WOLVES V LIVERPOOL: MATCH PREVIEW

Wolves will face Liverpool with a fully fit squad, as Hwang Hee-chan returns to selection after recovering from a calf strain he picked up against Chelsea in February.

On the West Midlands derby win against Aston Villa on Friday: “I’ve not been here long yet, not had loads to shout about but some good performances and results have been creeping in more and more this calendar year and that was a big moment. Felt it at the whole club, a really nice moment to share with the supporters. I keep banging on that the lads are performing and competing and giving everything but we’re in a business about results and wins so when you do get a win like that, it amplifies what I’m saying and perhaps people believe it a little bit more.”

Joao Gomes scored his first goal of the season in the 2-0 victory at Molineux and Edwards said he “responded” to a chat he had with the midfielder before the game. He added: “I think he’s a wonderful player who’s shown real glimpses. It’s been hard for him in a team that’s struggled to get results and it can be challenging thinking he’s made a big move here so you’re questioning things and I understand it. But he really stepped up the other night. It will only benefit him going forward if he can continue that.”

On Jackson Tchatchoua: “We want the supporters to continue to back him and support him. I told him, they know how quick you are and the quality you have so go, and if it doesn’t come off, go and do it again, and again and I’ll be clapping on the touchline. Also, his defensive work has been outstanding since we arrived and it’s important people recognise that.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said in his news conference that most Premier League matches are “not a joy to watch” because of the rise in set-pieces, but Edwards believes his side have to see it differently: “We have to be a bit more pragmatic than him. If we could win 10 games now 1-0 with a set-piece, we’d take it.”

On facing Liverpool on the back of playing fourth-placed Villa: “In the Premier League, anyone can give anyone a run for their money on the day and we’re showing that at the moment. But it’s a different game now, we’ve got to be at our best to be able to threaten these teams. They’re the champions, an amazing football club and it’s really exciting for us to face them twice but we know the size of the task as well. Everything we had on Friday, we need and more.”

He continued: “They’re winning games and I think that’s the sign of a good team whether they’re at their best or not. They’ve had a lot going on at the football club, and a lot of change with new players as well. It can’t always be smooth all the time but they’re showing now. Like most big teams, that they’re getting stronger. Every game is about winning for Champions League qualification or trophies but that’s what they’re used to doing. We have to start well against them, it’s really important. From the first minute – engaged and focused and defending very well. But also, the longer the game goes on and we’re in it, the better we get.”