The Liverpool Offside - Premier League Coverage: Wolves vs. LiverpoolZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2018-12-22T04:05:02+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/179154582018-12-22T04:05:02+00:002018-12-22T04:05:02+00:00Klopp Provides Positive Update On Keita Injury
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/USvYRsrxtz21gbh55TPxdPQI1ps=/709x493:3796x2551/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62726463/1074551482.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Liverpool no. 8 had to be subbed off with what had first appeared to have been a serious ailment</p> <p id="ha8DJW">The negative for <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> fans about watching the Reds’ professional routine 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers was seeing £52.75m signing Naby Keita limp off injured early in the second half.</p>
<p id="l9dNxh">The Guinean had had a difficult evening at the Molineux to that point, absorbing several heavy challenges before going eventually needing to be subbed off around the hour mark. </p>
<p id="KYw1jm">With the crush of holiday fixtures starting to pick up and the Reds already nursing a few injuries in the squad, supporters will be glad to hear that the diminutive midfielder’s ailment doesn’t appear to be too serious.</p>
<p id="CZw4m2">Jürgen Klopp reassured reporters after the game, while also criticizing the rough treatment his most recent signing suffered on the night</p>
<p id="fng9uv">“Did you see it back the first two situations? Was it a penalty or not?” he asked.</p>
<p id="XnGfIL">“Because he had a proper cut on the foot and everyone said ‘diver!’, but you don’t get a cut from a dive I would say.</p>
<p id="2MLQx3">“Then he had another one on his ribs, so that’s obviously [why] it didn’t work out,” the German manager continued.</p>
<p id="LHaXXZ">“But it should be good. Two things which are a bit painful but I don’t think will be a problem for him.”</p>
<p id="N6hMTf">Klopp and his squad will get a five-day break to recuperate before taking their now-18 match unbeaten run into their Boxing Day matchup with Rafa Benitez’s <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a>.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/22/18152534/jurgen-klopp-provides-positive-update-on-naby-keita-injuryO.T. Obaisi2018-12-21T23:44:14+00:002018-12-21T23:44:14+00:00Wolverhampton 0, Liverpool 2: Doing It on a Cold Wet Night at the Molineux
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jSBZYw7cXS_NW9FvjsqFWtKYqyc=/0x0:4407x2938/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62725773/1074551984.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>I am a fan of hugs. I also ship these #brates. | Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool turn in a professional and composed performance to stay unbeaten and atop the Premier League. Merry Christmas indeed. </p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="APEQhE">
<h1 id="9OJiJV">Wolverhampton 0 - 2 Liverpool</h1>
<h5 id="A0X5ZL"><em>Salah 18’, Virgil Van Dijk 68’</em></h5>
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<p id="zze8rP">If we’ve learned nothing about this year’s <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> FC squad it really ought to be that they can generally be counted upon to provide a professional performance. Where this year’s team might be missing the rampaging, score all the goals look of last year’s team, it also seems to have the composed look of a squad confident in itself. One might call it a title winning mindset. And on this particular night, we learned that this set of Reds can, in fact, do it on a cold, wet night at the Molineux.</p>
<p id="lj8Cxm">The lineups released included only one slight surprise: <span>James Milner</span> playing at right back. With Trent Alexander-Arnold injured and <span>Nathaniel Clyne</span> having gone the full 90 against United on the weekend, it makes some sense that Jurgen Klopp might feel the need to rotate, undoubtedly with an eye to the trio of fixtures upcoming: <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a>, <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>, and rivals in the title chase, <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> all come calling in a span of eight days. The only other change to the side that dispatched Mourinho’s side - and <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46603018">Mourinho</a> - on the weekend is <span>Jordan Henderson</span> returning to action in place of <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span>.</p>
<p id="C0YAqZ">On the other side of the ball, Reds fans found a familiar face in Wolves defender and captain (!), Conor Coady. The young defender has done well for himself since his move, helping to serving as part of the core that earned promotion. Another familiar face and potential danger man is one of our own <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/authors/audun-manum">TLO writer’s</a> faves: Ruben Neves.</p>
<p id="qUIcu1">The match kicked off as expected with Wolves looking to play the ball. And, based on the early action, it looked like they would certainly test Liverpool’s defensive mettle and discipline as a poor giveaway by Fabinho led to the first shot in the contest. Wide of the mark, it still signaled Wolves intent. A mere 5 minutes from that first shot, Adama Traore looked once more to pounce after strike partner Raul Jimenez released him on a nice layoff. But Virgil Van Dijk, in what will become a rather familiar refrain for the night, never looked out of place and helped to force Traore into shooting from an angle that made the save from Alisson pretty straightforward.</p>
<p id="Y88iln">Most of the half played out in this way with Liverpool looking to dictate tempo and Wolves seeking to take advantage of the space created by their forays forward. Liverpool looked comfortable if not exactly threatening and Wolves looked unsettled if not quite ruffled by what Liverpool were offering. </p>
<p id="T9TdWw">In the 18th minute, though, Liverpool’s quality in helped to create a goal seemingly out of nothing. Coming from a deadfall situation on a foul drawn outside of the penalty area, a lofted ball that was only partially cleared fell to Fabinho. The lanky midfielder then did well to turn his defender and play a wonderful give and go with <span>Sadio Mane</span> before sending a low cross through the box. There, <span>Mohamed Salah</span>, the one who took the dead spot kick to begin with, put a sumptuous flick on the ball and Liverpool were ahead. </p>
<p id="RGo4pK">The goal itself seemed to help ease Liverpool into control and the first few minutes after the opener showed this. However, it wasn’t long until Wolves started to ratchet the pressure up on the Reds. The most dangerous players at the time seemed to be combination of Matt Doherty and Adama Traore. The two combined in the 38th minute to create a shot that called Alisson once more into service. And nearly two minutes later, Alisson would almost gift Wolves with a goal as he nearly misplayed the ball with an opposing player closing him down. </p>
<p id="DzLHVQ">Still, Liverpool closed out the half with the lead and returned after the break with no changes in personnel. The changes to approach, though, were pretty evident as almost from the off it appeared that the space the likes of Doherty found in the early frame was suddenly cut out.</p>
<p id="UTZL9s">Out of that, Liverpool just continued to ratchet up the pressure. First, a chance in the 56th minute with Salah forcing Patricio into a block that nearly turned into an own goal as the parry came off one of Patricio’s teammates, but the lazily bouncing ball was cleared just shy of the line by Wolves defenders. Another shot would come a mere 10 minutes later, this time Mané forcing the Wolves keeper into action after a terrific one-two between Firmino and Salah. </p>
<p id="l7nfF1">It would be only one more minute before the goal that seemed inevitable at that point happened. Virgil Van Dijk had already come close early in the first half as he expertly brought down a cross before smashing a shot into a crowd of Wolves defenders. This time, Salah floats in a dangerous ball over the top with the <a href="https://www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/making-man-city-target-virgil-van-dijk-quick-strong-confident-handy-striker/">former striker</a> turned world’s best defender issuing a composed finish past Rui Patricio. And just like that, Liverpool looked a safe bet to walk away with all of the points as Wolves’ attack in the second half bore little resemblance to the mild threat they carried in the first.</p>
<p id="poZqBY">If there is one small blemish on the day its that, sandwiched between the two goals, Naby Keita came off injured, being replaced by Adam Lallana. We don’t currently have details on the nature of the injury, but the following tweet fro Goal’s Neil Jones is promising:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Klopp says Keita has "two cuts" but that he doesn't think it'll be a huge problem. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a></p>— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) <a href="https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1076244067057614848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a>
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<p id="5akcs0">All told, it was a rather professional and complete performance from the lads with no real low marks to hand out. Despite their forays forward and the chances created, Wolves never looked to build on their sparse moments of ascendency, while Liverpool looked to be very composed and disciplined. It was the type of performance we’ve come to expect from this Liverpool squad in a way we have not in recent memory. </p>
<p id="8CvMcC">It is the mark of a champion and, at least as far as Christmas goes, Liverpool get to say they sit atop the field. Untouched and unmatched. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/21/18152240/wolverhampton-0-liverpool-2-premier-league-top-of-the-table-virgil-van-dijk-mohamed-salah-kloppAJ Joven2018-12-21T22:13:52+00:002018-12-21T22:13:52+00:00Wolverhampton 0, Liverpool 2: Man of the Match
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qFiNjgv-bCqAVv6vgPNViPWnLrU=/0x0:4044x2696/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62725475/1074553796.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With a pretty forthright affair in the books, we want you to rate Liverpool’s players and choose your man of the match.</p> <p id="Aq4HYs">And just like that, <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> kick-off the proper run of festive fixtures with a straightforward 2-nil victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. As expected, the West Midlands squad played a relatively open style and had a chance or two that could have rewarded their efforts. All told, though, the quality of Liverpool’s squad was just too much. On the strength of goals from <span>Mohamed Salah</span> and Virgil Van Dijk - the latter being the Dutchman’s first Premier League goal for the Reds - Liverpool ensure that they will spend Christmas atop the Premier League and, of course, unbeaten. </p>
<p id="7z7qG1">Now let us know how you saw it. Hitting the up arrow is a vote to move the player up the list—or to help keep them on top. Hitting down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It’s half man of the match poll and half power ranking, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you’d maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p id="e0iGKV">At the end of the month we’ll go through the results of that month’s polls and vote The Liverpool Offside’s player of the month and, come next May, those monthly results will help to determine your TLO player of the season for 2018-19. Anyone visiting on Google AMP who wish to vote will have to navigate to the front page and re-enter the story to access a non-AMP version of it.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/21/18151979/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc-liverpool-fc-epl-2018-motm-vote-best-worst-performancesAJ Joven2018-12-21T21:54:55+00:002018-12-21T21:54:55+00:00Wolverhampton 0, Liverpool 2: First Thoughts
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LABI3u8ADBOMOeBU3_FfN48jMXY=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62725373/1074543192.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A rainy return to the Molineux but Liverpool take top of the league comfortably. </p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="vNOEIU">
<h1 id="7V247u">
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/wolverhampton">Wolverhampton</a> 0 - 2 <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>
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<h5 id="lq8LAK">
<br>Liverpool: Salah 18’, Van Dijk 68’</h5>
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<li id="mT5kpG">
<strong>Pre-Match: It’s </strong><span><strong>Jordan Henderson</strong></span><strong>’s 300th game!! </strong>And the only Liverpool player remaining who last played Wolves in the Premier League in 2012 when we beat them 3-0 so hopefully that’s a good sign. I’m just feeling overly cautious OKAY. </li>
<li id="Ug4bCA">Trent sitting in the away end is WAY cooler than Robert Plant being there, let’s be real. </li>
<li id="RwvfWy">We’re off!! It’s LASHING it down at the Molineux stadium right now, so expect lots of slips and slides and probably dodgy tackles. </li>
<li id="kehpM7">Wolves are giving us a LOT of space so far and Liverpool win a corner when a shot from <span>Roberto Firmino</span> goes skyward. Of course the corner turns into nothing, but good effort! </li>
<li id="9zXBZv">
<strong>GOAL! </strong><span><strong>Mohamed Salah</strong></span><strong>, of course, is the first one to put the Reds in front, taking advantage of a huge hole in the Wolves defense. </strong>
</li>
<li id="bSnhpQ">Oh good, a whole lot of nothing for twenty minutes. Loads and loads of space, and an offside miss but nothing really of note since then. </li>
<li id="q36Ims">Slipping and sliding EVERYWHERE. </li>
<li id="dsizQx">Annnd every time they say Moutinho... I hear it and my heart hurts. </li>
<li id="v0uaKh">Wolves are doing well to pick up on our sloppy second balls to build up some confidence and that’s not going to be great. </li>
<li id="NhoxSC">
<strong>Halftime: We’re skidding along the surface of the puddles from the rain, honestly. </strong>Wolves are going to try to hit us hard in the next half and we need to be ready, but this rain isn’t helping. </li>
<li id="KkwMs6">We’re back!! No changes made at the half but can’t imagine who would come on at this point to make a difference. </li>
<li id="ZhaaE8">ALMOST! Salah gets control of the ball swung out from a corner by <span>James Milner</span> but sends it just barely over the crossbar. </li>
<li id="RJEU61">“Here come the big biceps” is now my favorite part of this game, thanks NBCSN. </li>
<li id="ZLZZH5">All these shots from distance would be great if we could actually aim them into the back of the net and not just HIT IT AS HARD AS WE CAN. </li>
<li id="yibOYW">Oh good, yes, Naby Keita goes down and <span>Adam Lallana</span> comes on to take his place in what looks hopefully like a precaution. Cool cool cool. </li>
<li id="nohuWr">SO CLOSE! Lallana is very nearly the one to make it two for the Reds after a gorgeous pass and move from Salah, <span>Sadio Mane</span>, and started by Firmino. </li>
<li id="ndzNgk"><strong>THERE IT IS! Virgil Van Dijk!!!! What a finish by the defender after an assist from Salah! His first Premier League goal! </strong></li>
<li id="EuMhBL">Liverpool are doing an amazing job of making space and forcing Wolves to stretch their shape and then exploiting that space. </li>
<li id="HxXDTI">Liverpool making a change now, bringing on <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span> for Bobby, who is slightly hobbling off. Super great. I hate the Christmas season. </li>
<li id="tHBdfp">Here to say that gorgeous ball from Hendo into the penalty area shouldn’t go unnoticed, even if Patricio picked it up. </li>
<li id="EP0Y05">We can just hold on for now, right? One more would be nice, you know, for the goal differential. </li>
<li id="C649hH">TEN MINUTES LEFT AND IT’S CLYNE TIME! <span>Nathaniel Clyne</span> comes on for Sadio Mane, forcing James Milner forward. </li>
<li id="rvBLZV"><strong>Final Whistle: LIVERPOOL TOP OF THE LEAGUE! </strong></li>
</ul>
<p id="RlAvZ2">We’ll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today’s game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven’t already, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"><strong>join the community on the Liverpool Offside</strong></a>, where we’ll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/21/18151940/wolverhampton-0-liverpool-2-match-recap-report-epl-2018Jordan J. Keeble2018-12-21T16:56:23+00:002018-12-21T16:56:23+00:00Wolverhampton vs. Liverpool Live Updates: Lineups, TV Listings, Match Highlights, and How to Watch Online
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<img alt="Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mDCZORwP3ikb07N_n0h0-rjrDz8=/94x0:4477x2922/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62720910/632896734.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Lineups, television and streaming options, and live Premier League coverage as Liverpool face off against Wolves.</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qamg0h">
<h2 id="cUo0lX"><strong>WOLVERHAMPTON VS LIVERPOOL</strong></h2>
<h5 id="4RRZRM">
<strong>| Friday, December 21st |</strong><br><strong>Premier League | Molineux Stadium</strong><br><strong>8:00PM GMT/3:00PM EST</strong>
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<p id="rcuDfG">Make no mistake, Wolves are not going to be an easy opponent for our Reds on Friday. While <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> have been able to get through this first half of the season unscathed, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/wolverhampton">Wolverhampton</a> have been continually impressive this season, sitting seventh currently on the table and not without their own well earned fight. Ruben Neves has been bossing their midfield as much as anyone can when playing for Wolverhampton and former Red Conor Coady has been a featured part of their defensive three. Any slip in concentration and this match could very well mean the end of Liverpool’s unbeaten streak in the league. </p>
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<h2 id="jFljGA"><strong>PREVIEW & VIEWING OPTIONS</strong></h2>
<p id="nDxmjT"><strong>Full Preview: </strong><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/20/18149777/wolverhampton-vs-liverpool-preview-epl-2018-team-news-predicted-lineups-how-to-watch">Wolverhampton vs Liverpool</a></p>
<p id="xyEGbP"><strong>Television:</strong> Sky Sports Premier League (UK); NBCSN (USA); Optus Sport (Australia); TSN4 (Canada); Star Sports Select 1 (India); Astro SuperSport 3 (Malaysia); SuperSport 3 (Nigeria); 102 mio Stadium (Singapore); SuperSport 3 (South Africa); other listings at <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/3018862/wolverhampton-wanderers-vs-liverpool/"><strong>LiveSoccerTV</strong></a></p>
<p id="LQtJHs"><strong>Online Streaming:</strong> SKY GO Extra (UK); NBC Sports Live Extra (USA) | <strong>Online Radio:</strong> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fvideo&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2018%2F12%2F21%2F18151249%2Fwolverhampton-liverpool-epl-2018-goal-highlights-teamsheets-tv-channels-online-streaming" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>LFCTV GO</strong></a> and <a href="http://talksport.com/matchday-live"><strong>TalkSport Radio World</strong></a> (International)</p>
<h2 id="kL0c86"><strong>WOLVERHAMPTON</strong></h2>
<p id="VR84RL"><em>Starting XI: </em>Patricio, Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Neves, Saiss, Otto; Raul, Moutinho, Adama.</p>
<p id="Uetjfz"><em>Bench:</em> Ruddy, Cavaliero, Costa, Gibbs-White, Vinagre, Dendoncker, Bonatini.</p>
<h2 id="1LgXle"><strong>LIVERPOOL</strong></h2>
<p id="UG8WO7"><em>Starting XI: </em>Alisson, Milner, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Këita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.</p>
<p id="3Qh6U0"><em>Bench:</em> Mignolet, Clyne, Wijnaldum, Sturridge, Lallana, Shaqiri, Origi.</p>
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<h2 id="W1lgM4"><strong>FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHTS</strong></h2>
<div id="YGxdNK"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//www.clippituser.tv/c/embed_iframe/mqdkpz" style="height:315px; width:100%; max-width:560px;" webkitallowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p id="VHSa4Y"><strong>Salah 18’ - After winning a free kick outside the box, who else but to make some magic in the rain but Salah! </strong></p>
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<h2 id="GM1Hxj"><strong>SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHTS</strong></h2>
<div id="l7mYu7"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//www.clippituser.tv/c/embed_iframe/zkxmyl" style="height:315px; width:100%; max-width:560px;" webkitallowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p id="vutyuE"><strong>Van Dijk 68’ - Big Virgil scores his very first of his PL Reds career, with Salah returning the favor of the assist! </strong></p>
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<h2 id="M4jcFJ"><strong>JOIN THE CONVERSATION</strong></h2>
<p id="KXm8R9">If you haven’t already, sign up for an SB Nation account and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"><strong>join the conversation on The Liverpool Offside,</strong></a> where we’ll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, opinion, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/21/18151249/wolverhampton-liverpool-epl-2018-goal-highlights-teamsheets-tv-channels-online-streamingJordan J. Keeble2018-12-21T09:00:05+00:002018-12-21T09:00:05+00:00Wolves Captain Will Always Be A Liverpool Fan—Just Not Today
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Villarreal - Pre-Season Friendly" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k_BD_OJu81O_877Wg3zYnvz5yz8=/81x0:2772x1794/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62720282/1010928870.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Conor Coady fondly recalled his Liverpool academy roots as he prepares to take on his boyhood club</p> <p id="znoOyq">Reds fans will feel a touch of bittersweet pride to go along with their apprehension when their side takes on the dangerous Wolverhampton Wanderers later today. The latter emotion at the prospect of facing a team that has relished the role of giant killers this season, while the former welling up at the sight of <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> academy graduate, Conor Coady captaining his side to a shocking 7<sup>th</sup>-place position nearly halfway through the season.</p>
<p id="uhPxtp">Unbeaten against the big six clubs, bar a 3-2 loss to Tottenham, the newly-promoted upstarts have relied on an ability to snatch opportunistic goals up front and remain solid at the back, in no small part due to Coady’s leadership at the heart of defense.</p>
<p id="R1z71B">Wolves manager, Nuno Espirito Santo has leaned on the his skipper’s Liverpool pedigree in their ascent from the Championship, something Coady knows he will need against his boyhood club:</p>
<p id="Zb03gi">“It’s going to be a tough game,” the Merseyside-born defender admitted. “We don’t go into games with fear. We think we can win every game, no matter who we’re up against.”</p>
<p id="4zBWUx">“[Liverpool have] got a good chance to win the league and they’ve started the season really well, but we want to try to stop that from a Wolves point of view, it’s as simple as that.”</p>
<p id="xeKT7x">Despite never quite making the grade at Liverpool, Coady has found a home at the Molineux after leaving the club in 2014. And although the 25-year-old’s remains a diehard fan, he is adamant that that sentiment won’t get in the way Friday evening when he attempts to scuttle the Reds title challenge:</p>
<p id="MQdYE5">“I grew up supporting Liverpool and I still follow their results to see how they’re getting on. But I want to beat them more than ever with Wolves.”</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/21/18151043/conor-coady-wolverhampton-wolves-captain-will-always-be-liverpool-fan-just-not-today-manchester-cityO.T. Obaisi2018-12-20T16:30:07+00:002018-12-20T16:30:07+00:00Preview: Wolves vs. Liverpool
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<img alt="Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Fk0BNwGverpoL-v-4z5jzL19qbk=/0x0:5079x3386/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62714662/632900694.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Reds look to fortify their position at the top of the Premier League.</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qm9v04">
<h2 id="BqgYiQ">Wolverhampton vs Liverpool</h2>
<h5 id="gH6SAI">| Friday, December 21st |<br>Premier League | Molineux Stadium<br>8PM BST / 3PM EST</h5>
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<p id="5ehl08">For 17 hours at least, the Reds have a chance to increase the gap down to second-placed <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> to four points. Roy Hodgsons’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace</a> will surely roll over for Pep Guardiola’s charges on Saturday afternoon, but some breathing room in what has been a claustrophobic top two would go a long way for the Merseysiders and their fans.</p>
<p id="QEUjGd">To create that gap, though, Jürgen Klopp’s men will have to overcome Wolverhampton at the Molineux. The Jorge Mendes-sponsored outfit sit seventh in the Premier League, 20 points back of Friday’s opponents, having scored and conceded 19 goals. Former porto coach Nuno Espírito Santo has the Wolves playing a dynamic 3-4-3 formation, relying on the back three — starring former Red Conor Coady — and midfield two — featuring once and forever <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> target Ruben Neves — to shore up the defensive end of things, the front three to do the scoring, while the endlessly industrious wingbacks to contribute significantly at both ends.</p>
<p id="7xl2W6">For such a dicey set-up, the Midlands side have done well for themselves on both ends of the pitch, and had they possessed more individual quality around their superb central midfield, would probably be sat comfortably ahead of <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> in the table. The Wanderers are not to be taken lightly, is the point, and focus and discipline in defensive transitions — or avoiding them altogether — will be crucial if the Reds are to bring home all three points tomorrow night.</p>
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<h5 id="unXFb5"><strong>Projected Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3)</strong></h5>
<p id="Yyzs1U">Alisson; Clyne, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Keïta, Shaqiri; Mané, Firmino, Salah</p>
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<p id="vYsDHO">For once, the holiday programme looks relatively kind to the Reds — despite facing some illustrious opposition in <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> and Manchester City — as Liverpool will have more rest days between their first and last game of the period than any other side in the league. As such, squad rotation will be less of a pivotal factor than could be the case for other teams.</p>
<p id="zLblNo">Good job, too, because Klopp’s squad has been picking up knocks in recent weeks. Joël Matip and <span>Joe Gomez</span> remain sidelined with injuries, while Friday’s game will arrive too soon for Trent Alexander-Arnold, meaning a repeat of the defensive line-up that overcame Manchester United on Sunday. </p>
<p id="oW3bv8">In midfield, <span>Jordan Henderson</span> may return to the starting XI, while <span>James Milner</span> looks set for a game-day fitness test. Fabinho and <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span> both played 90 minutes against Utd, which could mean another appearance of the 4-2-3-1 formation, complete with starting minutes for last game’s man of the hour, <span>Xherdan Shaqiri</span>.</p>
<p id="MVB45H">This is an outstanding opportunity to put some pressure on Guardiola’s City as the teams enter a busy holiday period that will end with the top two facing off on January 3rd.</p>
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<h5 id="Ye0nud">What the Managers Said</h5>
<p id="XdPOOU"><strong>Jürgen Klopp:</strong> “So far they haven’t played us. That has to be a new experience for them. We have to be really strong. It will be a really interesting game. We have to be ready for everything.”</p>
<p id="JqgUJZ"><strong>Nuno Espírito Santo:</strong> “They’re fantastic, everybody can see what Klopp is doing and the way Liverpool plays and what they’re achieving and building. They’re top of the league, it says we’re going to face one of the best teams in Europe, we look forward to it”</p>
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<h5 id="789Puw">The Officials</h5>
<p id="rZVDGz"><strong>Referee:</strong> Craig Pawson<br><strong>Assistant referees:</strong> Lee Betts, Richard West<br><strong>Fourth official:</strong> Michael Oliver</p>
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<p id="b8UBoe">Kickoff is set for 8PM GMT/3PM EST tomorrow, and television listings for the match can be found on <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/3018862/wolverhampton-wanderers-vs-liverpool/">LiveSoccerTV</a>.</p>
<p id="gMrAwU">In the meantime, and as always, we’ll be keeping you updated with all the buildup to the game, including team news as it’s released, our live matchday thread, and post-match recaps from The Liverpool Offside staff. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account to have your say on the action as it happens.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/20/18149777/wolverhampton-vs-liverpool-preview-epl-2018-team-news-predicted-lineups-how-to-watchAudun Manum2018-12-19T19:00:03+00:002018-12-19T19:00:03+00:00Wolves’ “Outstanding Project” Impresses Jürgen Klopp
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<img alt="Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gKjGRrP8dn7aYuo3_V0ViD8qjAE=/228x275:2814x1999/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62708441/1070428862.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Liverpool manager is impressed at how Wolverhampton Wanderers set themselves up for Premier League success.</p> <p id="BKERI4">While newly promoted sides Fulham and Cardiff have struggled to make an impact so far this season, Wolves have truly thrived in England’s top flight. They sit seventh, just a point of <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, and fully deserving of their lofty table position.</p>
<p id="Y62fXg">A key to that success was that they gambled on building a team last season, while still in the Championship, that was meant to be able to compete in the Premier League—both in talent and style—which has given them a settled squad good enough now to compete.</p>
<p id="gyDhlZ">“That is an outstanding project,” was Jürgen Klopp’s take on Wolves when he was asked about <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>’s upcoming opponents. “What they did last year in the Championship, I’m not sure that happened too often, the way they played.</p>
<p id="RzoiCc">“Usually in the Championship you go up with this kind of old-school British football. It’s a tough league and it makes sense. I think the only two teams in the last few years who did it differently were Huddersfield and Wolves. It’s really unbelievable what they did.”</p>
<p id="16oHJz">Cardiff approached the Championship in a more traditional manner and kept the core of their team together. They sit 16th. Fulham invested heavily over the summer, trying to quickly build themselves a quality Premier League side. They sit 20th.</p>
<p id="6n9VYV">After making their biggest moves last year, Wolves did make changes over the summer, but not more than one would have expected from a side that was already established. That has helped them. And that will make them a tough opponent on Friday.</p>
<p id="RxrT6u">“They are really strong,” Klopp noted. “We have go there and really be at our best again. They do a really good job. The way they defend as a team, coming from a football-playing side, is really impressive.”</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2018/12/19/18148255/wolverhampton-wolves-outstanding-project-impresses-jurgen-klopp-liverpoolNoel Chomyn