Liverpool FC v Hull City AFC – Prematch Opinion
Liverpool welcome Hull City to Anfield this afternoon for the latest match in what is turning out to be an intriguing season. Moreover, forget your Chelseas, your Arsenals and your Tottenhams, this game will be key.
So far, Liverpool have registered only one loss. Surprisingly it was away to Burnley in a match many expected them to win and win easily. But is it such a surprise? Why would we expect them to take all three points against such perceived “lowly” opposition? The reality is actually somewhat different.
I’ve supported LFC for the best part of 40 years and over the last 20, there’s been more hyped up expectancy – without due cause – than at any time I can remember. It’s a familiar cycle. It goes: Liverpool beat one of the “Top Five”. For now let’s say they are the Manchesters Citeh and Yoo, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham. Then, we’re subjected to “title talk”. Top four finish. Champions League qualification. League and cup doubles blah, blah, blah.
Mathematically, it’s actually possible that the team could win home and away against these sides and still get relegated! This assumes the standard 40-point “safety” target. Highly unlikely of course, but possible nonetheless, as this yields only 30 points.
Clearly then, it’s not the so-called big teams that Liverpool need to get results against. It’s just as, if not more important to get results against the other teams in the league. Frankly, it’s shortsighted to think anything else. Not to mention disrespectful. In recent times, Watford, Newcastle and Crystal Palace have all recorded wins against the Reds. Not to mention Swansea and that 6-1 mauling at the hands of Stoke.
This is the kind of game that will shape Jürgen Klopp’s and Liverpool’s season. It’s all very well kicking the arse of the school bully but if the skinny kid whoops your a*se then it somewhat takes the gloss off your previous achievement. Like most things in life, you’re only as good as the last one.
Liverpool have won only one of their last five league games against Hull City. Drawing and losing the remains four, twice respectively. This this is by no means an easy game. Klopp said this week his team needs to be “angry” against the Tigers. A more than fair statement because the Reds have a point to prove.
Word is that ex-Mainz stopper Loris Karius will make his long awaited debut, and in front of the home fans to-boot. With Roberto Firmino likely to Replace Nr. Grumpy – or Daniel Sturridge as he’s better known – we shouldn’t expect any further changes. Emre Can is in his own words, “starting from zero”. Mamadou Sakho is still working hard on his charm offensive. However, as reported in the Mirror today, he may well have set himself back a year or two after complaining about his plight on social media.
So without further ado, let’s leave it to the boys in red. Again, this is a much win game. In my own opinion more for credibility than moral or confidence. Should the team finish as winners today then, and only then can we boast with… Credibility.
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