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Liverpool vs Wolves – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 27 December 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Christmas will have come and gone by the time this game rolls around and the league table holds little sympathy. Liverpool return to Anfield knowing this stretch of the season will either validate their recent recovery or expose it as another false dawn. The fortunate 2–1 win away at Tottenham mattered — not because it was convincing, but because Liverpool found a way to win when the game remained uncomfortable. That in itself has been a rare commodity this season and now needs confidence restored in how they encounter teams.

Last weekend was far from straightforward and context matters. Spurs finished with nine men, albeit with Romero walking in the dying embers. Liverpool never truly took control of a game that was there to be controlled after the early Simons dismissal. And now the Reds must adapt again, stripped of two pillars in the forward line, for differing reasons. Alexander Isak faces a potentially season-ending knee injury, while Mohamed Salah is away on international duty. There will be no excuses afforded, only expectations by an Anfield crowd full of Christmas spirit.

This is the kind of fixture that defines seasons. Not glamorous. Not forgiving. Wolves will arrive organised, physical, and entirely comfortable playing spoiler and dogmatic adversary. Liverpool’s pursuit of a top-four finish depends on turning these moments into routine victories — something they have failed to do far too often since August.

For Arne Slot, the probation period has not ended despite the winning run. Results may have improved, but belief remains fragile amongst a disillusioned fanbase. Another slip here, at home, in the festive window, would undo much of the goodwill built over the last fortnight and the Liverpool executives will be watching.

Wolves: Structure, Physicality, and an Invitation to Chaos

Wolves travel to Anfield with clarity. They know exactly what they are and exactly what Liverpool can struggle against, despite their own disastrous performances. Compact defensive lines. Aggressive second-ball recovery. Quick releases into wide channels. Everything about this matchup threatens to drag Liverpool into a game they would rather not play, especially after they gave Arsenal a run for their money.

Wolves will test the Reds aerially. They will crowd midfield zones. They will happily allow Liverpool possession if it comes without penetration or a high volume of chances. And they will look to exploit moments of hesitation in a side still learning how to control matches rather than chase them.

This is not a Wolves team interested in aesthetics. It is a Wolves team built to frustrate and punish, whilst scrapping for anything. Liverpool’s vulnerability in transition earlier this season will not have gone unnoticed, nor will the absence of Salah and Isak, which reduces the fear factor considerably.

Liverpool: Adjusting Without Stars and Holding the Line

Slot’s recent tactical shift has stabilised Liverpool, particularly through the middle of the pitch. The increased use of central midfielders has brought control, protection for the back line, and a platform for creativity rather than chaos. That structure must now hold without two elite attackers to bail the side out, though perhaps a move to be more adventurous in other ways could be the answer.

Hugo Ekitike will lead the line again, deservedly so. His movement, work rate, and confidence have been among the few genuine positives of the past month. Behind him, Florian Wirtz should operate centrally, where his ability to dictate tempo and find space between lines is becoming increasingly vital. I would be tempted to use just three midfielders behind with perhaps Federico Chiesa thrust alongside Ekitike in a 4-3-1–2 system, however, I suspect that would be too drastic a change.

The onus will be on Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones to provide intensity and vertical running, while Alexis Mac Allister must resist being dragged into Wolves’ physical traps. At the back, continuity matters. Konaté and van Dijk must dominate duels and prevent Wolves from turning the match into a scrap.

This will not be a showcase performance. It does not need to be. It needs to be professional, assertive, and controlled.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-1-2):

GK – Alisson Becker

RB – Conor Bradley

CB – Ibrahima Konaté

CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Milos Kerkez

CM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

CM – Curtis Jones

ACM – Florian Wirtz

CF – Hugo Ekitike

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

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Final Word

Liverpool’s season will not be saved by statement wins. It will be salvaged by consistency, discipline, and an ability to grind through games like this. With rivals dropping points and the festive schedule offering no mercy, three points here are not optional.

No Salah. No Isak. No excuses.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 0 Wolves

 

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