Wolves' territory meets a Portsmouth unit that has recently kept its box well protected. At Anfield, Liverpool's first pass faces a Villarreal team with evidence of disrupting stronger opponents. In both matches, the visiting side retains an outlet that gives its defence a way to move up the pitch.
Portsmouth's Poole–Dia partnership and Schmid restricted Norwich's close chances, while Kamara turned a recovery into the decisive penalty. Wolves' Neave–López connection worked at Burnley, but their scoring sequences also relied on opponent mistakes. Portsmouth's central screen gives that connection a different test.
Armstrong remains listed out despite earlier hopes of a return, and Peixoto has spoken about managing López's rhythm. Bishop's reported absence reduces Portsmouth's options, but Kamara, Segečić and Milovanović have recent playing evidence. I expect Wolves to hold territory while Portsmouth protect central receptions and use those exits. I'm siding with Portsmouth to keep the margin tight.
Villarreal's pressure interrupted Madrid's short buildup, and their Elche blank still contained genuine close chances. That gives Moleiro, Moreno and Mikautadze a route to make Liverpool defend between their own attacks. Gravenberch's return strengthens Liverpool's centre, while the newly unavailable Frimpong and Szoboszlai change the supply seen in their recent wins.
The visitors' central options had reduced minutes against Elche, and their attacking case does not require Buchanan's immediate return. Liverpool should seek the early initiative, with Villarreal looking to connect through the pressure and retain an attacking reply later. I'm backing Villarreal to make this a competitive contest.
