Potential CL nightmare looms for Liverpool
by Jon on August 26th, 2008
| 408 words |
With two Premier League victories under his belt, no doubt Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez would normally be confident ahead of a home match against the Belgian champions. But results aside, the recent form of the team must surely leave a lot of fans nervous ahead of Wednesday night’s vital CL clash with Standard Liege.
Another lacklustre performance and Steven Gerrard & Co could be unceremoniously dumped out of every chairman’s favourite competition and staring financial disaster in the face.
It’s not secret that co-owners Hicks and Gillett are a little strapped for cash, with the diggers hired to work on the new Anfield stadium still ominously quiet. Failure to qualify for the Champions League proper would heap massive pressure on Hicks and Gillett, especially with the Dubai consortium still hovering ready to pick up the pieces.
On paper, at least, Liverpool should wipe the floor with Standard Liege. But as the plucky Belgians proved two weeks ago in the first leg, they can create genuine chances, and have the firepower to cause Liverpool’s defenders problems. Only Pepe Reina and lady luck kept the scores at 0-0.
With Captain Marvel himself still struggling with a groin injury, Javier Mascherano suffering from jet-lag and Ryan Babel still mentally en route from China (if his performance at the weekend is anything to go by!), the Reds midfield will not be at full strength.
Xabi Alonso, if picked, will need to improve considerably if he’s to help Liverpool qualify and possibly earn himself a move to Arsenal. And Yossi Benayoun, after failing to impress in his last two starts for the club, will also have to improve significantly if Liverpool are to create chances from the flanks.
On level points with Chelsea in the Premier League, the Reds look like they’re off to a flying start. But any fan who has seen recent matches will know that Liverpool have been incredibly lucky. Hell, even Jamie Carragher scored and he averages a goal every 120 performances.
Sure, Torres’ goal against Sunderland was a wonder strike and we all know he’s capable of scoring at anytime, as is Gerrard - even when playing badly. But on the basis of things so far, there can’t be much confidence in the squad ahead of tomorrow’s must-win tie with Standard Liege.
So how about it COS regulars? Are Liverpool heading for a massive CL nightmare? Or will Wednesday night see Rafa’s Reds really showing us what they’re capable of?
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Tagged Under: Champions League, liverpool fc, standard liege
Rafael - August 26th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Jes, I am confident & focused on my team.
gaz - August 26th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
There’s a big difference between playing badly and getting three points and playing badly and not getting anything at all.
Hadn’t Arsenal already won the league by this poit in the league last season with their amazing football. What happened to their title when their performances AND results went Pete Tong.
As a Reds fan I couldn’t careless if we win the league by playing crap football.
obviously - August 26th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Gaz I think the difference is 3 points.
Ryan - August 26th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
That is how Man U and Chelsea did so well last year. They won games even when they played bad. Its about time some luck (Carraghers shot) went our way when Lampard gets deflected goals every other week.
I think to have 6 points against both these opponents when our midfield is as weak as it will ever be is a great accomplishment. Once we hit form we will be very on top of things and push for the top of the table.
Even if for some reason Liverpool get knocked out it will hopefully mean DIC buy the club from the broke Yanks. Hopefully the deal for Riera is done before this game just in case!
James - August 26th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
i agree with Ryan - last year when we didnt play well we drew or even lost, its positive we can win even when we play shite. We will definitely win tomorrow!!!
Rafa - August 27th, 2008 at 2:02 am
I believe the fans will help the team fulfill their potential. If you’re not coming to support or cheering for the team at home, we don’t need you. I have told the lads to step up the gear and I have full faith in their abilities.
Liverpres - August 27th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Robbie with a brace, Torres and Stevie with a goal each = 4 - 0 to Liverpool. No nightmare there!
Croco Bob - August 27th, 2008 at 5:00 am
i believe Rafa will throw this match away. So the Americans can be dumped out b’cos of no CL cash coming in. On the other hand we wont have travelling problems as before, b’cos we be playing in England only .
Rush - August 27th, 2008 at 6:33 am
i think we’ll see attacking football from the kickoff. they always do well when the put extra pressure on the defense. the front 4 or 5 will pressure the defense early to break up the passes. Standard was too comfortable making their passes last match. we need to force them to make bad passes. after intercepting their passes, send them to torres. he’ll get it done.
it’ll be important for the club to reach group stage. so rafa has more bargaining chips to get funding for new players.
2D - August 27th, 2008 at 11:43 am
yeah thanks this article makes us feal tonnes better! (sarcastically)
Donavan Ried - August 27th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I know we have a number of players back but don’t take Standard Liege lightly. There tails will be up after the last game and they too will have thier main striker back, and they have proven they can keep going 90 minutes plus. Tough game. really
gaz - August 27th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
2D you have to take on board what Ryan said. Our midfield is a disgrace. Alonso is past his best and I’d send him down the M6-M1 corridor ASAP. His passing has gone to pieces and his ability to keep up with the pace of the Premiership is on a par with Shevchenko’s.
No wonder Gerreard hasn’t been gifting Torres and Keane, he’s covering for El Burro and not supporting El Nino.
See a difference when Monster Mash comes back with Babel and Lucas.
Play crap and win or play well and draw. I’d take the 3pts over the 1 anyday.
Donavan Ried - August 27th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Rafa finally puts Dirk Kuyt back playing just behind Torres after taking off Robbie Keane; and who wins it for us…..The same player many of you would like to see gone.
It proves a point that I’ve been trying to make about playing player out of position. If that point is still loss on some of you watch the match again and pay attention to Ryan Babel having to cut back in on his right foot all the time, but most of all pay attention to Dirk Kuyt. Not the Dirk Kuyt that plays on the right but the Dirk Kuyt who was top goal scorer in Holland. For this was the work horse and goal scorer we brought and Rafa put out on the right and now wants to sale because he thinks that he is not good enough.
Robbie Keane, as I’ve said before “£20m, I would have spent the money on Bastian Schweinsteiger”.
In Rafa we trust,No Longer
dave in ireland - August 28th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Four games into the season , Not a decent performance yet , not a good one in sight either . Looks like we have weakest left back in the premiership , and right back not much better , no wingers and Robbie looks like a star struck Koppite after being taken out of the crowd to play with the team . We are going to win nothing this year .