Liverpool are on the back of a galling defeat to QPR- Can Kenny Dalglish’s week get any worse?
Norwich City, Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City – all teams which have visited the Anfield ‘fortress’ and come away with points. We’ve heard it all before, the Anfield club’s home record is excrutiatingly poor, but even recognition of this fact has not been able to prevent it.
The 3-0 win against Everton was a sign of what the team can do- they just need to do it on a consistent basis.
After the midweek collapse to QPR, it is conceivable that the unpredictable Reds could implode further.
Kenny Dalglish will certainly hope not, he will be looking for a reaction from his players.
When Liverpool’s backs have been against the wall of late, they have come good, so there is hope for a similar response here.
If you go back to the club’s 3-1 loss to Bolton Wanderers, one of their season’s lowest points, they bounced back against Manchester City in the Carling Cup, while they shook off a 1-0 loss to Sunderland to sweep aside Everton in the Merseyside derby.
The QPR result was embarrassing for the players, especially the defence, who will want to put in a solid performance at the back to prove a point.
Wigan meanwhile are fighting for their lives, rooted at the foot of the table in 19th, and would be satisfied with even a draw from this tough fixture, but may even fancy their chances of a win.
Do they want it more than Liverpool? As much as the players may deny it, when they get out on the pitch they could be found wanting, given Wigan’s extra motivation. With supporters beginning to express discontent, an early goal would be useful in lifting everybody’s spirits.
The club’s priority is the FA Cup right now, with nothing to play for in the league except pride.
Dalglish has staked his own reputation on the backing of certain players, and he would surely like a post-match press conference where he can talk about a glowing victory, rather than batting questions about under-performers.
He will have drilled into his players the importance of making up for Wednesday night’s showing. Can Steven Gerrard build on his hat-trick against Everton? Can Luis Suarez start banging in the goals? Both are questions fans will want answering.
Wigan remain however good odds to spring a surprise and could be worth a gamble, given their desperation to avoid relegation.
Will Liverpool lose again? Let us know your prediction
image: © illarterate
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