Wolves Face Tough Anfield Test Against Liverpool as João Gomes Looks to Prove a Point
Wolverhampton Wanderers travel to Anfield this Sunday to take on Premier League leaders Liverpool in what is set to be one of their toughest challenges of the season. Vítor Pereira’s side may find themselves in 17th place, but they arrive at Anfield with a renewed sense of confidence following two crucial victories. First, they secured an impressive 2-0 win over high-flying Aston Villa in the league, a result that not only boosted their survival hopes but also showcased their ability to compete against strong opposition. They followed that up with another solid performance in the FA Cup, where they overcame Blackburn Rovers 2-0 to book their place in the fifth round of the competition.
Despite their recent upturn in form, Wolves remain firmly in the relegation battle and know that every point counts as they aim to pull away from the danger zone. However, a trip to Anfield is one of the most daunting fixtures in English football, and Liverpool’s incredible home record makes this an incredibly difficult test for Pereira’s men.
Wolves’ Struggles at Anfield: A Long History of Defeats
Wolves have found success at Anfield to be extremely rare. Their last league victory at Liverpool’s iconic stadium came in December 2010, when Mick McCarthy’s side stunned the Reds with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Stephen Ward. That victory remains one of the club’s most famous results in the Premier League era, but since then, they have struggled to get anything from their visits to Merseyside.
In recent years, Wolves have faced Liverpool multiple times in league and cup competitions but have often left empty-handed. Last season, they managed to hold Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield in the FA Cup third round but lost the replay at Molineux. In the Premier League, they have found it even tougher, suffering several heavy defeats against Jürgen Klopp’s side.
With Liverpool in fine form and currently leading the title race, Wolves will need to produce one of their best performances of the season to stand any chance of causing an upset.
João Gomes: The Midfield Warrior Who Could Have Been a Liverpool Player
One of Wolves’ most important players this season has been Brazilian midfielder João Gomes. The 24-year-old has established himself as a crucial part of Pereira’s system, offering defensive solidity, energy, and ball-winning ability in the middle of the park. However, in an interesting twist, Gomes could have been lining up in Liverpool’s midfield this weekend if things had gone differently in 2022.
Back in August 2022, before his move to the Premier League, Gomes was openly discussing his dream of playing for Liverpool. Speaking in an interview with ESPN Brazil, he admitted that he was eager to play for the Reds and compete in the Champions League.
“Liverpool is a team I would play for. I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and my family’s, my biggest dream in football.”
At the time, Liverpool were linked with a move for the Flamengo midfielder, but they ultimately chose not to pursue a deal. That left the door open for Wolves, who swooped in to sign Gomes in January 2023 for £15 million. While Liverpool went on to revamp their midfield with the signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, and Ryan Gravenberch, Gomes quietly developed into a reliable Premier League performer at Molineux.
Now, he has the perfect opportunity to show Liverpool what they missed out on when he steps onto the Anfield pitch this Sunday.
A Midfield Powerhouse: Gomes’ Key Stats This Season
Gomes’ influence in Wolves’ midfield has been undeniable this season. While he has added a few goals to his game—scoring against Crystal Palace and Fulham in the league and finding the net in Wolves’ recent FA Cup win over Blackburn—his main strength lies in his defensive contributions.
One of the biggest indicators of his impact is his standing in the Premier League’s tackle rankings. According to official league statistics, Gomes is currently fourth in the division for tackles made, with 71 successful tackles this season. He is tied with Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo and only trails Everton’s Idrissa Gueye (78) and Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz (86).
This level of ball-winning ability is exactly what Wolves need if they are to disrupt Liverpool’s attacking rhythm and prevent their midfield from controlling the game. Gomes’ combative nature and tireless work rate make him a crucial asset, and he will likely be tasked with stopping Liverpool’s creative players from having too much space.
The Midfield Battle at Anfield: Can Wolves Compete?
One of the biggest factors in deciding Sunday’s match will be the midfield battle. Liverpool’s midfield has undergone a major transformation this season, with Jürgen Klopp overseeing a complete rebuild after the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keïta, and James Milner. In their place, Klopp has brought in Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Endō, and Gravenberch, all of whom have impressed at different stages this season.
Wolves, on the other hand, will be looking to their own midfield trio to compete with Liverpool’s high-energy approach. João Gomes, Mario Lemina, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will need to be at their absolute best to give Wolves a fighting chance.
If Wolves can win the midfield battle and limit Liverpool’s ability to play through the lines, they could frustrate the home side and make life difficult for them. However, if they allow Liverpool too much space and time on the ball, it could quickly turn into a long afternoon for Pereira’s men.
A Chance to Prove a Point
For Gomes, this game represents more than just another Premier League fixture. It is a chance to prove to Liverpool that they made a mistake by not signing him in 2022. If he can put in a dominant display and help Wolves secure a surprise result, it could serve as a reminder to the big clubs that he is a player capable of performing at the highest level.
Wolves’ primary focus remains on securing their Premier League survival, but a positive result at Anfield could serve as a massive confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the season. If they are to have any chance of pulling off an upset, João Gomes will need to be at the heart of everything they do.
With Liverpool aiming to strengthen their grip on the title race and Wolves fighting for their Premier League future, Sunday’s match promises to be a fascinating contest. Will Wolves end their long winless run at Anfield? Can Gomes outshine Liverpool’s star-studded midfield? We’ll find out soon enough.