Big Names Back for Liverpool in Wolves Match

Liverpool will draw to a close an unhappy 2010 against 20th placed Wolves, as Anfield welcome back a handful of first team stars prior to a crucial first month of the New Year.

The Reds will include Fernando Torres in the starting 11 after being rested for their last Europa League fixture, whilst Captain Steven Gerrard and defender Daniel Agger return having recovered from spells on the treatment table. Liverpool’s games against Fulham and Blackpool were postponed due to the freezing conditions, so manager Roy Hodgson will be glad to get his side back into match fitness against a Wolves team low on confidence.

Torres is, unsurprisingly, favourite amongst the online bookmakers to score, with Bet365 pricing him at 4/6. Improved odds are available for the Spaniard to score a brace – 3/1 could be a good option, whilst Gerrard, who scored in this fixture last season, is 5/1 to score the 1st goal, or 7/1 to score twice.

Roy Hodgson's Merseyside club have won four straight league games at home, conceding just one goal in the process. He will be hoping for a winning end to the year, setting a level to build upon as the 2nd half of the season begins.

Whilst their opponents haven’t played since the 15th December, Wolves will have to pick themselves up from a disheartening 2-1 loss to fellow relegation contenders Wigan on Boxing Day. An 87th minute goal from Steven Fletcher was not enough to cancel out strikes from Rodallega and Cleverley in the first half. Scottish striker Fletcher, the former Burnley and Hibs target man, has four league goals already this season and is 40/1 to score for his side in a 1-1 draw.

Wolves are still without numerous first-team regulars, including defenders Jody Craddock and Michael Mancienne, industrious midfielder Karl Henry and striker Kevin Doyle all miss out with injuries. Manager Mick McCarthy may be hoping that former Manchester United youngster Sylvan Ebanks-Blake can start up a rich scoring run to help keep his side in the Premier League – the 24-year-old striker has just six Premier League goals over two seasons, despite netting 25 in the season that saw the Midlands club win the Championship; goals that saw him lift the Championship’s Golden Boot award.

Bet Highlight

As it’s hard to look past a home victory, a 2-0 half time score followed by a third home goal  in the 2nd 45mins is priced at 16/1.

Premier League 09/10:

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
Wolves 0-0 Liverpool