Liverpool seeks a path to the UCL through the Wolves pack

Double hunt for the “Wolves” begins for Liverpool tonight. The English champions travel to the West Midlands at 23.15 for the first of two matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the same week. This is a 29th-round Premier League clash, followed by the FA Cup Round of 16 on Friday at the same venue.

It’s certainly an unusual situation, but the schedule has lined up this way, and Arne Slot and his squad must figure out how to win both matches in such a short period. The truth is that Liverpool is in good form, having won three or four games in the league and cup, and over the last seven matches, the Reds have six victories and one defeat, which came against Manchester City.

Liverpool is fighting for a Champions League spot and tonight has the perfect chance to climb to third place and equal Manchester United and Aston Villa on points with a three-goal win. There’s no doubt that this would make the battle for the top UEFA spots even more exciting. However, Liverpool will approach the first of the two Molinue matches without this summer’s signing, German Florian Wirtz.

The former Leverkusen player missed the match against West Ham, and it’s likely he won’t feature in the double-header against the Wolves either, making March 10 in the Champions League Round of 16 against Galatasaray a more realistic return date.

“It’s a back injury. I’d say it’s too early for him to play against the Wolves. There’s a possibility we’ll see him on the pitch next week,” said Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Without him, other players will need to step up.

Cody Gakpo scored his first goal since January 4 against Fulham in the match versus the Hammers, and many feel he hasn’t scored enough this season, leading some to suggest Slot leave him on the bench. However, Slot believes it’s better for Gakpo—and the team—for him to start and regain confidence.

“I was happy because it was the 4:1 goal, which gave us peace of mind, but even happier for him, because he really needed it. I don’t think he lost confidence, but I’ve noticed recently he’s been making different decisions in front of goal compared to what I’m used to from him. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s lacking confidence. When players go through a dry spell, they start thinking about their approach, which isn’t always the best thing,” Slot explained.

Wolverhampton sent a warning early, having beaten Aston Villa 2:0 in the previous round and showing once again they’re a tough opponent, previously taking a point at home against leaders Arsenal (2:2). When they’re underestimated by everyone, they play freely, and some believe the FA Cup match could be more important for them, although manager Rob Edwards denies this.

“We’re playing them twice, so we have to be careful, but we had time to recover and prepare. I have the full squad available. In the Premier League, anyone can trouble anyone, but we must be at our best to challenge teams like that. Liverpool is a champion and a great club; it’s very exciting for us to play them twice in the same week,” Edwards concluded.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 29

Tuesday

22.30: (2.60) Bournemouth (3.80) Brentford (2.65)

22.30: (1.60) Everton (4.00) Burnley (6.50)

22.30: (1.95) Leeds (3.60) Sunderland (4.30)

23.15: (6.25) Wolverhampton (4.20) Liverpool (1.52)

Wednesday

22.30: (5.50) Brighton (3.70) Arsenal (1.67)

22.30: (2.10) Fulham (3.50) West Ham (3.80)

22.30: (1.40) Man.City (4.70) Nott.Forest (8.00)

23.15: (2.60) Newcastle (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.70)

Thursday

23.00: (2.45) Tottenham (3.40) Crystal Palace (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***