Liverpool v Wolves Betting – Premier League Saturday

Saturday, December 26
Anfield
Kick Off 5.30 pm

All through Liverpool’s difficult season, one result Rafa Benitez will have wishes that he could shy away from, would be last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at bottom club Portsmouth. Liverpool have now slipped further back in the Premier League and are down in eighth position following the defeat. Midfielder Javier Mascherano was sent off in the match, not helping the Red’s cause any, and now will have to sit out the next four matches as his team mates try and pick up the pieces. Based on Liverpool’s showing last weekend, Benitez’s assurance that the prestigious club will finish in the top four, looks a long way short of happening.

Macherano’s absence, could signal the real start of a run in the side for summer signing Alberto Aquilani, who has been bothered with injury all season. Star striker Fernando Torres should be fit, but his continuing groin problems looks to still be a bit hit and miss. Nevertheless, Liverpool need him to fire them upwards, as without him, they have very little to offer up front. Torres has publicly stated that it would be a mistake to sack Benitez, but then he shouldn’t worry too much, as most teams in Europe would be happy to prise him away to secure his services. A flailing Liverpool may struggle to keep a hold of him.

Wolves are also look a little light up front, as they have found it difficult to score both home and away, which could mean this will be a tight affair. Wolves however will be in good spirits with the benefit of a healthy squad, and will hope to strike while the Liverpool iron is not so hot at the moment. Wolves desperately need points themselves, and are currently on a run of winning three out of their last four games. They need to keep going, as they look to not to be too far removed from being embroiled in a relegation battle, even this early in the season. They were sitting third from bottom, but a 2-0 victory over Burnley elevated them quite a few places up the table, with things being so tight down in the bottom half of the table. Despite getting hammered by Manchester United, Wolves did manage to beat Tottenham in a big away win for them, and that should give Liverpool some food for thought.

Anfield and the Kop are suffering this year, with very little to cheer about. They really need a boost ahead of their December 29th match against third placed Aston Villa. This festive season could be a make or break time for the tenure of Benitez in the hot seat at Liverpool. The signings he has made have not looked good enough for the quality that Liverpool should be delivering week-in week-out. There is no strength in depth, and even their first eleven looks to be on shaky ground at the moment. They are a world away from sitting atop of the tree this time last year.

BETTING STATS

Last 5 Match Goals
Liverpool – 5 For, 5 Against
Wolves – 6 For, 4 Against

Last 10 Matches
Liverpool W3, D3, L4
Portsmouth W3, D3, L4

Win Percentage
Liverpool have a 55.6 win percentage at home and 17 points in 9 home matches
Wolves have a 22.2 win percentage away and 8 points in 9 away matches

Match Prices:
Liverpool to win: 3/10 at BetFred
Draw: 19/4 at SportingBet
Wolves to win: 12/1 at Victor Chandler

Betting Advice: Neither team are scoring freely, hence the problems at both of the clubs. Wolves have the better form though, and have been battling resolutely to narrow victories. Another one on Saturday would be three of the biggest points they will get this season.
Wolves +1.5 Asian Handicap – 41/40 at Bet365