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Carragher, Neville And The Cult Of The Pundit

Regular visitors to these paragraphs will know that profound analytical breakdowns of systems and tactics are anathema to this columnist. It's not that I don't appreciate the folk who do that sort of thing, you understand. They provide us all with a valuable service, bless 'em. How many times have you drunkenly thrown out...

Jurgen Klopp Gets It Spot On At Stoke

I've been peppering Jurgen Klopp with criticism of late - especially following the draw against Bournemouth in midweek. But it's time to give him credit for finally appearing to put the factors that derailed Liverpool's title challenge to bed. He rightly came under stick after repetitive tactical and poor time management against the Cherries on Wednesday...

Wary Klopp Remains Defiant

When writhing through the thick fug of a migraine, it can be hard to tell with absolute certainty what is real and what one might be imagining. On Friday, complications arising from some scheduled prodding and poking under the bonnet of your columnist's noggin, resulted in 3 days of pain-induced confusion and reality-bending altered...

Winning Substitutions Emphasises Need to Invest in the Summer

Liverpool were hit with a number of crucial injuries ahead of their clash against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon and it almost proved costly. Jurgen Klopp needed to call upon his Brazilian duo Phillipe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino to grab a tight victory at the Britannia Stadium, as the absence of Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane...

Bold Klopp & His Risky Substitutions Pay Off

One of the things that Jürgen Klopp is often criticised for is his substitutions. Klopp sometimes leaves his substitutions quite late in games and indeed often only makes one change, even when his team is losing. Whilst this has been the case throughout Klopp’s career, his decision to only make one change against Bournemouth...

Observations from Liverpool’s fight back to beat Stoke

Liverpool's starting eleven was indicative of a side battling several injuries to key players, with Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold replacing Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho in the side. The Brazilian pair have both been struggling of late with fitness and illness issues respectively. It was always going to be a tough game for...

Stoke City 1 Liverpool 2: Player Ratings

A game of two halves if ever there was one. Good on Klopp and Liverpool that they decided there is a game to be played in the second half. On the balance of intent, one could say that Liverpool deserved to win the game. First away win for Liverpool in 2017. How important will...

The Return of ‘O Magico: Philippe Coutinho!

The magician, Philippe Coutinho, is back. His return to form could hardly have occurred at a more opportune time. With Mané, Henderson and Lallana injured, and the stakes as high as ever in the race for a Champions League position, Coutinho's renewed confidence feels as influential and important as a new signing. Like all top players,...

Stoke City vs Liverpool Preview – Reds Hoping To Do The Double

Following their disappointing 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Wednesday night, Liverpool's weekend trip to the Britannia has added importance in the race for top four. Two points dropped at home is the last thing Jurgen Klopp would have wanted, with another golden opportunity to pull away from their rivals missed. With Arsenal and Manchester...

Stoke v Liverpool Preview – Key Battles

The highs from the Merseyside derby victory were quickly erased as Liverpool were brought back down to earth after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at Anfield. But, there is no time to dwell on that result as the Reds face a trip to the Bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City. Since Stoke got promoted...