We may have won 3-1 against Sunderland, but I was far from impressed with our performance. I would like to believe that I am not the only Reds fan that believed we should have completely outplayed a team that has one point in five games, no manager and fourteen new players. Yet during many periods of the match, Sunderland made us look poor. On the positive side, Sturridge and Suarez combined brilliantly for the Uruguayan’s two goals. The first of which, the English Striker displayed a golden touch to control a cross field pass from Gerrard. I salivate to think how good we will look once the Brazilian Coutinho returns.
In their last match, I expected Palace to get thumped by Southampton. Instead they put up a decent performance and were beaten by two goals in two minutes. If you look at some of the names Crystal Palace have on their team sheet, they are decent players. Many are full internationals. Plus they have a manager in Ian Holloway who is so passionate, that I believe he could even motivate a teenager to clean his room.
So how do we beat them?
That being said, can anyone really expect anything but all three points from this match? I do not think so. Once again, this should be a match in which we target to increase our goal difference. I cannot see the Crystal Palace strike force breaking down our defence, nor their defence being able to contain Suarez and Sturridge. I will put my head on the line and say a 4-0 win.
Mignolet has been world-class. I would like to see the same back four from the Sunderland game, starting this game. Toure has impressed me greatly so far. A real stroke of genius from Rodgers and his scouting team in bringing the Ivorian to Anfield. He may be in the twilight of his career, but he is out running and out playing the younger players. My concern is the central midfield. Lucas and Gerrard have been very poor in terms of work ethic in my opinion and they really need to step up their game.
I read a list recently, which had Iago Aspas being listed as one of the top 5 transfer flops of the season, which I believe is extremely unfair. He has not got a goal as yet, but he has impressed me every time I have seen him. He looks to be a very smart player, with a good touch. The only thing he needs now, is confidence, which will come when he starts scoring. As I wanted in the previous game, I would like to see Aspas or Sterling get a starting place in the team ahead of Moses. I would then like to see Henderson moved into a number 10 role, but slightly deeper. The Gerrard role of a few years back. And of course…Suarez and Sturridge leading the attack.
And our competitors…
I have decided to add a little preview as well of the matches involving our direct competitors. Man City are hosting our neighbours Everton. City are coming off two defeats at the hands of Aston Villa and Bayern Munich respectively. Everton remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, but I do not believe it will last past Sunday. I do not see City losing three in a row.
Sunderland are hosting Man United. I was impressed with how Sunderland responded to the sacking of Di Canio, but I think United will have too much for them. But it will not be a run over.
Chelsea visit Norwich on Sunday. I expected a lot more from Norwich this season, especially after they bought Van Wolfwinkle and Hooper, but they have been disappointing. I expect Mourinho to leave with all 3 points.
Tottenham are hosting West Ham and although this is a London Derby, the Spurs should be too strong for Big Sam’s men. I expect West Ham will play for a draw, but with the attacking options available to Spurs, and with home field advantage, the points will stay in White Hart Lane.
The WBA/Arsenal match will be mouth-watering for me. WBA will be full of confidence after downing Man United at Old Trafford and now they are welcoming the Gunners to The Hawthornes. WBA might not win the game, but I don’t expect them to lose. I see Arsenal dropping points here.
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