Liverpool vs Wrexham Prediction: Betting Tips & Odds

Liverpool and Wrexham meet at Yankee Stadium on Thursday morning New Zealand time in the second stop of their joint US pre-season tour. 

It’s Andoni Iraola’s second match in charge after a promising 4-2 win over Sunderland, and it could also bring first appearances for Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch after their World Cup duties.

In this Liverpool vs Wrexham preview, I look at form, squad availability and what this game might tell us about both sides. I’ve also got a goals-market angle worth a look for anyone keen on football betting this week.

Liverpool

I thought Liverpool looked sharp in Nashville. Four goals, some encouraging combination play, and Dominik Szoboszlai scoring one of those strikes you rewind twice. A 4-2 win over Sunderland in your first pre-season match is a decent start for any new manager.

Iraola’s system was visible even from minute one. Liverpool pressed high, the wingers tracked back more than they ever did under Arne Slot, plus the midfield pivot dropped between centre-backs to progress the ball. Whether that holds up when opposition quality increases is another question.

Wirtz, Isak and Gravenberch have now joined the squad in Chicago after their World Cup commitments. I’d expect all three to get 45 minutes here. After a frustrating debut campaign for the two record signings, a new system could be what unlocks them.

Liverpool are without a lot of bodies, though. 

Team News: Gomez, Bradley, Leoni and Ekitike are injured. Bajcetic and Endo have begun partial training but aren’t match-ready. Jacquet is being managed after shoulder surgery. Van Dijk, Alisson and Gakpo haven’t yet joined the squad.

Predicted Lineup: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Nyoni, Jones, Kerkez; Gravenberch, McConnell; Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Isak.

Wrexham

Two wins over Premier League sides in the space of a week. Sam Smith has scored the winner in both games, and new signing Kieffer Moore opened the scoring against Leeds after 32 seconds, smashing a left-footed shot into the far corner before anyone had touched the ball.

Phil Parkinson’s side finished seventh in the Championship last season, two points off the playoff places. There’s been no let-up in the summer.

I don’t think they’ll be intimidated here. 

Wrexham beat Man United 1-0 in Helsinki on July 18 with another Smith goal, then took the lead three times against Leeds - through Moore, Bailey Cadamarteri and Smith - in a wild 3-2 win. Cadamarteri’s first goal for the club was a bonus, but it’s Smith’s late finishes that are becoming a pattern.

Team News: Hardie and Lee are both out injured. Otherwise a fully fit squad available.

Predicted Lineup: Okonkwo; Vyner, Hyam, Brunt; James, O’Brien, Thomason, Cacace; Cadamarteri, Broadhead; Moore.

• Liverpool scored four in their opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland.
• Wrexham have won two straight pre-season matches against Premier League opposition.
• Sam Smith has scored in consecutive friendlies against Man United and Leeds.
• Liverpool are missing several first-team players through injury or World Cup recovery.
• Over 2.5 goals came in during Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Sunderland.
• Wrexham finished seventh in the Championship last season, their highest league position in club history.

I expect Liverpool to win a tight one here. Even with so many players missing, the arrival of three World Cup returnees should give Iraola some serious firepower to work with in New York.

Wrexham won’t roll over, though. Moore is a physical striker who can cause problems against any defence, let alone one missing most of its senior options. I can see goals at both ends.

A 3-1 Liverpool win feels about right. If you’re checking betting promotions from NZ-facing bookies this week, the over 2.5 goals line is where I’d be looking.

Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.70

Liverpool have to use this game for fitness and integration. All three returning stars will want to impress, and Iraola has already indicated he wants his team pressing high and attacking through the middle. That creates chances, but it also leaves space at the back.

Wrexham have scored in every pre-season game except their opening draw with Wisla Krakow, and their counter-attacking game is tailor-made for exploiting a side that pushes forward. Over 2.5 came in during Liverpool’s first friendly and I’d be surprised if this one produces fewer than three.

At $1.70 on the best betting sites NZ have to offer, I’m happy to back it.