Of our last two games, Pool and Palace, I’d normally be most worried about the former, probably because it’s rare for us to beat them.
But Palace are in excellent form and have taken 16 points from their last 18, only bettered by Citeh, who we rely on tomorrow.
A glance at the form table is a bit of a surprise really, because while it’s pretty universally accepted by us that we’ve been miles off our best, with our small squad and tiredness having taken their toll, we’ve won two, drawn two and lost two in our last six games.
The surprise then is that Liverpool have done exactly the same.
We’ve actually done better than them if you only take the last five games into account and while I don’t set to much store by previous games, it is at least a bit of an indicator that Liverpool aren’t exactly flying either. Not that they need to be. Third place is guaranteed, so can we hope they will have their holiday attire on?
I doubt it, as we don’t get that sort of luck.
Squad news then and with Villa, a lot is up in the air as the fitness of several players with small injuries, including Nicolo Zaniolo, Youri Tielemans and Alex Moreno is being monitored.
It’s all demonstrative of how fatigue has caught up with the lads.
As for Liverpool, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are out,but they are hoping Diogo Jota is ready for a return.
A Reds fan who I’m working with in Liverpool has had a bet that Nunez and Watkins will get two shots each and Luiz will be booked. I told him it could be a decent bet, particularly the Luiz part, but that I wasn’t sure about Ollie, as he can sometimes be taken out of the game if the midfield isn’t offering any supply.
I think this game is easily summed up by the fact that if we were in top form, this is a game I’d have been pretty confident of winning.
Unfortunately, we look jaded and slow, hence I don’t think we’ll be able to live with Liverpool’s overall pace and press.
Would a draw do tonight? Maybe, but Spurs need to win both their gams really because a win and a draw would also require them turning round our 8 goal difference in the difference.
The trouble is, I don’t see a draw, as much as I’d probably take it and it’s another game where I just don’t see us winning either.
It’s a 2-1 or maybe even 3-1 defeat, I’m afraid, with us holding our breath tommorow night.
UTV! and come on lads, one last push!
Comments
221 responses to “Villa – Liverpool; I’m not sure if I should be worried or not.”
Watkins has the touch of a rapist at times, even if he knew he was off then.
Liverpool are playing some dirty football tonight…studs left in late…
That just about sums it up
How did that not go in??????
Was that not even a card for Gakpo??????
Carlos is utter shite. How did he miss? I don’t know what’s going on with him. He hasn’t exactly played loads. One to offload in the summer.
That’s it, get Diaby off! An expensive mistake!
Dirty lot Liverpool
Gakpo should have seen red for that stamp on Konsa…then he goes and scores…
And whatever happens we’ve gotta go through this all over again tomorrow night. Unless we win of course!!!!
I see Diarby having a good game again , I wouldn’t play him in a parks game the useless git . Bet he’s replaced second half .
As you say Badger – not meant to be.
Liverpool like ManU always seem to beat us no matter what or how we play.
Jinxed
At least we’re getting in positions and creating stuff.
I don’t think this is over, but Liverpool do look a bit more incisive and if they get another, forget it, imo.
If so much wasn’t riding on it, it would be a very decent game to watch!
We have to win (don’t want to leave it to chance) and like against Olympiakos we’re over committing at times and then not taking our chances. Seems to have become a reoccurring story.
Spot on Badger – we have missed 3 great opportunities. Liverpool clinical when they have a chance – both occasions the goals came from McGinn and Luiz playing aimless balls forward and on the turnover they scored.
Long way to go.
Sid, my concerns are – the longer the game goes on then our physical and mental tiredness will take more of a toll.
We need to get an early goal second half to reignite the crowd and our energy – if Liverpool score next it’s game over and we will be just trying to limit the GD damage.
We can’t keep thinking we need to score at least 2 to win a game. Our defence has been a shambles most of the season. Next season with the new offside rules will mean we will concede plenty more if we persevere with the high line.
I’ve been wondering who our first injury would be and worryingly it could be McGinn. You can’t run properly with battered ribs. That MacAllister is a dirty git.
Game over
How the xxxx can he head in without being challenged?
And Hooper isn’t helping
Digne has had a shocker today.
No coming back from that now, even if we score 🙁
We’re relying on Citeh then, by the looks of it.
More sloppy defending and it’s game over! 1-6 might be correct. We are gift wrapping the 4th place for Spurs
I am ****ing sick of this Scouse team and their very own ref on the pitch.
Shocking marking by Digne twice in the game , he can piss off in the window
It’s offside!
Wow!
3-2, although I thought that was off too.
2-3!!!! Still hanging in there!!!!!
Bollox. I like Bailey’s passion there!!!!!
Definitely not going to be our night – well it never is against Liverpool – and again we couldn’t score if we tried.
Bonkers game!!!