
A Rafa & Jürgen Combined Eleven…
News will continue to circulate, with LFC-related transfer rumours now a daily part of a Liverpool supporter’s life. The ongoing transition in our squad will now be overseen by the mildly controversial Jorg Schmadtke, who has just been appointed as our new Sporting Director. It is unclear whether he is merely an extension of Jürgen Klopp’s circle of trust, or whether he can challenge and drive our German manager to the tough calls he seems so reluctant to make. This …

Steven Gerrard’s Villa Impact
Stevie Gerrard cemented his role as Aston Villa manager this past weekend when leading his new side into Anfield. The game was full of frustration, and gave mild indications of the manager he is becoming. With an ultra defensive style and formula built to slow the rampaging reds, he showed perhaps too much respect for Jürgen Klopp’s side. The narrow 1-0 home win managed to hide the the domination of Liverpool, and the negative approach by the visiting team wasn’t …

If You Don’t Know Me By Now…
I wanted to distract a little from the joys of the transfer window, so would like to share some thoughts on one of the reds' greatest ever central defenders.
Hint: it’s not Dejan Lovren.
In 2008 Chelsea and Liverpool met on four separate occasions throughout the calendar year. The first, on February 10th (towards the back end of the 2007/08 season), saw Chelsea and the reds draw 0-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. The season's start saw the …

Rafa to Everton: Is it really that bad?
Seeing Rafa Benitez holding an Everton scarf above his head was a surreal moment. Did any of us ever think we'd see the day?
It is one of the most controversial appointments for some time and is sure to send shockwaves across Merseyside and beyond.
Having been an adored figure at Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, we are now going to have to witness Benitez trying to work his magic across Stanley Park.
It's fair to say Everton fans have …

Why Alexander-Arnold is Gerrard's heir
Countless players have been dubbed ‘the next Steven Gerrard’ over the years. Aaron Ramsey got the tag early on in his career, Dele Alli was supposed to be the reincarnation of the former Liverpool skipper but it wasn’t to be while there’s a strong belief that Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham is the long-term successor to the Whiston-born whirlwind’s crown.
The truth is, however, that Gerrard’s heir is already playing for the Reds. Trent Alexander-Arnold might not be the most …

Liverpool vs Newcastle Preview - Potential Key Battles
Having faced a huge setback in their attempts to reach back to back Champions League finals, Liverpool return to Premier League action, where the hunt for the big trophy is still very much alive. Whilst it feels like City will never drop points again, Liverpool know that all they can do is win their last two games and hope, and that starts on Saturday night against Newcastle. So what are some of the potential key battles from this game?
Trent …

Anfield, Europe, Liverpool - Here We Go Again
Liverpool, Anfield, Europe. It’s a combination that has a real history of magic. How many great teams have come to Anfield, expecting to get a result, and been summarily turned over, the sheer force of the stadium, the crowd and the team pulling through.
To be fair, in my lifetime, at least, that has certainly been helped by managers that have thrived in European competition. Rafa Benitez was an absolute master of the two-legged knockout, and Jurgen Klopp has a …

Liverpool 4-0 Newcastle: A Tactical Breakdown
Liverpool FC vs. Newcastle United FC; it's one of the most historic games in the Premier League, supposedly always meant to be a toe-to-toe, all-action, enigmatic thriller. Add in the magic of Boxing Day - a day which Liverpool have not lost a league match on for over twenty years - and the return of Rafael Benitez, and there was a recipe for something fantastic.
Newcastle are not the force they once were though, and despite their manager, on a …

Liverpool v Newcastle United Preview - Will Rafa ruin Reds' Christmas?
The Details
Venue - Anfield, Liverpool
Referee - Graham Scott
Date & Time - Wednesday, December 26th @ 15:00
Current Odds - Liverpool 7/50, Draw 7/1, Newcastle United 14/1
Form
Liverpool Form
Things are becoming very real for The Reds at the top of the table. Seven straight league wins since their 1-1 draw with Arsenal in early November means Liverpool are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table.
Jurgen Klopp's men are now four points ahead of Manchester City after …

Rivalries Within: Crossing Swords With Jose Mourinho
Ask ten football fans: which is the world’s greatest football rivalry?
You will get ten different answers – if not more.
A Glaswegian may tell you that nothing is as fierce as the Old Firm Derby, Celtic vs Rangers, with its backdrop of simmering political and religious tensions.
Ask a Milanese: he will tell you that the enmity between the reds and blues of AC Milan and Internazionale cannot be topped.
Ask a Spaniard, and he may point to the …