Liverpool FC v Norwich City FC – Match Preview
Liverpool welcome Norwich City to Anfield this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League late kick off. With only five games of the season gone, the team and boss Brendan Rodgers most notably, are already under pressure to get a result. The task has not been made any easier with the news that Jordan Henderson will be out for around two months after breaking bone in his foot.
Where does this leave Rodgers in terms of team selection? Well, in some ways, this makes the process a little easier as the embarrassment of riches at the Norther Irishman’s disposal is reduced somewhat. I think we will see Lucas Leiva employed in front of a defence which should – if there’s any justice in the world and a manager that want’s to keep his job – include a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, a recalled Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez. Emre Can is the best man to partner James Milner in midfield in the absence of the crook captain.
It’s unlikely Daniel Sturridge will start although a place on the bench is quite likely alongside Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino. Thus, expect Christian Benteke to lead the line again, flanked by Philippe Coutinho to his left and Jordan Ibe on his right. At the moment, it’s becoming apparent that Firmino is taking longer than many would have hoped to adapt to both the Premier League or “Our way of working” as Rodgers is often fond of saying. Either way, the Brazilian has been rather unremarkable thus far. There have been glimpses, but nowhere near what’s required up to now. This is why for me, the 19 year old south Londoner would get the nod on the right of the attack.
As the captain is out, the responsibility will fall to the deputy Milner with Sakho as vice captain on the day. Personally, I’d even go so far as to say the big defender should have the captaincy ahead of Milner, but clearly in the world of Rodgers, promises made on signing a player, take precedent over merit. After Lovren’s exploits against West Ham with his errors caused by misplaced over-confidence and nondescript showing against Manchester United, a change is welcome. However, seeing as Rodgers is displaying the characteristics of a boss waiting for the axe to fall, I suspect he’ll start with the Croatian. A bold if not foolhardy move.
If there was ever three points needed, this game is it. In view of the fact that West Ham done Manchester City 1-2 in their own back yard yesterday, Liverpool’s result against them doesn’t look so bad now. Norwich have reached no such heights this season, this is a game Liverpool should be expected to win if they intend to be taken seriously. They say there are no easy games in the Premiership. This may be true to some extent. However, having said that there are games in which a team such as Liverpool should be winning – whether easy or not – and this is one of them.
In the last five League games against Norwich at Anfield, Liverpool have won all but one of them – which was a draw – having scored 18 goals in the process. This may not be the same side and a certain Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz, scorer of five of those goals may no longer be at the club, but one would think the current team have the ability to take all three points.
This is the first of four home games on the bounce for Liverpool a chance for the team to get a good sequence of results. Carlisle, Aston Villa and FC Sion follow. Games which are not huge asks for the current players and the ability we all know they have. Time for the players to stand up and be counted. Last time I saw, the manager was not taking to the field of play. There’s only so much he can do so perhaps he’s not the only one to blame.
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