Liverpool will return to Anfield battered and bruised to welcome a fearless Norwich City on Monday, and wrap up another weekend of the English Premier League.
The Reds limped away from Old Trafford with their tails between their legs after Manchester United put three past a gutless Brendan Rodgers side. However, a positive 1-1 draw with French side Bordeaux in the Europa League on Friday has lightened some of the hostility among supporters.
Alex Neil has got his Norwich team playing an expansive attacking game, and that style has earned the Canaries seven points and ninth place in the Premier League. They dominated AFC Bournemouth throughout their convincing 3-1 victory, which was a much needed response after a 3-0 defeat to Southampton the weekend prior.
Key Battle
Matthew Jarvis vs Nathaniel Clyne
Jarvis was unstoppable at Carrow Road versus Bournemouth. Besides his sublime finish he caused constant problems down the left flank with his direct approach. The former West Ham United attacker was also handy in possession having completed 82% of his attempted passes, and the same can be said about his wide play, which saw six crosses whipped into tantalising areas, something Liverpool have struggled to deal with in previous outings.
Clyne has made an excellent start to his career on Merseyside, The most consistent of Rodgers’ several summer signings he will be tasked with an important role against Norwich. If the former Saint can shut down the majority of crosses then it will lift the huge weight of pressure that has been building on Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, who have failed to record back to back positive performances. Liverpool have also lacked some width at times this season, and some of that blame falls on Clyne, if he can bomb further up the pitch more often, that would put some doubt in Jarvis’ mind.
Team News
Daniel Sturridge has returned to training at Melwood, however, it is unlikely the Englishmen will start. Jordan Henderson flew back to the United Kingdom this week after undergoing treatment in America for his troublesome heel injury that has kept the Liverpool captain sidelined since the Arsenal match. There are further positives for Rodgers, who welcomed back Adam Lallana in France on Friday with the attacking midfielder managing to find the back of the net against Bordeaux.
We could see a very different Liverpool line up against Norwich. Rodgers rested several players midweek and reverted to three at the back, which included Mamadou Sakho with the Frenchmen impressing. This could see Lovren replaced. Phillippe Coutinho was back in action after his suspension and should slot straight back into the starting eleven, while Danny Ings also made another appearance and could partner Christian Benteke.
Expect a similar line up to the one that played the Cherries for Norwich, as there is no reason to alter a winning formula, especially when the display was so comprehensive. Cameron Jerome should lead from the front, closely supported by Wes Hoolahan who scored against Bournemouth. However, the threat will be from the flanks, which will be occupied by Jarvis and exciting youngster Nathan Redmond. Wisdom will be absent as he cannot play against the club that have loaned him out, although, Sebastien Bassong will feature in the heart of defence and he spoke through the week about the importance of taking it to a wounded Liverpool.
“It’s a nice feeling to go there (Anfield) and play in this type of game. I think we have to give it a go,” Bassong said. “I think we have to go there with no fear and hopefully get a good result.
“Liverpool is a great club, they have changed, they’ve got some additions to their team this year, some good players but football depends on a lot of factors.”
Head to Head
This is fixture has been heavily dominated by Liverpool with 30 victories compared to the Canaries 11, and that superiority has been devastating in the past three years, which saw the Reds score 18 goals in four matches, led by none other than Luis Suarez. The last time Norwich visited Anfield they were thumped 5-1, however, the last matchup finished 3-2 in favour of the Merseysiders.
Prediction
All eyes will be on Liverpool in what will be colossal match for all the wrong reasons. There have been light whispers about the sacking of Rodgers this week, and fans were fed up with the performance against Manchester United, it is simply a must win for the Reds.
On the other hand, Norwich have a great opportunity to inflict more punishment, and considering their red hot form they will certainly have plenty of chances to do so, however, with Henderson likely to be restored to the midfield he might be the missing piece to this scattered Liverpool puzzle.
Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
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