After securing qualification to the Last-16 of the UEFA Champions League campaign, domestic priorities would take centre stage for Jurgen Klopp’s men as Wolves come visit Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds edged out the narrowest of a 1-0 victory at home against Ajax earlier this week as the Liverpool FC young guns put in a convincing display to hold off the Dutch giants from delaying their passage to the Round of 16 in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament.
Prior to defeating Ajax, VAR drama had prevented Klopp’s men from securing a much-deserved victory at the Amex against Brighton, with only a stoppage-time penalty awarded to the hosts levelling the game in the dying moments.
Goals from both Mohammad Salah and Sadio Mane had been deemed offside due to VAR usage on in either half of the game as Diogo Jota’s goal seemingly had given a major lifeline to Klopp’s side for securing all three points from their trip to the South coast.
But against Ajax, the Merseysiders looked as if the drama that unfolded in the previous fixture had not affected them in the slightest, even with Alisson Becker sitting out the Anfield showdown due to the latest hamstring blow for the Liverpool FC No.1.
Alisson’s replacement between the sticks on Tuesday night, CaoimhÃn Kelleher was superb in his Champions League debut as the Irishman made three great saves, including vital parrying away of a late strike by Huntelaar.
Injury troubles to first-team regulars in the Liverpool FC camp, for now, seem never-ending but Klopp’s faith in fringe and most importantly largely inexperienced squad members has handsomely paid off, with the likes of Nathan Phillips and Curtis Jones establishing starting credentials of late.
Liverpool fans are being encouraged to plan how they will travel to and from Anfield ahead of Sunday's game against @Wolves.
Fans are advised to set off in good time due to roadworks in the local area.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2020
However, what makes Sunday’s meeting at Anfield between the two top-flight clubs even more enthralling for the Reds is that for the first time since March, fans would be in attendance, flocking the Main Stand as UK government restrictions now allow for a maximum of 2000 spectators to visit Tier 2 stadiums.
The much-spoken about ‘Anfield effect’ will be in full force as Klopp’s side look to cement their lead at the top of the Premier League standings with a securing of three points come Sunday.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Sunday 5 December
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
Fresh injury news awaited Liverpool FC supporters prior to the Ajax fixture in mid-week as Jurgen Klopp confirmed Alisson Becker to be the latest casualty of a hamstring injury, with the Reds boss adding that the Brazillian shot-stopper was set for a potential two-week layoff on the sidelines.
CaoimhÃn Kelleher is widely tipped to retain his spot in the Liverpool FC XI over the coming weekend as the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Adrian, who has largely been the second-fiddle to Alisson throughout the year.
James Milner was yet another injury concern for the Reds before the win over Ajax, however, it remains to be seen whether the veteran Englishman returns in time for the game against Wolves, despite not being in attendance for the Champions League game on Tuesday night.
KEY BATTLE
Diogo Jota vs Conor Coady
Ex-Wolves man Jota remains Liverpool FC’s most potent threat in a star-studded frontline, with the new signing displaying great strides in his development as a first-team regular donning the Liverpool FC colours.
Seeing the Portugal international go up against Coady, a former Liverpool FC man himself and Jota’s old teammate will surely be a thrilling contest.
Coady has improved massively as a defensive rock for Wolves since his exit from Anfield and has played a crucial role in helping the Midlands-based outfit establish their presence in top-flight football across the country.
MATCH PREDICTION
On the back of a well-deserved outing at Anfield against Ajax, we predict Liverpool FC coming out on top with a 3-1 win over Nuno EspÃrito Santo’s Wolves on Sunday.
