Liverpool will be eyeing a return to winning ways when they play hosts to Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek’s Premier League clash at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have gone without a win in their last two games after picking up two league wins on the bounce as their trip to Selhurst Park over the weekend finished in a goalless draw.
The woodwork was rattled three times by the Merseysiders who looked rusty in their travels away from home turf and will be hoping to put out a better attacking display against Wolves on Wednesday night.
A third Premier League clean sheet in a row has certainly been a silver lining for Klopp’s side despite shaky performances from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip in recent weeks which could see the Liverpool manager decide against ringing in changes to his first XI.
Wolves have been a familiar opponent for Liverpool this term, having faced the Reds three times in all competitions, and causing a major upset in the 3-0 win at Molineux a few weeks ago during Liverpool’s woeful run of form.
An own-goal from Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip and a debut strike from Craig Dawson had given Wolves a 2-0 lead after just 12 minutes with Ruben Neves leaving it later to all but ensure the win for his side and bring an end to a 11-game losing run against Liverpool.
The Midlands outfit were also held to a stalemate in their previous fixture, a 1-1 affair against Fulham, but Julen Lopetegui’s side would be hoping to complete a league double over the Reds for the first time since 1950-51 when they make the travels to Anfield.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Wednesday 1 March 2023
Time: 8 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
It remains to be seen if Liverpool frontman Darwin Nunez will return in time for Wednesday after the striker missed out on the trip to Crystal Palace last time out due to a shoulder injury.
Klopp could be convinced to ring in changes to his midfield after an underwhelming display in the draw against Palace and coming into the first XI could be the likes of Fabinho, Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott.
On-loan midfielder Arthur Melo will push for his debut outing off the bench with the Brazilian returning to full fitness from his long spell on the sidelines.
Ibrahima Konate’s return to training has been a welcome boost for Klopp who is likely to keep the former on the bench for the upcoming outing to assess his fitness levels.
Thiago Alcantara, Calvin Ramsay, Luis Diaz and Joe Gomez are tipped to be unavailable for selection.
KEY BATTLE
Roberto Firmino vs Raul Jimenez
A fit again Firmino will provide Liverpool with that extra impetus going forward as the Brazil international will be vying for a starting berth at the expense of new boy Cody Gakpo.
For Wolves, Raul Jimenez should be seen operating as the focal point of attack and after a convincing display against Fulham last time out, the Mexico striker is expected to maintain his fine run of form.
MATCH PREDICTION
Liverpool are the favourites for this game with the home support at Anfield set to cheer on their side back to winning ways.
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
