So how do we beat them?
After a very impressive win against Everton on Tuesday, Liverpool travel to The Hawthorns on Sunday. In our last two away matches we have won only two, losing three. However the losses were against Manchester City, Chelsea and Hull. Apart from the Hull defeat, losing at Stamford Bench and The Eti-cash stadium is not that much of a blow.
WBA though have won only one of their last five matches at home, that against Newcastle. But even their losses and draws had not been embarrassing to them. They held Everton and Spurs to draws and they scored two or more goals against Chelsea, Man City and Aston Villa. I do think however, that their attacking threat is weaker with the absence of Lukaku and now Shane Long. Anelka and Sessegnon may also miss our arrival through injury so we should be in a strong position to win.
WBA will be physical. Look out for hard tackles by Yacob and Olson. The latter is also known to get very cuddly with opposition players during corners. Our line up should be the same as it was against Everton, apart from dropping Cissokho in place of Kelly. I don’t think I need to add any more regarding my views on Cissokho than I did last week…and the week before…and on twitter…and on Facebook.
This should be a win for Liverpool.
And our competitors…
Everton welcome Aston Villa to Goodison Park. The Toffees will be looking for some retribution after being embarrassed by Liverpool during the week. Aston Villa look to have found some form of late, in particular Benteke, who has scored 3 goals in 3 matches. Everton will be without Lukaku as well, and may decide to throw their new giant Traore into the starting line-up. But, I think Aston Villa will get something from this match, maybe even win it.
Hull are hosting Spurs, and again I smell an upset on the card. It may not be a win, but Hull have done some positive business during this transfer window and I think Spurs will still be smarting from the Man City thrashing.
United with Mata travel to Stoke. The Mata factor for me is a little concerning as it adds some doubt in my views of how this match could end. If Stoke play the physical way they had done under Pulis, then I suspect they could get something out of this match. In fact, I would still tentatively say Stoke can get something from the game (but I won’t put any money on it.)
Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates and the points should remain there.
And the big game of the Weekend (or Monday rather) is Manchester City versus Chelsea. Firstly, on Chelsea. Mourinho is really getting on my nerves of late. You can understand a manager looking to defend his players actions, but when you can see the truth on video and still not acknowledge it, is very disappointing and puts your integrity into question. But for him to criticise West Ham for playing defensively at Stamford Bench, whereas he did the exact same thing at Old Trafford is hypocritical. And, West Ham actually played with a striker up front. Chelsea played with six in the midfield. Add the fact that Chelsea (and Spurs for that matter) have appeared to outsource their scouting duties to Liverpool makes me wish that Manchester City thrash Chelsea (and Salah, and Willian, and Torres). I wouldn’t be surprised if The Whinging One employs the same tactic in this match that he has criticised West Ham for using. I hope for a draw though, as this would be in the best interest of Liverpool, but expect a City win.
Follow Kurt Ellis on Twitter @kurtellis2
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