Michael Mongie analyses Liverpool’s next three fixtures in the Premier League.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Liverpool has been f*cking brilliant in their last three games. There is no point in denying that since earning a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane at the end of August, Liverpool has been absolutely rampant.
11 goals in three games, when worked out to a goal per game average, converts to 139 goals for a 38 game season. While there is no chance of that kind of momentum being sustained without a forward like Luis Suarez chipping in with 30+ goals, you get the idea.
When I previewed Liverpool’s last three fixtures against Leicester, Chelsea and Hull City, I tentatively predicted that Klopp’s side would take 6 or 7 points from their next three games. My hesitancy towards predicting a strong, confident run clearly shows that I, despite my continued insistence, have not converted from a dreamer to a believer.
So, after scoring 11 goals and notching 9 points, how can Liverpool do in their next three Premier League fixtures against Swansea, Manchester United and West Brom?
Swansea City
Swansea will probably be dreading facing Liverpool as the Swans are in a poor run of form; Francesco Guidolin’s side are without a win since the opening day of the season. Heading into this fixture, there could not be a bigger contrast between the side from Merseyside and the side from Wales.
As with any Premier League fixture, however, things can change in an instant. Liverpool came off the back off a hugely impressive win against Arsenal only to fail miserably at Turf Moor against Burnley.
It might be that Swansea is struggling hugely at the moment, but they have players like Fernando Llorente, who scored with a fine volley against City on the weekend, who can cause problems for Liverpool.Still, the momentum behind the Reds will definitely carry them through this one without much hassle. A 3-1 scoreline seems likely, much like the one City managed.
Manchester United
This is where everything goes to sh*t.
As with any fixture between United and Liverpool, the form guide often goes out the window and an age-old rivalry is brought to the fore.
The last few weeks have been terrific. Liverpool has been in fine form and Manchester United hasn’t. Aside from a dominant display against Leicester City, United has been poor in the last few weeks, losing three of their last four games in all competitions.
With United looking as though they’ve found their form, the game at Anfield on the 17th of October should be a real cracker.
It’s worth noting that the game will come after the international break which could disrupt Liverpool’s explosive form but it’s not likely as Klopp will be training with his players who aren’t on international duty.
Bring it on! 2-1 win to the Reds! The Merseyside reds, that is.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s form has been very mixed and as a result, they’re tenth in the league. Having scored a goal more than they’ve conceded, the Baggies aren’t firing on all cylinders nor are they watertight at the back.
The game is only in three and a half weeks, so a lot can change for both sides before then, but these are the sort of games that Liverpool has to win if any talk of challenging for the title is to be tolerated.
Liverpool really should take 9 points from these games, with United posing the only real threat. Even then, Jose Mourinho’s side has crumbled under any sort of resistance this season and you can bet your house that Klopp’s side will come out kicking and scratching at the newly renovated Anfield’s first clash against United.