Jim Boardman and Jay Reid return with an episode of Scouser Tommies that rides the highs and lows of a rollercoaster week for Liverpool. It stung to be knocked out of the Champions League, but with a League title still very much in our own hands, thoughts now turn to the potential glory of a Wembley final.
The midweek clash with PSG ended in the bitter disappointment of the lottery that is a penalty shootout, one that didn't go the Reds' way. Despite the disappointment, Jay and Jim reflect on a campaign that exceeded expectations, even if it ended in a game that might have been a final were it not for UEFA’s weird seeding system. Darwin was one of the heroes of the first-leg, but when it came to the shootout did the Uruguayan striker sense the collective anxiety of a packed Anfield Stadium?
Before that the Reds faced Southampton in the league, and went behind after an uncharacteristic mix-up between two of the stalwarts at the back for LFC. But something we’ve seen from Arne Slot since he took the reins at Anfield is his ability to make key changes during a match, especially at half time, and that’s exactly what he did this time, with Darwin on a rollercoaster and ending the day with a smile.
The league game before that saw the Reds beat Newcastle 2-0 in a convincing victory under the floodlights. Now Wembley is calling and that’s who stands in the way of League Cup glory for the second year in a row for the Reds. Also for the second year in a row, Trent is out injured. With Ibou also a worry, Jay and Jim discuss LFC’s squad depth and tactical flexibility. Is Quansah ready to fill in at right-back, or will Arne Slot’s suggestion of playing one of the left-backs there come into being?
Liverpool fans always find a way, but once again there have been travel woes for those lucky enough to be heading to Wembley, including a train strike that was called off yet hardly made things better. And, for some reason, it seems there’s been a lot more good will shown to the Toon Army than anything the travelling Kop has ever had when it comes to public transport options for the journey south. That said, the costs involved are eye-watering whichever side of the Pennines you’re travelling from.
As for the final itself, Jay and Jim are confident as long as Liverpool are at their best, the way they’ve been for most of this season. Hopefully there’s enough experience in there for nerves not to be an issue.
Next up for the Reds is a long break from matches, at least domestically, before the Anfield derby next month, and if Slot’s men do bring that Milk Cup home, maybe it would be a good time to show it off to the fans. Maybe one person in particular could show it off…
