Liverpool will look to come back to winning ways when they host Wolves at Anfield in the English Premier League. The Reds had a terrible game in the midweek as they lost to Napoli by a scoreline of 1-4.
Liverpool have drawn three, lost one and won two matches this season. The Reds played a goalless draw in the Merseyside derby last weekend and have now dropped nine points this season. They have scored 15 goals with an average xG rate of 2.53. Their defence has conceded six goals and only kept two clean sheets. This is below Liverpool’s standards, and they will look to change their fortunes in this game.
Wolves registered their first win of the season after beating Southampton by a scoreline of 1-0. They have drawn the other three matches and lost the remaining two. Wolves have only scored three goals this season and have a low xG rate of 1.04. Their defence has conceded four goals.
We now look at some of the stats that could predict the outcome of the match.
Liverpool’s attacking zones
Liverpool will be the more aggressive team. The Reds average 44.33 positional attacks per game and attempt 11 shots from these attacks. Most of the attacks come from the flanks, especially the right side. Jurgen Klopp’s side average 17.67 shots per match and have an accuracy rate of 36.8%. They will look to secure a win in this match.
Wolves’ attacking zones
Wolves have struggled to score goals this season. They have created chances but have failed to be clinical with their finishing. Wolves average 29.33 attacks and 12.67 shots per match. The shot accuracy rate for the visitors is 25%. They will look to be more clinical with their finishing and convert an opportunity or two.
Can Liverpool keep a clean sheet?
After conceding four goals in the UEFA Champions League, a lot of questions have been raised about Liverpool’s defence. A few errors in defence cost them the match. Jurgen Klopp will make some defensive changes to solidify his defence. The Reds have won 59.5% of their defensive duels and 42.3% of their aerial duels. In the last match, they defended their territory well and won defensive duels in crucial areas. Wolves have a poor goal-scoring record, and Liverpool’s defence might find it easy against a side struggling to score goals.
Key players
Luis Diaz has been the key figure in Liverpool’s attack this season. He has given them hope in some of the matches. The Colombian tries to create chances for himself and has three goals to his name this season with an xG rate of 2.96. Diaz also carries an aerial threat and has scored a goal from a header. He will look to continue his rich form and add more goals to his tally.
Max Kilman and Nathan Collins will have a tough day at the back. Liverpool will stay on the front foot. Most of their attacks might come from the left side of the Wolves’ defence. Kilman has been successful in most of his defensive actions and will look to stop Liverpool from converting any chances in the match.
Team news
Thiago returned from injury for the hosts and will take his place in the midfield. Joel Matip is also expected to replace Joe Gomes. Darwin Núñez might get the nod ahead of Roberto Firmino in the attack.
Raúl Jiménez could return to the starting XI for the Wolves. They have no new injury concerns.
This is a must-win game for Liverpool as they look to get back on track in the league campaign. They have dropped a lot of points this season, and their recent performance in Naples raised a lot of questions. Jurgen Klopp is under some pressure and will expect his team to win this match.
Visuals via Wyscout
