Liverpool welcome struggling Swansea City to Anfield for today’s lunchtime fixture, with several of the Reds’ ardent supporters here in the Transfer Tavern hoping to see their side close the gap on league leaders Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp’s side claimed a huge point at Old Trafford last week, with Manchester United netting late on to cancel out James Milner’s first-half penalty.
Several of the Liverpool faithful gathered in the Tavern last weekend to see the game with their fierce rivals, with the outcome going a long way to suggest that they can maintain their position in the top four of the Premier League.
A game against Swansea City this weekend represents a different challenge for the Reds and one fan here in the Tavern is hopeful that the team’s good form can be maintained a little while longer.
Lee Clarke looks at three things that Liverpool must do to ensure that they beat Swansea City today.
Step off the bus
Obviously just stepping off the team bus on Saturday morning will not automatically hand Liverpool three points and they will still need to put a performance on.
Given Swansea’s form, however, Liverpool fans will be forgiven for thinking that if the Reds show maximum concentration for 90 minutes then the win will take care of itself.
The Swans have been dreadful this season on occasions and new boss Paul Clement could be in for another long afternoon leading his side.
Restore Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian magician has been missing for the last few months with an ankle injury, although he has come off the bench during the team’s last two games.
Coutinho is the ace in Liverpool’s pack and whether or not they finish in the top four this season is likely to depend on his form.
One Liverpool fan is playing a game of cards with his pals here in the Tavern and he thinks that Coutinho could be a nightmare for Swansea’s defenders at the weekend and hopes he is included in the starting line-up.
Tighten up at the back
Liverpool let Manchester United in behind on occasions last weekend and but for some fantastic goalkeeping from Simon Mignolet, the Red Devils would have claimed three points fairly comfortably.
Swansea won’t have anything to lose on Saturday by having a go and Liverpool must ensure they are ready for any potential threats from the Swans.
One Liverpool fan is playing on the fruit machine here in the Tavern and he agrees that the Reds need to be stronger in defence, stating that he hopes the team get is right soon.
