Liverpool’s hopes of a Top-4 finish this season are in real jeopardy and they’ll get no favors on Wednesday against a Wolves team in need of every possible point in their relegation battle.
The Reds stumbled again on Saturday in a sloppy 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, falling nine points behind fourth-place Tottenham.
As for Wolves, their chances of Premier League survival have increased since Julen Lopetegui took the reins and there should be no fear factor here after handing Liverpool a humbling 3-0 loss at Molineux in early February.
Find out everything you need to know in our free Liverpool vs. Wolves picks and predictions for this key Wednesday, March 1 matchup.
Liverpool vs Wolves best odds
Liverpool vs Wolves picks and predictions
In the words of Jurgen Klopp: "This will not be the season in the history books that people want to look at again and again and again. There will not be big movies about it, but we have to go through it anyway."
That neatly sums up where Liverpool’s season stands — and their performance on Saturday certainly looked like a team that was just getting through the game. Given that disappointing stalemate and Wolves’ improved recent form, I’m struggling to see the Reds flipping the switch and rediscovering their rampant, free-scoring ways here.
Liverpool’s last three games have all cashed in the Under on 2.5 total goals, and that’s been a winner in Wolves’ past two outings as well. This contest is set up to follow a similar script, with the visitors defending in numbers to frustrate Mohamed Salah and the rest of the Reds’ forwards.
Despite starting February with back-to-back wins and clawing themselves three points clear of the relegation zone heading into this fixture, Wolves remain limited in the final third. They’ve only scored 18 goals in their 24 Premier League games and, aside from Daniel Podence and Ruben Neves (five each), no one else in the squad has scored more than once in the league this season.
That sets the stage for a tight, cagey battle dominated by the two defenses, and I like these odds for Under 2.5 on Wednesday.
My best bet: Under 2.5 (+110 bet365)
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Liverpool vs Wolves side analysis
It may take some time for Liverpool to bounce back from the sting of the 5-2 loss to Real Madrid last week, but the oddsmakers seemingly have no hesitation in installing the Reds as big favorites here. While the hosts have been short of their best for long stretches, it’s also important to note that Wolves have only taken 10 points from their 12 away games this season.
The visitors would surely be thrilled to walk away with a draw and there’s every reason to expect a disciplined defensive game plan, despite signs that the Liverpool back four is vulnerable when put under pressure.
Most difficult of all, it’s hard to know which version of this Liverpool team will show up. They appeared to have turned a corner with consecutive 2-0 victories over Everton and Newcastle, but the European debacle may have sapped the brief feel-good factor.
Against a Wolves team desperately fighting to climb away from danger, the Reds can’t afford to take anything for granted.
Liverpool vs Wolves Over/Under analysis
Unless Liverpool suddenly roll back the clock and find the attacking verve that’s been sorely missing this season, a goal fest feels unlikely here, as I’ve outlined above. The Reds have been sweating on Darwin Nunez’s fitness after a shoulder injury kept him out at the weekend, and Cody Gakpo is still trying to find his feet alongside Salah and Diogo Jota.
Though Wolves blitzed Liverpool from the very start on the way to a big win at Molineux four weeks ago, I expect the visitors to be more cautious on Wednesday, counter-attacking selectively and bringing the same stubborn organization that earned a well-deserved point against Fulham on Friday.
Meanwhile, ruthlessness has eluded Liverpool lately. For all the possession that Klopp’s side have enjoyed in recent league games (64% against Palace, for example), they’ve had a tough time converting it into good scoring chances. In the 3-0 loss to Wolves, the Reds had 58% of the ball but only hit the target with four of their 22 shots.
Liverpool vs Wolves game info
Location: | Anfield, Liverpool, England |
Date: | Wednesday, March 1, 2023 |
Time: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | Peacock |
Liverpool vs Wolves key injuries
Liverpool: Darwin Nunez ST (Probable), Ibrahima Konate CB (Probable), Joe Gomez CB (Out), Thiago Alcantara CM (Out), Luis Diaz FW (Out).
Wolves: Boubacar Traore FW (Questionable), Pedro Neto FWR (Questionable), Matheus Cunha ST (Doubtful), Hwang Hee-chan ST (Out).
Liverpool vs Wolves recent form
Teams | Last five matches |
---|---|
Liverpool | D-L-W-W-D |
Wolves | L-W-W-L-D |
Liverpool vs Wolves weather
The forecast calls for dry, cloudy conditions throughout Wednesday, with temperatures in the low 40s by kickoff.