Heading into the holiday season, Liverpool are in an unfamiliar spot. The Reds are atop the Premier League standings, and they are looking to stay at the head of the pack. As has been mentioned dozens of times, Liverpool have yet to win a Premier League title despite all their previous domestic success, and the club is eager to end that drought. They will face another tough test when they take on the Wolverhampton Wanderers this Friday though.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Wolverhampton Wanderers +519
Liverpool -191
Draw +316
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
Wolverhampton have finally been playing like the team many expected to see this year. Although they just won promotion back into England’s top flight this year, they were extremely talented on their way to a Championship title last season, and they got even stronger during the summer transfer window. Wolves have won three games in a row, and that has helped them rise to seventh in the table, just one point back of Manchester United for a potential Europa League spot. They have defeated Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Bournemouth in this stretch, scoring two goals on each club.
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are surging right now. The Reds have won each of their last five matches in all competitions, and their win over Napoli last week earned them a place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. They have looked great in Premier League action too, scoring at least three goals in their last three domestic tilts. This past weekend, Liverpool absolutely shredded Manchester United’s back line, racking up 36 shots and 11 shots on goal against the Red Devils in a 3-1 win.
Key Injuries
Unfortunately for Wolves, it seems unlikely that one of their best players will be able to take the pitch on Friday. Midfielder Diogo Jota was injured in last week’s match against Bournemouth, and he had to be subbed off at halftime. Jota suffered a hamstring injury, and while there is no official word out as of yet, he is considered very doubtful to play against Liverpool.
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are expected to each miss another month for Liverpool. Matip is dealing with a shoulder injury, while Gomez hurt his ankle, and both players are joining Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as long-term injuries. James Milner and Dominic Solanke are considered questionable to play, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is doubtful.
Player to Watch
Raul Jimenez has been very good for Wolves this season. Jimenez came over on loan from Benfica, and his play has Wolverhampton looking to acquire his services on a permanent basis. He leads the team with five goals and four assists, and he has looked incredible in spite of England’s rough and tumble ways. He has formed a bond with Ivan Cavaleiro, and that has helped Wolves emerge.
Prop Bet of the Game – Wolverhampton to win either half +213
This is a good Wolves team that Liverpool must respect and not overlook. The Wanderers have shown what they can do on the attack in recent weeks, and we all know how good goalkeeper Rui Patricio can be. It might not lead to an outright win given Liverpool’s strength, but Wolves have a good chance here.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Liverpool know the stakes here. A loss or draw likely means falling behind Manchester City once more, as the Citizens take on Crystal Palace this weekend. Wolves have plenty of talent although losing Jota hurts, and they will make the Reds fight for everything In the end, I see this game being settled as a 1-1 draw and the Reds falling a point behind City.
English Premier League Odds: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Liverpool 1
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