I have a theory. Perhaps it will make me sound like a loony, but it is a suspicion I have had for many a year. And I would also like your opinion on it...
Is it just me, or are Liverpool and Liverpool FC players unfairly treated by the FA? Luis Suarez was convicted on a racism charge based on the single testimony of someone who has a reputation of dishonesty. He was given a ten match ban. Anelka makes a racial gesture for the entire world to see, he is given a five match ban. Still on Suarez, our Uruguayan has done his best to remain on his feet as much as possible this season, taking knocks and fouls with no protection from the referees, yet he is still regarded as the poster boy for diving. What about Hazard, Young and Januzaj to name a few?
What about Mr £300,000 a week himself, Rooney, who produced one of the most ridiculous dives I have ever seen mid week against Olympiacos? And then there is the Martin Skrtel ‘holding’ saga. I will not defend what Skrtel does. As a former defender myself, I actually hate seeing it, and believe it should be stamped out of the game. But why is our defender being singled out? I am yet to see a single defender in the premier league who does not hold.
So my theory is this...
During the seventies and the eighties, Liverpool FC were the greatest force in world football. I do not doubt that those people who did not support the Reds, hated us. These people, who were just boys then have grown up to become men who are now working in the FA and officiating our matches. They couldn’t stop us then, so they will try and hinder our rebirth now. Your thoughts?
So how do we beat them?
So, with my conspiracy cap off, we travel to St Mary’s this weekend to take on a dangerous Southampton team. A team who we have not been too successful with in our last few meetings. In our last 9 matches, we have won only three, losing three and drawing three. More concerning, is that in our last three visits, we have lost twice, drawing once. This season, the Saints have produced draws against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. However, of late, I see a little weakness in the Southampton team. But in the same breath, our away form is also dodgy, and I am being polite. If I was being honest…we are very poor away. On the plus side, we have not struggled to score on the road. But we have struggled to keep the opposition out. Southampton have a very impressive attack and our defence needs to be 100% to keep them at bay. Personally, although I think he has been brilliant of late, I would like to see Allen coming in for Coutinho. I think Allen can offer us more defensive cover than out Brazilian maestro. If we are to have any hope of coming home with three points, we need to be defensively sound.
And our competitors…
Everton host West Ham, with the Hammers showing brilliant form. Four wins and a draw in their last five matches. I do think they will get something from this game, probably a draw (Sorry Bowe). Arsenal travel to Stoke and it will not be an easy match for them either. The Gunners have only left Stoke with 1 points in their last 3 visits. Could be the same in this match. Fulham and Chelsea play in a London derby. Chelsea should be too strong for the Cottagers. Tottenham should also prove to be too strong for Cardiff aswell.
Follow Kurt Ellis on Twitter @kurtellis2
Latest Forum Discussion