Premier League: How Wolves Can Knock Off Liverpool

Premier League: How Wolves Can Stop Liverpool’s Unbeaten Run

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary's Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

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Play three up-front

Wolves’ manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, utilized a flat 3-5-2 formation against Liverpool in their first match on December 29th at Anfield. The result was a 1-0 loss with Sadio Mane knocking in the winning goal in the 42nd minute.

Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota started up front for the Wolves and their leading goal scorer, Raul Jimenez was on the bench. Both clubs had played on Boxing Day and were depleted. Jimenez and spark-plug Adama Traore were subbed on at the 77th and 63rd minute, respectively.

Wolverhampton had some earlier success with a two-man front in previous matches, however, against the best back-line in world football, their offense was eaten alive. Santo’s club had three shots on goal and an expected goals (xG) of 0.38, per understat.com.

In a 3-2 win against an under-rated Southampton team last Saturday, Wolverhampton employed a 3-4-3 formation. Though the Saints pressed them in their defensive zone, limiting Wolverhampton to an average of 5.67 passes per defensive action (PPDA), they had an expected goals (xG) of 2.26, per understat.com.

The Reds’ defensive backline is too good to come at them with a two-man front. The Wolves were able to put sizably more pressure and subsequently goals followed with a front three formation.

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