Wolves v Liverpool betting preview: Tips, prediction and latest odds for Premier League game
Friday Night Football returns in the Premier League and it could be an entertaining clash under the lights at Molineux.
Recommended bets
1pt Liverpool win to nil at 6/4
For advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Wolves v Liverpool (2000 GMT kick-off, Sky Sports Premier League)
The Premier League leaders have the chance to go four points clear this evening and guarantee they'll be top on Christmas Day.
Eight of the last 11 Christmas Day table-toppers have gone on to win the Premier League and the last four have all become champions - although the last team to fail from that position was Liverpool in 2013/14.
Being Christmas number one wins you nothing, but it would still be music to Kopites' ears, although before they can enjoy their turkey they have to deal with a Wolves side who've won three on the spin after a win over Chelsea seemed to turn things around for them.
Scoring twice in each of those wins was also a sign of their up-turn as goals have been a real problem for them this season and threatened to undermine all their aesthetically pleasing possession football.
It'll be another good test for Jurgen Klopp's unbeaten Liverpool, but backing against the Reds has not proved profitable this season and if Wolves come to play football then that could fall right into their hands.
Betting guide
Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Liverpool (Sky Bet odds: 6/1)
Might seem a strange prediction given what great form Wolves are in and the fact they undoubtedly raise their game against the 'bigger' sides. But this has all the hallmarks of what has now become a trademark Liverpool performance of standing firm at the back and striking through the likes of Salah and Mane.
Best bet: Liverpool win to nil at 6/4
Four times the Reds have won without conceding on the road in the Premier League this season against teams similar to Wolves, who do look dangerous but Liverpool have been strong at the back and they can hold out for another clean sheet.
Goals: Sadio Mane anytime scorer at 13/8
Never much value in scorers during Liverpool games and I'm wavering on going in for Shaqiri (2/1) again after backing him against Man Utd, but of the front three Mane has looked most dangerous throughout the season and although only two of his eight goals have come away from home, he could have bagged double that.
RequestABet: Liverpool win, Mane goal, 10+ corners & 40+ bookings at 11/1
Opta facts
- Wolves have won just one of their eight Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D2 L5), winning 1-0 in December 2010 at Anfield under Mick McCarthy.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in each of their last five away trips against Wolves (W2 D3), keeping a clean sheet in each of the last three.
- Wolves won their last competitive match against Liverpool in January 2017 in the FA Cup fourth round – they haven’t won consecutive games against the Reds since November 1980.
- Wolves have lost their last 11 top-flight games played on a Friday, including both such matches in the Premier League. Their last such win came in April 1965 vs Sunderland – since then P12 W0 D1 L11 F5 A26.
- This will be Wolves’ 10th Premier League game against sides starting the day top of the table (W2 D1 L6). Their most recent win in such a match ended the longest ongoing unbeaten run that season (Man Utd in 2010-11).
- If Liverpool win this game, they are guaranteed to be top of the table on Christmas Day. Each of the last four sides to top the table on Christmas Day have gone on to win the title, though Liverpool themselves were the last side to fail to do so in 2013-14.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in 18 Premier League games – their longest ever run in the competition, and longest run in the top-flight since November 1990 (23 games).
- Wolves are looking to win four consecutive top-flight games for the first time since January 1972.
- Wolves will be the 27th different side Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has faced in the Premier League – he’s beaten all previous 26 sides so far.
- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 10 goals in eight Premier League appearances against newly-promoted teams for the Reds (5 goals, 5 assists). The Egyptian has scored in each of his last five Premier League appearances against newly-promoted teams.
Odds correct at 1129 GMT (20/12/18)
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