Liverpool win – 5/6
The Scousers scrapped and scraped against City on Thursday but couldn’t quite score that crucial goal that would’ve held their lead at the top of the league at seven points.
The performance though shouldn’t have them too downhearted – shadow goals aside, Guardiola et al knew they’d been in a contest afterwards.
The result might knock their confidence a smidge, but they should be emcouraged that they put it up to the champions on their own turf.
If they can take the positives from the game there’s no reason they can’t go and repeat or better last month’s 2-0 league win in the Black Country.
The Etihad loss was their first league defeat of the season, though they’d taken losses in Europe and the Carabao Cup and it has not adversely affected their league form, and Klopp will expect them to bounce back in this spot.
Liverpool -1 – 11/4
While Squad rotation might be concern for Reds backers, it’s just as likely to apply to their hosts.
Nuno Espirito Santo has shown a willingness to use cup competitions to run out those on the edges of the first team, using the League Cup to keep players interested.
That’ll likely apply in this game too, so while Jurgen Klopp is certain to rest some of his big names, they’ll benefit from facing a weakened Wolves side.
Given the depth Liverpool added over the summer, and the fire power they can call on from their reserve ranks, there’s no reason to doubt the ability of even a second string team to cover the handicap here, especially if the opposition are also fielding a less-than-full-strength team.
Klopp’s side have also tended to win by a clear margin this season. Their last domestic win that wasn’t by at least two goals was the Merseyside derby back on December 2.
Shaqiri to score – 2/1
Significant in that run have been some of the contributions of the stocky Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri.
He’s scored four time in his last six appearances, inclucing two in 20 mniutes against United from the bench.
His play ought to merit a starting spot should Klopp choose to spin the selection wheel for this game, and the Power Cube will fancy his chances of netting against a Wolves team that’s kept one clean sheet in 13 games.
He’s available as a first scorer at 13/2, which would take this Same Game Multi to a saucy 16/1 if you fancy a bigger price, but we’ll suggest hedging on the any time market at 2/1.
Back Shaqiri to score any time @ 2/1
*All odds correct at time of posting
Back this 6/1 Same Game Multi at 6/1 on PaddyPower.com