Wolves are the next team looking to cash in on a struggling Liverpool this weekend, with two extensive battles proving key at Anfield.
The Reds welcome Bruno Lage’s side to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, with a win they desperately need after Wednesday’s awful 4-1 loss to Napoli in the Champions League.
Wolves have had a checkered start to the campaign, sitting 14th in the Premier League, but they have always proven to be a tough team to beat.
Before the match, we caught up with Sam Cook of The Wolves 77 Club Podcast (@77ClubPodcast) to find out about Wanderers’ start to the season, Liverpool’s top-four battle and more.
How would you rate the Wolves’ start to the season?
A mixed bag, really.
The win against Southampton last time out was much needed, but it’s a shame new signing Sasa Kalajdzic injured his ACL just minutes into his debut.
We’ve lost two games this season, both by a one-goal margin (Spurs and Leeds out), but what shines is that Wolves have the best defense in the Premier League.
We’re crying out for a striker who can find the net; It’s not that this Wolves side isn’t creating chances.
Raúl Jiménez has been out of form for some time, having been injured during pre-season following his comeback from his horrific head injury in November 2020.
I don’t know if Diego Costa is the answer to that problem, Andy Carroll certainly isn’t.
Three goals in six games is not enough.
How severe is football to watch? Is that hard?
I wouldn’t call it ‘severe’ because we are creating opportunities.
New signings Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Guedes seem like suitable prospects, but they need time to settle in and gel.
Nathan Collins seems to have fit in very well in the center of the defense; see above about being part of the best defense in the league.
We have yet to see what Boubacar Traore’s signing can do on deadline day, but hopefully it will finally click.
What has gone wrong for Liverpool so far this season?
Sadio Mané and injuries. In my opinion, not replacing your work pace and goals is already proving to be a big problem.
But a lot will depend on the injuries of the Liverpool midfielders.
Where do you think the reds will end up?
I said in my pre-season predictions that I didn’t think Liverpool would be in the top two.
I think the top four could be a boost in the form of Arsenal, Spurs, Man United and of course Manchester City.
I’m going with the fifth.
Looking ahead to Saturday, what system do you expect the Wolves to go with?
It will most likely be a 4-3-2-1 formation, but no one knows who will be the ‘1’.
Hopefully, Raúl has shaken off the groin problem that saw him withdraw from the starting XI – and team of the matchday – against Southampton.
If he is not available, I would personally play Adama Traore in the middle and hope for the best. This is not a game for rookie forward Chem Campbell.
Forecast XI: In; Semedo, Collins, Kilman, Jonny; Neves, Moutinho, Nunes, Podence, Neto; Jimenez or Traore.
Where do you see the key battles taking place?
I would target the center of Liverpool midfield.
If we can get Nunes to carry the ball a little bit more, which is his key strength, then I think we have the ability to create chances.
Mohamed Salah against Jonny will also be vital, as will Trent Alexander-Arnold against Pedro Neto.
Which Liverpool player would you like to see at Wolves?
Luis Diaz, please. He seems like a great player and someone who can change a game in an instant.
Salah seems like the obvious answer, but he seems a bit off the pace since signing his new contract.
I also value Fabinho a lot: he breaks up the game well and contributes the occasional goal.
Finally, what is your prediction?
I think Liverpool will win. It’s been 12 years since we won at Anfield and I don’t see that changing.
It could be a late goal that decides it, something perhaps in the 17th minute of five added, if the Newcastle game is anything to go by!
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves.
