Liverpool–Wolves

Liverpool enter the match with confidence and their sights set on moving up the table. The goal is clear: to keep Manchester United behind them. To succeed, "The Reds" must take three points against Wolves - a team that may be difficult, but which Liverpool are expected to beat if they are to maintain the pressure on their rivals. 

Liverpool – desperate for new points 

The exciting, "upgraded" Liverpool team has had anything but green forests throughout this season. It started well, with points picked up in the final minutes of game after game, but luck does not last forever. Now, however, Liverpool fans can finally regain hope. After a long period of weak performances, the team has shown promising tactics, and they have everything to gain from regaining the trust of the fans at Anfield. 

It looks like Arne Slot is starting to get his attacking players involved in the way he wants, and that the team is playing with the chemistry we have seen before again. Ekitike has started to score, and so has Isak – although he unfortunately suffered an injury while scoring in the previous game. This means I expect to see Hugo Ekitike at his best again.

Another player who impressed in his jump-in was full-back Frimpong. He provided an assist to Ekitike, who controlled the ball into the goal. The point of highlighting these individual players is to show the chemistry that finally seems to be back in the team. Even Salah, who previously went out against Slot, is now back and delivering – at least to a certain extent. 

If this is the team Slot gets to work with going forward, we could soon see Liverpool in good form match after match. Now they face one of the weaker teams in the league, and this is a golden opportunity to show dominance and signal that they are truly back and ready to fight for a higher position in the Premier League. 

Wolves – tough task at Anfield 

Wolves go into the match against Liverpool knowing that this will be one of the toughest away games of the season. Results have been mixed, and performances have often lacked consistency – especially defensively. Against a Liverpool team that is starting to find their rhythm offensively, small mistakes can quickly become decisive. 

Although Wolves have shown at times the ability to be compact and difficult to break down, they have struggled against teams that set a high tempo and press aggressively. Away from home, the challenges have been even more evident, with problems both in building up play and in the defensive transition phase. 

Game selection – summary 

Although the number of goals has varied in the games between Liverpool and Wolves, I think we will see more goals – at least from the home team – in this match. I initially thought that Liverpool should and could keep a clean sheet at Anfield, but even though the forward line is starting to recover, I dare not say the same about the back line. 

With Alisson back in goal and Van Dijk leading the defence, I still think Liverpool will be in control and secure a solid goal difference, even if they go behind. That's why we're choosing a handicap that allows for goals for both teams, but still leans clearly towards a comfortable Liverpool win by two, maybe three goals. 

England at 16:00: Liverpool – Wolves: Home win –1.5 goals (1.72)