Liverpool F.C vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Pre-Game

Saturday 24^th September

Liverpool F.C vs Wolves (15:00 Local time)


 
Team Selector: Who to play?

With Craig Bellamy showing the spark and pace Liverpool desperately needed up front against Brighton in the mid-week Carling Cup clash. Where does that lead the tall centre-man of Andy Carroll? The player lauded for his record British transfer of 35 Million Pounds in January has failed to acquire a first team place that many expected him to fulfil. Capello, Dalglish and others have spoken about his age and his lifestyle away from the game. Could it be distracting him? Dalglish has a hard decision upon him for the forward line, with the reliable Dirk Kuyt always in fine form for each game. Kuyt's goal midweek and impressive performance may give him the nod, even with Bellamy in the picture. Against Wolves, you want pace. You want to stretch their strong defense, but you need strength as well.

With Gerrard returning to the Liverpool team after 6 months, his first start may have to wait even beyond the Merseyside Derby the week after. Kenny might stick to his normal midfield 4 even with Jay Spearing impressing during the week against Brighton. Downing is imperative to start on either flank, his role becoming more and more important as the season continues. He is a player of pace, something Liverpool have finally acquired as the past pace of Kewell for a long time was never replaced fully. Henderson starting on the right side of midfield showed weaknesses against Tottenham, and that right wing seems a bit empty at times with no natural wide players. Lucas should retain his usual holding midfield role, with Charlie Adam returning from a one match suspension to play just in front.

Liverpool's crisis in defense seemed to return slightly on Sunday. Agger again injured with a crack ribbed, and could be out for a month. Skrtel's recklessness in the right-back position causing another sending off. Coates full debut against Brighton was impressive, with the tall Uruguayan showing signs of his performances with Suarez over the summer international success. However, I think Kenny will keep it safe and use those players who have experience. Carragher will continue is now extending reign of Captain, with Skrtel most likely paired with him in the centre. Kelly's return from a small injury could see him start against Wolves, with Flanagan also in the picture depending on Kenny's choice. Enrique, the pace of the left wing, should continue his form by starting at left-back. He and Downing's workhorse and partnership will be important for this season, as the main Liverpool attacking threat will come from that left wing.


 
Wolves: a recent glimpse

Hammill? You bet. Adam Hammill grabbed a goal with their 5-0 triumph over Millwall FC in the Carling Cup midweek. Using a young squad, they dominated and showed pace on the wings. An impressive display following a slight depression from their exciting start of the season. They too lost to Tottenham, as they failed to deal with their pace and creativity in the midfield. But nothing can take away their start to the Premier League campaign. As they beat both Fulham and Blackburn with frightening ease and power.

Even with a recent decline in their form, the Millwall victory was a good reply. Similar to how Liverpool's success at Brighton was over the misery of Sunday. Wolves will look to pressure Liverpool, start early and quickly as how Tottenham did and try to hit our relatively slow defense hard early on. Wolves will want to avenge the defeat from new promotions QPR from the weekend, and prove that the premier league is their place to stay. And what better time to do it, then against Liverpool.

The main dangermen for Wolves can be seen as the usual Kevin Doyle, Matt Jarvis but also maybe fan favourite Stephen Hunt.

 
Wolves Recent Form (PL): W W D L L

Liverpool Recent Form (PL): D W W L L


 
Very similar in results coming into this game. Will be interesting to see the outcome of it.


 
Predictions

Personal: Liverpool 2-0 Wolves