West Ham Utd v Liverpool FC - Match Preview

Liverpool travel to East London this afternoon with the intention of regaining their place at the top of the Premier League. With fellow challengers Manchester City and Chelsea recording emphatic wins

Glen Johnson: Will Glenda be out key man today - again?

yesterday, today's match will provide further evidence as to whether Brendan Rodger's side genuinely are in the hunt, or simply also-rans. Sam Alladyce will be sure to make this as difficult a task as is humanly possible in order to secure top flight survival for the Hammers. 

Luck, like everything in this world is not infinite and it'll be interesting to see if the Gaffer's continues, or whether he used up the last of it with his Grand National sweepstake win yesterday. Liverpool, or the housewives favorite if you prefer, are currently a solitary point behind Jose Mourinho's side with a single game in hand, so a win would restore the Reds' two-point advantage at the top of the table. Hopefully Rodgers' side can avoid falling victim, like Across The Bay did yesterday, to an unseated runner as one could call West Ham - long out of the race, but continuing all the same as trained to do.

If observers claimed Liverpool may suffer under pressure, then this match will see if they're correct. This fixture is one that Champions should be winning. The kind of game where they can show they will not lie down. Both to the immediate opposition and to the other challengers. Andy Carroll will be doing his level best to show Rodgers what he so willingly let go, and lifelong Reds supporter Kevin Nolan will be looking to put a dent in the visitors' hopes for sure. 

In terms of selection, I can't see any changes. Simply because the current team has done so well in the last couple of months and seem really settled. I'm hoping that Rodgers will start with a front three. Raheem Sterling out wide on the right, swapping the width with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez. The latter two switching between offering the wide option and the central attacking threat. I'd prefer to see Sterling start ahead of Philippe Coutinho simply because I believe he can handle the inevitable physicality. Coutinho, on the other hand will probably win more free kicks and against a packed defence, this may well be the side's best bet for scoring opportunities. In any case the team has options and goals so we'll see which approach the boss goes with. 

The midfield three of Steven Gerrard in front of the back four, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen ahead of him. I don't see a start for Lucas at the moment, but should the visitors secure a comfortable enough lead, then we can expect his introduction in the second half. The defense will gave a tough test managing Carroll and Nolan and I'm praying that the back four can keep them at bay. This is going to be a vital part of this match and if the visitors are to remain the only unbeaten premiership side this year, it's imperative that there are no sloppy mistakes to make a difficult risk harder still. This will also be a chance for Glen Johnson to continue his return to form and maintain his impressive scoring record against his old club.

For me, Manchester City are still the favorites to take the title this season. Their two games in hand could see them take a two point lead at the top so this really us a must-win game for Liverpool. Indeed, every one of the remaining six matches will be. This, if Rodgers' men can maintain their form, will be the reason why a title win would be that little more special. Just in case it isn't special enough. So let the analysis and talking stop and let the game begin. Let's hope the team come away with a win. 

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Liverpool v Tottenham - Match Preview

Today's afternoon kick-off sees Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield for what is, for Brendan

LFC Squad. Could be worse. Could be better too

Rodgers' men, a chance to take pole position in the Premiership. If ever there was a must win game for LFC, then we'll be seeing it come 4pm this today. After yesterday's results, Liverpool have the top spot there for the taking and if the team is going to have any hope of lifting the title this season, then this is the chance to get one hand on it.

The weekend could not have gone any better for Liverpool upto now. Chelsea were done over 1-0 by a hungry Crystal Palace side who are fighting tooth and nail to remain in the top flight. Manchester City faltered at Arsenal in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. I remain positive. I don't believe Tottenham or Tim Sherwood have what it takes to overturn Liverpool or Brendan Rodgers. Before Tottenham's win over Southampton last week, they hadn't won since the 1-0 home victory over strugglers Cardiff. The fact that all of the games since then and last week have been against what you'd generally call "Quality" opposition (Chelsea, Arsenal and Benfica), it's only natural to conclude that Tottenham struggle against this type of opposition. The type in which one can definitely count Liverpool.

Tactically, it's almost a given that Rodgers will start with the same side that's been doing so well since the turn of the year. The only change I can see is perhaps Raheem Sterling starting in place of Philippe Coutinho but then, that's something I've expected for the last few games and it hasn't come about. Expect the home side to press high up the pitch and pressure the Spurs midfield. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger will have to be at their combative best and obviously, avoid the individual errors that have cost the team goals in recent weeks. The right tactics though, are only one element of what is required.

I recall the ex-Liverpool winger John Barnes being asked in an interview "What is the secret for Liverpool's success?". Barnes' response was "Well firstly, we have the best players and secondly, the Gaffer just tells us to go out and enjoy ourselves". So for a start, Liverpool don't have the best players. Perhaps the best strikers and one or two midfielders arguably, but in defence certainly not. Thus Barnes' first point is irrelevant for the current team. However, what they can do is to go out tomorrow and enjoy themselves and I'm glad that Rodgers has put that point to the team ahead of tomorrow's match via the Liverpool Echo. 

Nobody knew that the team would be where they are at the beginning of the season. As underdogs for the Premiership - which they undoubtedly are - they shouldn't be feeling the pressure. That's the job of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal but not Liverpool. They're in the mix and clearly have a chance but I'm not convinced that Liverpool will win the title. Mainly because there's no depth in the squad. All it takes is a 2-match yellow card ban (Steven Gerrard), an injury to Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge or indeed Gerrard, and then the title challenge will likely be as over as Austin Rover. The squad is right now four or five key players - not squad players - short of being genuine title material and Rodgers knows this. 

The bottom line is, Liverpool FC have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The apparent nervousness on Wednesday against Sunderland from both the team and supporters should not be. In reality, we've got to be happy we got this far. Surely that's worth celebrating. And come Monday 12th May, we might be celebrating still further.

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Liverpool v Arsenal preview

Got some thinking to do...

In a few minutes from now Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side host Premiership leaders Arsenal at Anfield, and like with every fixture between now and the 11th May, is a must win for the Reds.

It goes without saying that Liverpool have not done well against the teams above them in the league this season having taken a big fat zero points from the possible nine available from Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. Cries of bad luck, poor refereeing aside, the final scoreline speaks for itself, and this is what matters. The biggest issue for Liverpool this season, in my opinion has been their defence. Shocking would not have been an understatement for many an occasion this season and this is something Rodgers must remedy.

I don't believe the inability to capture an obscure Ukrainian attacking midfielder in January to be the failure of Liverpool, but rather the lack of focussing on bringing in a competent defender to shore up the leaky back line. This is absolutely clear and I don't know what team observers are watching if they see missing out on signing Yehven Konoplyanka as the death knell for Liverpool's season. Only Man City have scored more goals than Liverpool so far this term thus the attacking element in the side does not appear to be the burning issue. The fact that they've shipped more goals than the rest of the top five sides is.

The one saving grace for Liverpool is that all the losses against the top teams have come away from home and the chance to play the top three sides in front of their own fans is definitely an advantage. I for one am expecting much more from the Reds at Anfield and let's hope the side give the fans - and themselves for that matter - something to be proud of. I'm not particularly bothered about the performance if I'm honest. The primary aim against the top sides must be to get the result. Point. These are the kind of games that will shape Rodgers fate and determine whether this season is a mere flash in the pan or a genuine 'Phoenix from the ashes' scenario.

Personally, I'd like to see Jon Flanagan and Martin Kelly starting as the full backs to give the team a bit more 'bite'. I don't think Aly Cissokho has been all that from what I've seen of him. There is certainly no room for the kind of mistake that Kolo Touré made to gift West Bromwich Albion an equaliser in the last fixture. For the midfield and attack, business as usual.

A win for Liverpool would give them 50 points and a five point cushion over Everton who have a difficult away trip to a resurgent Tottenham tomorrow - Not to mention three points behind Chelsea and Man City who occupy third and second respectively. Let's hope in a couple of hours we're talking about three points gained instead of two thrown away, or worse still, three given away.

Follow me on Twitter: @ Mrbengreen

To jinx or not to jinx

Let's hope you're laughing come May!

Contrary to what Billy Shakespeare wrote, this is actually the question. You see, no sooner had I revealed my superstitious fear of lauding Liverpool's start to the season, the wheels appeared to fall off the bandwagon of optimism. Yes, it was Arsenal and yes, they're top of the league and looking good value for it, but I can't bring myself to say that they're unbeatable In all fairness, games between these two are always impossible to call. Perhaps I just chose the wrong moment!

So, that said, I'm not overly disappointed with the result. I just see it as a reminder that there is still work for Brendan Rodgers and the whole team to do. I think the biggest undoing was playing three at the back. It seems to have worked well thus far this season, but against a top team I don't believe the manager should stray too far from the tried and trusted. Rodger's reasoning for playing this 3-5-2 is to accommodate both Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in attack. For me, that's a feeble excuse and not one I expect to hear from someone who, not so long ago, was claiming the players "Will play where they're told to".

The point I'm making is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'd like to see Rodgers be bold enough to play one of them in a wider position, the other in the middle and simply have them swapping positions now and again. Surely that's got to pull the opposition defences all over the place trying to manage the two of them. When all is said and done though, the players are the ones who should stand up for the occasion and be counted and I don't think that happened until it was too late. Suarez reverted to his old self and missed a glorious chance to play Sturridge in for a near dead cert finish in the closing stages. Instead going it alone and pushing it wide. That has to stop. Aaron Ramsey's finish is definitely worth a mention.

A look at the next few fixtures provides, what I would say, is a chance for Liverpool to consolidate their place as a front runner this season. Fulham and Norwich at home either side of away fixtures at Everton and Hull respectively have got to be games that Liverpool should be looking to pick up maximum points. With the exception of the derby - which is always a bit of a lottery - you've got to fancy the Reds to do the business going into the Christmas shakeup. The festive season brings away games at Tottenham, Man City and Chelsea and the team needs the confidence going into that period. Ahead of that, a testing encounter at Upton Park to visit West Ham will also test LFC's "top-four" credentials.

I'm a believer that the season can be won and lost over Christmas so this is a time I'm really looking forward to. Will Rodgers' men build on what can only be described as surprisingly good start to the season? Or will they peter out like Newcastle, West Brom, or (more likely than not) Southampton have done in recent times? I don't do predictions but I'd suggest a two-goal margin in Liverpool's favour on Saturday against Fulham.

Where the league is concerned, time of course, will tell but - optimistically, I believe the top four is in reach and should be expected by all Liverpool fans. Realistically, I'd be happy with fifth because it means qualification for European competition and still represents an improvement on the previous season's effort. Improvement is all Liverpool fans can ask for given the shambles that the club became under Tom Hicks and George Gillet. Two that definitely weren't the best that Liverpool could get.

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen

So far so good...?



Yes - He loves himself!

 Again, it's been a while since I've written on here. Sad but true. Not that I haven't wanted to. There's one particular reason... I've been shit scared at the strength with which Liverpool have started the season! Call me superstitious but I've been careful not to write too positively for fear of jinxing the whole thing. I mean let's face it, even my arch nemesis Luis Suarez is passing the ball more in the final third. Now this is something I never thought I'd see. Not while he wears the red of Liverpool anyway.

Witchcraft aside, I think most Liverpool fans with the exception of the foolhardy would admit surprise at the start to the season Liverpool have made. The new additions over the summer have not disappointed when they've played and this speaks volumes for Brendan Rodgers' eye for a player. His only utter failing in the transfer market has been Fabio Borini and he's been banished on loan Somewhere or Sunderland (either name will do), which kind of absolves him of the crime he committed in signing Borini in the first place. "It's a fair kop guv'nor!"

Liverpool have adopted a distinct strategy in the transfer market which seems to be paying off. The acquisition of Victor Moses, Mamadou Sakho, Aly Cissokho and Luis Alberto all indicate that the club are looking not just for youth, ability, potential blah blah blah... But hunger. Obviously not in the same sense as in Jan Molby or Neil Ruddock, but as in the desire to succeed where others had written them off. This is true in the case of Daniel Sturridge. Living proof that one man's muck is another man's brass! After Manchester City and Chelsea, he's taken the opportunity at Liverpool with both hands and this is paying dividends for both him and the club. Moses is another example. Although one has to wonder why he ever went to Chelsea from Wigan in the first place. Anyone that's even heard of football could have told the lad he'd struggle to get a run of games there. I hope the move becomes permanent next year. 

Of all the summer signings, I've been most impressed with Kolo Touré.  I'd even say Rodgers has replaced Jamie Carragher with a better player. The guy can do it all. Tackle, positions himself well,  and brings the ball forward out of defence without just "hoofing" it upfield. Touré didn't have anything to prove other than what mugs Man City were for letting him go for free. Liverpool missed him in the Man United game for sure and he's already proving to be a vital part of the first eleven. In fact, the entire current back three of Touré, Sakho and Martin Skrtel or Daniel Agger looks to be the strongest central defence the team has had since the days of Sami Hyypia and Stéphane Henchoz. Yes, the formation is different but in terms of confidence. Confidence that they won't leak a goal or two each match.

The midfield is looking good and although we've not seen much of them, Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto both look to be good buys. I think the latter isn't quite ready yet, and he'll need this season to get used to things but he his technical ability is as good as I've seen. It's fair to say that Aspas too, still has some work to do but the boy does bring some more invention to the side. I won't call him the next Bruno Cheyrou just yet! But with the Jordan Henderson as the next Ray Kennedy and Philippe Coutinho being the next, well... Philippe Coutinho, it's looking like back to the future. The team is playing well, and thus far, my impression of Rodgers has been spot on. He hasn't delivered totally but he's heading in the right direction.

Rodgers is a man who really knows what Liverpool Football Club is about, and the owners have made the right choice in his appointment. His tactical knowledge is solid, he knows how to motivate the players and most importantly, he learns from his mistakes (enter Borini and Oussama Assaidi). That said the team is still not quite where it should be. I thought there were lapses in defence on Saturday which, against a better side would have been surely punished and the team also needs to improve their concentration and consistency in the second half of games when leading. 

Having said that, a top four finish should be achievable given the start they've made to this campaign. I still believe Liverpool need to seek out a replacement for Luis Suarez in the event that he gets itchy feet again. Am I glad he stayed? I can't say I am really. I am glad that he's playing more for the team now and not being guilty of breaking down the attacking phase of play. But I still don't have much time for the guy.

He's like Marmite. You either love it or you don't. Personally I can't stand the stuff!

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen

Liverpool looking good value for money

The annual summer transfer frenzy is now officially up and running, and the papers are full of speculation and links based on insider contacts, hope and in some cases pure imagination. However, with that said, only half of the Premierships clubs have flexed any financial muscle thus far, with the usual moneybags suspects Manchester "hard-up" City leading the way with over £50m spent already.

What I've found surprising is that although Aston Villa have been the most busy, bringing in five players for a total of around £11m, I see the supposedly cash-strapped Liverpool currently running second to Citeh in the spending stakes. With the current acquisitions of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto costing a reported £12m or thereabouts, and the imminent arrival of Simon Mignolet for £10m, the Liverpool Chief Financial Officer Andy Hughes is now sweating over the departure of £22m from the cash ledger. The perennial big spenders, Chelsea are yet to draw their wallet in anger, and Manchester United and Arsenal only have spent a massive £2.8m between them... With Arsenal contributing, er... zero.

You see, as far as I was aware, Liverpool are supposed to be skint. "We need to build a 700,000 seater stadium so we can keep up with the likes of Chelski and Manyoo" they say. "We can't compete anymore because we've been left behind financially". "We're poor..." they cry. Well, they don't seem to be doing that badly. 

On reflection, Liverpool's decline over the last few years is not, in my opinion down to a lack of funds. Lets face it, it's not as if they've been scratching around for a transfer kitty this last few years. The main reason is simply down to adopting a poor recruitment policy of picking up average players on massive salaries. Poor use of funds, rather than a lack of it. After all, the Reds are currently lying in 5th place in the current Premiership Rich List, and on the strength of that, not as poor as we'd imagine. Am I the only one that's noticed this?

In terms of revenues, Liverpool have, potentially, some large income from the departures of Luis Suarez - at least around £35m by all accounts (excuse the pun) but surely a profit on the £23m purchase price - and Jonjo Shelvey, who's lack of discipline, composure and overall poor form seems to have earned him a place on the sales ledger, so perhaps £7m for him as reported. I don't expect Liverpool to get anywhere near that amount for Jay Spearing who is allegedly being tracked by Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers, perhaps £3m at most. Add to that the possible sale of Pepe Reina and there is a likely healthy profit in the air. Surely a pleasant prospect for Mr. Hughes. 

It's near on certain that once the rest of the top four get their readies to hand, I think Liverpool will fall down the transfer spending table. However, it's clear to see that things are not as bleak as many Reds supporters would imagine. That coupled with the astute purchases made by Brendan Rodgers so far, don't paint too bad a picture for the club in the short to medium term, and especially so if that can be translated into results on the pitch. 

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen