Anfield Index’s Stat Me Up podcast offered some fascinating insights into the tactical nuances of Liverpool’s forthcoming Premier League matchup against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In addition to discussing the possible effects of Wolves’ Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, who has a sizable release clause, Dr. Phil Barter and Eddie Gibbs also looked at Wolves’ recent form and Liverpool’s statistics performance after the Merseyside Derby.
Liverpool’s Tactical Challenges Post-Derby
In his analysis of Liverpool’s 2-2 tie with Everton, Dr. Barter emphasized the team’s unusually poor performance indicators. He stated, “This is an isolated incident,” adding that important metrics, like the pass map, fell well short of Liverpool’s typical benchmarks. “The referee didn’t let us get anywhere near our passing game,” he continued.
Another level of intricacy is added by manager Arne Slot’s ban, which keeps him off the touchline. “We wouldn’t have expected that Johnny Heitinga would be leading the team from the dugout earlier in the season,” Gibbs noted.
This season, Wolves have alternated between playing well offensively and poorly defensively. “They’ve scored 34 goals from an expected 27 – running nearly seven goals hot,” Dr. Barter said. “They’ve given up 52 goals when their xGA (expected goals against) suggests they should have given up 42,” he said, highlighting their defensive weakness.
Given their high shot total at Anfield, Liverpool will need to take advantage of this defensive flaw. Nonetheless, Dr. Barter cautioned that Wolves had made great strides under their new manager, cutting their opponents’ shots from 20 per game to about 10.
The Matheus Cunha Debate
The most interesting conversation was probably about Wolves’ Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha and the reported £62.5 million release clause in his new contract. Although Cunha is talented, Dr. Barter had some reservations: “He gets into those hot zones we talk about with our wide forwards, but it’s just about output. He needs to add that final touch.” Age also matters: “At 25, Cunha is moving out of the age bracket Liverpool like to target,” Barter explained, referring to the team’s preference for signing players under 24. Considering the high price and Cunha’s current output, Barter concluded, “I’d put him far down on the list of potential signings unless his numbers skyrocket by season’s end.”
Key Factors for Liverpool
The ability of Liverpool’s midfield to recover from the Merseyside Derby exertions will determine their ability to penetrate Wolves’ defense. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will take on more responsibility due to Curtis Jones’ suspension, and fatigue may be a problem because Wolves have a full week off while Liverpool has a three-day turnaround. “The midfield unit is under strain,” Dr. Barter stated, “and without sufficient rotation, these players will hit career highs for minutes played before the season’s end.”
Prediction and Strategy
Liverpool has a clear target because of Wolves’ defensive problems: take advantage of the space behind their backline. If Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez are in sync, the Reds’ signature high press and rapid transitions will probably be showcased.
In closing, Eddie Gibbs urged listeners to “keep an eye on Matheus Cunha” throughout the match, not just for his probable influence on Wolves’ attack but also as a potential transfer target for Liverpool in the future.
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