Liverpool vs Wolves – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Premier League leaders Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield this afternoon.

The Reds are looking to return to winning ways after an instant Merseyside Derby classic ended 2-2 in midweek.

Cody Gakpo has scored eight goals in his last seven Anfield appearances but is doubtful for this afternoon. The Dutchman was withdrawn in midweek after sustaining a knock. Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton are also unavailable due to injury concerns.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be reinstated into the starting eleven after only being deemed fit enough for the bench against Everton.

Curtis Jones is suspended after being sent off after the full-time whistle in Wednesday’s game. The Liverpool academy graduate helped spark a melee after confronting Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was also red carded.

Arne Slot and assistant head coach Sipke Hulshoff also fell foul of ill-discipline after the match at Goodison Park had concluded. The coaches were both punished with a red card. However, Slot and Hulshoff have until next week to respond to the charge, meaning Slot will be in the dugout against Wolves.

Wolves will be searching for their first win at Anfield since January 2017. Vitor Pereira’s side advanced into the fifth round of the FA Cup last weekend with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Forwards Hwang Hee-chan and Jorgen Strand Larsen are ruled out with respective hamstring injuries. The former looked inconsolable at Ewood Park on Sunday after the muscle issue prematurely ended his display.

Liverpool vs Wolves – Match preview and team news

Form

Liverpool: LWWLD

The last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park ended in dramatic fashion as a late Everton equaliser saw the points shared.

James Tarkowski’s thunderous volley in the eighth minute of added time made it 2-2 and caused the iconic venue to erupt.

Arne Slot’s side had entered the dying embers ahead after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah had cancelled out Beto’s opener.

But that moment of inspiration from Tarkowksi resulted in the spoils being shared between the neighbours.

Wednesday’s game was rearranged from December as Liverpool completed their game in hand over Arsenal. A point extended their gap at the top of the table to seven points, which has since been reduced to four after Arsenal beat Leicester on Saturday.

The draw equalled the Reds’ longest winless run of the campaign – just two matches.

Wolves: LLLWW

Wolves eased past Championship outfit Blackburn to book an away trip to Bournemouth in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Vitor Pereira’s side were offered a slight reprieve by the absence of VAR in the early stages. Dom Hyam thought he had opened the scoring only to be denied by the linesman’s flag, however, replays suggested the defender had stayed onside.

Wolves capitalised on the favourable decision and killed the contest off inside two first-half minutes. Joao Gomes squirmed an effort through goalkeeper Balazs Toth before Matheus Cunha doubled the advantage immediately after.

It’s only the third time this season that Wolves have recorded consecutive victories. A fortnight ago, Wanderers beat local rivals Aston Villa for only their third league win at home this term.

After Ipswich’s draw away to Villa yesterday, Wolves are only two points clear of the relegation zone.

Last Meeting: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool, Premier League, 28th September 2024

A battling display from Liverpool earned them a vital three points at Molineux back in September.

Referee Anthony Taylor had an early decision to make after Diogo Jota’s studs connected with the heel of Mario Lemina.

The officials deemed the tackle wasn’t worthy of an upgraded punishment and the former Wolves player escaped with just a yellow card.

The visitors then spurned a glorious opportunity to take the lead. Andy Robertson flashed an undefendable cross across the box towards Dominik Szoboslai. However, the Hungarian could only smash the ball into Sam Johnstone from a few yards out.

In first-half stoppage-time, the Reds fashioned an almost identical chance and made no mistake this time. Jota clipped a cross from the left flank onto the head of Ibrahima Konate whose header was too powerful for Johnstone.

Uncharacteristically, Mohamed Salah fluffed his lines to miss an open goal early in the second period. Wolves captain Mario Lemina played a blind pass straight into the Egyptian who rushed an effort wide.

The hosts capitalised off indecisive defending to level matters. Jorgen Strand Larsen showed great endeavour to pick Konate’s pocket with the Frenchman trying to shepherd the ball out of play.

Larsen teed up Carlos Forbs who miscued an effort, but Rayan Ait Nouri was on hand to slam home from close range.

The home crowd’s jubilation was short-lived as Liverpool reclaimed the lead five minutes later. Jota was hauled down inside the area by fellow Portuguese international Nelson Semedo and a penalty was awarded.

Salah stepped up to score the winner from the spot by sending Johnstone the wrong way.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Nunez.

Wolves: Sa; Semedo, Bueno, Agbadou, T.Gomes, Ait Nouri; J.Gomes, Andre; R.Gomes, Cunha, Sarabia.

Who is the referee?

Simon Hooper will be the match official. Adrian Holmes and Simon Long will assist him and Sam Barrott will be the fourth official. The VAR will be John Brooks and he will be assisted by Adam Nunn.

What TV channel is Liverpool vs Wolves on?

Liverpool vs Wolves will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Anfield will be at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 16th February 2025.

Liverpool vs Wolves Match Odds

Liverpool: 1/5

Draw: 7/1

Wolves: 10/1

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