Liverpool are right in the mix in pursuit of the Premier League title, and whilst there is no doubting the pressure that Jurgen Klopp’s men are under, you’ve got to see the Reds as the favourites at this point in time.
They’ve led the way in the Premier League for much of the campaign, and that’s not a case of luck. Indeed, it’s exactly what their performances have deserved.
However, there’s no doubting that things are about to get far tougher. Man City have found a good run of form, and normally when Pep Guardiola’s men get going, they’re incredibly tough to stop.
Fortunately, though, Liverpool could be handed a significant boost towards the end of their title chase – with some good news coming from the Telegraph. Indeed, as per the Telegraph, midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected back at Anfield in April. Of course, he’s been out of action since last season, and fans will have been waiting with bated breath ever since for a hint into when he will return.
Now, it seems as though that time is fast approaching – and that could be huge for Liverpool.
After all, he was able to have a huge impact last season. Both in the Premier League and Europe, he was a main driving force for Liverpool through the heart of the midfield. Particularly in light of the departure of Coutinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain stepped up to the plate, and his influence on the field – both in terms of goal involvement and overall work rate – made him an instrumental member of the team. He’s able to strike the ball like nobody else in the Liverpool midfield, whilst he’s also able to deliver game-changing passes and dazzling dribbles in an effort to create something magical at Anfield.
It must be said that Liverpool have lacked a creative force in the heart of the midfield this season. For all of Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson’s talent, none of them have the offensive flair that The Ox possesses, and that could have been the difference against some of the smaller teams this term. Like, for example, in games against Huddersfield or Cardiff City – two teams that the Reds are set to face again towards the end of the season.
Now, of course, it’s important to curb the expectations somewhat. If Oxlade-Chamberlain does return in April, he’s not going to be fully match fit, and so the Reds won’t see The Ox at his best. Likewise, by that point the Premier League title could be almost wrapped up – with only 6 games remaining for the Reds by the time April 1st comes around. However, having a player like Oxlade-Chamberlain available will only be a good thing for the club, and he’ll surely be desperate to make some sort of impact given how much action he’s missed. If nothing else, his return could just give the Reds the mental boost they need heading into the final weeks of the season.
Thoughts?
