Liverpool vs. Wolves: Why Steven Gerrard Will Lead Reds to Victory

Liverpool has been on a recent slide the past few weeks, losing two straight matches in the Barclays Premier League to Stoke 1-0 and Tottenham 4-0 before winning against Brighton 2-1 in a Carling Cup match in midweek.

Saturday's clash with Wolves marks the return of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to league play, and the midfielder's return couldn't have come at a better time. Gerrard brings his all-around ability and leadership skills to a squad that's clearly still trying to integrate all it's new signings.

Gerrard is glad to be back and is delighted the injury woes are behind him.

Gerrard said via ESPN:

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"It's been a nightmare for me. I'm not the best when I'm out injured and watching games. It's been tough and the last six months have been a rollercoaster, but it's behind me now and I'm looking forward to getting match fit and getting back in the starting lineup."

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Gerrard's role in the midfield will be not only to distribute the ball to the Reds' many offensive talents, but to score goals himself. In the losses to Stoke and Tottenham, the Liverpool players were having a difficult time finishing in front of goal and could not find the accuracy and composure needed to score clutch goals late in games. Gerrard is a master at being calm no matter the situation, and he will bring a little bit of everything to the team today.

Liverpool has started of the Premier League season well, but now must focus and realize the battle to finish in the top four of the table and secure UEFA Champions League qualification is a long one.

With their captain back healthy and ready to inject some leadership and offensive talent into a goal-hungry club, Liverpool will beat Wolves on Saturday. They'll then head onto Everton next week before they welcome defending champion Manchester United at Anfield on October 15.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow @NicholasGoss35.