Wolverhampton Wanderers prop up the Premier League after a dismal start and their task doesn't get any easier as title-chasing Liverpool pitch up at Molineux.
Gary O'Neil's men looked set to get their season up and running with a derby win last weekend after Matheus Cunha had brought up a 3/1 scorer bet for me by netting the opener against Aston Villa.
But they conceded three times in the last 17 minutes to continue a worrying slump that started towards the end of the last season after an impressive start to O'Neil's reign.
He needs to get some more points on the board to stop his name from climbing up the list in the odds for next Premier League manager to be sacked but Liverpool present a formidable hurdle.
Apart from a slip at home to Nottingham Forest, Arne Slot has made a flying start as Jurgen Klopp's successor, winning his four other games in the Premier League.
That has left them just a point behind champions Manchester City and if the Reds can keep picking up wins at venues like Molineux then they could mount a serious challenge for the title.
How the bookies view it: Red-hot favourites
With Wolves in such poor form it's no surprise to see them as Betano's rank outsiders at 13/2. Liverpool are hot favourites at 1/3 and even the draw is pretty hefty at 17/4.
Recent head to head: Wolves missing their bite
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent seasons and have lost just one of their last 13 games against Wolves, a 3-0 defeat Molineux two seasons ago.
Both league meetings ended in wins for the Reds last term, with a 3-1 victory at Molineux followed by a 2-0 triumph at Anfield.
Players to watch: Fast and Luiz
Luiz Diaz has been flying in the first few weeks of the season for Liverpool and his double last weekend against Bournemouth took his tally for the season to five. The Colombian winger is 6/4 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Brazilian forward Cunha came up trumps for me at Villa Park and looks like the best bet for a Wolverhampton Wanderers goal here as well. He's 5/2 for anytime scorer at Betano which looks a little overpriced.
Probable line-ups
Slot made a few changes for Liverpool's midweek League Cup tie with West Ham but should revert to his strongest side here. He will be hoping keeper Alisson Becker is fit again after a minor thigh injury.
Defender Yerson Mosquera picked up a serious knee injury in Wolves loss to Aston Villa and has joined their list of long-term injury absentees. Toti Gomes is a doubt but is likely to miss out again.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Johnstone, Ait-Nouri, Bueno, Dawson, Semedo, Lemina, Andre, Joao Gomes, Cunha, Bellegarde, Strand Larsen.
Liverpool: Alisson, van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Diaz, Nunez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Poor defending is the reason why Wolves find themselves propping up the table and they've conceded two or more goals in five of their seven games this season. Chelsea smashed six past them at Molineux so over 2.5 Liverpool goals stands a chance at 11/10 (Bet365), with that bet landing on their last visit.
The positive for O'Neil is that his side's only blank this season came at the Emirates Stadium so combining BTTS with over 2.5 match goals also appeals at 10/11 with Bet365.
Wolves usually carry a threat so I'm surprised to see all their forwards at odds-against for a shot on target. Cunha is a tempting 11/10 to test the keeper while winger Jeanricher Bellegarde looks overpriced at 2/1.
This English Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool will be played on Sep 28, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
