It may have been obvious prior to Saturday’s emphatic derby victory over Everton, but now it’s really official: Liverpool are riding a wave of momentum not seen since last season’s dramatic run at Manchester United and the Premier League title.
And it couldn’t come at a better time.
Whilst it would be easy to bang on about the 10-man victory over our Merseyside rivals, Liverpool really do need to keep their wits about them as they move into what Rafa is calling the most crucial part of the season. As many of you know, Saturday’s match marked the tip of a three-headed monster of Premier League matches for the Reds.
Up next? Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday, followed by Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium in a fortnight. There’s no doubting these two matches could make or break Liverpool’s recent run of good fortunes.
Take at least four points from the next two league matches and we could be looking at a furious finish to what was strongly considered a wash of a season just a couple weeks ago. A defeat in either match, however, could lead to a loss of confidence at the wrong time.
Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, who are currently in 3rd place in the league, 4 points ahead of Liverpool. Fernando Torres is expected to start, while Alberto Aquilani could also make his first Premiership start of the season.
Rafael Benitez has named his starting line up to face Everton at Goodison Park today, using the same team that faced Debrecen in midweek.
Another week, another glimmer of hope rained on. Liverpool fans are, on the whole, an optimistic bunch, but a second successive 2-2 home draw – this time against potential Champions League rivals Manchester City – left many heading out of Anfield boasting only of apathy and indifference. The optimism was gathering pace ahead of a lunchtime kick off in the November wind and rain. The sight of a substitutes’ bench containing Fabio Aurelio, Yossi Benayoun, Albert Riera and Alberto Aquilani warmed the hearts of many within Anfield, even if the weather threatened to freeze them to their seats.
Wondering how Liverpool can make it through the group stages this year? Not sure what result is needed in the other game between Lyon and Fiorentina? Look no further…
Rafa Benitez has named his starting 11 to face Man City at Anfield today, with Glen Johnson not making the bench. There is however; a rare start for Ryan Babel.
Liverpool face Man City at Anfield today after the break for Internationals, needing nothing less than a win. Rafa is still without Torres but after some treatment in Serbia; Riera, Benayoun, Aurelio and Johnson are fit to play – but who do you think should be in the starting line up when the match kicks off at 12:45?
Rafa Benitez has named his starting 11 to face Birmingham City at Anfield this evening, with David N’Gog replacing Fernando Torres upfront.
Monday night football returns to Anfield, as Liverpool and Birmingham City prepare to do battle in the Premier League. There’s a lot at stake in this match — especially after both Aston Villa and Tottenham won over the weekend.
A win would pull the club within a point of the fourth spot in the league, and I think we’re all in agreement that getting back into the top four should be top priority right now. There’s not much we can do about the Champions League, as we need a result from Lyon to keep our hopes alive. Regardless of the Champions League dilemma, we do control our own destiny when it comes to the league. And no matter which way you look at it, we’ve got to get three points tonight.
Follow along tonight with AnfieldRed’s Live Blog of the match. I’ll be here 10 minutes prior to kick to get things started. Live blog follows, after the jump!
In times like these when there seems to be a black cloud hanging over our beloved club, I like to take a moment and watch highlights of this match. Sure, it’s probably not right to keep looking into the past every time something in the present is going wrong, but for a moment, just one moment, I’m able to relive these glorious moments at Old Trafford last year when we took it to the mancs on their own pitch.
Sunday’s match, like the one back in March, is one where a season could be revived or lost in a mere 90 minutes. Last year, we needed those three points to stay within striking distance of United. On Sunday, we’ll need those three points again for the very same reason: to stay within striking distance.
