Jim Boardman and Jay Reid return after a hectic few weeks - for them, not Liverpool - to dive straight into a massive stretch of football for the Reds after what felt like the longest international break in history.
It’s been so long since Liverpool’s last game, a win over Bournemouth with an Isak goal, that it’s almost like the season is starting again. International breaks aren’t all negative, despite the worries about who’s going to come back in more than one piece, and sometimes a spell with their national team can remind a player just how good they are. Florian Wirtz might have benefitted from a word or two in the ear from a familiar German manager, for example.
Next up, of course, is a big fixture that got a lot bigger during that break, and more eyes than ever will be on the game, but not all for footballing reasons. Luck would have it that Liverpool play host to Manchester City, fresh from being found by a Premier League investigation to be massive cheats (subject to appeal). Jay and Jim certainly have plenty to say about that - from whether those titles should simply be scrubbed from history, to the atmosphere waiting for City at Anfield, which should be more about helping the Reds win than on the shame the visitors should be feeling.
There’s also a look ahead to the Champions League and the midweek trip to LASK.
Dave Davis looks at all the latest Liverpool FC news with focus on:
- Iraola talks Isak and Gakpo injuries, plus the toughest run coming up of all prem teams
- Camara and Banjaqui mentioned with emphasis on physicality, plus Mora link still not shot down
Trev Downey is joined by Dave Davis to discuss:
- The importance of keeping VVD and Alisson as the numbers show and the rumours continue
- Camara a Must: Has to happen Jan or summer latest, Scott a sensible move too
- RB A Physical Game: Conor Bradley not long term, Big Ron shows the way and Banjaqui, Quansah and Ganiou liked
- Not sold on Mora: an unbelievable talent but what we need right now..questionable
Under Pressure returns as Dan Kennett, Dan Rhodes, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and Dr Phil Barter dive into the numbers behind Liverpool’s season so far. The panel assess the defensive improvement under Andoni Iraola, the disconnect in attack, Alexander Isak’s involvement and Florian Wirtz’s role, while examining how tactical changes across the Premier League are making chances harder to create. There’s also a major debate over Manchester City’s financial case and potential punishments, plus analysis of Arsenal, Manchester United and the changing impact of corners.
Dave Davis looks at all the Liverpool FC latest with focus on:
- VVD and Alisson contract latest, plus Int break over for all LFC players
- Mora stories from Mexico, Camara declared a must for Ward to get and Vuskovic boat maybe missed
Dave Davis and Dr Barts look at Julian Ward's task to sort the midfield and crunch the numbers on:
Camara is a must: Playing better than last year, gives Liverpool what they don't have and should be top of the pile for January.
Scott over Wharton in the new world: Wharton is still a brilliant player, but Scott sprints and what he brings combined with price point may change in the summer.
Dave Davis is joined by Lewis Steele to discuss:
- International & FSG worries: Jacquet joins the injured list and FSG priority of Liverpool now a question mark
- Scott liked: Alex Scott, Quansah, Kayode and Araujo all discussed, as well as Alisson and VVD contracts
- Huge Game Sunday: Haaland will be fit and this shapes the season for LFC so far
