All eyes will be on Dutch signing Cody Gakpo when Liverpool host Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening. Highly sought after as a result of his World Cup performances, Gakpo is likely to slot straight into Klopp’s starting XI, with injuries benefitting the 23 year old forward. He’ll prove a serious threat to a Wolves side that have shown a bit of something new under Spaniard Julen Lopetegui. After a cagey opening affair against Everton, front foot performances against the likes of United and Villa haven’t gone unnoticed.
Wolves will prove a tough test for a Liverpool side in indifferent form, and will do anything it takes to advance to the 4th round. I’ve put together my fully researched value selections below, as well as a stats pack for today’s 8pm kick off.
Cody Gakpo 1+ shots on target: 1.50 (1/2)
With all the formalities completed, Dutch World Cup star Cody Gakpo should find himself taking to the Anfield pitch for the first time on Saturday evening, and with Liverpool’s current injury crisis in forward areas, he could well start.
The former PSV man averaged 1.93 shots P/90 in the Eredivisie prior to the World Cup, hitting the target in 11 of his 14 games. With Liverpool mustering 6.24 shots on target per game, and Wolves conceding 4.17, Gakpo is a strong candidate for one of those efforts, and no doubt he will be looking to make an impression on his debut.
wolves 2+ cards: 1.72 (8/11)
Julen Lopetegui has instilled a bark and a bite in his side that was perhaps previously missing. Wolves have gone into the referee’s book 10 times since the return of the Premier League, with 6 against Everton, 3 against Villa, and 1 against United, with an average over the course of the season of 2.34 cards per game.
Fouls have increased as well, with Wolves committing 22, 12, and 11 in those very same games. Against Liverpool, such numbers could well be eclipsed as Wolves look to stay in the game in any way possible.
Wolves 3+ corners: 1.80 (4/5)
A selection that’s landed in 15 of Wolves’ 18 league fixtures. The direct style employed by Lopetegui has reaped rewards in terms of corner counts thus far, with his side managing 7 against United, and 8 against Villa. Players such as Traore, Hwang, Podence, and Cunha will be key, with their runs out wide facilitating corners.
Liverpool are conceding 3.24 per game and have conceded at least 3 on 12 occasions this season. A full strength side conceded 5 to Leicester, and 4 to Brentford, who caused havoc for Liverpool from corners. Will Liverpool set to make changes, it’s an area that Wolves are likely to target.
Check out the Bet Builder Stats Pack below if you want to add to this, or put something together yourself.
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Liverpool vs Wolves Bet Builder Stats Pack
Predicted Lineups
Team Stats
Player shots and shots on target
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