Liverpool will this evening travel to Molineux Stadium for face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 23rd League fixture just in a wake of back to back victories against the two Manchester teams in both the Carling Cup semi-finals and FA cup 4th round.
Liverpool must try and replicate that form on a more consistent level in the Premier League if they are to try and make their target of a top-four finish a more realistic one. A run of just one win in six league games has increased that challenge for the months ahead. This match is just as crucial to Wolves in their battle for survival. Eight Premier League games without a win has left them looking over their shoulder and they will have been using their empty weekend to analyse defensive matters. Its 19 games since they kept a clean sheet and the fact that they have conceded two or more goals in each of their last four matches at home will be an obvious concern to the manager whiles it will be a good run for the visiting team.
Liverpool has been really impressive on the road having won 5 as against 4 at home this season and with Wolves having lost two consecutive midlands derbies in front of their own fans, making it three straight home defeats, the fans could turn on the manager if Liverpool take the upper hand early on. A win for Liverpool this evening will put them back on track for the top 4 finish that means no room for complacency after 2 important wins in a wake of 3 day. The boost of their cup successes should see Liverpool back on form against Wolves. With the home side’s injuries, the visitors will have few excuses for not controlling proceedings in midfield. Having Spearing in the team will give them a stronger base from which to construct attacks and will also free Gerrard to spend more time attacking and less time covering in the midfield. Even without young Jay this is a game Liverpool should win and one they need to win after three winless league games. Getting in to the Champions League is still very much on the cards but only if they start winning games like this. Kenny Dalglish will be fully aware of this and he’ll send his player out to attack from the start. If they can score early and turn the home crowd against their own team, there is the possibility that this could turn in to the rout which the reds have often threatened but failed to deliver this season.
TEAM NEWS
Steven Gerrard is one who could be held to have found the demands placed on his boody worthy of a rest so soon after making a comeback from injury.
Jay Spearing could come in if fit. However the midfielder is still rated as a doubt and Kenny has other options should his skipper be offered a break.
Luis Suarez serves the final game of his eight match ban handed him by the FA.
Craig Ballamy could be considered for a start having sat on the bench for most of the match against United.
Dirk Kuyt and Charlie Adam also deployed as replacements at the weekend could be considered and might return to the starting lineup.
Disciplinary reasons deprive McCarthy of karl Henry whiles Frimpong is able to participate despite suffering a facial injury against Aston Villa ten days ago but could make a surprise comeback.
Jamie O’Hara and Jody Craddock have hit the comeback trail after recent injuries though this game has come too early in the recuperation, manager could make good use of them for the game.
McCarthy revealed that Liverpool had attempted to delay the game by 24 hours; though not as a result of their schedule over the past week. The Wolves boss suggested that potential transfer activity was the reason given.
Head-to-head
· Wolves have not beaten Liverpool in their last four home meetings (D3, L1). Wolves' last home victory over Liverpool was back in 1981.
· Liverpool's 3-0 win at Wolves in this fixture last season was Kenny Dalglish's first triumph since his return as their manager.
· The Reds beat Wolves earlier this season but haven't done the double over them since Dalglish was a player. They last achieved it in the 1978/79 season, when Alan Hansen's goal at Molineux secured a 1-0 victory after Liverpool had won 2-0 at Anfield.
Wolves
· Wolves have lost three of their last four home matches in the league (D1, L3).
· They have not won any of their last eight league games. They had a similar run of eight without a victory earlier in the season but ended that with a win at home to Wigan.
· Mick McCarthy's men have picked up 10 points from losing positions this term - the equal-most with Aston Villa.
· Wolves are in the relegation zone but have scored the same number of league goals (25) as seventh-placed Liverpool.
Liverpool
· Liverpool have lost their last two away league matches and have failed to win any of their last three in the league - their longest run without a victory so far this season. They have won just one of their last six matches.
· The Reds have won more league matches away from home than at Anfield this season - although have earned fewer points on their travels.
· Only leaders Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Liverpool in this season's Premier League.
· Craig Bellamy has scored four of Liverpool's last seven league goals and both of the Reds' most recent league wins have included goals from the Welshman.
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Kick-off is at 7:45pm
(Credit: www.bbc.com, thisisanfield)
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