Liverpool vs Manchester United Match Report

Liverpool vs Manchester United Match Report

 

 

Well that was atrocious.

 

A red card for Steven Gerrard just about summed up Liverpool’s day as they strayed to 5 points off the top four.

 

Manchester United took the early lead through Juan Mata when Ander Herrera played what was admittedly a good ball through to him so he was through on goal. He took the ball in his stride and placed it into the bottom left corner to make it one nil. Questions will be asked of Alberto Moreno who was completely out of position.

 

Adam Lallana missed a huge chance to equalise. The ball ricocheted around until the ball fell to Jordan Henderson. He curled the ball across the Daniel Sturridge who squared the ball to Adam Lallana on the edge of the box but he hit his shot wide.

 

A pretty poor half was ended with a ranged shot from Michel Carrick that was comfortably saved by Mingolet but it was a pretty poor half from both teams.

 

Seeing the poor performance Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers made a substitute at half time bringing on Steven Gerrard for the injured Adam Lallana. He didn’t even last a minute.

 

I would love to say that it was a poor decision or something like that but I can’t. He made a strong but fair challenge on Juan Mata but made a clear stamp on the ankle on the ankle of Ander Herrera and deserved the red card.

 

Soon after Philippe Coutinho had a long rage attempt but saw his effort sail over the bar.

 

United doubled their lead on the hour mark through Juan Mata. He played the ball into Di Maria who chipped the ball back to the Spaniard who through an acrobatic effort but the ball into the far bottom corner past the helpless Mingolet.

 

The poor Alberto Moreno was subbed for Mario Balotelli who of course quickly got himself booked for tripping Phil Jones.

 

However on 69 minutes the Reds pulled a goal back. Philippe Coutinho nicked the ball in midfield and drove at the defence. He slipped the ball through to Daniel Sturridge who powered the ball past De Gea at the near post to continue a good scoring record against Manchester United. This was Liverpool’s first shot on target which shows how poor they were during the game.

 

Balotelli nearly got himself after a great touch to nearly take the ball past Smalling. He tangled with the defender and looked ready to do something stupid but in all fairness did restrain himself with the help of Liverpool fans near where he fell.

 

Liverpool huffed and puffed but United had the biggest chance to score when Blind was bought down in the box by Can. Rooney’s Penalty was saved but Liverpool couldn’t score and this feisty affair was ended in defeat for Liverpool.

 

It is by no means over with 8 games to go but Liverpool are 5 points behind United and will need to get back to winning ways next time out away at Arsenal in another huge game after the international break.

Swansea vs Liverpool Match Report

Swansea City vs Liverpool Match Report

A freak Jordan Henderson goal gives Liverpool the points as they close the gap on Manchester United in fourth.

 

The race for the top four is extremely tight and anything could happen as we enter the finale of the season.

 

Liverpool had the first early sight of goal when Raheem Sterling passed to Daniel Sturridge for a shot about 20 yards out. It went well wide however.

 

Adam Lallana had an attempt when Sturridge chested the ball down to him in a similar position but his shot was straight into the arms of Swansea keeper Fabianski.

 

Swansea were far better in the first half however and nearly made it count after Gomis had a shot on goal after some neat interplay with Wayne Routledge. His low shot however was saved by Mingolet.

 

Sigurdson also went close after receiving the ball from the impressive Neil Taylor. His shot on the turn went over the bar however. The Icelandic international had another attempt soon after when he curled a shot towards the top corner. Mingolet made an acrobatic save however.

 

In the second half Coutinho had a good chance when Sturridge and Sterling combined and the ball was squared to the Brazilian in the box. His near post shot however was saved.

 

Soon after Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was introduced and not long after the Reds took the lead. Martin Skrtel hoofed a ball forward that was hooked on by Sturridge towards Jordan Henderson. Amat made a challenge but the ball hit the Liverpool midfielder and looped over the keeper in the net for a fortunate goal.

 

Philippe Coutinho had one of his signature curling shots but it went just wide. Sturridge also broke free in the final minutes and made a clever attempt at goal but he unfortunately hit the post. However Liverpool closed the game out well for the victory.

 

Now Liverpool are only two points off fourth place and only four points off second place Manchester City. Their next game is an incredibly important one against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

Swansea City vs Liverpool Preview

Swansea City vs Liverpool Preview

The Reds travel to south Wales to face Swansea in an attempt to close the gap to the top four to two points.

 

Brendan Rodgers will want a win against his former side to keep the pressure on Manchester United in fourth before their meeting next weekend.

 

Swansea meanwhile sit comfortably in ninth place and with no threat of relegation will want to push on and consolidate a good league position for the end of the season.

 

With Manchester United and Arsenal both winning this weekend the results have not gone Liverpool’s way and a win could be vital in their pursuit for the top four.

 

They will be confident however after taking 13 points from the last available 15 and will appreciate their much needed break after a limp performance in the F.A. cup 0 - 0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers.

 

Swansea meanwhile have had form just about as up and down as possible, winning two, losing two and drawing one of their last five games. They have struggled for goals at times after the departure of leading scorer Wilfred Bony however they do have an impressive win at home to Manchester United in that time.

 

While playing well Liverpool haven’t been that free scoring even with Daniel Sturridge’s return. They do however have a good defensive record and have won their last two away games.

 

In the reverse fixture at Anfield Liverpool came out comfortable winners in a four goals to one win. Adam Lallana was the pick of the players during that game scoring two goals on the day.

 

The big news for Liverpool this week has been the continued contract saga of Raheem Sterling. Apparently talks have stalled and with many teams watching closely Liverpool will hope to secure him down to a long term deal.

 

Sterling could be a key player for Liverpool against Swansea as he carries a threat for Liverpool’s attack being their joint top league scorer on six goals. He will probably start the game, also Steven Gerrard, the other player on six should return to the squad, either in the starting 11 or on the bench.

 

A criticism of Liverpool lately has been that the attackers have at times been slightly selfish in good positions, taking a shot when a pass would have been preferable. Too many missed opportunities will surely mean missing out on the Champions League.

 

Swansea are a very good side and will pose a challenge. However after a lengthy break but with their high confidence I do expect Liverpool to run out as winners.

Liverpool vs Blakburn Rovers Match Report

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Match Report

It remained all square at Anfield as Liverpool head for a replay to reach the semi-finals.

 

The Reds will be disappointed that they couldn’t finish of Blackburn Rovers and now have another game added to their hectic schedule.

 

Unfortunately the big early incident wasn’t football related, rather Martin Skrtel fell awkwardly and had to be taken off on a stretcher. He was unconscious at one stage and was taken to hospital as a precaution but news is it is nothing serious.

 

Blackburn had the best early chance through Rudy Gestede. A free kick was played into the box and he reached the ball before Liverpool keeper Simon Mingolet but he headed wide.

 

Liverpool had a penalty shout turned down when Markovic played the ball into Lallana in the box. The England midfielder was bought down and the defender did not get the ball but no penalty was given.

 

Glen Johnson almost scored an own goal for Liverpool when a cross was played in towards Gestede. He chested the ball down but it bounced wide of the goal.

 

The big chance of the half went to Criag Conway. The ball rolled across the edge of the box to him giving him a free shot on goal but he hit the ball high and wide.

 

Liverpool did have the ball in the net through Kolo Toure. Philippe Coutinho played a free kick into the box which Daniel Sturridge headed on. It eventually landed to the feet of Toure who smashed the ball home but it was ruled out for offside.

 

Near the end of the half Daniel Sturridge worked the keeper after receiving the ball from Raheem Sterling. He made himself some space but his shot was palmed away.

 

Simon Mingolet made a fine save to deny Blackburn defender Alex Baptiste froma corner. He headed the ball with pace towards the goal but Mingolet tipped the ball over the bar.

 

Liverpool had a second penalty appeal waved away when Raheem Sterling tried to slip the ball through to Daniel Sturridge. The England striker appeared to be held back but nothing was given.

 

Kolo Toure almost scored from another Coutinho free kick. He was unmarked in the six yard box and headed towards goal but hit the frame of the goal.

 

Substitue Mario Balotelli hooked the ball over the defence towards Daniel Sturridge who hit a left footed shot by he sliced it over the bar.

 

Liverpool could have had another penalty for a foul on Balotelli. Lallana chipped a ball towards him in the box and Baptiste was pulling his shirt but no foul was given for the Italian.

 

Balotelli had another chance when he found himself in space about 20 yards out. He tried to place the ball into the corner but his shot was comfortably saved.

 

Liverpool could not break Blackburn down after Jordan Henderson saw a late volley saved and they will have to go to  the replay at Ewood Park if they are to progress to the semi-final. Their next game is next Monday away at Swansea.

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

It is the F.A. cup quarter finals as Liverpool take on Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.

 

Only three more wins are required to lift the cup and all eight teams will be giving it their all to reach Wembley.

 

Liverpool have been going from strength to strength of late. Unbeaten in the league in 2015, they have only lost one game in normal time and have been the most impressive team in the premier league. They face Blackburn Rovers who have been very up and down in the league this season, winning 12, drawing 12 and losing 11.

 

This is however he second time in three seasons they have reached the last eight of the F.A. cup. They took down another premier league side in Stoke city in the last round as well as beating Swansea earlier in their campaign and will be confident they can cause a major upset.

 

Blackburn can also take heart from the fact that they won their last F.A. cup game at Anfield, a one nil win in the year 2000.

 

Liverpool will pose a greater challenge however. They were barely threatened against Burnley on Wednesday and before that beat the champions Manchester City.

 

Everything seems to be clicking into place for Liverpool at just the right time. They are scoring goals, conceding far less and looking like a real good side.

 

Liverpool’s good form has been attracting attention for manager Brendan Rodgers. Manchester City have reportedly been interested but he has said he will not be moving away from Liverpool.

 

Philippe Coutinho in particular has been in been in fine form of late. He has established himself as one of the best attackers in the premier league. He will be hoping to add to his good recent performances against the championship side this weekend.

 

Liverpool’s team is likely to be similar to the one that played on Wednesday. Steven Gerrard has returned to training this week however after 6 games out and could return the starting line-up. It seems likely that Daniel Sturridge will drop down to the bench after playing for nearly 90 minutes against Burnley.

 

While obviously a tough game I think Liverpool will be happy with the draw, having a home game against a championship side. I think the Reds will win this one and progress to the semi-finals at Wembley.

Liverpool vs Burnley Match Report

Liverpool vs Burnley Match Report

Two goals from Liverpool sunk Burnley and made it four league wins in a row for the team in red.

 

They have now taken 13 points out of the last 15 available and look in a good position to make the top four at the end of the season.

 

Liverpool started the game brightly. Sterling and Sturridge played a neat one two and then and equally good one two was played between Sturridge and Lallana. Sturridge’s shot however was tipped away by Burnley keeper Tom Heaton.

 

Heaton made another save from Henderson after Sterling received the ball on the right wing. He twisted and turned his way into the box and squared the ball to Liverpool’s captain who placed a low shot towards the bottom corner but it was tipped away.

 

On 29 minutes Liverpool did take the lead. Philippe Coutinho had a shot blocked but the ball rebounded to Henderson who hit a sweet shot into the corner of the net with the outside of his right boot. He has now made it two goals in his last two games.

 

Daniel Sturridge could’ve made it two nil before half time when he was played through by Philippe Coutinho. Unfortunately for him his shot was saved by the legs of Heaton.

 

Shortly after half time Sturridge did score. Lallana did well to keep the ball in the Burnley half before playing the ball to Henderson. He played a deep cross towards Sturridge who headed beyond the keeper for his third league goal of the season.

 

Alberto Mereno could have added to the scoreline when Raheem Sterling played a cross across the box that evaded everyone else. His shot however went high and wide.

 

In all honesty Burnley rarely threatened and it was about as comfortable as it could get for a Liverpool side who dominated both possession and attempts on goal.

 

They remain unbeaten in the league in 2015 and haven’t lost a league game in 11 attempts. Everything looks to be clicking together at just the right time and it will put Liverpool in good stead for the final push at the end of the season.

 

Burnley meanwhile are three points off safety and will be hoping to start winning soon.

 

Liverpools next game is in the FA cup at home to Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

Liverpool vs Burnley Preview

Liverpool vs Burnley Preview

11 games to go and it’s getting exciting.

 

Nothing quite perks a team up like outplaying and beating the champions. It’s not a bad time to watch Liverpool at the moment. The team looks exciting and vibrant and we’re actually winning some games.

 

Okay maybe 14 wins from the first 27 games this season wasn’t what we would’ve hoped for. However there’s no time like the present and the Reds have won their last three games and are currently the best form team in the league with 16 points from the last 6.

 

Steven Gerrard has been absent for the last three games which means things look bright for Liverpool. The likes of Henderson and Coutinho have really stepped up to propel Liverpool towards fourth place.

 

Two fantastic strikes from the aforementioned player’s last game sunk the champions and now the Reds are only two points off the top four. They are close behind Manchester United who don’t exactly look encouraging in their recent performances.

 

They face a Burnley side who have not won once in their last six league games. They have now slipped into the bottom three having only won four times all season. Only Aston Villa are statistically in worse form and they will need to start picking up wins fast if they are to avoid the drop.

 

Burnley striker Danny Ings could be key to their survival. He has been linked with Liverpool constantly and is their top scorer in the league this season with nine goals, more than any one Liverpool player.

 

The reverse fixture earlier in the season was a tight affair where Liverpool scraped a one nil win. Raheem Sterling scored the goal to sink Burnley then and he will be hoping to do the same this time around.

 

Liverpool’s team is likely to be similar to the one that beat Manchester City on Sunday. Jordan Ibe, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson all remain injured and will miss the game. After being left on the bench on Sunday Daniel Sturridge is likely to be restored to the starting line-up. He hasn’t scored for a while and will be hoping to add to his goals tally after missing some good chances lately.

 

While not to be underestimated on current form Liverpool are definitely the favourites. I think Liverpool will win this one fairly comfortably and move closer to the top four, if not enter it.

 

Liverpool vs Manchester City Match Report

Liverpool vs Manchester City Match Report

Another stunning Philippe Coutinho strike settles the game as Liverpool inch to only two points off the top four.

 

The reigning champions underperformed at Anfield and the Reds repeated what they did last season and defeated Manchester City at home.

 

Liverpool will feel they deserved to win despite the fact they played in Turkey on Thursday giving City an extra 48 hours of preparation time.

 

Liverpool had an early chance through Adam Lallana. Coutinho slipped him through and he made his way past the defenders but his shot was straight at City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

 

Lallana did have the ball in the net moments later. A Philippe Coutinho shot was blocked but he picked up the ball again near the corner flag and fizzed the ball towards Lallana who did very well to control the ball and lift it into the roof of the net from a tight angle. He was however ruled to be just offside.

 

A goal did come when Coutinho dispossessed City captain Vincent Kompany after his miss kick. The Brazilian carried the ball forward before laying the ball off to Sterling. Sterling passed the ball to Reds captain Jordan Henderson who made himself some space on the edge of the box and curled the ball into the top corner.

 

City nearly equalised through Sergio Aguero. David Silva chipped the ball forward to the on running Aguero. He ran ahead of the defence and was in on goal but his cross goal shot hit the post.

 

City did equalise on 25 minutes. Silva picked up the ball in the Liverpool half and slipped the ball into Aguero. On the edge of the box he knocked the ball through to Edin Dzeko who slotted the ball home for his 50^th premier league goal.

 

Liverpool should have retaken the lead after Adam Lallana was played through by Lazar Markovic. The Serb chipped the ball over City centre back Mangala but Lallana blazed the ball wide.

 

Early in the second half City could’ve taken the lead from a Pablo Zabaleta cross. Unfortuantely for them Aguero headed over.

 

Adam Lallana had the ball in the net again but was ruled out for offside once again. Allen won a free kick near the corner of the box and Coutinho played the ball in towards Skrtel. The Slovakian defender headed the ball across the Lallana who put the ball in the net but was ruled offside.

 

On 75 minutes Liverpool took the lead. From the edge of the box Coutinho picked up the ball, shimmied past Samir Nasri and curled the ball away from Joe Hart into the far corner of the net. It was another fantastic strike from the young Brazilian who is on top form at the moment.

 

Sergio Aguero nearly equalised for City. The ball fell to him in the box and after some exert control he got his shot away. However the ball flashed across the face of goal and went wide.

 

Substitute Daniel Sturridge could have wrapped up the points for the Reds against his former club after Henderson nicked the ball off Yaya Toure. Sturridge though shot wide but City could not capitalise and Liverpool took the three points.

 

Man City remain five points off Chelsea who have a game in hand and you would think it would be the end of their title ambitions for this year. Liverpool meanwhile moved ahead of Southampton into fifth and are only two points off fourth placed Manchester United.

Liverpool vs Manchester City Preview

Liverpool vs Manchester City Preview

Liverpool look to continue their assault on the top four as they host Champions Manchester City.

 

How things have changed since the last time Man City came to Anfield. Last time Liverpool had won nine in a row and were looking like favourites to win the league. The atmosphere was electric and a wonderful strike from Philippe Coutinho after a mistake from Vincent Kompany of all people put Liverpool in the driver’s seat.

 

We all know how it turned out but despite the disappointing end Liverpool finished second and secured champions league football. The reds enter this game in good form but the circumstances are remarkably different.

 

Liverpool in in sixth. They aren’t scoring goals for fun and they don’t have strikers playing out of their skin in the SAS. Instead the team is more solid, having a good defensive record and building on that foundation.

 

I don’t think any Liverpool fan is feeling as optimistic as they were last time. We all thought that the league title could return to Anfield after all those years but it wasn’t to be. While such stakes aren’t present it is still an incredibly important game for both sides.

 

A win for Liverpool would be vital in their pursuit for fourth place. They have every right to feel confident after winning five of their last six league games and not losing in the league in 2015 so far. A disappointing loss on Thursday night aside Liverpool’s performances have been very good and they have certainly looked like a top four side.

 

Manchester City meanwhile know they cannot afford any more slip ups. Realistically I don’t think they will retain their title this year, they’ve already lost too much ground. Five points may not seem like that big a gap but it’s not like they’re going to win every game they have left and I think they’re way too reliant on Yaya Toure.

 

City only won once in the league while the Ivorian midfielder was at the African cup of Nations and I shudder to think what would happen if he got injured.

 

They will form a tough test however for the Reds in their quest for top four, particularly after a disappointing and long game on Thursday. L

 

                                      

Liverpool also have multiple injury problems. Mamadou Sakho and Philippe Coutinho will likely return to the side however after missing the last game. Steven Gerrard will miss the game however and Jordan Henderson will have to be assessed.

 

These games are always tough to call. There will be an added spice with a team from Liverpool playing a team from Manchester and both teams suffered a loss in Europe in midweek. I think a draw is the most likely result here.

Besiktas vs Liverpool Match Report

Besiktas vs Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool’s European ambitions end for another year as they crash out of the Europa league in Turkey.

 

It was a disappointing night for Liverpool who under performed on the night and cannot complain about their elimination.

 

Very little happened in the game overall. In the first half Mario Balotelli slipped the ball through to Daniel Sturridge but he waited too long to take his shot and it was saved.

 

Besiktas mainly had shots from range until on the 72^nd minute where after some neat interplay at the edge of the box substitute Arslan curled the ball into the top corner.

 

Late into the game a corner was taken and the ball fell to former Chelsea striker Demba Ba. He struck the ball goal wards but fortunately for the reds the ball cannoned off the bar.

 

Liverpool looked drained as the game went on after so many games recently and they couldn’t really get a foot hold in the game. Extra time passed them by with very little opportunity and the game went to penalties.

 

The first nine penalties were not saveable for either keeper. For the tenth penalty Dejan Lovren stepped up and his penalty blazed over the bar sending and this Liverpool side became the first to lose a penalty shoot-out in Europe.

 

The game looked a bit beyond the Reds who had multiple players out injured and having played so many games lately. The usually nimble attack looked slow and ponderous and Liverpool couldn’t get any dominance in midfield.

 

In extra time especially Liverpool barely had the ball in the oppositions half. While it’s always disappointing to go out of Europe it may not be the worst thing. Liverpool have had a lot of games this season and having less games was an obvious advantage for the Reds last season.

 

So yes it was a disappointing night for Liverpool who crashed out of the Europa league. They will need to improve their performance on Sunday when host champions Manchester City.

Besiktas vs Liverpool Preview

Besiktas vs Liverpool Preview

It crunch time for Liverpool as they travel to Turkey for the second leg of their Europa league tie with Besiktas.

 

It’s nice being able to write posts on this blog and talk about Liverpool’s good form. Liverpool have won 4 of their last 5 games, kept 4 clean sheets in that time and haven’t lost in normal time in 2015 so far.

 

 

The first leg was as many are a tight affair settled by one goal. After a squabble Balotelli put a late penalty away to give Liverpool a slight advantage going to Turkey.

 

The Reds come off the back of an impressive win away at high flying Southampton. Despite not playing at their best, Liverpool kept a clean sheet and clinched a crucial victory, the sign of a good side.

 

Besiktas lost their most recent away at Eskiehipor, a mid - table Turkish side. Besiktas have not scored in either of their last 2 games which will be a worry for them. They did however win their last home game 3 - 2 although this result if repeated would see Liverpool through on away goals.

 

Liverpool’s slight lead could prove to be a crucial one. Turkey is not exactly known as being an easy place to go to for any Football side, as Liverpool discovered to their previous visit to Beisktas in the Champions League where Rafa Benitez’s side lost 2 - 1.

 

 

Liverpool’s defence has greatly improved and it will need to be at its best to keep the Turkish side at bay.

 

Brendan Rodgers will be very encouraged to play his strongest side after seeing the Reds beat Southampton despite playing in the Europa league on Thursday. Despite concerns it would negatively affect the team, winning against Besiktas was still followed by victory at St Mary’s.

 

Liverpool have some injury concerns going into the game. Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva are all likely to miss the game through injury. This will leave Liverpool light in midfield and while Emre Can could move forward into the centre, Sakho and Johnson may also miss the game leaving the Reds short at the back.

 

After dropping to the bench on the weekend Daniel Sturridge may return to the starting line-up. Jordan Ibe is likely to retain his place along with Alberto Moreno in the wing back position with Lazar Markovic being suspended.

 

Turkey is a tough place to go in Europe and a hostile crowd is guaranteed. However Liverpool should be confident with their recent good form and I expect them to reach the next round tonight.

Southampton vs Liverpool Match Report

Southampton vs Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool take a crucial step in the hunt for the top four with a win over high flying Saints and went only 2 points off fourth place.

 

Despite having the lion’s share of possession and attempts on goal, Southampton could not break down the resilient Reds who came out as 2 - 0 winners.

 

Southampton had a penalty claim waved away in the first minute when Filip Djuricic went down easily under a challenge from Emre Can.

 

Soon after Liverpool were ahead. Coutinho received the ball from Markovic and found himself about thirty yards out. However he struck a sweet dipping shot that went in off the underside of the bar for his third league goal of the season and surely with a goal of the season contender.

 

A minute later Southampton had another penalty claim turned down when Joe Allen appeared to trip Djuricic. The ball ended up falling in the box to Eljero Elia but his shot was deflected wide.

 

Liverpool had their own penalty appeal after Philippe Coutinho slipped the ball through to Raheem Sterling. Last man José Fonte appeared to trip the young forward as he went to ground but on a closer look you can see he just got the ball first.

 

There was another controversial moment just before half time where the ball was chipped though to Elia. His chipped shot was saved by Mingolet after the ball hit his chest and then his arm in what appeared to be outside his area. The referee however waved play on.

 

Daniel Sturridge cam on for Adam Lallana and soon made an impact. He skipped past multiple defenders into the box, but stumbled to the ground before getting his shot away.

 

Liverpool doubled their lead after Alberto Moreno ran onto a misplaced Morgan Schneiderlin pass and squared the ball to Raheem Sterling. His pass was over hit however Saints full pack Matthew Targett slipped allowing Sterling a shot which he dispatched into the net.

 

Mingolet was forced into a late save after Moreno bought down Mane for a free kick. It was taken by Tadic but Mingolet held onto the low shot well.

 

Liverpool also had a late attempt through Daniel Sturridge. Can played the ball t Sturridge who feinted past the defender before curling a right footed shot towards the bottom right hand corner. Unfortunately it was too close to the keeper who made a comfortable save.

 

Southampton will be very concerned after failing to score at home for the third game in a row. They slipped into fifth place after the defeat. Liverpool meanwhile made it a fourth win in a row and will be feeling confident ahead of their next game, away at Besiktas for the second leg of their Europa league tie on Thursday.

 

 

Southampton vs Liverpool Preview

Southampton vs Liverpool Preview

In a reverse fixture of the opening day in form Liverpool travel to Southampton for what could be a crucial match in the battle for fourth place.

 

Two of the leagues in form teams go head to head in a crucial match for champions league qualification. Liverpool have won four out of their last five games while Southampton have won three and drawn one.

 

This will be a tough test for Brendan Rodgers Liverpool, especially after playing in the Europa league on Thursday night. It is no secret that the Europa league can negatively impact the next match.

 

Southampton have the advantage of not playing in Europe similarly to Liverpool last season and we all know how that worked out. The Saints will hope they can use this to their advantage.

 

Liverpool may struggle to crack Southampton and their impressive defensive record. They do however score a good amount of goals and still hold the record league win so far this season with an 8 - 0 triumph versus Sunderland.

 

Liverpool’s defence has also been far more solid of late, with another clean sheet on Thursday. Goals have been more of a problem but the attack does look quick and pacey. Daniel Sturridge will only get  better with more game time which is a positive.

 

The reverse fixture was a tight affair. Liverpool took the lead through Raheem Sterling but Clyne equalised for Southampton. Late on Sturridge secured the win for Liverpool.

 

Hoping to feature will be Liverpool’s three former saints’ players in Lovren, Lambert and Lallana. Lallana may start but is more likely to be on the bench along with Lambert and Lallana. After leaving on not exactly the best terms and missing the home game, Lallana will want to play and make a good impression here.

Markovic may return to the starting line-up after his European ban on Thursday. Also likely to keep his place is the impressive Jordan Ibe who seems like he has been in the side for years, not just a few games.

 

It will be interesting to see what would happen if Liverpool are rewarded a penalty. Mario Balotelli took it on Thursday despite Henderson apparently being the designated penalty taker. Balotelli is unlikely to start however so the situation may not arise.

 

This is likely to be close. Both teams have been in great form and I predict a close game however with the game in Europe on Thursday I can’t see Liverpool winning. I think it’ll be a score draw.

Liverpool vs Besiktas Match Report

Liverpool vs Besiktas Match Report

Liverpool nick the first leg 1 - 0 as Mario Balotelli slots away a late penalty against stubborn Besiktas.

 

In a tight game at Anfield Liverpool secure a crucial clean sheet and prevent themselves from going six European games without a win. Mario Balotelli followed up his winner against Spurs with a crucial penalty to win the game.

 

Liverpool had an early chance through Daniel Sturridge. Jordan Ibe slipped through Sturridge who made it past the defender with a good piece of skill. Unfortunately for the England striker Besiktas keeper Genk Gonen made a save from a narrow angle.

 

On thirty minutes Besiktas had a good attempt from a corner but the header went over the bar. It highlighted Liverpool’s defensive frailties from set plays though.

 

Soon after Besiktas striker Demba Ba broke free after a quick break from a blocked Joe Allen shot. Through n goal though a repeat of last year didn’t happen as Mingolet made the save.

 

The Besiktas keeper Gonen had a save to make from Alberto Moreno. The ball was cleared from a corner but came sweetly to Moreno who thumped the ball goal wards from about thirty five yeards out. The keeper tipped the ball over the bar for a corner.

 

Early in the second half Adam Lallana had a great opportunity after the keeper dropped a Jordan Henderson cross after bumping into a defender. Unfortunately the ball wouldn’t fall kindly for Lallana and he skewed the ball over the bar.

 

Liverpool eventually did take the lead from the spot. Substitute Balotelli played the ball wide to Jordan Ibe who easily skipped past his marker, He made it into the box before being tripped by the defender for a penalty.

 

Strangely Sturridge and Balotelli seemed to squabble about who should take the penalty, despite Steven Gerrard on television saying Henderson should be the one to take it. Nevertheless Balotelli stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put the Reds into the lead.

 

Jordan Ibe had the beating of the left back all night and this was an extremely encouraging performance from the young winger. Balotelli also looked good after coming on, even if I’ve been quite critical of the Italian of late.

 

Liverpool will be favourites to progress after securing the lead and conceding no away goal in the tie. They travel to Turkey for the away leg next Thursday but first face Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Liverpool vs Besiktas Preview

Liverpool vs Besiktas Preview

Liverpool host Turkish side Besiktas in their first leg tie of the Europa league last 32 as they look to add another European trophy to their long history.

 

Things have really been looking up lately for Liverpool of late. Another win last weekend and the Reds haven’t lost a game in normal time in the last fifteen games. Daniel Sturridge is back and is firing, even Mario Balotelli scored a goal. All is well at Anfield.

 

They welcome a Besiktas side who are top of their league in Turkey and have won their last four games. They bring with them a familiar face in Demba Ba, who in his last visit to Anfield scored the goal to sink Liverpool’s title hopes.

 

Besiktas will not have fond memories of Anfield. On their last trip to the red half of Merseyside they hammered 8 - 0 in the Champion’s League.

 

Liverpool’s Champion’s League campaign was poor. We all know it and the Reds will want to make amends in the Europa league. There is more incentive to win the competition this year with the winner automatically gaining a Champions League place regardless of league position. With a tough challenge to make up their slow start in the premier league Liverpool may take this competition very seriously.

 

A key player in the game will likely be Raheem Sterling who is likely to return to the side. Besiktas manager Slaven Bilić has recently stated that he thinks Raheem Sterling will become the Premier league’s best player.

 

Liverpool will be without Serbian international Lazar Markovic who has been banned for four games after his red card against Basel. This seems particularly harsh for something that I didn’t even think was a red card in the first place. He will however be missing for both legs of the tie.

 

Likely to return in his place is Jordan Ibe who was cup tied during the weekend. He has been performing well in the league and seems the obvious replacement for Markovic.

 

Daniel Sturridge seems set to make his European debut for the club, two and a half years after joining Liverpool. Changes to the side will likely be minimal despite a tough game away to Southampton on Sunday.

 

The match will likely be a tight first leg where neither team wants to give anything away. I do however predict Liverpool to nick this one 1 - 0. I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool concede a silly away goal from a set play though.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Match Report

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Match Report

The Reds come from behind to topple their bogey team as they go into the quarter finals of the F.A. cup.

 

Many Liverpool fans may have feared another disastrous trip to Selhurst Park after going behind to Crystal Palace. The team from Merseyside however showed good character to book their place in the next round of the cup.

 

It was Palace who took the early lead though. On fifteen minutes a moment Martin Skrtel will want to forget when Joe Ledley played the ball up to Dwight Gayle. Skrtel ended up heading the ball on but Mingolet smothered the ball away. However the ball fell fortunately to Fraizer Cambell for an easy finish.

 

Six minutes later Liverpool nearly equalised through Adam Lallana. After some patient build up Henderson layed the ball off to Lallana who struck a left foot shot but Palace keeper Speroni made the save.

 

Liverpool had a shout for a penalty after Lallana’s low cross rebounded to Coutinho who had his shot blocked. As the ball came back Joel Ward appeared to handle the ball but the referee gave no penalty. The Brazilians resulting shot was caught by Speroni.

 

Palaces keeper made another save from a long range drive from Jordan Henderson. Then Liverpool had another shout for a penalty when the ball was deflected to Daniel Sturridge. New signing Pape Souaré then appeared to trip the England striker but nothing was given.

 

Before half time Palace nearly doubled their lead when Bolasie’s pass bounced of Skrtel into the path of Gayle. Though on goal his effort was saved by the legs of Mingolet.

 

Liverpool made the score one all early in the second half when Henderson played an exquisite chipped ball into the path of Daniel Sturridge. His left foot shot cannoned off the legs of Speroni and into the net.

 

Palace nearly re took the lead when they had a corner. The ball was half cleared but fell to Dwight Gayle. Fortunately for the Reds his bouncing shot was pushed away by Simon Mingolet.

 

Soon after Liverpool took the lead. Mario Balotellit won a free kick near the edge of the box and proceeded to take the free kick. His powerful low drive was saved by Speroni but fell into the path of the oncoming Adam Lallana who put the ball into the back of the net.

 

Palace had very few opportunities after this and as Liverpool continued to dominate possession the game fizzled out giving Liverpool the win.

 

Liverpool will be pleased with how they controlled the game and had the character to come from a goal behind. Their next game is at home to Besiktas in the Europa league on Thursday.