Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Liverpool are currently 2nd in the league table and enter this game in fine form with four wins from their last five games. Additionally, three of their last four games have seen over 2.5 goals scored.

Wolves, conversely, have had a rocky opening six weeks of the campaign with no wins, one draw and four losses, with over 2.5 goals occurring in three of those five games.

Importantly, the Reds have also won four of the last five head-to-head meetings between the two sides, including each of the last three. Wolves 1-3 Liverpool.

This Saturday, Wolverhampton Wanderers host Liverpool at Molineux Stadium in what feels like a big fixture for both teams, albeit for very different reasons.

• Date: 28/09/2024
• Kick-off time: 17:30
• Location: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

For Wolves, the 2024-25 campaign has been one of immense struggle. With just one point from five matches, Gary O’Neil’s side have had a torrid start to the season, with this poor form having left them rooted to the foot of the table, raising serious questions about their survival hopes. Much of their difficulty stems from defensive frailties, having conceded 14 goals already—an alarming statistic that underscores the team's instability at the back.

O’Neil, appointed last summer after Julen Lopetegui’s abrupt departure, is under significant pressure to rectify these issues. His managerial tenure is already being scrutinised, and he faces a daunting task in tightening up a defence that has been far too porous. If Wolves continue to leak goals at their current rate, it’s hard to see them climbing out of the relegation zone, and O’Neil could find himself out of a job sooner rather than later.

Even in spite of their struggles, though, there are a few positives that Wolves can cling to. Forward Matheus Cunha has been one of the brighter spots in an otherwise bleak campaign, notching two goals so far, showcasing his already proven potential to influence games in the final third. His return to form is timely, given Wolves’ dire need for attacking impetus, and if the Brazilian can maintain his current trajectory, he could be instrumental in turning the team's fortunes around and, potentially, saving his manager’s job.

In stark contrast to Wolves, Liverpool have started the season in excellent form. Sitting second in the league with 12 points from five matches, Arne Slot’s side are already shaping up as one of the teams to watch this season. Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp, has managed to put his own stamp on the team without completely overhauling the style of play that made Liverpool so successful under his predecessor.

The team now plays a slightly more controlled game, blending Slot’s tactical philosophy with the high-energy pressing and attacking verve that were hallmarks of the Klopp era, but the team are still largely defined by fast transitions so the shift seems to have been well-received by the players, who look to have adapted seamlessly to their new manager’s approach. As a result, Liverpool have become quite adept at managing games, a quality that will be crucial in maintaining their position near the top of the table over the long haul.

Liverpool’s attacking unit has been particularly impressive, with Mohamed Salah, the club’s talismanic forward, in red-hot form, registering four goals and four assists in all competitions so far. His ability to consistently produce in front of goal even as he progresses into his 30s is admirable, and his experience will be invaluable in guiding the Reds through the season, and it could even lead to an extended contract. Luis Díaz, too, has been excellent, contributing five goals and one assist, silencing some of the doubters who were advocating for his transfer away from the club in the summer. The Colombian forward has a real knack for constantly finding himself in excellent goalscoring positions and while his finishing ability is inconsistent, he's always going to score regular goals given the volume of chances he helps fashion.

Liverpool will likely still be annoyed at the defeat they suffered at home to Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks back because had they not have fallen to such an avoidable defeat, they could be leading the Premier League table outright. As a result, they'll want to ensure they don't fall to any more shock losses, so while away fixtures in the Premier League are always tricky, don't expect any complacency from Arne Slot's men at Molineux.

This game will be televised live to all subscribed UK viewers on Sky Sports Premier League.

Wolves Team News:

The home side have been rocked by the recent news that defender Yerson Mosquera will miss the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.

Mosquera will now join Bastien Meupiyou, Boubacar Traoré, Enso González and Saša Kalajdžić on the sidelines.

Predicted lineup: Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Dawson, Aït-Nouri; André; Bellegarde, J. Gomes, Lemina, Cunha; Larsen.

Liverpool Team News:

The Reds will be without midfielder Harvey Elliott, while goalkeeper Allison is still a doubt with a muscle injury.

Darwin Núñez feels likely to retain his place in the starting lineup after a positive performance against Bournemouth last week.

Predicted lineup: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz; Núñez

Last weekend, Wolves travelled to take on Midland rivals Aston Villa in the Premier League. The game started well for Wolves, who midway through the first half capitalised on a mistake from the home side to take the lead through a fine finish by Matheus Cunha.

Wolves largely defended very well following their opener and managed to keep Villa at bay for most of the game, but the home side's pressure eventually told in the 73rd minute as Ollie Watkins fired a deflected finish over the top of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Unfortunately for Gary O'Neil and Wolves, the goals did not stop there, with Ezri Konsa firing Villa into the lead with a firm back post finish in the 88th minute before substitute Jhon Durán put the icing on the cake in injury time.

That defeat followed a 3-2 loss to Brighton in the EFL Cup, a 1-2 defeat to Newcastle United, a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest and a 2-0 win over Burnley in the EFL Cup.

Liverpool's latest encounter came against West Ham United in the EFL Cup. Despite falling behind early doors through a Jarrell Quansah own goal, it turned out to be a resounding win for the Reds with goals from Diogo Jota (X2), Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo (X2) giving Slot's side a 5-1 win.

That win followed a 3-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League where a ruthless transition-led performance saw the Reds 3-0 up at half-time thanks to a brace from Luis Díaz and a goal from Darwin Núñez.

Prior to that, Liverpool beat AC Milan 3-1 in the Champions League, lost 0-1 to Nottingham Forest and won 3-0 away at Manchester United.

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