EPL Betting: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool FC

Rafa Benitez and Co. have seen the season slip through their fingers. They are out of Champions League action, relegated to the second-tier Europa Cup, and they have had misery heaped on them in just about every other competition, including their domestic campaign. Where do they go from here is the question.

Up, obviously. Liverpool are currently sixth in the league table and still within reach of a top-four finish. But for them to have a reasonable shot of securing the coveted spot by season end they will have to clean up their act in the second stretch of Premier League action.

The 1-1 draw against Stoke City on January 16 was proof positive of why Liverpool are still far from righting the ship. After taking the lead in the 57th minute, they allowed Stoke a share in the spoils on an 89th minute goal! What a missed opportunity, indeed.

Against Tottenham on Wednesday last week, they were much better, taking the 2:0 lead at Anfield for the much-needed three points. Tottenham are currently in fourth spot so a victory over them has to give be a source of optimism ahead of their upcoming clash against Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – a promoted side struggling to stay alive in England’s top-flight league – are lightweights and one would think Liverpool should be confident about their chances no matter what. But the Reds have shown nothing is certain where they are concerned this season so a bit of confidence going into this upcoming clash cannot hurt.

Soccer Betting Line:

Wanderers +½ +115 +350 2½ O +120 U -140 Draw +245
Liverpool -½ -135 -135 2½ O +120 U -140 Draw +245

Match Time: 02:45 PM EAST Tuesday January 26, 2010

Soccer Betting Verdict: The Wanderers have meandered down the table to 17th spot and hover dangerously close to the relegation zone. In their last six matches, they have won two and lost four. In fact, they are on a three-match losing streak. Understandably, they are disadvantaged to win outright at +350 as a result.

Liverpool meanwhile are after beating Tottenham on Wednesday and drawing against Stoke the weekend before. They are undefeated in league action in 2010 and they will be hoping to continue that positive trend against the struggling Wanderers.

The bookies distinctly favour Liverpool to win outright, listing them at favourable -135 odds. Liverpool showed signs of improvement towards the business end of 2009 and it is an encouraging sign that they have managed to carry that form into 2010 – for the most part. Therefore, Liverpool is also a good play on the handicap, to cover the spread at -1/2 -135. It is the favoured outcome in the market, compared to Wanderers to cover the spread at +1/2 +115. In terms of totals betting, this match could end up with a low score; at least, that is the direction the market is leaning towards listing the Under 2 ½ favourably at -140 while the Over 2 ½ are at +120.

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