Wolves Host Liverpool in FA Cup Fifth Round Rematch After Midweek Shock

Liverpool arrive at Molineux on Friday night with unfinished business, having suffered a stunning 2-1 Premier League loss to the same opponents just 72 hours earlier. That midweek defeat has left the Reds sixth in the table and adrift of the Champions League places—making this FA Cup fifth-round tie all the more significant as their only realistic pathway to domestic silverware.

The hosts will be buoyed by that recent Premier League scalp. Rodrigo Gomes opened the scoring in the 78th minute before Mohamed Salah equalised, only for Andre's deflected strike to catch Alisson out in the 94th minute. For Wolves, who have already claimed notable wins over Aston Villa and Liverpool in recent weeks, another upset would represent a remarkable feat given their precarious league position and looming relegation battle.

Liverpool have navigated past Barnsley and Brighton at Anfield to reach this stage, while Wolves dispatched League Two minnows Shrewsbury and Grimsby Town. Despite their recent Premier League heroics, the hosts face a club whose European commitments—a Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray awaits—add another layer of complexity to proceedings.

Team News and Selection

Rob Edwards has a fully fit squad at his disposal following Hwang Hee-Chan's return to the matchday fold, though the South Korean remained unused in Tuesday's victory. Sam Johnstone is expected to replace Jose Sa in goal after starting the previous two cup ties.

Liverpool's injury list remains extensive, with Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajcetic sidelined long-term. Florian Wirtz, sidelined for three games with a back injury sustained in warm-up, has returned to training and could feature from the bench. Jeremie Frimpong, who started Tuesday's defeat, may be rested with Curtis Jones set to occupy right-back instead.

Andy Robertson could replace Milos Kerkez at left-back, while Rio Ngumoha deserves a starting berth on the left wing after catching the eye in substitute appearances, potentially displacing Cody Gakpo. Arne Slot has indicated careful management of Frimpong's minutes as he builds back match fitness.

Historical Context

Wolves hold the upper hand in the historical record between these sides in the FA Cup, having progressed five times from eight previous meetings. A back-to-back league and cup double this season would mark their first consecutive wins over Liverpool since 1980. The last time these clubs met in the fifth round came in 1948-49, when Wolves triumphed 3-1 and went on to claim the trophy itself.

Liverpool's recent record in away FA Cup matches makes grim reading. They've lost their last two on the road in the competition, with their previous five wins all arriving at Anfield. That said, they notched a 2-1 victory over Norwich City—then bottom of the Premier League—in the fifth round during 2021-22.

Key Statistics

Mohamed Salah has been a consistent thorn in Wolves' side, registering eight goals and five assists across 18 appearances against them. In FA Cup starts specifically, the Egyptian has managed nine goals and two assists from nine outings—a goal every 110 minutes, second only to Tony Hateley among Liverpool players with 500+ minutes in the competition.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been instrumental in Liverpool's cup run, scoring against both Barnsley and Brighton. Wolves, meanwhile, have been eliminated by Premier League opposition in nine of their last ten FA Cup campaigns, a damning statistic for their survival hopes.

Liverpool's attacking prowess has been evident this season, with a 12-game unbeaten run across all competitions since a goalless draw at Arsenal in early January. Tellingly, 43 goals have been registered from the 76th minute onwards in their 2025-26 fixtures—a pattern that could prove significant given Tuesday's dramatic conclusion.

Kick-off

The match gets underway at 20:00 GMT on Friday, March 6, with coverage on BBC One and TNT Sports 1. BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT will provide full commentary.