PHILLIP THINKS

Melbourne, 16 Football & Politcs Twitter: @PhillyDanh

[phillipthinks]

EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE: MY THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS

Growing rumours of a European ‘Super League’ continues to circulate with the new Premier League TV deal coming in. With most top European clubs fearing that the TV money will over power English football, some have come out to suggest a European Super League where top clubs from European nations compete in a league format with the Champions League ditched. However many managers and coaches across Europe have disagreed on the concept, with FA chief executive Martin Glenn saying that it would be ‘a real shame to not have a Leicester phenomenon every year’ if a European Super League concept was introduced. The concept of a European Super League is another example of money influencing the beautiful game and the sport continuing to lose its soul.

Primarily focusing on the big clubs in a Super League will kill off the smaller teams in Europe and like Glenn mentioned about Leicester, it is the success stories like these that make football great. One of the most beautiful things about football is watching a small team coming up against the big boys and upsetting them, with a Super League, this will never happen again. Relegation and promotion in European leagues is also special because it gives every single club a shot at the big time no matter how unlikely it is, if a Super League concept goes through , this would be impossible and it will be difficult to attract players to a non-Super League club.  The influx of money in the Super League will also make the big clubs richer and richer leaving the smaller clubs behind causing them to struggle even more financially.

The importance of a domestic league in every country is crucial, as it will help the game grow and ultimately help the national teams too. A European Super League may provide academies for young talented players but imagine the cost of it and not to mention that academy fees for talented youngsters are already expensive enough. For the senior squads, these Super League clubs will be dominated with foreign players and local lads will be ignored from the possibility of playing at the highest level. A domestic league in each country will help the game grow as fans can connect with their clubs and make away day trips easier instead of travelling from country to country every two weeks. Scouting for the national team will also be made easier because the majority of the players will play in their home country’s domestic league and will also help scouts unearth young players for the future.

One of football’s most prized honours is the Champions League; a European Super League would effectively end this prestigious tournament. The Champions League brings excitement in fans as it does not happen week in week out and they are excited to see their team battle it out against another big gun once in a while, a European Super League will eventually become boring as big teams will continue to play each other each week. Teams strive in making it into the Champions League year in year out, which is why a Super League will make it unfair for everyone. The big teams will unfairly get to play against the big clubs every week and receive large revenue in money whereas the possibility for the smaller teams making it into the big time will die.

The European Super League is an attempt for businesses to expand their companies by using it as a tool to make money which has already killed some of the beauty of football. This is a disastrous idea that will lead to the downfall of true football and smaller clubs. The European Super League is unfair and disadvantages every club that does not make it into this league.

[phillipthinks]

MY TOP 5 LIVERPOOL LEAGUE CUP MOMENTS

With Liverpool playing Manchester City at Wembley tonight in the Capital One Cup final as Liverpool will be aiming for their 9th League Cup. In this post I will look back at my favourite top 5 Liverpool League Cup moments in my lifetime.

5. Liverpool (2) v Manchester City (2) 2nd leg, Liverpool won 3-2 on aggregate 2011/2012 Semi Finals

To kick off we begin with a Liverpool-City match itself, Liverpool came into the home leg of the semi-final tie with an away goal advantage bringing their 1-0 victory to Anfield. City took the lead twice in a nerve-wracking affair with a spectacular strike from Nigel De Jong and a goal from Edin Dzeko. But Liverpool hit back with Steven Gerrard’s penalty and Craig Bellamy’s 67th minute goal which was enough to hold City off as they marched onto Wembley for the final.

4. Liverpool (2) v Middlesbrough (2), Liverpool won 14-13 on penalties 2014/2015 Fourth Round

The Middlesbrough game saw a debut given to academy product Jordan Rossiter and it only took him 10 minutes to make an impact as he scores with a low driven shot from outside the box. However the game was more known for its marathon penalty-shootout with 30 penalties being taken, Joe Allen had the chance to win the game before sudden death but missed which dragged the penalties on. Eventually the last Borough taker had missed and the shootout nearly went for twenty minutes.

3. Liverpool (1) v Birmingham City (1), Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties 2000/2001 Final

Being one of the three trophies won in their unique treble winning season, Liverpool was forced all the way by Birmingham City to penalties. It was also manager Gerard Houllier’s first cup final at Liverpool; with star Michael Owen rested it was Fowler and Heskey up top to provide Liverpool the win. Fowler struck first in the final with a beautiful half volley from outside the box but at the death of normal time Stephane Henchoz’s clumsy challenge in the box gave Birmingham a lifeline as they levelled 1-1 deep in stoppage time. The match moved on to a dramatic penalty shootout as Dutchman Sander Westerveld saved two penalties to help Liverpool lift the first trophy of their treble.

2. Cardiff City (2) v Liverpool (2), Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties 2000/2001 Final

It was Liverpool’s first final appearance in six years and their first ever final at the New Wembley, Kenny Dalglish was under-fire all season due to Liverpool’s poor form in the Premier League and was desperate to win the Cup. With Liverpool being heavy favourites against a Championship Cardiff, the Reds got off to a terrible start, conceding within the first twenty minutes; Martin Skrtel then levelled the scores at the hour mark off a set piece. Extra time was even more dramatic as Dirk Kuyt puts Liverpool in the lead 108 minutes in, when it looked over and done, there was another twist as Cardiff had equalised with two minutes to go. Liverpool got off to a horror start in the shootout missing the first two with Gerrard’s shot saved and Charlie Adam skying his attempt. Cardiff too had two penalties being converted wide and Reina saving one, Steven Gerrard’s cousin Anthony missed the last shot and Liverpool broke their Cup duck by lifting their 8th League Cup.

1. Liverpool (2) v Manchester United (2), 2002/2003 Final

Beating the Mancs is always massive and sweet but to beat them in a cup final was even better. Coming against a strong Man United side with danger man Ruud van Nistlerooy up front, the defence of Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia and Riise stayed intact to prevent the Dutchman from making damage with keeper Jerzy Dudek giving one of his best performances to win the Man of the Match award. A young Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool the lead with a stunning strike from outside the box to beat Fabien Barthez; Michael Owen’s goal in the 86th clinched the win for Liverpool as the Reds cap off an amazing performance against their arch enemy.

[phillipthinks]

BLACK CATS POUNCE ON LIVERPOOL: LFC vs Sunderland: (07/02/16)

Playing at home to relegation battlers Sunderland was the chance to pick some positive momentum in the hectic February fixture. It was another frustrating and boring fixture with Liverpool drawing 2-2 to the Black Cats with the fan protest walkout being one of the major talking points of the game. Assistant Manager Zeljko Buvac took over from Jürgen Klopp for the game while being treated for appendicitis.

Liverpool was sluggish throughout the game and lacked a lot of quality going forward, the Reds were wasteful and were bossed around by the Sunderland defence and they were also struggling to shoot the ball and made too many unnecessary passes.

Roberto Firmino’s goal in the second half courtesy of a beautiful cross from James Milner turned the team’s confidence around, with Liverpool coming forward quickly, pressing Sunderland high up the pitch and causing havoc in the final third with Firmino providing the goal for Adam Lallana soon afterwards.

The defence in the first half was solid and distributed many accurate passes for Milner and Lallana to take on but after the being 2-0 up and the fans had started to walk out the whole team itself started to crumble. Sakho’s poor marking of Defoe allowed him to turn and score to put Sunderland a goal behind, with Simon Mignolet continuing to struggle allowing a free kick to beat him at the near post putting Sunderland level again.

There are even more injury concerns to follow with Lovren looking like injuring his hamstring again and Joe Allen limping off.

It was just another afternoon to forget and the congestion of fixtures this month will not be helpful either, top 4 is now a world away and Liverpool must do all they can in the cups and Europa League.

[phillipthinks]

REDS HELD BY WEST HAM IN CUP TIE: LFC vs West Ham United: FA Cup (31/01/16)

 After two defeats to West Ham already this season, Liverpool faced the Hammers again but for an FA Cup tie with a chance to go through to the fifth round. Despite dominating for much of the game and only limiting West Ham to a shot on target, it was a rather dull and boring affair. Nonetheless there were some positives to take out of the match with Klopp playing youngsters again and Lovren had his first start after injury.

Klopp played a 4-3-3 system with Allen taking the armband playing alongside academy boys Cameron Brannagan and Kevin Stewart in midfield. The three showed good chemistry between them, with Joe Allen linking from attack and defence and Stewart providing cover for the back-four. Cameron Brannagan was the best player on the pitch for me, he looked calm and composed on the ball and did well with his set-piece duty for the night.

Liverpool however kept losing the ball too easily and so did West Ham with turnover after turnover. It looked like a ping pong game at one point with Liverpool not being able to connect their passes which was frustrating especially because it mainly happened in the attacking third.

Another youngster who regularly appears in cup ties, Brad Smith played another solid game tonight using his pace to disrupt the opposition full backs but was a but sloppy at the back and could have been a bit better in the defensive part of his game.

Jordon Ibe’s form continues to drop with the winger struggling to make any impact, he looked like he was going to do something special at times with his brilliant dribbling and skill on the ball but once again lacked that finishing touch after all the hard work.

Things are just not going Christian Benteke’s way at the moment, the Belgian striker struggled at the top again, being flat footed and losing the ball too many times, it is also unfair that his laziness brings the team down. Many has been calling for him to be sold in the next window but I hope that he can be given another season and get used to Liverpool’s playing style under Klopp properly.

The 0-0 result means that Liverpool will have to play another fixture to add to the already hectic schedule and will be forced to play eight matches in February.

[phillipthinks]

REDS PREVAIL IN DRAMATIC FINISH: LFC vs Norwich City: (24/01/16)

It was one of the most entertaining matches I have ever seen and without doubt up there with some of the best matches to have been played in the Premier League era. Liverpool left Carrow Road with all three points in a 9 goal classic, winning 5-4 with a 94th minute winner from Adam Lallana. Of course it was a great game for those that watched it, however the 5-4 result is rather concerning for Liverpool fans. Conceding four against Norwich is unacceptable and Liverpool was under the pump early on and showed nothing in the attacking third for the majority of the game.

Norwich looked good on the counter in the early stages of the game and Liverpool did well to hold them off from scoring. Roberto Firmino’s goal in the 18th minute gave Liverpool the confidence to get their heads back in the game and was going well until Norwich equalised about ten minutes later. It was another show of scrappy defensive set-pieces that led to the goal with Bezua’s back heel ending in the back of the net. Liverpool this season has conceded 8 goals from corners, the worst record in the league.

Alberto Moreno has a strong start to life under Klopp but his current form is worrying, conceding a silly penalty in the second half to help Norwich go 3-1 ahead. Brad Smith’s emergence and Jon Flanagan’s return will now give our full backs some big competition for first team places.

The introduction of Adam Lallana in the second half changed the game with the Englishman bringing more attacking flair into the game and Liverpool had looked more fluid in attack ever since he got substituted on. I have always rated the 27 year-old and he repaid the faith by setting up Firmino for his second and scoring the late winner.

Roberto Firmino is slowly adapting as Liverpool’s front man with an impressive performance scoring two goals and assisting for Captain Jordan Henderson. The Brazilian now needs to maintain his consistency throughout the season and keep improving and adapting to the system. Along with Firmino’s good performance there is a slow improvement of clinical finishing from the Reds with Liverpool netting 5 of the 7 shots on target.

The midfield of Henderson, Can and Lucas was quite ineffective, offering nothing and not dominating the middle letting the Norwich midfield control the game. More evidence of the Red’s midfield poor performance is that the majority of goals have come from opposition mistakes and not being set up by Liverpool midfield.

The game will go down as possibly the best game this season so far, with drama late in the game providing the entertainment and causing a few heart attack for Liverpool fans too. Defensive issues still remain as a big talking point and it is looking likely that there will be an overhaul at the back in the summer.

[phillipthinks]

YOUNGSTERS IMPRESS IN FA CUP REPLAY: LFC vs Exeter City: (20/01/16)

Jürgen Klopp’s youthful team impressed tonight as Liverpool beat fourth tier Exeter City in the third round FA Cup replay. The Reds won 3-0 with goals from Joe Allen and academy youngsters Sheyi Ojo and Joao Teixeira, it was a solid performance from the team overall with individuals like Brad Smith and Cameron Brannagan impressing while the form of Christian Benteke continues to slump. Jon Flanagan also received a warm welcome back at Anfield after a 20 month spell on the sidelines. 

Liverpool put in a very dominating performance throughout keeping 61% of the possession with 26 shots and only limiting the League 2 side to only one shot on target. Exeter was left chasing the game and Liverpool pressed them winning the ball back at every play, it may only a win against a minnow but it provides a big confidence boost for the youngsters involved.

Australian Brad Smith was exceptional once again and should now be challenging Alberto Moreno competitively for a first team spot. The young left-back caused havoc down the left wing intercepting passes and creating plays with his crossing also setting up Joe Allen for the first goal.

Fellow U-21’s team mate Cameron Brannagan also put in a big performance, helping dominate the middle of the park. Portuguese Joao Teixeira also found himself a goal by finding himself space and creating opportunities for Christian Benteke; it is also amazing to think that a player the same age as Coutinho has only made 4 appearances for Liverpool. Sheyi Ojo also found the net with a beautiful precision shot in the top left corner. 

Jose Enrique had a shocking night, wearing the arm band he should have led by example and showing the youngsters what to do but instead he kept losing the ball and looked trouble all game but partner Tiago Ilori’s performance contrasted from Enrique’s, looking calm and solid throughout.

It is quite obvious that I have not been very complimentary of Christian Benteke lately and my criticism of the striker looks like it will be continued. The £32million man was pretty much useless all night offering nothing but the assist he gave to Teixeira in what I must admit was pretty impressive, but the constant efforts of losing the ball and not shooting is frustrating with the last play of the match pretty much summing up his game. Benteke dribbled the keeper but did not shoot and got tackled.

Liverpool now faces West Ham in the fourth round of the FA Cup, a draw in which I have mixed feelings about. Although we are playing at home against a side we should win against, we have lost both matches against them so far this season.

It was a good night for Liverpool fans with the performance from the youngsters impressing many. Liverpool now face Norwich away in the league which is a game that  we must win.

[phillipthinks]

UNLUCKY LOSS HALTS LIVERPOOL’S TOP 4 CREDENTIALS: LFC vs Manchester United (18/01/16)

The highly anticipated North-West derby clash between the two most successful English clubs was somewhat an anti-climax as Manchester United stole a 1-0 victory against Liverpool. Liverpool was dangerous and lively in the first half but could not slot away their chances in another frustrating afternoon as they conceded once again from a set-piece. A Wayne Rooney goal was all that was needed for United to snatch three points and they can count themselves lucky to do so as they only put away one shot on target all game.

Every big rivalry needs two main ingredients, passion and fire (not literally of course) right? Well the game barely showed anything of that from the Liverpool side which is a huge disappointment considering the history between the two clubs. Lucas Leiva however led by example and got stuck in into the Man United players especially his scuffles with Marouane Fellaini which entertained the Liverpool fans which even led him to be called an honorary Scouser by some. Other than that there was no real edge in the game like there would be in the past years.

The defence had a solid game throughout with Mamadou Sakho playing as a ball-playing defender role distributing passes from the back to feed Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana. Everything was going well for the defenders in the first half and they only needed to give more of the same in the second, but once again another set-piece blunder helps United score. The frustration has now turned into anger as we are repeating the same mistakes over and over again.

Roberto Firmino’s stellar performance against Arsenal was nowhere near replicated against the Red Devils as the Brazilian kept losing the ball and not finishing his chances. Liverpool has looked lively on the counter and always threatened to score but once again, there is no end product from all the hard work. With Daniel Sturridge never being available, we must look and invest into a new striker urgently whether it is now or in the pre-season window. The Reds sprayed 19 shots but only put 4 on target.

Our race for a top 4 finish has hit a big hurdle and now Jürgen Klopp must somehow rally his troops not just to qualify for Europe’s biggest tournament but to also keep his best players at the club because the likes of Coutinho for example cannot afford to spend another year of his career not playing Champions League football.

Overall, it was not a bad performance but a lot needed to be sort out. The set-piece weaknesses and liability to  finish is now something that has been going on for too long.

[phillipthinks]

PREMIER LEAGUE GAMEWEEK 22: PREDICTIONS

Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland

1-0

Bournemouth v Norwich 

0-0

Chelsea v Everton

2-2

Manchester City v Crystal Palace

2-0

Newcastle United v West Ham

0-0

Southampton v West Brom

1-1

Aston Villa v Leicester City

1-1

Liverpool v Manchester United

2-1

Stoke City v Arsenal

0-3

Swansea v Watford

0-0

[phillipthinks]

REDS IMPRESS IN SIX GOAL THRILLER: LFC vs Arsenal (13/01/16)

It was another Liverpool-Arsenal thriller as both teams left Anfield with a point each in an entertaining 3-3 draw. The Reds put in a stellar performance with the Can-Henderson midfield partnership blossoming and Roberto Firmino finding his feet to score two goals. Liverpool led twice until the Gunners struck to level the game and soon found the lead courtesy to a classy goal from Olivier Giroud. Jürgen Klopp’s substitution of Joe Allen and new loanee Steven Caulker was confusing to some but proved to be one of his methods to his madness as the Welsh midfielder scored late in the 90th minute to level the game.

The pressing game from Liverpool has proved successful this season against bigger clubs including the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, with Arsenal falling in the same category Liverpool fans had a reason to be optimistic and they were right. Liverpool’s ability to win back the ball and put pressure on the Arsenal back line was impressive and is a big positive to be taken out of the game. The midfield of Henderson, Can and Milner deserves credit for their tireless effort and running in the first half.

The pressing style allowed Roberto Firmino to score twice in the first half including one where he curled into the top right corner, the Brazilian was denied a hat trick when he hit the cross bar in a similar situation. Firmino also connected with Adam Lallana to create chances and scoring opportunities, let’s just now hope that they both can keep up this sort of performances in the absence of Philippe Coutinho.

Along with the big plusses there is one major negative that has been going on for far too long now. Liverpool conceded to sloppy goals to help Arsenal get back in the game twice, with keeper Simon Mignolet being beat twice at the near post. Mignolet continues to frustrate by making silly mistakes ultimately costing Liverpool the game and it is something that must be sorted out, with back-up keeper Adam Bogdan not being so useful as well. It is also rumoured that Mignolet is signing a five-year contract extension with Liverpool and if it is the case, it is unlikely that Klopp will invest in a new keeper.

Overall, it was a positive performance from the Reds and many would have accepted one point before the game, but due to the silly errors there is a bit of frustration not to get all three points.

[phillipthinks]

LIVERPOOL HAMMERED IN DISGRACEFUL PERFORMANCE: LFC v West Ham United (02/01/16)

It was an afternoon to forget for Liverpool as the Reds fell at their last ever league appearance at the Boleyn Ground against a rampant West Ham. It was a dreadful performance as Liverpool offered nothing for the 90 minutes and to make matters worse former Red and 35 million pound man Andy Carroll came back to haunt us.

Liverpool looked lethargic all game, their lack of effort was evident and there was no flow, no rhythm and no energy all game. It may be a new year but it was the same old Liverpool, our weakness at defending crosses and set pieces have been a continuing frustration for years and reinforcements must be made this January.

Philippe Coutinho’s form is now a worry and he must find his A-game again to make a difference in matches. His habit of taking long range shots is a frustration and ineffective and is something that he must sort out.

Leadership was also lacking with Lucas taking the armband in the absence of captain Jordan Henderson, the Reds fell apart after the early goal and I could honestly say I couldn’t see a comeback as the Reds lacked character (Brendan Rodgers, where you at?) and did not look like they cared at all.

Our failure to make something happen up front is something the must be fixed this transfer window as Christian Benteke’s strengths are not being played to and Firmino provided nothing all game.

The January transfer window is something the Jürgen Klopp MUST use to sort out the squad and to get rid of dead wood.

Liverpool now face two cup matches back-to-back before their home clash against league leaders Arsenal.

[phillipthinks]

PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE SEASON: MIDWAY POINT

The 2015/16 Premier League season has so far sprung many surprises with the likes of Crystal Palace pushing for a top 4 place and Leicester City being a contender a title race. We have also seen the likes of Watford proving many wrong with impressive performances currently putting them in 8th position. The mighty has also fallen with Chelsea sacking Mourinho and their recovery begins with new manager Guus Hiddink. As we reach the second half of the Premier League campaign I will share my opinions on who has been the best performers so far in my current Team of the Season squad.

Goalkeeper: 

Jack Butland

The young 22 year-old shot stopper has made all 19 appearances for Stoke City and currently ranks third in the clean sheet tables only behind to England international Joe Hart and Watford gloveman Heurelho Gomes. Butland has only conceded 19 goals so far this season, ranking 5th on the ‘goals conceded table’.

Defence:

Hector Bellerin

The Spanish youngster has been an important part of the Arsenal side who is currently sitting on top of the table on goal difference. The 20 year-old’s influence cannot be underestimated as he creates havoc on the wings with his pace and tracking back to defend also covering for his fellow defenders. Bellerin has made 17 appearances so far in the league this season.

Scott Dann

A surprise package of this season, Scott Dann has been influential for Palace this season with the ground he has managed to cover and even scoring three goals so far. His dominance was shown against his boyhood club; Liverpool where he helped Palace win at Anfield.

Chris Smalling

Last season, Man United’s weakness in defence was evident and although manager Louis van Gaal is currently under fire with a lack of success this season, he deserves credit for fixing their defensive shambles. A big part of this was the emergence of Chris Smalling holding together a young and inexperienced backline.

Toby Alderweireld

The Belgian can operate in the middle or on the left and gives consistent performances for Tottenham week in week out with the Spurs only suffering two defeats so far.

Midfield:

Riyad Mahrez

Do I have to say anymore? My personal player of the season so far and his 13 goals and 7 assists was a major factor in Leicester currently occupying second place only below Arsenal on goal difference.

Ross Barkley

The young Scouser has been impressive this season, linking up play with Deulofeu and Lukaku resulting in some entertaining football. Barkley has scored 6 and assisted 7 for Everton so far.

Mesut Ozil

After a slow start to life in London, the Gunner’s record breaking signing has taken his skill to new heights this season providing balls for Giroud and other forwards every match. The German is currently in the lead on the assists table with 16, leading second place by 8 assists, unbelievable stuff.

Dimitri Payet

Unfortunately injuries have prevented him continue his form and as a result West Ham has been struggling since his absence. But when he was fit he was a dangerous player playing behind the strikers and filling the hole to score and assist. Before his arrival at West Ham, the Frenchman had the best pass rate in all of Europe’s top 5 major leagues. Payet is still recovering and so far has tallied up 5 goals and 3 assists in his 12 appearances.

Forwards:

Romelo Lukaku

The big beast of Belgium is having a successful season at Everton so far and is one of the golden boot contenders stacking up 15 goals in 19 games.

Jamie Vardy

Probably the biggest success story of the season, the 28 year-old was only playing non-league football five years ago and is now the top scorer in the toughest league in the world. Breaking Ruud van Nistlerooy’s record of 10 consecutive goals in 10 matches, who knew that a boy that used to play for Stocksbridge not so long ago would soon become England’s number 1 striker?

[phillipthinks]

SET PIECE SHOCKERS STOPS REDS FROM SECURING THREE POINTS: LFC v West Bromwich Albion (13/12/15)

It was another frustrating night for Jürgen Klopp’s men as they dropped a precious two points against Tony Pulis’ West Brom side, needing a late equaliser from Divock Origi to avoid the embarrassment of a defeat to the Baggies. Jordan Henderson also made his return to the Premier League after an injury spell with a goal.

Once again, Liverpool’s weakness at the defending of set pieces was exposed once again with two of West Brom’s goals coming from corners. Simon Mignolet’s old clumsiness ways were back again as the Belgian had a shocker of a game being caught out of his line and almost losing the ball numerous times, especially when he had decided to race out of his box to retrieve a ball.  With the shot-stopper apparently being offered a contract-extension at the club, it is unlikely that he will be replaced in January.

Dejan Lovren’s knee injury is a massive blow for the club with a clumsy studs-up challenge on the Croatian left him in pain as he had to be stretchered off. The 26 year-old was also starting to find his rhythm more and more every match and has improved ever since Klopp’s arrival, the injury is a major setback to the player himself.

Christain Benteke again did not impress and needs to be dropped in the next game for fellow compatriot Divock Origi. Since his hat-trick against Southampton in the cup, the 20 year-old has been looking lively and dangerous on the ball leading the attack and deserves to have another start.

Overall, Liverpool played a good game but did not capitalise on their chances and the finishing is what’s letting them down. The Reds will now travel down south to face Watford next week.

[phillipthinks]

WOEFUL REDS PUNISHED AT THE TOON: LFC vs Newcastle United (7/12/15)

Liverpool put in an abysmal performance as struggling Newcastle took all three points at St. James. It was another reality check for the somewhat, deluded Reds fans who believed that this could be our season where we end our 25 year league title drought. The performance should be a lesson that complacency is a dangerous state-of-mind.

Two attacking midfielders playing narrowly behind Benteke were Ibe and Firmino. The three lacked an end product, especially 20 years-old Jordon Ibe. Ibe was seen to be dominating his full-back counterpart for the majority of the game but could not finish his runs with accurate crosses and would on occasions just walk the ball out. One bad game should not put him down but there is plenty to learn.

Christian Benteke put in another concerning performance with the Belgian yet to find his mojo in the Liverpool shirt. He is a far-cry from his Aston Villa days when he would put fear into the hearts of defenders with his strength and aerial ability, Klopp must find a way to bring the best out of him.

The presence of Emre Can was severely missed, as the Reds lacked strength and a commanding midfielder. Joe Allen played a solid game but fellow midfielder, Lucas Leiva had a game to forget, being caught out of position and looking sluggish all game.

Centre-backs Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren put in performances that were quite the opposite. Skrtel made a poor attempt at trying to prevent the first goal from going in and showed his old clumsy ways, Lovren however was solid and looked calm at the back, but despite that his performance wasn’t totally impressive.

Klopp must now rest as many players as he can for the Europa league game against Swiss side FC Sion to preserve legs for the West Brom games three days later.

[phillipthinks]

PREMIER LEAGUE GAMEWEEK 14: PREDICTIONS

Aston Villa v Watford

0-0

Bournemouth v Everton

0-1

Crystal Palace v Newcastle United

2-0

Manchester City v Southampton

1-0

Sunderland v Stoke City

0-0

Leicester City v Manchester United

2-1

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

2-0

West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion

2-1

Liverpool v Swansea

3-1

Norwich City v Arsenal

0-3

[phillipthinks]

LFC v BORDEAUX: LINE UP PREDICTIONS

Liverpool’s crucial Europa League clash against Bordeaux comes tomorrow as the Reds need a win to have some comfort in the tight Group B draw.

It is interesting to see whether Klopp will play his full strength team or make rotations to reserve legs for the Swansea game in three days.

Adam Bogdan has made all of his appearances for the Merseyside club in cup and European competitions, the Hungarian shot-stopper has been solid in all of his starts but it is still a question if Klopp will risk dropping his first choice keeper to give Bogdan some game time.

Benteke and Ibe come into the squad as Lallana is rested and Coutinho suffers a strain.

Clyne and Moreno keep their spot due to lack of cover in the squad.

[phillipthinks]

KLOPP MASTERCLASS AS REDS DOWN CITY 4-1: LFC vs Manchester City (22/11/15)

Liverpool’s biggest test of the season came at the home of the defending champions where many would have doubted that the Reds would put away four goals at the Etihad let alone a positive result. Jürgen Klopp’s men played with positive flowing and attacking movement with Klopp’s ‘gegenpressing’ being a main influence on Firmino and Coutinho’s goals with the samba boys dominating their forward half.

The backline has improved immensely since the previous outing against Crystal Palace, despite Martin Skrtel’s mistake leading to an Aguero stunner; the back four was calm and solid for most parts of the game. Dejan Lovren who has been under pressure to redeem his bad start to life at Liverpool put in another solid performance against the Sky Blues and has looked much better since Rodger’s sacking.  

Emre Can’s moment of individual brilliance with a back heel to play Roberto Firmino through sums up his game, the German was solid throughout the 90 minutes and looks dangerous with Brazilian Lucas Leiva next to him. Lucas is probably playing his best football in his eight years at the club showing passion and a desire to win.

Firmino and Coutinho linking together was a danger for the City defence, causing havoc with their passes splitting defences and only for Joe Hart to be there cleaning the mess for City. With the Samba Boys dominating, other attacking midfielder Adam Lallana also had a quiet game putting in his best performance of the season so far and he must look to continue his form in order to earn the fans trust again after a slow start to the season.

My man of the match was Roberto Firmino who played up top, Jürgen Klopp will now have the issue of where to put Daniel Sturridge once he returns to 100% fitness, but like many issues Liverpool has faced in the past this is one where we can be positive about.

[phillipthinks]

A-LEAGUE WEEK 7: PREDICTIONS

Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners

3-0

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City

2-2

Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix

0-1

Perth Glory v Sydney FC

0-1

Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets

1-2