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Anfield is ready for another Premier League afternoon, and this one comes with plenty to talk about. Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday in a 3pm GMT kick-off that brings together two sides dealing with absences, fitness doubts, and very different pressures at this stage of the season.
For Arne Slot and his Liverpool squad, momentum is building after a hard-fought win away at Tottenham. Wolves, meanwhile, arrive on Merseyside looking to respond after a frustrating home defeat to Brentford. Add injuries, suspensions, and AFCON absences into the mix, and this fixture suddenly feels far more intriguing than it might first appear.
Liverpool’s Injury Picture: Key Decisions for Arne Slot
Liverpool’s team news this week is dominated by question marks rather than outright confirmations. Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo are both being assessed ahead of the Wolves clash, with Slot admitting their chances of featuring are “50-50”.
Bradley was forced off at half-time during last weekend’s win at Tottenham, a match where his energy and positioning were tested constantly. Slot made it clear that the decision on the young full-back will be made late.
“Friday we will see exactly where he is and if he can be in the squad for the weekend,” Slot explained.
Gakpo’s situation is very similar. The Dutch forward has missed Liverpool’s last three games due to a muscle injury, and while he is edging closer to a return, no risks will be taken. Slot confirmed that Gakpo’s availability will be decided alongside Bradley’s. For a Liverpool side already missing several players, even one of these two returning could make a big difference.
Confirmed Absentees: Who Liverpool Will Be Without
While Bradley and Gakpo remain uncertain, there are several names Liverpool fans already know will not be involved. Alexander Isak has begun a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. The striker’s absence removes another attacking option at a time when rotation would be welcome. He joins Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni on the injury list. Each of those players would otherwise offer depth across defence and midfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai is also unavailable, but for a different reason. The midfielder will miss the Wolves game through suspension, leaving Slot with decisions to make in the middle of the park. On top of that, Mohamed Salah remains away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence continues to be felt, not just for his goals, but for the attention he draws from opposition defences.
Good News for Liverpool: Wirtz and Frimpong Boost
There is some welcome positivity on the Liverpool side, starting with Florian Wirtz. The midfielder was withdrawn late on against Tottenham, which raised some concern, but Slot quickly shut down any doubts.
“He will be there for us again on Saturday,” the Liverpool boss confirmed.
That is a major boost. Wirtz has been increasingly influential in recent weeks, linking midfield and attack with composure and intelligence.
Another player pushing for a bigger role is Jeremie Frimpong. The Netherlands international made his return from a two-month absence as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win in north London. Limited to 30 minutes due to his recent layoff, Frimpong looked sharp and eager.
Slot suggested that a start is now a real possibility.
“He was on a maximum of 30 minutes because he has been out for quite long. I think he is able to start this weekend if I make that decision.”
If Frimpong does come into the starting XI, it could add pace and directness on the flank, something Wolves will have to be wary of.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Team News: Captain Sidelined, Reinforcements Return
Wolves arrive at Anfield with their own injury concerns, and one particularly painful blow. Captain Toti Gomes has been ruled out for a significant period due to a hamstring injury.
Head coach Rob Edwards did not hide his disappointment.
“It’s a big blow for him and the team, but it’s an opportunity for other people and that’s just the nature of the game.”
While Gomes’ absence hurts, there are a few positives for Wolves supporters. Hugo Bueno has returned to training and could be involved, depending on how he progresses through the week. Yerson Mosquera is also available again after serving a suspension.
However, Wolves are still without several players. Emmanuel Agbadou and Tawanda Chirewa are unavailable due to their involvement at AFCON, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Daniel Bentley, Leon Chiwome, Rodrigo Gomes, and Marshall Munetsi remain sidelined. Depth will be tested, especially against a Liverpool side that thrives at home.
Rob Edwards on Anfield: Respect Without Fear
Despite the challenges, Rob Edwards sounded genuinely excited about the trip to Anfield. The Wolves boss knows the scale of the task but views it as an opportunity rather than a burden.
“Going to Anfield is always enjoyable,” he said. “It’s a real challenge, it’s one of the most difficult ones, but one of the ones you look forward to.”
Edwards also highlighted the atmosphere, while making it clear that Wolves are not travelling simply to admire it.
“It’s always an incredible atmosphere there, but it’s just another game and another opportunity for us.”
That mindset could be crucial. Wolves have shown before that they can frustrate big teams when disciplined and brave.
Form Guide: How Both Teams Arrive
Liverpool come into this match off the back of an impressive 2-1 away win against Tottenham Hotspur on December 20. Goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike sealed the victory, with Liverpool showing resilience after Spurs tested them early on.
The starting XI that day featured Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Ekitike. Several of those players are expected to feature again, albeit with enforced changes.
Wolves, on the other hand, suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Brentford on the same day. Despite spells of control, they struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Their lineup included Sa, Doherty, Bueno, Krejci, Hoever, Lopez, Andre, Gomes, Moller Wolfe, Strand Larsen, and Hwang. The contrast in recent results adds another layer to this fixture.
Tactical Talking Points: Where the Game Could Be Won
For Liverpool, much will depend on how they manage without Salah and Szoboszlai. Creativity from midfield becomes even more important, placing responsibility on players like Wirtz, Mac Allister, and Jones.
The wide areas could also be decisive. If Frimpong starts, his direct running could stretch Wolves’ defensive shape. Wolves, meanwhile, will likely aim to stay compact and look for transitions, especially if Hwang and Strand Larsen can exploit space behind Liverpool’s back line. Set pieces may also play a role, particularly given Wolves’ defensive absences.
Final Thoughts: A Tricky Test at Anfield
On paper, Liverpool are favourites. Home advantage, recent form, and overall squad quality all point in their direction. But Wolves are the type of opponent who can make life uncomfortable, especially if Liverpool start slowly or struggle to break them down.
With injuries, suspensions, and late fitness calls shaping both squads, this match feels unpredictable in subtle ways. For Liverpool, it’s about maintaining momentum and protecting their strong home record. For Wolves, it’s about resilience, belief, and taking their chances when they come. Anfield will be loud, the stakes will be real, and Saturday afternoon promises another compelling chapter in the Premier League story.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com