Wolves will need to produce an outstanding performance on Sunday to stand any chance of securing a positive result against the league leaders Liverpool.
Vitor Pereira’s men boosted their survival hopes as Wolves clinched a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa and then booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a win against Blackburn Rovers.
A trip to Liverpool, though, is a different kettle of fish and Wolves will have to produce a flawless performance at Anfield.
The champions-elect have lost just once in the league this term – a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in September – and have since pieced together a 20-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
It hands the visitors little chance of shocking the world and winning, with Roy Keane predicting Liverpool to beat Wolves, although one star will have a huge say.
- READ MORE: Significance for Wolves as Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool descends into chaos
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s battle with Mohamed Salah could decide Liverpool vs Wolves clash
Although Matheus Cunha scored against Blackburn last time out to take his tally to 12 goals for the season, Rayan Ait-Nouri is arguably more important for Wolves this weekend.
The Algerian international faces the unenviable task of dealing with the unstoppable Mohamed Salah, who has recorded an eye-watering 27 goals and 19 assists in all competitions this term.
Salah scored in the reverse fixture as Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Wolves, and although Ait-Nouri also found the net on that day, he was given a torrid time by the Egyptian.
The 32-year-old was devastating with his electric pace in behind, running rings around someone nine years younger than him.
Ait-Nouri has been criticised for his defensive work this term, with Pereira seeing it as an area he can improve.
On Sunday, the need for the 23-year-old to turn in his best performance of the season is more pressing than ever, which suggests he’s their most important player in this fixture.
Salah is Ait-Nouri’s toughest-ever opponent
Salah has scored five goals in 13 league appearances against Wolves while also laying on five assists.
The world-class winger will be keen to add to that total this weekend as Liverpool aim to keep a healthy advantage over Arsenal in the title race.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 24 | 17 | 6 | 1 | 58 | 23 | 35 | 57 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 24 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 49 | 22 | 27 | 50 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 24 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 40 | 27 | 13 | 47 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 24 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 47 | 31 | 16 | 43 |
Wolves wing-back, meanwhile, won’t be excited to face the Liverpool superstar as Ait-Nouri described Salah as the toughest opponent he’s faced.
In a video for the JD Football TikTok, Ait-Nouri said: “The most difficult I played against is maybe Salah. Very strong, very fast and clever.”
In a huge game at both ends of the table, the Algerian’s battle with the league’s most in-form player will decide the outcome of the contest.