FA Cup 2022-23: Wolves vs Liverpool: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

After an emphatic clash last week, the two teams meet again in the decider at Mollineaux.

Wolves and Liverpool locked horns last weekend at the Anfield, in what was an electrifying game, that ended in a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Nunez and Salah for Liverpool, and Guedes and Hwang for Wolves.

This stalemate at Merseyside, has resulted in the two teams going head to head once again, with the Reds having to visit the Wolves’ den this time.

Wolverhampton Wanderes, have been in a fairly decent form over the past few weeks. The predators have won three and drawn two of the seven games they have played since the conclusion of the World Cup break.

Their recent victory against The Hammers, has made it increasingly evident that an upset might be on the cards, especially with the loud roar of Mollineaux trenching down their nerves.

Liverpool are having a difficult season. The mighty Reds from last season, simmered and shied upon entering the 2022-23 season, and have had both their good and their bad times.

Though many believed, after a spree of decent performances by Klopp’s men, that the bumpy road was bound to end for The Reds, the commencement of the new year, washed away the glimmer of hope in the eyes of Liverpool, and has brought back their poor form.

The Reds are yet to register a win in 2023, and have lost two of their last three games, putting them in a vulnerable position, ahead of their clash against Wolves.

Kick-off: 1:15 am (IST, 17 January), 7:45 pm (GMT, 16 January)

Wolves form (all competitions): D-W-L-W-L

Liverpool form (all competitions): W-L-D-D-L

Players to watch

Wolves

Ruben Neves

Ruben has been an exceptional player for the Wanderers so far this season. Arguably Wolves’ best player at the moment, Neves provides immense solidity and balance to the midfield.

Neves was outstanding in Wolves’ first leg against Liverpool, and helped the defense immensely against a formidable Liverpool attack, and will surely play an important role in Wolves’ game.

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah

Times are tough, the situation is demanding, and the stake are high. Liverpool need a saviour, they need an inspiration, and if someone in the squad is capable of that, its Salah.

The Egyptian certainly needs to come to the rescue of his team, and has to guide his team to an important victory. His contribution against Wolves will be immense and clinical.

Match facts

• Wolves have won two and drawn one of their last four games against Liverpool.
• The first game played between these teams, was back in 1894, when Wolverhampton defeated Liverpool 3-1

Injury and team news

Firmino, Luis Diaz, Arthur, Van Djik, Diogo Jota are all ruled out of this game, due to their respective injuries. Darwin Nunez is also doubtful for the clash, as a result of his unspecified injury last week.

As for The Wanderers, Kalajdzic, Pedro Neto and Chiquinho are all injured and out for this midweek clash. Moutinho is a bit doubtful for the clash, after an injury he picked in Wolves’ last game.

Head-to-head record

Matches: 111

Wolves: 57

Draws: 18

Liverpool: 36

Predicted lineup

Wolves predicted lineup(4-3-3): 

Sa; Bueno, Kilman, Collins, Semedo; Podence , Neves, Nunes ; Traore, Jimenez, Hwang

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): 

Alisson; Robertson, Konate, Matip, Trent; Thiago, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Gakpo, Carvalho

Prediction

The start to the game will be a bit cagey, and both teams will hesitate and sort of avoid the free flow of game, but as the game progresses, the teams will start to open up and we can expect a goal from each team as we enter into the final quarter of the game, when Wolves will score a winner and head on to advance to the next round.

 Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Liverpool