Relegation-threatened Wolves will welcome ninth-placed Liverpool to Molineux Stadium on Saturday at 15:00 GMT for a Premier League clash, with both teams desperate for 3 points.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking for their first win in three matches, whereas Julen Lopetegui will be seeking to maintain the feel-good factor at Molineux since he took over at the dugout by getting a momentous win over Liverpool.
Key Highlights
Wolves’ Inconsistency
Since the appointment of Julen Lopetegui, Wolves’ form has improved significantly. Their performances are solid and more energetic, and the team is defensively organized and offensively fluent.
However, Wolves have yet to find a winning rhythm. They have been inconsistent in their results, which has hampered their bid to move away from the relegation zone.
They have won twice, drawn once, and lost twice in their last five outings in the league. If Lopetegui is to get the Molineux side to safety, he will need consistent performances and results, starting with the clash with Liverpool on Saturday.
Liverpool’s Alarming Form
Jurgen Klopp was at a loss in explaining Liverpool’s second loss to Brighton this season as they crashed out of the FA Cup. However, this result was not surprising given the general trend of the Reds’ form.
In the league, they have collected one point out of the last three matches. They have won just twice in their last five.
Klopp will be looking to get his side back into form when he takes them to Molineux in their latest bid to re-start their season and start the hunt for a Champions League place.
Injury Report
Wolves
Lopetegui will be without Francisco Tavares Oliveira, sidelined with a knee injury. He underwent knee surgery following injuries to his ACL and lateral ligament injuries.
Wolves are also without Pedro Neto with the forward absent with an ankle/foot injury; he is expected back by 24th February.
Sasa Kalajdzic (knee injury) and Boubacar Traore (unknown injury) are also out of contention for the clash with Liverpool on Saturday.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is currently without a host of players. Luis Diaz (knee), Arthur (thigh), Diogo Jota (calf/shin/heel), and Ibrahima Konate (thigh) are all in line to miss Saturday’s clash away to Wolves.
Liverpool will also miss the services of Roberto Firmino (calf/shin/heel), whereas Virgil van Dijk is missing with a thigh problem. Fabio Carvalho is out of action with an unknown injury, while Nathaniel Phillips is out with illness.
The list of injuries at Anfield has been a major factor in shaping Liverpool’s season, especially their struggles. Klopp hopes his side can gain some good form as recoveries are reintegrated into the squad.
Possible Lineups
Wolves
J. Sa; H. Bueno, M. Kilman, N. Collins, N. Semedo; M. Nunes, R. Neves, M. Lemina; H. Hwang, R. Jimenez, Adama
Liverpool
Alisson; J. Milner, J. Matip, J. Gomex, A. Robertson; N. Keita, S. Bajcetic, T. Alcantara; M. Salah, C. Gakpo, H. Elliot
Prediction
Lopetegui’s men will seek to be compact and solid in their approach. They will seek to frustrate Liverpool with a back three and force their passing lanes wide. They will rely on pace down the flanks and breaks to trouble the Liverpool defense.
Liverpool will look to implement a high-pressing and possession-based approach. They will dictate the tempo, boss possession, and enjoy territorial advantages. They will use their counter-pressing and penetration passing to create chances through the tight defensive organization they expect to encounter from Wolves.
Liverpool will have too much for Wolves on Saturday, and they will take the three points on offer.
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