Liverpool host Wolves on Sunday afternoon as the Reds look to get back on track after throwing away a late lead against Merseyside rivals Everton last time out.
By Matt Smith
Vítor Pereira’s side have been on a difficult run of form, but they picked up an impressive win against fellow Midlands outfit Aston Villa in their previous game.
When the two sides met earlier in the season, Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory at Molineux, with Mohamed Salah scoring the winner from the penalty spot. Wolves haven’t won at Anfield in the Premier League since 2010 – Stephen Ward scored the winner that day.
Curtis Jones picks up suspension
After the final whistle against Everton, Curtis Jones received a second yellow card and was subsequently sent off for his involvement in a scuffle with Abdoulaye Doucouré. As a result, the English midfielder will be unavailable due to suspension.
Arne Slot didn’t give much away in terms of team news in his pre-game press conference, but Joseph Gomez is likely to be out after picking up an injury against Plymouth.
Salah remains inevitable for Liverpool
By Mohamed Salah’s lofty standards, the Egyptian forward was fairly quiet against the Toffees, with David Moyes’ side producing an impressive defensive display. Despite that, Salah still came away with an assist and a goal to his name, showing his inevitability even when the Reds aren’t at their best.
The two contributions takes Salah to a whopping 36 goals and assists combined in the Premier League this season. Considering he’s only played 24 times, the former Chelsea man is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues his deadly run of form.
Vítor Pereira keeps his cards close to his chest
In his pre-match press conference, Pereira failed to provide an injury update for his side, perhaps keeping his cards close to his chest on this occasion.
Jørgen Strand Larsen recently returned to training, so it will be interesting to see whether he’s back and available for the Wanderers. Hwang Hee-chan came off injured in the FA Cup last time out and was set to be assessed this week.
Cunha can’t be stopped
Matheus Cunha has been the obvious threat for Wolves so far this season, and his ability to score goals from anywhere has saved Pereira’s side on multiple occasions. The Brazilian attacker has struck 11 times in the Premier League, with four goals from outside the box.
Cunha has the ability to score goals from nothing, even finding the back of the net with a corner. Wolves are likely to have minimal possession at Anfield, so they will be relying on Cunha to produce his magic once again on Sunday.
Prediction
Liverpool will be expecting to bounce back after their draw in the week, and considering they have lost just once at home this campaign, you’d expect them to secure the three points. Wolves have won just twice on their travels, conceding 28 goals during that time.
We’re going for a comfortable 3-0 victory to Liverpool.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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