Spurs v Liverpool - My Preview

What a funny week for Liverpool. First they host ex-Harry Redknapp Portsmouth in Anfield where they won 1-0 and now they travel to Spurs to face Harry Redknapp side.

Liverpool will surely fancy their chance if this match is played a week ago. Spurs were in complete disarray then but now they seem to be "reborned" to another team managed by the ex-Pompey boss.

Spurs beat Bolton 2-0 last Saturday and now they came back from 2 goals down to drew 4-4 against the Gunners in their North London derby.

Liverpool cannot afford to take this game lightly now that Spurs is finding their feet. Though Spurs strikeforce looks lightweight in their last few matches, their midfielders are chipping in the goals in their last 2 matches.

If Liverpool are to claim another 3 points, it would take another enoromous effort to that of the Chelsea game.

Looking at the remaining fixtures for Liverpool in November, the Reds can remain top of the table if they can score a victory against Spurs.

Liverpool will face the likes of Fulham, West Brom, Hull City and West Ham after their game against Spurs. With due respect to those teams, Liverpool should have no problem seeing off the teams.

It will be a tight encounter this weekend, however I tip Liverpool to beat Spurs 2-1 to end Harry Redknapp great start to his rein at White Hart Lane.

Gerrard "Spot" On For Liverpool

Liverpool needed a Gerrard penalty to remain top of the table.

The Reds dominate against a Portsmouth side coming and looking for a draw. They almost frustrate Liverpool until Gerrard intervene. It was not a pretty match. Pompey is getting by the departure of Harry Redknapp while Liverpool want to prove their win against Chelsea is no fluke.

Though it is not a convincing display by the Reds, what matter is the 3 points.


Come Saturday, Liverpool will travel to White Hart Lane for their clash with the rejevnated Spurs managed by - Harry Redknapp.

Liverpool v Portsmouth - My Preview

The BPL leader, Liverpool entertain Portsmouth in a midweek clash at Anfield.

The Reds on the back of a historic win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge will want to claim 3 points against a Portsmouth side still reeling from shock following the departure of their manager, Harry Redknapp to Spurs. The Reds also welcome the return of Peter Crouch.

Though Pompey drew against Fulham at Fratton Park, Portsmouth are a improved side this season. Defoe is on hot scoring form while Diarra is running the show in the midfield. With David James in goal, it will take something special to beat the goalkeeper.

Victory against Chelsea will count for nothing if Liverpool can't win this match. Torres is still a major doubt for this game.

I predict that Portsmouth will take the game to Liverpool. My call for this game is a 1-1 draw with Crouch scoring against his former employer.

Liverpool Break Chelsea's Record

Oh well. What a joy! What a satisfaction and what a sweet revenge for last season's Champion League semi-final defeat. Let all Reds players and fans sit back and savour this victory.

Liverpool did something that other teams just fail to achieve. They beat Chelsea at the Blues backyard. It ended Chelsea 86 unbeaten home matches. No teams have done it for the past 4.5 years. Not Man Utd, not Arsenal, not even Barcelona or Valencia or Bayern Munich. Just when no one gave Liverpool the chance of a 3 points from Stamford Bridge, the Reds prove them wrong.

If anyone were to point out that the "Comeback Kings" were lucky to win against the 10 men of Man City and Wigan, they will need to think again. We went to the Vicente Calderon Stadium and score 1st only for the Spainish side to level. We travelled to the fortress Stamford Bridge to take the lead and defended stoutly to restrict Chelsea to long shots and high crosses into the box.

When Alonso scored off a deflection, I feared that Chelsea will raid attack after attack. I feared that Liverpool could not withdraw the onslaught from the boys from Stamford Bridge. As the match progressed, it seems relatively for the boys in Reds.

Rafa said before the match that Liverpool need a perfect 90 minutes in order to break Chelsea's long home unbeaten record. How right is Rafa. Liverpool just played to perfection. It's not luck that won the game for Liverpool. It was sheer determination, belief, guts and strong mentality. Had lady luck be with the Reds, Alonso should have put the game to the sword when his free kick hit the post with Petr Cech stood rooted.

It is 6 points out of 6 against the Big 4. What's now, Liverpool are 3 points clear off Chelsea and 8 points clear of Man Utd with the latter having a game in hand. The Liverpool of the past will simply play for a draw. The Reds of the past will lose their belief if they are a goal behind. However, this is a different Liverpool side.

Last night win against Chelsea will indeed further enchance Liverpool's title credential but it's still early in the season.

For now, we know that our rival has received our message of intent. Liverpool can boast that they are the side that broke Chelsea's long standing home record.

Man Utd, Liverpool is back and you won't be winning your 18th English title this season.

Chelsea v Liverpool - The Big Match

Chelsea welcome Liverpool for the top of the table clash this Sunday. It is hardly to see this match billed as 1st vs 2nd for many years.

Both teams goes into this match level on 20 points. They were the only two unbeaten side left in the BPL. The record of unbeaten surely has to end for either one of the teams.

On paper, Chelsea have been in irresistable form hammering 5 goals past Boro in the Riverside Stadium while Liverpool came back twice to beat Wigan in Anfield.

Liverpool and Chelsea have their injury worries but Liverpool will sorely miss their top marksmen in Torres.

I am not impressed by Liverpool defensively. They kept conceding needless goals. Liverpool will be punished if they commit the same mistake again. I do not think Liverpool can stage another comeback against Chelsea if they are a goal down. Chelsea is altogether a different opposition as compared to Man City and Wigan.

Can Liverpool break Chelsea's 4 years unbeaten run at the Bridge? I doubt so.

My heart wants the Red to win but my head says 2-0 to Chelsea. My other prediction:

Everton v Man Utd 1-2
Blackburn v Boro 2-0
Sunderland v Newcastle 2-1
West Brom v Hull 2-0
Man City v Stoke 3-0
Chelsea v Liverpool 2-0
Portsmouth v Fulham 3-1
West Ham v Arsenal 1-1
Wigan v Villa 2-1
Spurs v Bolton 2-1

Liverpool Denied Victory

After watching last night match, I fully with Rafa's post match interview.

Rafa said" If anyone comes to me and said we will have 7 points after tonight's game, I will be very happy but after watching the match, I feel that it's 2 points dropped." Rightly so.

Liverpool dominated the match in the first half with Keane scoring in the 14th minute. Keane could easily scored his second and sealed the game after a superb cross from Gerrard. Instead of tapping the ball into goal, Keane opted to aduciously flipped the ball into his net. However Keane missed the ball completely. Rafa was absolutely livid with Keane. Just what on earth was going through Keane's mind when he attacked the ball?

In a tough away game like this at the Stadium of Vicente Calderon and 1-0 to the good, Keane should have buried the ball into the back of the net.

There were some bad decision from the lineman not to allow Benayoun's goal to stood. Replay showed Benayoun was clearly onside. However Mainche goal's should have stood as well. Babel nearly gave Liverpool the victory when his header flashed past the goal.

The failure to convert chances haunted the Reds when Simao levelled in the 83rd minute. Both Carragher and Aberloa should share the blame in the manner they conceded the equalizer.

Nevertheless it was an encouraging display from Liverpool in such difficult match away.

Liverpool can held their head up for this Sunday top of the table clash against Chelsea.

Kuyt's Brace Sink Wigan

Football is a beautiful game but it is also a cruel game.

Try telling Wigan this and they will agree fully.

For the second successive match, Liverpool come back from the dead to win 3-2 with the opposition having a man sent off. Conincidentally, the two players were sent off with a reckless tackle on Alonso when Liverpool was 2-1 down.

With Chelsea hammering Boro in the earlier match, Liverpool knew that they cannot afford to slip up. Based on past record, Rafa has not beaten Steve Bruce's side in the BPL.

Wigan started the match without Heskey upfront. The Latics started the match brightly passing the ball well and quick to close in on Liverpool players. Typical of Steve Bruce's team, Wigan was well orgainzed and compact. Liverpool were not allow to settle down and slow to pick up the loose ball. Perhaps the international game took some sting off the players.



The unthinkable happened in the 29th minute, Agger made a mess of Reina pass. The Dane first touch was heavy and he tried to dribble past Zaki. Unfortunately, the Egyptian robbed Agger of the ball and place the ball past Reina. 0-1 to Wigan.

Agger made amend of his howler 8 minutes later. He took the ball from his own half and exchanged passes with Dossena who released Agger on the bye line. Kuyt was there and hit home Agger's cross for Liverpool equalizer.

Kuty nearly put Liverpool in the lead but Kirkland palmed the ball onto the post. Against the run of play, Wigan struck back with the last kick of the first half.

Kapo's cross went over Arbeloa's head and Zaki executed a spectaculsr scissor kick past the diving Reina. Anfield was stunned.

Liverpool showed more urgency in the second half. The Reds were creating more chances. Antonio Valencia was booked for disrupting a free kick. From the resulting free kick, Gerrard went agonisingly close. Valencia was sent off for his second bookable offence. The advantage is on Liverpool.

Dossena was replaced by El Zhar who made an instant impact. His cross was dummied by Gerrard. The ball laid nicely to Rierawho struck sweetly into the net. Game on. Liverpool sense a victory and went for the kill.

Benayoun replaced Arbeloa. Rafa decide to go for a win having taken out two full back. The gamble paid off when Kuyt scissor kick bounced off the box and Kirkland pushed the ball onto the post and into the net. 3-2 to Liverpool. Anfield erupted.

For the neutral, it was an entertainment match of football. For Liverpool fans, it was of mixed feelings. As a fan of Liverpool, I have to endure frustration, anguish and disbelief after the first half. The feeling of relieved after it was 2-2. Then moment of esctasy when Kuyt made in 3-2.

This result meant that Liverpool goes to Stamford Bridge next weekend for the top of the table clash. If Liverpool can get something from that game, this just might be Liverpool season.

Having said that, the rear guard for this Liverpool this season has been less impressive. With the departure of Riise and Finnan, Liverpool looked unsettled in defence. They have concede 4 goals in their last 2 games.

Dossena and Arbeloa have not impressed me. Dagen has been injury prone. Liverpool wil need to be resilent in their defence next week otherwise they will be punished by Chelsea ruthless attack.

Liverpool v Wigan - My Preview

The curse of International matches hit Liverpool yet again. The last thing Liverpool wants to to have their top players injured during their National duty.

The Reds was rocked by injuries to Torres and Babel. Torres could be out for 10 days due to a "tweak" to his muscle and an ankle injury forced Babel to withdraw from his game in midweek.

Torres has been in rich vein of form scoring 4 goals in his last 2 games. His injuries is like a sucker punch ahead of the Wigan game. With Torres out, the burden will be on the shoulder of Gerrard to lead the scoring. Robbie Keane should be the lone striker with Gerrard in a supporting role.

Liverpool has been impressive in their last few matches. Injuries to the duo severely dent the hope of the good run. Torres will miss this weekend game against Wigan, next week Champion League visit to his home town, Aletihco Madrid and possibly, the top of the table clash with Chelsea.

The game against Wigan will not be easy and the Lactics can frustrated Liverpool again like what they did with a 1-1 draw at Anfield last season. Steven Bruce's side will be no pushover. With Heskey leading the line, Liverpool's defence, without the injured Sktrel must be strong.

Wigan's will come to Anfield to pack the midfield and go for the counter attack. Rafa issue Liverpool with a statement of intent to go for the kill early. However with the injuries to Torres and Babel, the ability to score early appears remote.

I can see Wigan holding out Liverpool in the first half. My prediction is 1-1.

My other bold predictions:

Boro v Chelsea 1-2
Liverpool v Wigan 1-1
Fulham v Sunderland 1-1
Bolton v Blackburn 2-2
Villa v Portsmouth 2-1
Arsenal v Everton 1-1
Man Utd v West Brom 4-0
Hull v West Ham 1-2
Stoke City v Spurs 1-2
Newcastle v Man City 2-1

Mourinho Interested In Anfield Job?

According to report, the Special One is interested in taking the Anfield hot seat. There is also report that Juventus is targetting Rafa to replace the under fire Ranieri.

If both reports are true, then this could be Rafa last season at Anfield. This season will be a test for Rafa. If the Reds can win a sliverware preferably the league title, Rafa's job is safe. Looking back at the development inside the boardroom these 12 months, all is not well with Rafa and the American owners.

Personally, I like Mourinho during his time in England. Though he appears to be arrogant, he defends his players and team. He is a great movitator to the players. The response drew from some of the Chelsea players after his sack speaks volume to his credential.

Like Rafa, he prepare his team well paying attention to little details. He rallied the team when the team is down.

I welcome Mourinho to Anfield if Rafa is heading out of Anfield.

I Fear For Liverpool FC

With the global finanical crisis worsening, it also affect the BPL clubs which are already in debts.

There are reports that West Ham is probably the first BPL club to be hit. Already there will be no money available for their manager Zola to spend during the January transfer window. Portsmouth is club named to be in danger.

I really fear for Liverpool Football Club. They have brought over by American owners, of all people, with the promise to fund the transfer of new players and new stadium. Almost a year since the takeover, Liverpool fans have seen the worse inside the boardroom.

The American owners is facing difficulty to refinance the new stadium. The plan to build a new stadium has been put on hold for at least a year. Rumours have been that the pair is preparing to sell Liverpool to a more wealthier buyer.

Prior to the American takeover, the DIC group is keen to buy over Liverpool but sadly Rick Parry and David Moore decided to sell to the Amercians. If DIC has bought over Liverpool, the club will not be so much affected by the finanical crisis.

Hence, the finanical position of the club depend much on the Champion League success.

It won't be long to see one of the big clubs go into adminstration if the global economy cotinues.

The Spirit of Istanbul

Cast your mind back to May 2005 for the Champion League Final in Istanbul.

Liverpool was dead and buried by half tme. The Reds were outclasseed by Milan's Kaka and Co. The score was 3-0. No one gave Liverpool a chance. Nobody did including me.

When Gerrard scored the 1st, Liverpool made stunning comback within 20 minutes to draw 3-3. Then it was history like many people said.

Last night in Stadium of Manchester, many witnessed a great comeback by a Liverpool side lacking in ideas and creativity. Keane was dropped in favour of Machesrano. Rafa opted to play one striker.

The Blues of Manchester was in joy after Stephen Ireland blasted home after Arbeloa failed to clear the ball.

Things got worse for the Reds when Garrido curled a beautiful free kick past Reina. It was 2-0 to the home team.

Liverpool was staring at their first defeat of the season. Elsewhere Chelsea was leading 2-0 at the same time.

Whatever Rafa said during the break did wake Liverpool up. Liverpool began to impose themselves. The midfielders were quicker to the ball reducing the City's midfielder to mere passengers. In 54th minute, Gerrard slipped the ball into the legs of Garrido to the oncoming Aberloa who square the ball across goa, Torres arrived late to slide the ball home. 2-1 to City.

City was down to 10 men when Zabaleta was red carded following a two footed tackle on Alonso. In the 73 minute, Liverpool had a corner. Gerrard floated a beautiful ball and Torres rises unmarked to head home Liverpool equaliser.

It was 11 men against 10 man. The onus is on Liverpool to win the game. Torres could have easily go this hatrick not he had skied his shoot wide with only Hart to beat.

Skrtel suffered a serious knee injury when he twisted his knee. Liverpool had used up all 3 substitues. There was no numerical advantage for Liverpool and both team can go on to win the game.

The comeback was finally complete in the 90 minute when Torres shoot rebound off Hart and the ball gratefully to Kuyt and he made no mistake. City was stunned and the travelling Liverpool fans were celebrating yet another comeback from Liverpool.

In this season, Liverpool was a goal down against Boro, Man Utd, Marseille and now Man City and they came back to win the game. This is indeed grit and sheer determination. It has all the making of a serious title contender.

This victory was indeed a sweet one. This match shall be remembered as a match of two halves.

Man City v Liverpool - My preview

Liverpool travelled to the Stadium of Manchester for a tough tie against the newly labelled richest club in the world.

How much things have changed since last season. Man City has found a new sugar daddy while Liverpool's Amercian owners have financial problems following the US credit crunch. On the field, Liverpool are unbeaten in all competition and is joint top with Chelsea in the BPL table.

Following wins against Man Utd and Everton, Liverpool must be brimming with confidence. However with the much talked about the transfer of Robino to Man City and the return of Shaun Wright Philips, Liverpool are in for a tougher time than in Goodison Park.

Man City are formidable at home so far including the 6-0 thumping of Portsmouth. It's the highest scoring team vs the meanest defence in England.

This is a potential match where Liverpool will finally taste their first defeat of the season. Given the confidence in the Liverpool camp, I would go for 1-1 draw.

My other bold predictions:

Sunderland v Arsenal 1-2

Wigan v Boro 1-1

Blackburn v Man Utd 0-2

West Brom v Fulham 2-2

Spurs v Hull 3-0

West Ham v Bolton 2-1

Portsmouth v Stoke 3-1

Chelsea v Villa 1-1

Man City v Liverpool 1-1

Everton v Newcastle 2-0

Liverpool 3 v PSV 1

Liverpool gained maximum points in their quest for the Champion League after cruising to a 3-1 win against a hapless PSV side.

Gerrard's 100th goal for his club and Keane's first for the Reds ensure Liverpool took a giant step to qualifying for the second group stage. Althetico Madrid have also 6 points from two games.

PSV's game plan was to starved Liverpool by packing the midfield and defence. However their plan was backfired as early as the 4th mintue. Gerrard's corner found Torres who sweep the ball but was parried away by Issakson. The ball found Kuyt who made no mistake from close range.

Liverpool took control of the game. They were rewarded the second when Torres's low cross to Keane who took it first time. The ball went past the PSV keeper into the net much to the relief of Keane. His first goal for Liverpool after failing to score in his 10 matches.

Second half was the same for the Reds. It took Liverpool 72th minute to struck the third goal. Gerrard's rocket free kick had Issakson beaten all the way.

PSV scored a consolaton goal a minute later. The goal cost Liverpool top spot in the table. It has been a great week for Liverpool, Gerrard and Keane.

Come Saturday, Liverpool will face a tough tie at the Stadium of Manchester where Robino and Co is waiting.