Liverpool Vs Wolves: Can Reds Avoid Historic FA Cup Setback?

Liverpool will be looking to avoid making unwanted history when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Friday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash at Molineux.

‎The Reds return to the West Midlands just three days after a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Wolves, a loss that dealt a double blow to manager Arne Slot and his squad.

‎Midweek Setback Adds Pressure

‎Liverpool’s recent league defeat was particularly demoralising. A late strike from Andre, which took a massive deflection off Joe Gomez and looped over Alisson Becker, left the reigning Premier League champions sixth in the table, three points off the top four.

‎In addition, Slot’s side set a new unwanted Premier League record in that match, compounding the pressure ahead of their FA Cup encounter.

‎FA Cup Away Form a Concern

‎Liverpool have already defeated Barnsley F.C. and Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. at Anfield to reach the fifth round, but the Reds’ away form in the FA Cup has been troubling.

‎They lost their last two FA Cup road games, falling to Plymouth Argyle F.C. last season and to Manchester United F.C. the campaign before.

‎A defeat to Wolves on Friday would mark the first time in 72 years that Liverpool have lost three successive FA Cup away matches. The last time the club suffered more than two consecutive FA Cup road defeats was in the 1950s.

‎When Liverpool endured four straight losses from 1951 to 1954, including defeats to Norwich City F.C., South Shields F., Bolton Wanderers F.C. League Two sides, Shrewsbury Town F.C, and Grimsby Town F.C.

‎Historically, Wolves have been eliminated by Premier League opponents in nine of the last ten FA Cup campaigns, giving Liverpool a glimmer of hope.

‎Injury Updates and Team News

‎Arne Slot provided a cautiously positive update on Florian Wirtz. Other absentees include Alexander Isak footballer, Bradley Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo.

‎Slot does, however, have options for rotation. Rio Ngumoha impressed off the bench against Wolves midweek and could replace Cody Gakpo.

‎Meanwhile, Curtis Jones, who was at fault for Wolves’ winner with a poor backpass, could make way for a reshuffled midfield, and options such as Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson, and Federico Chiesa remain under consideration.

‎Stakes and History

‎Liverpool’s record at Anfield in the FA Cup has been strong, with the last five victories all coming at home. Yet, their away struggles in the competition underscore the challenge they face at Molineux.

‎Avoiding a historic third consecutive FA Cup away loss is not only about pride but also about maintaining momentum in a season already filled with highs and lows.