Norwich City boss Daniel Farke spoke about his defenders ahead of the Liverpool game. He gives the Reds reason to be cautious.
“It is just the second time this season we have three fit centre backs. It says a lot about the problems we have had,” Farke said, per the Pink Un. “The previous game was a clean sheet win against Bournemouth.
“Ben [Godfrey] is an option and we are delighted.”
It’s easy to look at this game and see an easy win for Liverpool. It’s top v bottom, after all, and Norwich have a very poor defensive record.
They’ve conceded 47 goals in their 25 games – the joint-worst record in the division alongside Aston Villa. The Reds’ forwards will be looking forward to this one, then.
But Liverpool are facing a different Norwich to most, as Farke says. They’ve barely had fit defenders all season, something that will naturally affect your goals conceded column.
Norwich do have options on Saturday, though. For only the second time this season, they can choose their defenders properly and that’s something Liverpool need to watch. Especially as it brought a clean-sheet the last time.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will certainly remain strong favourites, of course. But it’s important that Liverpool don’t go into this one expecting goals, goals, goals. They’ll require a little more caution than that.
It’s especially notable given that we don’t believe Liverpool will start with their first-choice attack. Sadio Mane is only just back from injury and giving him a little more time to recover makes sense ahead of Atletico Madrid.
And so things might not be quite what they seem with this one. While it is top v bottom, the former may be a little weaker going forward – and the latter will be a little stronger at the back.
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