Liverpool vs Wolves: Reds Look to Press Advantage as Struggling Visitors Chase Belief

Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon knowing this fixture represents both opportunity and responsibility. With momentum slowly building under Arne Slot, the visit of a winless Wolverhampton Wanderers side offers the chance to strengthen Liverpool’s grip on the top-five race — but also a reminder that no Premier League game can be taken for granted.

The context could hardly be more contrasting. Liverpool sit fifth with 29 points, unbeaten in five league matches and winners of three of their last four in all competitions. Wolves, meanwhile, are rooted to the foot of the table with just two points from 17 games, staring down the possibility of an unwanted record: becoming only the second team in English league history to remain winless after 18 matches.

And yet, football has a habit of punishing complacency — something Slot will be keen to guard against.

Liverpool Finding Rhythm at the Right Time

After a turbulent autumn, Liverpool appear to be finding a measure of stability. Consecutive league wins over Brighton and Tottenham, combined with Champions League progress, have eased pressure on Slot and brought renewed belief around Anfield.

Much of that optimism centres on Hugo Ekitike, who has emerged as Liverpool’s most reliable attacking outlet in recent weeks. The Frenchman has scored five goals in his last three league appearances and could become the first Liverpool player outside of Mohamed Salah to score in four consecutive Premier League games since Sadio Mané in 2019.

With Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak sidelined by injury, Ekitike’s importance has only increased. His movement, confidence and finishing have been decisive — and Wolves’ defence, which has conceded freely all season, will face a stern examination.

Liverpool’s record against Wolves also provides encouragement. The Reds have won 16 of their last 17 Premier League meetings, while Wolves have lost their last eight away league games at Anfield, a run stretching back to 2010.

Wolves Searching for Hope Amid Crisis

For Wolves, this trip comes amid a grim stretch that has seen them go 21 Premier League games without a win. Rob Edwards, who has lost all six league games since taking charge, admits the situation is bleak — but insists his focus remains on opportunity rather than records.

There is at least one source of optimism. Edwards confirmed he is considering handing 18-year-old academy forward Mateus Mane his first Premier League start. Mane has impressed in seven substitute appearances and is one of the few players injecting energy into Wolves’ attack.

“He’s looking like he can affect the game,” Edwards said. “But we don’t want to put too much pressure on him.”

Injuries continue to hamper Wolves. Toti Gomes is set for a prolonged absence, while several senior players remain unavailable. Wolves fielded five academy players on the bench in midweek — a stark illustration of their depleted squad.

Despite the doom surrounding their league position, Edwards remains defiant:

“Going to Anfield is always enjoyable. It’s a real challenge. It’s another opportunity for us.”

Key Battles and Themes

• Early Pressure: Liverpool traditionally thrive in the festive period, winning 17 of their last 20 league games between Christmas and New Year, while Wolves have historically struggled against reigning champions away from home.
• Ekitike vs Wolves Defence: Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen is enduring an eight-game goal drought, while Ekitike is one of the league’s most in-form forwards.
• Mentality Test: Wolves’ biggest hurdle may be psychological. Another defeat would deepen a spiral that already mirrors some of the Premier League’s bleakest runs.

What’s at Stake

For Liverpool, this is about professionalism. Wins against teams at the bottom are non-negotiable if the Reds are to secure Champions League football — or even dream of more.

For Wolves, it’s about belief. Breaking their winless run at Anfield would be seismic, but even a competitive showing could offer something to build on as January approaches.

The gulf on paper is enormous. On the pitch, Liverpool will be expected to prove why.

Kick-off: 15:00 GMT, Saturday
Venue: Anfield