Crystal Palace v Liverpool | Uncensored Match Build Up Show

Ahead of today’s match and the fact that I don’t have time to research a proper match preview, we join the gang at RedmenTV to get their view of Liverpool’s trip to Selhurst Park – and of course get my tuppenny-worth in before kick-off.

Quite rightly the lads point out that they want to draw a line under last season. A very valid point. OK, we nearly got number 19, OK so we played some of the best football the team has played arguably for the last 20 years. OK, we dared to dream. The simple fact is that’s gone now and we have to look ahead.

On a personal note, I’ve had a bit of flak for my article yesterday and been accused of “undermining” the club. The fact is, Brendan Rodgers has to carry the can. As much as I like the guy, we can’t disguise the fact that his signings have been generally poor this year. For all the money that’s been spent, the best performers for LFC this season have been the cheapest. This is FACT! And the club is in a crucial period now where European qualification is practically vital for Rodgers. Last season has been described as being “Ahead of schedule”. This is probably correct, but having said that, it doesn’t justify going backwards for a season or two does it?

When all is said and done, Liverpool are only a couple of wins away from being back in the mix, still in the Champions League and in the latter stages of the League Cup. In reality the side still has loads to play for. Even besides the fact that Brendan Rodgers is showing now in my opinion, how quite naive he’s been at times this season. Don’t ask for examples because I think there’s probably a word limit on WordPress! I’m a realist. John W. Henry isn’t going to keep Rodgers and foot the bill for a huge rebuilding plan on reduced revenue, just because Ben Green says so. I also don’t believe he’ll let that become a nailed-on certainty without looking for an alternative to Rodgers. Just in case.

Let’s end with this thought: Did the owners of Liverpool really sack Kenny Dalglish whilst having no inkling whatsoever of who their replacement would be? Like they say, the King is dead, long live the King…

And by the way, I fancy an away win today!

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen