Prediction: Wolves vs Liverpool

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: Luckster

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool face off for the second time in just four days when they meet at Molineux on Friday night in the FA Cup fifth round.

Rob Edwards’ side stunned the Premier League world by defeating the Reds 2–1 earlier in the week, and now the Old Gold aim to repeat that feat in knockout competition. Liverpool, meanwhile, are desperate for a response as they continue their pursuit of silverware.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves’ 2025–26 Premier League campaign has been nothing short of catastrophic. The Old Gold have occupied last place since matchday three and have struggled to find consistency or momentum at any point this season. Vítor Pereira was dismissed after failing to win any of the club’s opening 10 league fixtures, but even after the managerial change, Wolves waited until matchday 20 to finally celebrate their first Premier League victory—a 3–0 win over West Ham United.

What followed did little to alter their trajectory. An eight‑match winless streak dragged them further into trouble, though their fans were given unexpected joy recently when Wolves claimed back‑to‑back league victories for the first time since April 2025. After defeating Aston Villa 2–0, they followed up in remarkable fashion with a sensational 2–1 triumph over Liverpool, sealed by André’s dramatic 94th‑minute winner.

Despite this recent uplift, Wolves’ relegation appears almost sealed. They remain 11 points adrift of 17th‑placed Nottingham Forest, who also hold two games in hand. Even a strong finish would likely leave them short of survival.

Yet, while the Premier League has been a source of frustration, Wolves have impressed in domestic cups. They knocked out West Ham and Everton before a narrow 4–3 League Cup exit to Chelsea, and victories over Shrewsbury Town (6–1) and Grimsby Town (1–0) have brought them to the FA Cup fifth round. Edwards will hope that their recent momentum can extend this cup run, even if beating Liverpool twice in one week presents a massive challenge.

Team News

Wolves enter the tie without any injury concerns, leaving Edwards with a full squad available. Sam Johnstone, who has started both previous FA Cup matches, is expected to replace José Sá in goal. Otherwise, the starting XI that defeated Liverpool earlier this week could retain their places.

Liverpool

Liverpool head into the rematch hungry for revenge and fully aware of the significance of avoiding another slip. Arne Slot’s side have underperformed expectations this season, despite heavy summer investment following their Premier League title triumph last year. They currently sit fifth in the table, locked in an intense fight for Champions League qualification.

With 48 points from 29 league matches (14 wins, six draws, nine defeats), Liverpool trail both Manchester United and Aston Villa by three points—though both rivals hold games in hand. The pressure on Slot has grown following several inconsistent spells of form, including the recent setback at Molineux.

Cup competitions, however, have offered some relief. Liverpool have dominated their FA Cup journey to date, crushing Barnsley 4–1 in the third round before cruising past Brighton 3–0 in the fourth. With the Reds’ league campaign faltering, the FA Cup represents one of their best remaining opportunities to salvage silverware this season.

Historically, Liverpool hold a strong record in this fixture. Before Tuesday’s unexpected defeat, they had won six consecutive meetings against Wolves in all competitions. Slot will hope that familiarity and superior quality can help return the Reds to winning ways.

Team News

Liverpool continue to deal with several notable absences. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Florian Wirtz, Stefan Bajčetić, Wataru Endo and Alexander Isak are all sidelined.

In response to the defeat earlier in the week, Slot may opt for multiple changes. Andrew Robertson, Rio Ngumoha, Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones are all candidates to come into the starting lineup as Liverpool look to re‑energise the side.

Conclusion

Wolves will take confidence from their shock league win over the Reds, but repeating the feat in the FA Cup will be extraordinarily difficult. Liverpool’s superior depth and quality should shine through if they perform anywhere near their potential, and Slot’s players will be determined to issue an immediate response.

While Wolves have rediscovered some spark, the visitors remain strong favourites to progress—and will view this tie as a crucial opportunity to get their season back on track.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: Luckster