Liverpool v Wolves: Visitors keen to add to Klopp’s woes
Published:
What a difference a month makes. At the end of December Liverpool had just beaten Manchester City, were on a four-game winning run and had a EFL Cup semi-final to enjoy.
But today, the Reds have won just one of their last seven games, are out of the League Cup and must try to avoid an Emirates FA Cup banana skin against Wolves.
It’s been a dismal month for Jurgen Klopp, with the only victory for his side so far in 2017 coming against League Two Plymouth – and that was after a Replay.
And a 1-0 loss to Southampton in midweek – ending their EFL Cup hopes – was the latest blow.
So can the Anfield outfit bounce back this weekend?
Our odds of 2/7 suggest they can – and will.
But with a huge clash at home to Chelsea looming on Tuesday, what sort of squad will Klopp put out here?
The German made 10 changes when Plymouth made the trip to Merseyside, only to see the Pilgrims force a Replay.
For Wolves fans, the hosts have more than enough troubles to warrant serious consideration over their 9/1 price, while a draw shouldn’t be dismissed at 9/2.
The Midlanders have already won at Premier League opposition, dumping Stoke out of the competition last time out, and have only lost one of their last four games on the road.
So there’s every chance Paul Lambert’s men could cause Liverpool some problems.
But should Klopp decide to go all out this weekend, then the hosts are 4/5 on the Half-Time/Full-Time.
Equally, Liverpool are 8/11 on the -1 handicap, offering far greater value than match betting.
It’s certainly plausible that Klopp may opt to rest Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, so it’s well within reason to fancy Daniel Sturridge to feature from the off, and the England international is 3/1 to net the opener.
But the ropey Liverpool defence will need to watch out for Helder Costa, who has already scored seven and supplied five goals this season.
The tricky winger also bagged the first goal against Stoke, and looks cracking value at 12/1 to score first and 4/1 anytime.
Klopp won’t be sorry to see the back of January, but with Wolves willing and ready to cause a few issues, before a clash with Chelsea next week, things could yet get much worse for the German.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
