Wolves face their final game of the 2023/24 calendar on Sunday, as Gary O’Neil leads his side to Anfield to face Liverpool in a fixture that could see the Englishman cause a major upset.
It’s been an encouraging first season at Wolves for Gary O’Neil, who will aim to end the campaign on a high on Sunday.
The 2023/24 calendar has provided the Old Gold with highs and lows, with recent form seeing the club’s hopes of finishing in a European spot fizzle out, as the Midlands club sit down in 13th.
Wolves still can secure a top-10 finish if results on the final day were to go their way, with the marvellous task of overcoming Liverpool at Anfield the primary concern for O’Neil’s side.
On what will be Jurgen Klopp’s final game on Merseyside, the prospect of a Wolves victory would be unthinkable for the Reds however, there is one way that the visitors could cause an upset using one key player.
The Liverpool weakness that Wolves could exploit using Matheus Cunha
It’s been an impressive season for Matheus Cunha, who has found his feet at Molineux under O’Neil, recording 19 goal contributions in 31 appearances in the Premier League this term.
The Brazilian’s strengths in playing centrally just behind the striker could now be utilised by the boss, who would have studied Liverpool’s playing style ahead of the game.
The Reds were last in action against Aston Villa on Monday night, where they threw away a 3-1 lead in the final five minutes of the 90 to draw 3-3 with Unai Emery’s side.
What is notable from the draw is the manner in which Liverpool conceded, with all three of Villa’s goals spanning from direct play in the central areas, something that could see Cunha’s eyes light up.
Klopp’s side struggled to absorb pressure as Villa broke through the lines in midfield, with the visitors’ central frailties coming to light whether it be as a result of poor marking or being unable to cope with the directness of the Villans’ attack.
Matheus Cunha will be crucial to Wolves against Liverpool
There aren’t many better in the Premier League at carving through defences than Cunha when in possession, reinforced by the numbers that see him rank in the top 3% of forwards when it comes to his average of 2.36 successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.
The Brazilian will surely be instructed to maintain his fearless approach at ball carrying against the Reds, who will be fired up to ensure three points are secured in Klopp’s final game.
Lauded as ‘outstanding’ earlier this season by pundit Clinton Morrison, Cunha has shown time and time again how unplayable he can be when at high speed on the ball, a trait that could damage any side and after Monday night, particularly Liverpool.
One weak point that the Brazil international could look to target is the frailties that Alexis Mac Allister has in his game, as the Argentine was dribbled past four times against Villa on Monday night.
Everyone associated with Wolves and beyond knows how prolific Cunha can be when in an isolated situation with the defender, handing O’Neil the perfect opportunity to hurt the Reds at Anfield.