Liverpool FC vs Cardiff City FC – Match Preview
Liverpool welcome Cardiff City to Anfield tomorrow for Premier League match day 10. Given that Chelsea and Manchester City play on Sunday and Monday respectively, it provides a chance for the Reds to claim top spot, albeit briefly.
Overview
Liverpool will be full of confidence following two wins last week. This game represents a chance for the Reds to put some (albeit minute and temporary) daylight between them and their immediate challengers.
The Bluebirds haven’t played Liverpool in the top flight since March 2014 when Brendan Rodgers’ men came out 3-6 winners at the Cardiff City stadium. Goals courtesy of a Luis Suarez Hat-trick in addition to a brace from Martin Skrtel and one more from none other than Daniel Sturridge… those were the days!
https://twitter.com/_roarofthekop_/status/1055872482568298497?s=21
Then and current manager Neil Warnock will be trying to prevent a similar shoreline this weekend. With his side flirting dangerously with the bottom three, it’s going to be very hard for the one time Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Leeds boss to keep Liverpool quiet tomorrow.
Team News
Tomorrow’s hosts have just a few injury concerns. Captain Jordan Henderson remains a doubt, as well as Naby Keïta, Rhian Brewster and long term absentee Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
In view of The relatively “lowly” opposition, I’d expect Daniel Sturridge to start and, I fear, Dejan Lovren in defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold may well make way again as he did last week against Huddersfield.
This would be a good game for Fabinho to continue his first team development. Given the likely “physical” tactics Warnock could employ, this may mean a start for James Milner.
The latest team news from both sides ahead of tomorrow's @premierleague encounter… #LIVCAR https://t.co/gxoHtYcpWh
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 26, 2018
Cardiff City will be without attacker Danny Ward, whilst Gary Madine has been suffering from a virus and could deplete Warnock’s options further. With Joe Ralls suspended and a number of other injuries, it’s fair to say the Bluebirds will be up against it. Their manager was quoted this week as saying a Cardiff win would be “virtually impossible”. I think this will be a damage limitation job for the visitors tomorrow.
Betting
Liverpool are currently 1/9 on favourites tomorrow which clearly makes sense. In fact, it’s unlikely that this game will attract many punters other than those looking for an easy fixture for their accumulator.
Liverpool host Cardiff this weekend and we're expecting a high-scoring affair at Anfield https://t.co/CLjRtq23hF #LIVCAR
— GoalBetting (@GoalBetting) October 26, 2018
Summary
I don’t have much hope for Cardiff tomorrow and judging by Warnock’s comments this week, neither does he. This is shaping up to be boys against men and one has to wonder how many Liverpool can rack up.
https://twitter.com/_roarofthekop_/status/1055861972766474240?s=21
However, this is football. Once dubbed a “funny old game” and anything really can happen. All it takes is a bit of over-confidence from Liverpool and they could end up with a very large egg on their faces.
Let’s hope this is a walkover. Those that follow this article will know I mentioned this 10-game mark as a barometer for Liverpool’s season. Hopefully, by tomorrow evening, the Reds will be top again.
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