Liverpool are preparing to close out 2025 with a home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Saturday night (27 December 2025 WIB), a match widely expected to tilt heavily in favor of the hosts. With European qualification firmly in their sights, Liverpool know that anything less than three points would be a major setback.
Former Premier League legend Alan Shearer has delivered a brutally honest assessment ahead of the contest, insisting the visitors have virtually no chance of claiming a result. His verdict reflects the gulf in form, confidence, and quality between the two sides as the festive schedule reaches its climax.
Wolves’ Dire Position Sparks Stark Prediction
Wolves arrive at Anfield rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, a position that has raised alarm bells across English football. Their campaign has been defined by defensive fragility, a lack of cutting edge in attack, and an inability to turn promising spells into points.
Shearer believes the numbers tell a devastating story. After collecting just two points from their opening 17 league matches, Wolves are on course for an unwanted place in Premier League history.
“Wolves are heading towards breaking the record for being the worst team the Premier League has ever seen,” Shearer said. “That is a label no club wants to carry.”
The former Newcastle striker added that while such a tag would be deeply damaging, the current squad has shown little evidence that a turnaround is imminent. In his view, survival hopes are fading rapidly.
“They need to avoid that record at all costs, but I don’t see the quality or belief required to change their trajectory,” he continued.
Anfield a Different Test Entirely
Wolves have occasionally shown resilience this season, including a recent display that frustrated Arsenal for long periods. However, Shearer insists that Anfield presents a completely different challenge.
“Doing that at Anfield is another story altogether,” he explained. “The pressure, the atmosphere, the way Liverpool attack—it’s relentless.”
In his bluntest assessment yet, Shearer concluded: “As far as I’m concerned, there’s no hope for them here. I think they’re already down.”
Such comments underline the scale of the task facing Wolves, who must somehow summon a performance capable of defying both history and current form.
Liverpool’s Motivation: Champions League at Stake
While Wolves battle to escape the relegation zone, Liverpool’s objectives are far loftier. Under head coach Arne Slot, the Reds remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Dropped points at Anfield against a side in crisis would be unthinkable. With the margins at the top of the table so fine, Slot’s men cannot afford complacency, especially during the congested festive period.
The expectation among supporters is clear: dominate possession, apply early pressure, and turn the match into a comfortable evening at home.
Injury and Absence Concerns for the Reds
Despite their status as overwhelming favorites, Liverpool do not head into the match at full strength. Slot must navigate a number of absences that could disrupt rhythm and rotation.
Key forward Mohamed Salah is unavailable due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, depriving Liverpool of one of their most reliable goal threats. Midfield dynamo Dominik Szoboszlai is also sidelined through suspension, further testing squad depth.
Even so, Shearer believes Liverpool’s resources remain more than sufficient.
“Losing important players is never ideal,” he admitted, “but Liverpool still have far too much quality for Wolves to cope with.”
The depth of Liverpool’s squad, combined with the tactical structure Slot has implemented, is expected to compensate for any missing stars.
Sutton Agrees: Defensive Tactics Won’t Save Wolves
Shearer’s view is shared by fellow pundit Chris Sutton, who has also predicted a comfortable Liverpool victory—albeit by a narrower margin.
Sutton anticipates Wolves adopting an ultra-defensive approach, often described as “parking the bus,” in an attempt to limit damage.
“Wolves defended really well for long spells against Arsenal, and that deep defensive shape probably suits them,” Sutton noted.
However, he doubts such a strategy will succeed at Anfield.
“They’ll try to make it difficult for Liverpool too, but I don’t see it working. Liverpool will eventually find a way through,” Sutton concluded, tipping a 2–0 win for the home side.
A One-Sided Finale Expected
As Liverpool look to end the year on a high, the narrative surrounding this fixture feels increasingly one-sided. Wolves’ struggles have left them short on confidence and belief, while Liverpool’s ambitions demand ruthless efficiency.
Unless Wolves can produce a performance far beyond anything they have shown so far this season, the consensus among experts is clear: Anfield will be unforgiving. For Liverpool, it is an opportunity to strengthen their Champions League push. For Wolves, it may simply be another painful reminder of how far they have fallen.
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