Liverpool host Wolves at Anfield because the Reds search a return to profitable methods within the Premier League after their agonising derby draw in opposition to Everton.
Liverpool vs. Wolves
Premier League (25) | AnfieldFebruary 16, 2025 | 2pm (GMT)
Whereas Wolves have proven enchancment of late, the Anfield crowd can be anticipating a Liverpool win to calm the nerves and convey again the feel-good temper that the derby interrupted.
The gamers had a break day on Thursday and have two days to get better from the Everton fallout and put together for an additional large sport within the title race.
1. Arne Slot probably within the dugout
Fortunately, Arne Slot appears to be like set to be within the dugout for this one, regardless of receiving a pink card after the ultimate whistle on Wednesday.
On the time of writing, the FA are nonetheless deliberating over the coach’s suspension. It will probably run into subsequent week and even additional ought to Liverpool enchantment a choice.
Sipke Hulshoff was additionally despatched off and we await information on any potential suspension for the Dutch assistant coach.
Whereas it might quickly be the case, John Heitinga is unlikely to be the person taking cost for this one.
2. Cody Gakpo “is a little bit of a doubt”
Slot revealed in his press convention that he needed to take Cody Gakpo off in opposition to Everton and he might miss the sport in opposition to Wolves.
On Friday, the coach stated: “Cody is a little bit of a doubt as effectively. Let’s wait how he’s at present. I needed to take him off due to an damage. He received a knock, so let’s see how he’s at present.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold will proceed his return to match sharpness in coaching and must be concerned at Anfield, having performed half an hour from the bench at Goodison Park.
Tyler Morton and Joe Gomez are each out with longer-term issues.
3. Curtis Jones is suspended
A tricky interval is about to ensue, with 4 extra Premier League video games within the subsequent 12 days, and Slot might have completed with Curtis Jones being obtainable for this match.
He’s suspended in opposition to Wolves because of the second yellow card he obtained for his half within the post-match fracas in opposition to Everton.
Nevertheless, Slot did recommend he can be concerned in subsequent video games.
“Subsequent Wednesday there’s a sport after which Sunday once more there’s a sport,” the coach stated.
“He comes again from an damage, so he missed already just a few video games; I used to be planning to start out him in opposition to Plymouth, he wasn’t utterly recovered but.”
4. Matheus Cunha is a special degree
Whereas Matheus Cunha might have attracted undesirable headlines for his supposed poor perspective off the sphere, as soon as on the pitch he has been incredible for Wolves.
Even Slot has been praising the No. 10, saying: “He’s the kind of participant that I’m referring to once I at all times say if I evaluate the leagues, the league the place I’ve labored in and this league.
“Wolves are seventeenth, if you happen to go to the Dutch league and also you have a look at the quantity 17, there’s no participant that may play for Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord.
“However Matheus Cunha is a high quality participant and he has the standard to play for one of many high 5 groups in England.”
5. Wolves workforce information
On Sunday, Cunha ought to play in a entrance three with Pablo Sarabia and Goncalo Guedes – a entrance three that has 18 targets between them this season, 12 of them from Cunha.
Ahead Jorgen Stand Larsen would have performed, however he lately picked up a hamstring damage and is anticipated to overlook out.
Supervisor Vitor Pereira should additionally deal with accidents for Hee-Chan Hwang, Leon Chiwone and Sasa Kalajdzic.
Predicted Wolves XI: Sa; Doherty, Gomes, Agbadou, Semedo; Andre, Bellegarde, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Guedes, Cunha
6. Do you know?
Wolves’ 3-0 house win over Liverpool in February 2023 is their solely clear sheet within the final 16 league conferences. It’s also the one time within the final 26 league clashes that they’ve discovered the online greater than as soon as.
Their final victory in entrance of the Kop got here in December 2010, in the course of the ultimate days of Roy Hodgson’s tenure, when Stephen Ward scored solely purpose early within the second half for Mick McCarthy’s males.
They’ve scored 5 occasions of their final 19 league visits to Anfield and no more than as soon as in a sport since September 1972, when Steve Kindon and John Richards had been on the right track in a 4-2 defeat.
7. Diogo Jota’s former membership, however will he play?
Diogo Jota performed 131 occasions for Wolves from 2017-2020, 111 of which got here within the league. Throughout his time there, he scored 44 targets, 33 of which got here within the league.
Since leaving for Liverpool, he has scored as soon as and arrange two targets in seven appearances in opposition to his former membership.
It’s up for debate whether or not he’ll play from the start on Sunday, given he hasn’t began a Premier League match since beating Chelsea 2-1 on October 20.
8. Who’s the referee?
Simon Hooper referees Liverpool for the third time this season as Wolves encounter him for the fourth time.
Adrian Holmes and Simon Lengthy are Hooper’s assistants whereas Sam Barrott acts as fourth official at Anfield.
The video assistant referee can be John Brooks and his assistant, Adam Nunn.
9. Comply with the match with TIA
Liverpool vs. Wolves is dwell on Sky Sports activities Premier League with kickoff at 2pm (GMT).
TIA’s matchday dwell weblog can be up and working from 1.15pm, with Harry McMullen tasked with maintaining you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
