the league this season, conceding as many goals as Liverpool (12).

They are also on a run of just one defeat (away to Vieira’s Palace) in their last nine Premier League matches. All five of their wins in that run has come by the odd goal, with their struggles infront of goal seeing them score just 12 goals this season. Only relegation threatened Norwich City (8) have scored fewer goals.

It is testament to their defensive strength that they are in and around the European spots when their attack suggests they should be in relegation trouble. They come into this fixture having scored just one goal in their last four games, with back to back goalless draws with Norwich and Burnley leaving them on 21 points, 3 points off 4th.

The Reds have a very decent record against Wolves though, winning all six league matches against them since they returned to the Premier League in 2018. In fact Wolves have only managed one goal against Liverpool in those six fixtures. Last season’s encounter saw Jürgen Klopp’s men leave with a 1-0 victory.

Wolves were unlucky not to get anything from the game though, after registering more shots on target and a higher xG than their opponents. That win for Liverpool (earned through a Jota strike) set them on their way to an impressive run-in which saw them clinch Champions League qualification.

Liverpool are in red hot form at the minute, winning their last four fixtures in all competitions by a combined score of 14-1. They have scored as many goals in their last 3 league games as Southampton have managed all season. The goals are flying in this season, with the tally of 43 the most they’ve managed after 14 matches.

Klopp’s side look to be on the cusp of a winning run, something they’ve come to master under the German when the festive period begins. Taking apart a hapless Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night will only have boosted momentum and confidence amongst the players, as they seek to outpace Chelsea and City.

Chelsea are away to West Ham in the early kickoff tomorrow whilst City are away to Watford later. Points could be dropped, and we must make sure we are there to capitalise against a solid Wolves side. It should be a good game, with Wolves no doubt targeting the space behind the full backs with the pace of Traore and Hwang.

Team News

For Liverpool, Harvey Elliot (ankle), Curtis Jones (eye) and Roberto Firmino (hamstring) remain out. Naby Keita and Joe Gomez have returned to training but this game will come too soon for them. For Wolves, Wily Boly, Pedro Neto, Marcal and Jonny remain out but Ruben Neves returns from suspension, whilst Podence could return after a bout of Covid-19.

Key Players

Raul Jimenez

The 30 year old has worked unbelievably hard to return from that terrible skull fracture. He’s managed 3 goals and 2 assists in the league this season, with each goal contribution being worth it’s weight in gold. All 3 goals have been winning goals, whilst the 2 assists both came in 2-1 home win over Newcastle. Talk about clutch.

Mohamed Salah

The irresistible Egyptian continues to torment teams across the land. Everton were the last victims as his brilliant brace saw move him to 19 goals in 19 matches in all competitions. He’s the topscorer (13) and the top assister (8) in the Premier League this term and will be key to Liverpool’s quest for the three points.

Diogo Jota

Jota returned to the Molineux to haunt his former side last season as his solitary strike sealed victory for his new side. He comes into this weekend in even better form, scoring 5 in his last 5 appearances. That the match also falls on his birthday (he turns 25) should see him even more eager to get on the scoresheet again, at his former side’s expense.