Liverpool and Chelsea kick off week five of the 2016/17 Premier League season and Philippe Coutinho may have dropped a hint that he could start tonight…
When you play the best sides in the league you need your best players. Philippe Coutinho certainly fits into this equation as he possesses the quality. The Brazilian was introduced off the bench agaisnt Leicester after completing a round trip of 12 000 kilometres on international duty with Brazil.
His importance against the champions was lessened due to the combined brilliance of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge. That being said, Jurgen Klopp will be looking to press Chelsea’s backline as much as possible and Sturridge doesn’t do this effectively.
Coutinho could be started tonight to gain the upperhand before bring on Sturridge later on as an impact player.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Coutinho spoke about the fixture agaisnt Chelsea, “The last game there was good for us, we played well, it was the manager’s first game against Chelsea and we did everything he asked us to do.
“We played well, we pressured them well and I was very happy to score two goals, so I hope on Friday we play well again and win the match.
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“The manager arrived with a lot of new ideas and the team quickly adapted to his way of playing and we won some very important games.
“That was one of the first, a game away from home against a very strong team, so we definitely thought we would be reaping the rewards in the future.”
Coutinho will be aching to get out and play as he lives for the big games. Last season, Liverpool’s number 10 scored against both Manchester clubs, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and twice against Chelsea. He’s already scored agaisnt Arsenal this season with a wonderful curling free kick.
If Coutinho is to be successful this evening he wil have to outdo a few of his international teammates with David Luiz, Oscar and Willian all likely to start at the Bridge tonight. However, the Brazilian won’t be letting this hold him back.
“Chelsea is a team that is always competitive, always fighting for the league title, a team that always has great players and a great history,” he continued.
“Of course to be champions the season before last and then have a bad season is difficult, but I’m only concerned with Liverpool and what we have to do, and our job is to go there and get the points at Chelsea.”
Is that a hint, Philippe? We’ll see…
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