By Sam McGuire
The Reds are threatening to limp over the road to assert a twentieth league title. They’ll wish to put any lingering doubts to mattress this weekend as they host West Ham United at Anfield.
Operating out of steam?
Liverpool discovered themselves 3-1 all the way down to Fulham at half-time on Sunday afternoon having taken an early lead courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister’s worldie.
The Reds appeared sluggish and defensively fragile regardless of the again 4 solely lacking Trent Alexander-Arnold. Caoimhin Kelleher, once more, began rather than Alisson who missed out because of the concussion protocol.
It was Liverpool’s skilled gamers of their backline who appeared nervy. Ibrahima Konaté practically gifted Fulham a objective early on with a unfastened contact in his personal penalty space. Andrew Robertson had three possibilities to clear the ball previous to Alex Iwobi’s objective whereas Virgil van Dijk was carried out by Rodrigo Muniz for the third.
Is it nerves or have these gamers simply performed an excessive amount of soccer this season? Slot barely rotates and each Robertson and Van Dijk aren’t getting any youthful.
It’s a troublesome query to reply proper now, however these gamers have gained all of it, a title run in must be their bread and butter. If it isn’t nerves, uncomfortable conversations would possibly must be had.
No new supervisor bounce however nonetheless loads to show
Graham Potter was employed by West Ham United in January and the thought was he’d be capable of get them taking part in soccer whereas shifting them up the desk.
There was imagined to be a spark. There wasn’t.
In his 11 league matches as supervisor, they’ve gained simply three matches – beating Fulham, Arsenal and Leicester Metropolis. They’ve suffered defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Brentford, Newcastle and Wolves throughout this era.
Heading to Anfield, the Hammers are winless in 4. They’re in no hazard of relegation. They’re additionally in no hazard of taking part in European soccer subsequent season. They’re in purgatory proper now simply ready for the marketing campaign to finish. Potter might be assessing his choices and seeing who has a job to play for him subsequent time period.
So whereas there’s nothing at stake, a great efficiency towards the runaway leaders may extend a West Ham profession or two.
A peek into the long run for Liverpool
For the final two Premier League video games, the Reds have been with out Trent Alexander-Arnold. The correct-back suffered an ankle harm towards Paris Saint-Germain and Slot was compelled to make use of Jarell Quansah at full-back within the Carabao Cup ultimate earlier than opting to make use of Curtis Jones there towards Everton and Fulham.
Alexander-Arnold’s absence coincides with Liverpool forgetting tips on how to assault. Previous to the worldwide break, the Reds had an xG per 90 common of two.27 within the Premier League. Within the two video games for the reason that break, the xG common has been 1.5.
Liverpool haven’t found out tips on how to assault with out the No. 66 of their crew. They haven’t actually found out tips on how to get the ball to Mohamed Salah both, with the Premier League’s prime scorer blanking in each video games.
Damage points
Slot remains to be with out Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez however Alisson must be accessible for the sport towards the Hammers whereas the return of Conor Bradley has come on the excellent time. The flying right-back reworked the Liverpool assault within the ultimate 20 minutes towards Fulham and he grabbed an help.
If he’s match sufficient to begin on Sunday, the Reds can have a wholly totally different dynamic to their proper flank, and Salah could be way more concerned.
West Ham, in the meantime, are with out Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville, a one-time Liverpool switch goal. Aside from that, Potter has no harm or suspension issues to navigate or handle.
Prediction
Liverpool want a response to the loss. They want a response to a lot of poor performances relationship again to February. With Anfield behind them and the title up for grabs, we’re saying it’ll be a 3-1 win for the hosts.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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