Liverpool and Wolves Prepare to Lock Horns in Premier League Showdown

Liverpool will be setting their sights on redemption as they prepare to descend upon Molineux this afternoon, reminiscing on the 3-0 defeat they endured last February. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s charismatic manager, has historically enjoyed significant success against the Wolves, with hopes to extend that run post the international break. Here’s a detailed peek into the statistics and dynamics surrounding this Premier League encounter.

Eyes on Wolves’ Midfield Powerhouses

Leading the Premier League in Tackles: Wolves in 2023/24

Wolves boast an average of 13.3 successful tackles per match, based on data from FotMob. An interesting pointer to their combative spirit, despite their modest win tally this season. In the spotlight are players such as the highly-commended Matheus Cunha, seasoned Mario Lemina, and January acquisition Joao Gomes. In comparison, Liverpool’s average stands at nine successful tackles.

Decisions loom for Klopp in Liverpool’s midfield. Dominik Szoboszlai is poised to play, but Alexis Mac Allister’s recent return from international commitments casts doubts on his inclusion. Enter Wataru Endo and newcomer Ryan Gravenberch, both possible choices for the match’s intense midfield tussle. Gravenberch, with his commanding presence and skillful ball possession, might just find himself in the thick of things.

Cards Aplenty in the Offing?

Considering Wolves’ status as the second most-booked Premier League team this season – 13 yellows and a red to be exact – an eventful match is anticipated. Liverpool, while not particularly infamous for accumulating cards, have six bookings and two dismissals to their name, placing them joint-first for red cards, sharing the honour with Fulham.

Photo: IMAGO

Glimpse Back and Ahead

Liverpool’s Dominance Over Wolves

Of the last ten confrontations against Wolves across all formats, Liverpool has come out on top in nine. Klopp’s only defeat? The 3-0 Molineux setback in the previous season. Yet, Liverpool swiftly bounced back with a 2-0 triumph at Anfield a month later. The past suggests another potential win for the Reds.

Goals, Misses, and the Path Ahead

Data from FotMob cites that both teams have squandered seven significant opportunities this season. Darwin Nuñez of Liverpool, while prolific, has also been guilty of missing clear chances. Wolves, with a paltry four goals this season, continues to struggle, remaining the lowest scorers from the last campaign with 31 goals.

Battle on the Wings

Crossing Precision: Wolves vs Liverpool

Surprisingly, Wolves have a higher average for accurate crosses per match – six – placing them third in the Premier League. This is especially noteworthy considering Liverpool’s arsenal includes crossing maestros Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. Yet, the Reds find themselves in eighth place with 4.8 precise crosses per game, although they boast a marginally superior cross success rate of 33.3%.

Wolves’ Nelson Semedo and Ryan Ait Nouri, while not the most forward-thinking full-backs, have been instrumental in this statistic. Intriguingly, all of Wolves’ league goals this term have come via headers.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s March Towards Another Milestone

Mohamed Salah stands on the brink of becoming the fourth Premier League talent to consecutively assist in five away matches. This places him in the exclusive company of Muzzy Izzet, Cesc Fabregas, and Gerard Deulofeu, as per the BBC. With assists in recent games against the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle, Salah might be looking to create more than score in the imminent fixture.

This weekend promises a Premier League fixture replete with history, tactical battles, and individual brilliance. As Liverpool and Wolves gear up for their clash, fans and neutrals alike await a riveting contest.