Three days on from their dramatic Premier League encounter, Wolves and Liverpool meet again. This time it's in the FA Cup, as both sides look for a silver lining to what have been disappointing domestic seasons.
Wolves are at the bottom of the Premier League table and remain almost certain to go down, despite their last-gasp win over the Reds on Tuesday. Head coach Rob Edwards replaced Vitor Pereira 11 games into the top-flight season and has improved the side significantly. In recent home games, he has sparked some much-needed positivity too.
With a Premier League miracle looking slim, this competition has taken on extra significance for Wolves. There is precedent for cup success from a similar situation: Wigan Athletic won the trophy and were relegated in the same season in 2013.
Liverpool have also fallen short of their admittedly much grander aims this season. After winning the Premier League title last year and then spending £450m in the summer, they were expected to compete on all fronts.
They remain in contention to win the FA Cup and the Champions League, but the defence of their Premier League crown has been limp; they trail leaders Arsenal by 19 points.
A trophy would sweeten what has been an underwhelming campaign and even though they are dealing with a number of injury issues, Liverpool have the talent to compete for a top-five berth, the European Cup and potentially two trips to Wembley during the run-in.
Head coach Arne Slot remains under scrutiny. The Dutchman would surely secure at least another season at Anfield if he were to hoist a piece of silverware in May. But after Tuesday's defeat, progress in this competition suddenly seems a lot less certain and much more important.
Did you know?
- Liverpool beat Wolves for the first time in the FA Cup in 2023 in a third-round replay. They won 1-0 at Molineux after the two sides drew 2-2 at Anfield.
More VAR controversy in prospect?
Video assistant referees are in place from the fifth round having previously not been used.
There was VAR controversy when the two teams met in the FA Cup at Anfield in 2023.
Wolves had a potential late winner ruled out for offside, but it could not be checked as VAR had no camera angle available to provide any evidence to overturn the decision.
