Footy Speak

After three successive defeats – without even scoring themselves – Liverpool are really on the ropes as they face an enormous week ahead of them, starting with a crucial Champions League clash with Lyon tonight.

And with Fernando Torres set to miss out once again through injury, Rafa Benitez will be pondering how the Reds are going to hit the back of the net for the first time since September 26th. The media love to eulogise about Anfield on ‘big European nights’ and how the Kop can suck the ball into the opponent’s net, and the team will need that support tonight more than any other time in recent history as they look to draw confidence from home comforts.

Lyon, despite a dismal 2-0 home defeat to Sochaux at the weekend, shouldn’t be underestimated. In Lisandro and Gomis, they have a frontline akin to the skill, tenacity, pace and strength of Rooney and Drogba. Behind them, the ever-willing Toulalan and Makoun will look to quell the force of Gerrard and with a makeshift strike-force consisting of either Kuyt, Babel or N’gog – patience could be the name of the game both on and off the pitch.

Liverpool can’t afford to look ahead to Manchester United on Sunday, otherwise their Champions League campaign will become as perilous as their Premier League assault.

Champions League Predictions

AZ Alkmaar 1-2 Arsenal
Liverpool 2-1 Lyon

Overall, for the English clubs this week, the results went their way in the Champions League. However, there were major concerns for Liverpool, after playing their way into a 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina.

I watched the match. I must say, I’ve never seen Liverpool play so badly. It really was men against boys. Fiorentina were first to every ball. I can’t even recall a good attacking move by Liverpool in the first half. Both goals should have been stopped however. The first was ridiculous – every Liverpool defender tried to play the offside – they all just looked around when Stevan Jovetic was through on goal – expecting the flag and the whistle. It didn’t come and Jovetic calmly slotted past Reina.

We are all use to seeing Liverpool tighten up when they need to. However, Tuesday night was different. When they are a goal down, playing badly, Fiorentina are on fire – DON’T GIVE THE BALL AWAY – keep it at 1-0 at the break. Instead Liverpool gave the ball away way to easily and Jovetic poked in his second from a cross/shot. Bam, I felt right there, there go Liverpool’s chances in this game!

But..in the end. We need to take this game into context. Its an early group stage game in the Champions league. It doesn’t matter that they lost – I have no doubt they will still qualify – they still have Fiorentina at home, Debrecon (whom Lyon smashed 4-0 the other day). This game will act as a warning bolt of lightning in the Liverpool camp.

Gerrard said: “We will be fine if we win our home games.”

I’ll put my life out on the line here and say that I expect them to take the game to Chelsea, I expect a goal feast and I expect another phenominal performence from El Nino!

Chelsea also played rubbish this week, however their opponents were too weak to get anything from the game and Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners, courtesy of an 18th minute Anelka strike. I feel this puts so much pressure on both Chelsea and Liverpool on the weekend, to perform and get a result. I’m already starting to get excited!

Manchester United, it could be argued were the only English side who showed some spirit over the past couple of nights. United needed goals from Ryan Giggs (he’s getting mentioned a lot recently!) and Michael Carrick to come from behind to beat Wolfsburg – the German champions.  United had two balls in the back of the net – both disallowed (Rooney and Giggs) but that didn’t deter them! One thing to take from this game – Vidic is immune to getting sent off, unitl the weekend at least!

A lot to get through really, but I’ll keep it short!

Liverpool vs Burnley – Benayoun played an absolutely fantastic game, scoring a brilliant hatrick. Kuyt scored the other Liverpool goal in a 4-0, over the team which downed Manchester United.  Not only did Benayoun score 3, he set up Kuyt’s goal, well, sort of. Blasted a fantastic shot at the keeper, who couldn’t handle it. Being fair to Kuyt, he’s a striker, poaching is a must. If you watch the replays, you’ll see how he anticipated to keeper dropping the shot, and making sure he was the first to get there. Overall, a solid performance from the reds.

Chelsea vs Stoke – Pretty standard match this. Chelsea dominating possession after getting the equalizer. The keeper, keeps it level until the very last minute – and bang, something ticks off in his head and he’ll let a ball fly into the back of his net. One, he really should be saving. I’m not exactly sure where the 5 minutes of extra time came in this match. Well done to Chelsea for sticking at it though. Although, this seems to happen a fair bit with the blues, eh?

Manchester United vs Spurs – THIS game, was one of the best games, I’ve had the pleasure of watching this season. Dream start for Spurs, when Crouchy nodded down the ball, only for Jermaine Defoe to smash it in the back of the net, upside down! (bicycle kick) – After that ball nestled the net, the game was packed full of cation. My favorite moment of this game came at Manchester’s equalizer. I will never forget that footy moment. Let me explain further.

1.) Berbatov seems to dive (SEEMS!) – although the tackle was pretty ridiculous, two footed, from behind.

2.) The commentator decides to mention a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, and how Manchester United would be missing his services at this precise moment.

3.) Gigs steps up – and sends a beauty into the top-right corner – Cudicini seemed to get fairly close, but in reality, it would of had to be a pretty special save!

Thats all for now, take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend!