Liverpool look to rebound from their shootout loss to Besiktas as they take on titleholder’s Man City in the match of the weekend.
Maybe you could be successful in the Turkish League? I mean not with us but…
Southampton class:
Liverpool showed great spirit in last weekend’s game at Southampton, a game in which two of their young stars showed their class in order to secure the 2-0 victory. It was a game filled with controversy as an opening minute Southampton drive led to Emre Can taking down Filip Djuricic in the box, but luckily the ref waved this one away. Coutinho would score less than 3 minutes later to make this non-call even more controversial. Southampton kept pushing and probably held the greater amount of possession in the first half (and were up on shots 7-1 at one point) but it was just not their day. At one point, Mignolet came out of the box to make an important save, only to have the ball deflect off his hand. The crowd shouted for a penalty, but once again the ref kept his whistle in his pocket. Sterling eventually took advantage of some sloppy defensive play to slot home a side-footed shot from inside the 18, and that put an end to any lingering hope for the Saints. Henderson might have picked up a minor knock in this game, since he didn’t even travel to Turkey, and the absence of him and Coutinho might have made the difference in Turkey.
Battle vs. Besiktas Pt II:
This game was not for the weak hearted. The first half was a bit sloppy, but the Reds definitely had their chances. They looked a bit more nervous in the second half, and they ultimately gave up the goal that led to a nail-biting shootout, where Lovren blasted it over the bar (this was our fifth penalty taker?). The first surprise came at the start of the game when Balotelli was given the nod over Lallana. We knew heading into the game that Can was going to push up into midfield, but we thought Sturridge would be playing the main role up top with support from Sterling and Lallana. That was not the case. Liverpool started slow, but was able to turn it up and ultimately had the better chances in the first half. The second half was the exact opposite, and ultimately ended with Besiktas scoring the goal (in the 72nd) to send this into extra time, and then the shootout in which they finished every PK. Liverpool’s PKs were perfect as well…that is until we got to Lovren. His. Was. Disgusting.
Time to step it up:
It’s a quick turnaround for Liverpool as they travel back to Anfield to take on the title holders. City played their Champions League match on Tuesday at home, so they have the easier travel schedule prior to this important matchup. City are looking to stay in the conversation for the title, while Liverpool want to continue their run of form (where they have won 7 of their last 9 EPL matches) and make it into the top 4. This one is early on Sunday (7:00 am EST) so make sure you don’t stay out too late on Saturday, and if you do, remember to set your DVR and go into social media hibernation so the game isn’t ruined. SFTB prediction: A lot of heart attacks.
Around the Interwebs:
- Who should we really thank for the recent run of form? Praise Jesus.
- Not only do transfer rumors continue, but they’re totally different from last week. Adriano, Alvaro Morata and Danny Ings feature in this week’s fake news.
- Looks like Gerrard may have the best testimonial ever.
- Balo with an impressive training strike but Rodgers is still not happy with the striker.
- And what’s up with that new Sterling deal already.