Hopes of a top-four finish would again take precedence for an under-fire Liverpool FC outfit as they make the travel to the West Midlands on Monday night to face off against Wolves.
The midweek action in the UEFA Champions League witnessed Jurgen Klopp’s side book their spot in the quarter-finals courtesy of a well-earned win over RB Leipzig in the second leg of the tie but an uninspiring run of form across their recent domestic activity has left the Merseysiders languishing in the eighth spot in the league table.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 10, 2021
A much-improved style of play was put on display by Klopp’s men against Leipzig but the scoreline does not reflect Liverpool FC’s grasp on the Puskas Arena showdown as lack of cutting edge cost the Reds dearly in the opening 45 minutes of the match.
Mohammad Salah and Diogo Jota failed to make the most of the chances that fell their way but a turnaround in the second half helped the Anfield outfit to claim a victory over their German opponents, keeping the already thin hopes of silverware on the European front alive.
Up against Wolves on Monday night could prove to be a very different story for Klopp and Co. on the back of what has been a very dismal series of performances in recent times.
Six defeats in their last seven top-flight outings mean that Klopp’s men no longer bear the ‘favourites’ tag heading into any game, especially since the likes of Burnley, Brighton and Fulham have shocked viewers by securing wins on their travels to Anfield since the turn of the calendar year.
The reverse fixture held earlier this season between the two teams had boasted of quite a different storyline, with Liverpool FC enjoying a 4-0 win that time around amid what was a very set of events unfolding on Merseyside before all things seemed to go haywire for the reigning champions.
WHEN & WHERE?
Our next clash, Monday night football for the Reds 👊⚽ #WOLLIV pic.twitter.com/Frz8iCPWfM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 12, 2021
Date: Monday 15 March
Time: 8:30 PM GMT
Venue: Molineux Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Roberto Firmino’s availability for the upcoming game remains shrouded in doubt following the Brazillian international being absent from the matchday squad on two previous occasions.
Firmino’s extended absence could mean an unchanged frontline for the Reds in the form of Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Mohammad Salah, and after the midweek heroics in Budapest, Klopp would be reluctant to tinker around within his ranks.
No fresh injury concerns were reported by the Liverpool FC in his pre-game remarks, with the Reds still waiting on skipper Jordan Henderson to return from injury no sooner than the forthcoming international break.
KEY BATTLE
Pedro Neto vs Nat Phillips
Phillips has been a major presence for an injury-ravaged Liverpool FC backline and the 23-year-old deservedly took home the man of the match plaudits for his showing against Leipzig in the Champions League meeting.
The Englishman will be expected to command his defensive line once again come Monday night in Midlands as the Merseysiders seek to retain hopes of a top-four finish with a win over Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolves.
For the hosts, Pedro Neto would be key to their attacking fortunes when going up against an inexperienced Liverpool FC defence and the Portgual international’s sublime run of form this season makes him a real menace for the Phillips-Kabak pairing.
MATCH PREDICTION
If Wednesday night’s events at the Puskas Arena were to suggest anything, it was that the Reds looked much better on the ball with Fabinho returning to his usual midfield role and Jota claiming Firmino’s spot up top.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s men have failed to hit the ground running of late in Premier League football and Monday’s game at the Molineux Stadium could see another lacklustre draw, with our prediction being a 1-1 affair.
