Game Week 5 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Wolves at the Molineux

Wolves will look to give Liverpool a tough time when they both meet at the Molineux on Saturday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Wolves vs. Liverpool

Molineux Stadium

12:30pm

Liverpool seems to be on the ascendancy; the Kops blitzed past Aston Villa before the break, and that has planted them among the favorites to challenge Manchester City again.

Jurgen Klopp’s side fell off badly last season, allowing Arsenal to jump ahead of them in the battle against the champions, but three straight wins in the league have reinforced their argument as one of the firm favorites for the title.

Wolves must do more than basic things to find their groove again. Selling the duo Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore won’t do them a lot of good, especially with no strong replacements. How will the Wolves survive this season?

Gary O’Neil has a lot of work to do, and despite patches of good performances against Manchester United and Everton, with a famous away win crowing the latter, Everton has been horrible this season; you won’t celebrate such.

Liverpool will be without Trent Alexander Arnold, who picked up a muscle injury over the international break, and that could be a huge worry for Klopp, who will also be without Virgil Van Dijk, who continues to serve his match ban.

Joe Hodge is a long-term absentee for the Wolves, but Tommy Doyle is expected back after his knee troubles. The hosts will rely on counterattacks as they expect the visitors to control possession, and it would be great to have spaces behind them to utilize.

Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboslai and Alexis Mac Allister will be the men in the middle of the park, but Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo could also feature. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are expected to be the center-backs on the day.

Liverpool has lots of options up front. Mohammed Salah is a sure starter. Luis Diaz is also looking like Klopp’s favorite on the left, and it’s left for the quartet of Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Harvey Elliot to fit into the remaining two slots.

Liverpool will be the clear favorite to win here, and, with European football up next in midfield, you’ll expect some rotation. Wolves can exploit the space Liverpool leaves behind when they attack, but will they take their chances?

Verdict: Straight win for Liverpool