Tag: liverpool

  • Preview of Liverpool vs. West Ham United  Prediction, team information, and lineups.

    Preview of Liverpool vs. West Ham United  Prediction, team information, and lineups.

    Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and West Ham United resume domestic play on Sunday afternoon at Anfield after both teams

    Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and West Ham United resume domestic play on Sunday afternoon at Anfield after both teams won their opening Europa League matches in uncannily similar circumstances.

    The Hammers overcame a one-goal deficit to defeat Backa Topola in Europe, and the Reds overcame a one-goal deficit to defeat LASK Linz 3-1 midweek.

    MATCH PREVIEW 

    The theme for Liverpool during the first few weeks of the 2023–24 season has been coming from behind to win, and just like at Molineux last weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s team consigned a slow start to the annals with a barrage of second-half goals.

    In the Group E match, which was Liverpool’s first Europa League game in over seven years, Florian Flecker’s spectacular shot gave the Austrian team the lead.
    However, Darwin Nunez’s penalty, Luis Diaz’s first-time finish, and Mohamed Salah’s historic goal ensured that the Reds returned to Merseyside with all three points.

    Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and West Ham United resume domestic play on Sunday afternoon at Anfield after both teams

    Klopp became the first Reds manager in history to achieve 50 continental victories thanks to Salah’s 42nd Liverpool goal in Europe, which is tied with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for the most goals by an English player in Europe.
    His team enters the weekend with a five-game winning streak across all competitions, despite conceding the opening goal in four of those contests.

    Liverpool, who are in third place in the Premier League standings and are only two points behind Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur on goals scored after scoring one fewer goal than the Lilywhites, have succeeded by fighting fire with even more fire.

    Despite their recent propensity for conceding the opening goal, Liverpool’s Premier League unbeaten streak at Anfield now stands at 14 games since Leeds United’s stunning 2-1 victory in October, and they have only failed to score in one of their last 44 top-flight games at their Merseyside base.

    Angelo Ogbonna shouldn’t have been any more relieved than he was at the London Stadium on Thursday because of the horrifying error the centre-back made that allowed Petar Stanic of Backa Topola to break through and give the Serbian underdogs the unlikeliest of leads in their Europa League debut.

    The tide turned in favor of David Moyes’ team against Backa Topola, though, as a Nemanja Petrovic own goal came before two headers from debutants Mohammed Kudus and Tomas Soucek in the English capital.
    This was done while Liverpool were occupied battling back against LASK.

    Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and West Ham United resume domestic play on Sunday afternoon at Anfield after both teams

    The former captain of Southampton, James Ward-Prowse, who opened the scoring in the previous week’s Premier League match against Manchester City before the champions responded through Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland, was unsurprisingly the architect of both set-piece goals during another stellar performance.

    Even so, the Hammers’ defeat at the hands of the champions is still the only blemish on their record thus far.
    Moyes’s team is currently sixth in the table with 10 points, but they have yet to record a shutout this season.

    The Irons have a maximum haul after leaving the grounds of Luton Town and Brighton and Hove Albion so far this season, but they haven’t won three consecutive Premier League away games since October 2021, and seven of their last eight league meetings with Liverpool have resulted in losses

    TEAM NEWS

    Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and West Ham United resume domestic play on Sunday afternoon at Anfield after both teams

    The forced withdrawal of full debutant Ryan Gravenberch, who appeared especially disheveled as he made his way around the field in the second half, was one slightly disappointing aspect of Liverpool’s victory over LASK Linz.

    However, Sunday’s match is still anticipated to be too soon for Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring) and Thiago Alcantara (hip) to make their competitive comebacks.

    Klopp is optimistic that the Dutchman was only experiencing cramp.

    After making a total of 11 substitutions for the Europa League, Klopp will likely approve a similar set of changes for West Ham’s visit, especially since Diaz and Nunez, who each claimed a goal and an assist, played the full 90 minutes in Austria.

    Edson Alvarez, a key player for West Ham who was recently signed, missed the victory over Backa Topola due to fatigue, but he is anticipated to make an immediate comeback to the starting lineup here.

    Alvarez’s return would leave the West Ham treatment room almost empty, but Jarrod Bowen missed the match on Thursday due to a virus and will also need to be evaluated.
    Additionally, Aaron Cresswell left the game at halftime with a hamstring injury.

    Due to Kudus’ standout performance in the Europa League, Moyes is experiencing the best kind of selection difficulty in the attack.
    If the Irons manager takes a chance with a more attacking lineup, Kudus might be preferred over Soucek.

    Alphonse Areola, Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, and Emerson Palmieri are getting ready to come back, but there will be a lot of changes at the back. Danny Ings will make way for Michail Antonio at the tip of the attack.

    Starting lineup options for Liverpool include:
    Alisson; Gomez; Konate; Van Dijk; Robertson; Szoboszlai; Mac Allister; Jones; Salah; Gakpo; and Jota.

    The possible starting lineup for West Ham United 

    Areola, Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson, Ward-Prowse, Alvarez, Bowen, Kudus, and Benrahma are some of the other players.

    We predict Liverpool 3-1 West Ham United 

    With the exception of Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa earlier this month, both teams have scored in every match between the Reds and West Ham so far this season.
    A thrilling match at Anfield should follow suit.

    While Liverpool’s records won’t be perfect, the Merseyside giants should take advantage of the Hammers’ continued defensive shortcomings to secure their sixth straight victory.
    Klopp and Moyes will both be able to recall rested big-hitters to their respective starting lineups.

     

  • What Ryan Gravenberch did after helping Liverpool goal reveals the reality behind the transfer decision.

    What Ryan Gravenberch did after helping Liverpool goal reveals the reality behind the transfer decision.

    Ryan Gravenberch makes an impression in his first start for Liverpool, according to Theo Squires after the team's away Europa League
    Ryan Gravenberch makes an impression in his first start for Liverpool, according to Theo Squires after the team’s away Europa League match against LASK.

    Throughout the course of what would turn out to be his only season in Germany, Ryan Gravenberch frequently expressed his displeasure with Bayern Munich.

    The Netherlands international, who was signed from Ajax last summer, may have won the Bundesliga in Bavaria, but the ambitious 21-year-old felt that five Bundesliga starts and one Champions League match was not enough after making 33 appearances in all competitions the previous season.

    Long-time Liverpool target, Bayern insisted otherwise when the two teams squared off in preseason, but an exit in the summer still seemed likely.

    The writing was on the wall when he played just nine minutes in the first three games for the German giants.

    In only two games, Jurgen Klopp would give the Dutchman what he had been routinely denied in Germany.

    After spending a season on the periphery in Bavaria, Gravenberch could have been excused for being a little rusty and needing some time to adjust to life in Klopp’s squad.

    It was equally understandable why he blew hot and cold in the first half of his full Reds debut after getting kicked black and blue by LASK defenders.

    5 talking points as Liverpool overcomes a deficit to defeat LASK, but suffer another blow due to an injury.
    He linked up well with his new teammates in the final third, showing off an exquisite touch and always posing a threat when charging forward with the ball.

    When space opened up on the box, he played a clever one-two with Harvey Elliott, with whom he seems to have connected right away, but was stopped in his tracks by a last-ditch tackle.

    But more than once, as he became agitated for various reasons, he lost control to the hosts.
    He slammed the ground in annoyance after one lost ball that was no longer in play, but Elliott quickly intervened to encourage his new teammate to brush it off.

    He did precisely that following the break as the Dutchman’s moment of magic gave Liverpool the victory.

    When Nunez successfully held the ball up on the halfway line and passed it to Elliott, Gravenberch sprinted down the right flank after catching a through ball and whipped a lethal low cross for Luis Diaz to score.

    It was obvious to all to see how happy Gravenberch was as he danced and jumped around with the Colombian.
    He has a new home now that he hasn’t enjoyed football for a year.

    Just two minutes prior to the goal, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis MacAllister were added, allowing Klopp to fully utilize his new midfield trio, which cost £130 million. However, just 13 minutes later Gravenberch’s injury forced him off the field, ending their time on the field together.

    The notion is that as the Dutch international’s time with the Reds progresses, he will change and become a deeper midfielder. But in a box midfield setting, he was free to play to his strengths here.

    Along with Elliott, the duo demonstrated just how well the setup can accommodate such adaptable, attacking players.

    One can only hope that Gravenberch’s departure was merely preventative.
    Since Klopp has been eager to work with the Dutchman, he will be licking his lips after this encouraging debut that may have given Bayern a glimpse of what they might have been.

    Liverpool’s revamped midfield is finished following the summer’s work.
    However, this 3-1 victory in Linz is just the beginning after just 13 minutes of combined play.

     

  • Deal close: Liverpool and the Anfield star are prepared to reach a £52 million agreement.

    Deal close: Liverpool and the Anfield star are prepared to reach a £52 million agreement.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of Liverpool's best attacking fullbacks, is reportedly close to signing lucrative terms with the England

    Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of Liverpool’s best attacking fullbacks, is reportedly close to signing lucrative terms with the England international.

    The 24-year-old defender, who is currently the vice captain at Anfield, received a contract with an expiration date of 2025 two years ago.

    Featured News Transfer Story Analysis Articles.

    Liverpool and the Anfield star are close to a deal, having agreed to terms worth £52 million.

    September 18, 2023 Farjad Iftekhar 0 Comments newsnow.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of Liverpool’s best attacking fullbacks, is reportedly close to signing lucrative terms with the England international.

    The 24-year-old defender, who is currently the vice captain at Anfield, received a contract with an expiration date of 2025 two years ago.

    News: Klopp is a big fan and Liverpool are interested in signing the £41 million star.

    He currently earns about £160,000 per week, but he is on track to make much more.

    The Three Lions star, who is prepared to sign a contract through 2027, is reportedly close to agreeing to a new deal with Liverpool, according to 90min.

    According to the news source, the 20-cap international is nearing an agreement on terms that will see him earn about £250,000 per week, £13 million annually, and $52 million over the next four years.

    Additionally, according to TalkSPORT, Trent’s contract will be extended, and new terms have already begun to be discussed.

    The adaptable fullback has already won every major award with Liverpool and has contributed more assists to the league than notable players like Eden Hazard and Mesut Ozil combined.

    The Anfield star, however, struggled defensively last season and has continued to do so this campaign. His mistakes directly contributed to our goals against Bournemouth and Newcastle United.

    What do you think? Should Liverpool agree to terms worth $52 million with Trent Alexander-Arnold?
    Does he deserve a sizable pay increase?

    More news…….

    Liverpool to uncover the extent of its European advantage, as Jadon Sancho transfer decision made.

    as Jadon Sancho transfer decision made

    The Reds and the other Premier League teams competing in Europe are about to have their first squad trials, plus the most recent on Jadon Sancho.

    Liverpool can only focus on its own tasks while watching what transpires in the rest of the Premier League, and against Wolves, it initially appeared as though this wasn’t going to be the case.

    However, the Reds’ superiority ultimately prevailed.

    When Wolves forward Matheus Cunha missed an opportunity to put the game out of reach in the first half, Mohamed Salah was the man to turn the tide.
    With three chances he created, Salah effectively offset Liverpool’s lackluster performance.

    However, before a deflected Harvey Elliott shot managed to squeeze in off the right-hand post in the second period, Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson scored, moving Liverpool momentarily to the top of the league standings.

    Prior to its turnaround, Liverpool appeared to be the big team to watch this weekend.
    However, Brighton made sure that was not the case by easily defeating the Red Devils at Old Trafford

    Jadon Sancho transfer 

    Liverpool will assess the extent of its European advantage, as Jadon Sancho transfer decision made.

    Jadon Sancho, a winger for Manchester United who is currently on the outside looking in, is willing to leave the club in January if nothing changes in his circumstances at Old Trafford before then, according to the Manchester Evening News.

    Choosing to transfer Jadon Sancho.
    The Manchester Evening News claims that Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is currently on the outside looking in at Old Trafford, is willing to leave in January if nothing changes in his circumstances there before then.

    Manchester United was defeated by Brighton earlier in the season, and as a result, has already dropped three Premier League games.
    To put it mildly, Ten Hag’s circumstances are not good.

    If Sancho and other players had chosen to join other clubs rather than the Old Trafford team, things might have turned out differently for them (and many others).

    Outcomes in the Premier League.

    It appeared for a brief moment that Manchester City and Tottenham might be losing ground after Liverpool briefly took the lead by defeating Wolves.
    But Pep Guardiola’s squad also rallied from a deficit. At West Ham, they eventually triumphed 3-1.

    Tottenham, on the other hand, scored twice in stoppage time to beat Sheffield United and avoid humiliation.

    The first goal came eight minutes into stoppage time and the second came two minutes later.
    Before Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski scored, the Blades had a 1-0 lead.

    As a result, Liverpool is currently third in the standings and can only be passed if Arsenal defeats Everton by a score of at least four goals.

    Newcastle is also important to mention, according to Liverpool.com.

    To end a bad run, Eddie Howe’s team narrowly defeated Brentford while also maintaining a clean sheet.

    With the Champions League about to begin, the Magpies will soon be put to the true test of where they are at.

    Newcastle prevailed in this situation despite having to travel to face AC Milan during the week. Its squad’s ability to handle things as the weeks pass will be in question.

    The fact that Liverpool will put forth significantly fewer efforts in Europe than Newcastle and other Premier League teams must simply be to their advantage, and if that is the case, it is about to be established.

    Newcastle will also play PSG and Borussia Dortmund in addition to AC Milan.
    We’ll soon see, but I’m sure that means lost Premier League points.

  • Liverpool make £60m-rated West Ham star their top January target with Klopp to axe seven-season veteran

    Liverpool make £60m-rated West Ham star their top January target with Klopp to axe seven-season veteran

    Nayef Aguerd

    Liverpool is said to be planning to sign West Ham star Nayef Aguerd in the January transfer window and believes they can beat Manchester City to his signature by letting go of a well-liked long-serving star in the process.

    After saying goodbye to six stars since the end of the previous season, the Reds spent the summer re-building their midfield. And while the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the ineffective Arthur Melo were anticipated for some time, the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were much more unexpected.

    As a result, Jurgen Klopp had to make four additions to his squad to strengthen Liverpool’s engine room, with Ryan Gravenberch becoming the final addition on deadline day.

    The goal for the Netherlands international will be to make his Liverpool debut against Wolves this Saturday. Klopp must now decide how to best accommodate the Dutchman alongside fellow newcomers Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Waturu Endo.

    It’s definitely a good problem to have, and Liverpool finally has a large pool of young players from which to choose in their midfield against struggling Wolves.

    It is simple to overlook the fact that Klopp actually sought to bolster the defense during the summer transfer window.

    The Reds manager was actually looking for a new right-back as well as a new center-half.
    And Klopp didn’t start concentrating on his midfield until Fabinho and Henderson had left.

    Klopp will reportedly review his strategy to bolster his defense in January, according to The Sun. And they claim that when the transfer window reopens in just 112 days, he plans to sign highly regarded West Ham center-half Aguerd.

    Man City is a rival for Nayef Aguerd, according to Liverpool.

    Nayef Aguerd

    Only arriving at the London Stadium in the summer of 2022, the Moroccan international has since established himself as one of David Moyes’ top picks.

    In fact, the 27-year-old has played 33 times across all competitions for the Hammers, scoring three goals, and is finally starting to live up to the £30 million West Ham paid Rennes for his services.

    However, Liverpool are now preparing a move amid rumors that Manchester City have also added Aguerd to their list of targets.

    The Hammers, however, won’t give up Aguerd easily and will anticipate getting their money’s worth for a player who is now close to reaching his prime.

    Klopp will, however, reportedly focus all of his efforts on rebuilding his defensive unit going forward, according to the newspaper.
    Joel Matip, a veteran of seven seasons, is currently 32 and may have recently let his standards slip.

    The same age as him and showing signs of not being as strong as he once was is his fellow defender Virgil van Dijk.

    But since Matip’s contract is up next summer and the former Cameroon international is no longer the top pick, Aguerd would replace him.

    Aguerd is anticipated to take Matip’s place at Liverpool.

    To that end, it is said that Liverpool is open to hearing offers for the former Schalke player, who might finish his career in the Bundesliga.

    Van Dijk’s position would change in any deal for Aguerd, who was rumored to be moving to Saudi Arabia during the summer. Van Dijk is frequently chosen as the left-sided center-half, so the addition of the Moroccan left-footer might allow him to switch to the right-side of the central defensive line.

    As a result, Klopp is likely to make the 30-times Moroccan international his top target in January, and a sizable offer is likely to cause West Ham to give it some serious thought.
    And a quick path to the Liverpool first team could give them a competitive edge over City, who spent a lot of money to bring Josko Gvardiol there over the summer.

     

  • Liverpool’s long goodbye to Mohamed Salah has begun, and their rivals should be concerned.

    Liverpool’s long goodbye to Mohamed Salah has begun, and their rivals should be concerned.

    Mohamed Salah has sent a clear message to Liverpool as the countdown to Saudi transfer continues
    In this week’s Blood Red column, Paul Gorst analyzes Saudi Arabia’s interest in Mohamed Salah and wonders if this is the start of a protracted separation.

    The message is occasionally purposefully misunderstood because of the messenger in the fearsomely tribalistic world of modern football.

    There can be few on the continent who will find fault with Jurgen Klopp’s most recent position, even though Liverpool’s detractors occasionally willfully ignore the point being made by him on issues like fixture scheduling, the relentless football calendar, and an increased demand on players’ bodies.

    The Saudi Pro League’s unhindered ability to move players during their own transfer window in the face of Europe’s top players still being available for cherry-picking and their clubs having to wait until January is simply not fair.
    The Saudi Pro League has eye-watering wealth, after all.

    The possibility of Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool will no doubt excite fans of the clubs that the Reds will be competing against at the top of the Premier League in the upcoming months.

    However, it would be shortsighted to view the upcoming week of Saudi player trading with excitement and hope that Liverpool’s record Premier League marksman leaves after six illustrious years.

    Because while Liverpool may be playing the role of the easy target, at the mercy of players having their heads turned by the incredible wealth on offer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it could equally easily be Manchester City, Arsenal, or Manchester United the next time.

    Due to the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte to Al-Ahli and Al-Nasr, respectively, City, like Liverpool, have already been forced into hastily reevaluating their own plans.

    The writing should be on the wall for every other club in world football if even the treble-winning and absurdly wealthy Man City are powerless to fend off the Saudis’ millions.

    In his Friday press conference, Klopp reiterated his long-standing position that the transfer deadline for clubs in the KSA should be synchronized with those in the other European markets.

    With UEFA, “we have to make sure that these European leagues stay as strong as they are,” Klopp said on Friday.

    “For that, you always need assistance from these kinds of things, such as altering regulations, laws, or other relevant laws.

    In this week's Blood Red column, Paul Gorst analyzes Saudi Arabia's interest in Mohamed Salah and wonders if this is the start of a protracted

    The bottom line of the Saudi contract is the great equalizer in all of this, even though historic clubs across Europe are able to offer players the prospect of a glittering career, considerable wealth, and the respect of football fans around the world.

    It’s a fair request, and managers across the continent will undoubtedly agree with it.
    However, there is no denying that there is a new world football landscape today.

    The money involved has normalized it to the point where players with the stature of Brazilian superstar Neymar who choose to play in a league with crowds similar to those in the National League at the age of 31 effectively end their elite careers with barely a shrug.

    Send a letter to the ECHO here to share your thoughts on everything LFC.

    When players with such enviable reputations line up in the tunnel before kickoff, there must surely be more than a whiff of embarrassment—that is, until the pay stubs arrive, of course.

    Who knows how long the Saudi Pro League will keep pushing for the biggest names in the game, but unlike earlier attempts to do so in China and Russia, the Gulf country’s finances, which are determined to diversify their wealth, make it a sustainable project for however long they wish.
    For European football, that should be a frightening thought.

    The main question is whether or not players who are accustomed to participating in the final stages of the biggest competitions actually get bored.

    Consider Jordan Henderson’s thoughts as Al-Ettifaq suffered a 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal over the weekend, during which time he toiled in a midfield three with Berat Ozdemir and Ali Abdullah Hazazi.

    However, the wheels have been greased and it feels irrevocably like the start of the long goodbye for Salah, who will have just a year left on his deal next summer.

    On Friday, Liverpool may have been able to withstand the numbers on the offer from champions Ittihad.

    It seems unlikely that a contract that makes him the highest-paid player of all time at Anfield with £350,000 a week will be extended on those terms, and the summer transfer window of 2024 will represent the Reds’ last opportunity to get a sizable sum for a player who will be 32 in June next year.
    Liverpool will fight to ensure that Salah does not leave in the coming week, even though it seems inevitable.

  • Europa League group stage draw: who can Liverpool face and when?

    Europa League group stage draw: who can Liverpool face and when?

    Aston Villa injury news as four players miss out against Liverpool as Philippe Coutinho speaks
    Liverpool will determine their opponents for their first Europa League season since reaching the 2016 final in Friday’s draw. Here’s who they can face.

    The Reds were knocked out of Champions League places last season for the first time in seven years as they are used to dining at the top of European football.

    Jurgen Klopp led his side to three Champions League finals between 2018 and 2022, but he is due to play football for the next European Championship on Thursday night.

    Despite dropping a notch for the 2023/24 season, there are still a number of top clubs Liverpool could face if they are to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

    The groups will consist of one team from each of the four pots, with Liverpool unable to meet another English side until later rounds.

    The Reds are the highest ranked team in the competition and are therefore in the first pot. Here’s a look at who we could face in the Europa League group stage this year.

    Europa League group stage winning pots

    Pot 1: Liverpool, West Ham, Roma, Villarreal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, Ajax, Rangers Pot 2: Sporting CP, Slavia Prague, Rennes, Olympiakos, Real Betis, Marseille, Qarabag Pot 2 or 3: Molde Pot 3: Brighton, Sheriff Tiraspol, Union Saint-Gilloise, SC Freiburg, Sparta Prague, Maccabi Haifa, Sturm Graz Pot 3 or 4: Toulouse
    Here are the 32 teams in the Europa League. Liverpool will be drawn in pots two, three and four. They cannot be drawn with Brighton, meaning there are 23 potential opponents in Friday’s draw.

    Pot 1: Liverpool, West Ham, Roma, Villarreal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, Ajax, Rangers

    Pot 2: Sporting CP, Slavia Prague, Rennes, Olympiakos, Real Betis, Marseille, Qarabag

    Pot 2 or 3: Molde

    Pot 3: Brighton, Sheriff Tiraspol, Union Saint-Gilloise, SC Freiburg, Sparta Prague, Maccabi Haifa, Sturm Graz

    Pot 3 or 4: Toulouse

    Pot 4: AEK Athens, TSC, Servette, Panathinaikos, Rakow Czestochowa, Limassol

    TBC: BK Hacken, LASK

    When and where is the draw?

    The draw will be taking place in Monaco on Friday, September 1 at 12pm (BST).

    It will also be streamed live on UEFA‘s website and on TNT Sports 1.

    Group Stage Schedule

    Matchday 1: September 21

    Matchday 2: October 5

    Matchday 3: October 26

    Matchday 4: November 9

    Matchday 5: November 30

    Matchday 6: December 14

    The Round of 16 will then begin with a play-off in February, which Liverpool can circumvent by finishing top of their group.

    The final will take place in Dublin on May 22, where Liverpool will be hoping to do better than their previous appearance at Basel eight years earlier.

    More news…….

    Aston Villa injury news as four players miss out against Liverpool as Philippe Coutinho speaks

    Aston Villa injury news as four players miss out against Liverpool as Philippe Coutinho speaks

    Aston Villa injury news: The latest updates from Unai Emery’s side as they prepare for the game against Liverpool. Philippe Coutinho could seal a transfer exit and is also missing.

    Philippe Coutinho hasn’t had the best time since leaving Liverpool in 2018, while his inflated transfer fee allowed the Reds to sign Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk and win the draw.

    The Aston Villa team he joined is also very different from the current team as Unai Emery (and big money) turned the Midlands side into a European one.

    In fact, they will play in the UEFA Conference League this season and hope to emulate West Ham United by winning this tournament. She certainly has the ideal manager to succeed in Europe.

    But before that, there is still a trip to Anfield. Liverpool are keen to continue their strong start to the Premier League season but will face a tough test, including without Virgil van Dijk (suspended) and Ibrahima Konaté (injured).

    Here’s a look at Aston Villa’s availability for the game, which sees four players sidelined and ineligible for Emery’s pick.

    Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings

    Aston Villa didn’t have much luck with injuries earlier this season. Emi Buendía and Tyrone Mings will be out for long periods with knee injuries.

    The two are expected to be out “for a long time,” Emery explained last week. Both have undergone surgery and will experience significant downtime in the meantime. Of course, neither will play against Liverpool at Anfield.

    Jacob Ramsay

    Jacob Ramsay is a real talent (Steven Gerrard was a huge fan during his time at Villa Park) and another big fail. In last season’s match against Liverpool at Anfield, the attacking midfielder was on the scoresheet.

    He currently has an ankle injury that will keep him out for a few more weeks. He won’t be involved in that, but it will be a big boost for Emery when he gets back.

    Philip Coutinho

    Ex-Liverpool attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho is likely to be missing for a while, but he may not even be an Aston Villa player when he gets into the game, thanks to transfer interests from a number of places.

    Fabrizio Romano reports (on Twitter/X) that Beşiktaş and Real Betis are both options for the Brazilian, with Emery willing to lose the Barcelona player to Gerrard. Coutinho is currently out with a hamstring injury but that shouldn’t hold him back for long. Despite brilliant performances in the Midlands, he just doesn’t look like the same player as before his dream move to Camp Nou.

     

  • Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool got double injury for Newcastle United but the midfielders were absent

    Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold were able to attend Liverpool training but Curtis Jones appeared to miss training

    Both players were injured in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Bournemouth and were sent off as a precaution as the Reds won their first home game of the new Premier League season this weekend.

    With Jürgen Klopp’s side taking on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, the news that both are fit enough to play a part in early training sessions will be seen as a hugely positive development.

    “[Trent] told me he had a pretty painful kick,” Klopp said on Saturday. “But as far as a turn or a crash, it was a kick. That’s why we changed back then, but I hope he’s okay.”

    Diaz has also received treatment after retiring late, but he is fit and ready to be selected for Sunday’s match against the team that took them to the top four last season. However, Curtis Jones did not play after missing Saturday’s game with an ankle injury. The England under-21 international was likely still recovering from the issue before a return and Klopp will deliver the latest fitness update at his press conference at the AXA Training Center on Friday.

    Elsewhere, new signing Wataru Endo was able to have another session with his new team-mates, following his sudden £16m move from Stuttgart last week.

    The Japanese international made his debut for the Reds this weekend when he was introduced as a second-half substitute after sending off Alexis Mac Allister, who is still awaiting an appeal decision over that red card.

    Endo was photographed getting some tactical advice from Klopp as the 30-year-old finished in time for the weekend visit to Newcastle. With Mac Allister potentially suspended, the former Stuttgart native could play an important role in the North East.

    Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara were not pictured and Klopp will also include the Spanish pair in his latest update when he addresses the media at training camp on Friday.

    Jurgen Klopp in Liverpool training on Tuesday

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during a training session at the AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    The Liverpool player trains

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Mohamed Salah, Harvey Elliott, Joel Matip, Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    The Reds travel to Newcastle on Sunday

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Joel Matip was present at the session.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool’s Joel Matip during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images).

    Klopp addresses his players ahead of the first training session of the week.
    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaks to his squad during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Luis Diaz was allowed to feature following injury against Bournemouth.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Luis Diaz of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Dutch internationals Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Dominik Szoboszlai was impressive against Bournemouth.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Luis Diaz and new signing Wataru Endo were all smiles.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Luis Diaz during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson appear for Liverpool training. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of the new season against Bournemouth.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.
    Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

    Trent Alexander-Arnold was not injured against Bournemouth despite being substituted as a precaution.

    Liverpool had a double injury boost prior against Newcastle United, but midfielders were out.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Center on August 22, 2023 in Kirkby, England (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

     

  • Match preview between Newcastle and Liverpool: lineups, officials, TV, and kickoff time

    Match preview between Newcastle and Liverpool: lineups, officials, TV, and kickoff time

    After picking up four points from their first two games of the season, Liverpool now face a tough away game against Newcastle with the aim
    After picking up four points from their first two games of the season, Liverpool now face a tough away game against Newcastle with the aim of back-to-back wins.

    Liverpool have certainly shown signs that they can return to peak performance this season, but it will take a lot of work. After earning a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the Reds bounced back from a 1-0 deficit at Bournemouth to eventually win the game 3-1, despite losing to a controversial red card from Alexis. Mac Allister was shorthanded in the second half.

    Liverpool’s attack has never been a problem – they have plenty of firepower, even when facing a serious test against one of last season’s best defensive units. However, it’s Liverpool’s defense that sometimes lets them down and with the Magpies scoring five goals against Aston Villa on the opening matchday of the season, things could get tough if Liverpool aren’t at the top of the game.

    Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp is hoping for a strong start and the game has everything it takes to be a success.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the game.

    KICK-OFF, DATE AND STADIUM

    • Date: Sunday, 27 August 2023
    • Kick-off time: 16:30 BST / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
    • Stadium: St James’ Park (52,305 capacity)

    HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDING

    Liverpool and Newcastle have met 185 times in history, with the Reds winning 91 games, drawing 44 and losing 50.

    During the Jurgen Klopp era, Liverpool enjoyed incredible success against Newcastle. The Reds boss has only been beaten by the Magpies once since joining the club and that defeat came in his first game at Tyneside in October 2015 (Liverpool lost 2-0). Since that day, Klopp has recorded four draws and nine wins against Newcastle, and was the only manager to beat Eddie Howe both home and away last season, despite Liverpool having a difficult season and Newcastle fans are enjoying their best season since the mid-1990s.
    .

    WHERE TO WATCH NEWCASTLE VS LIVERPOOL ON TV
    For UK viewers, Chelsea vs Liverpool can be watched live on Sky Sports.

    In Europe the game is available on DAZN.
    Vewers in the US can watch on USA Network and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV.

    WHO WILL REFEREE THE CLASH

    John Brooks will referee Liverpool’s match against Newcastle United on Sunday, with Lee Betts and Akil Howson as assistants and Craig Pawson as fourth official. Meanwhile, Stuart Attwell will be in charge of VAR at Stockley Park, while Constantine Hatzkidakis will act as VAR assistant.

    LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

    Liverpool 'won't use money as excuse' - despite influence of Chelsea and Saudi Arabian transfer
    Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled in the tunnel after being substituted in the second half against Bournemouth last weekend and spent the rest of the game in the treatment room.

    Although it spooked Liverpool fans, Klopp has since played down serious injury rumours, insisting the Scouser was merely on the wane of a painful injury.

    Alexander-Arnold should be fit and ready to face Newcastle on Sunday, but if not Joe Gomez is likely to take his place as a substitute.

    Luis Diaz was another player to suffer a hit in the match against Bournemouth after equalizing with an acrobatic finish. However, the issue would once again be minor as the Colombian is expected this week.

    Curtis Jones was absent from the squad last weekend after suffering a minor ankle injury in training, but alongside Stefan Bajcetic – who was on the bench against Bournemouth after a long absence – both players are expected to be available this week.

    Thiago Alcantara has also not been seen this season as the Spaniard is closer to a return after undergoing surgery for a persistent hip problem before the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

    It remains to be seen whether any of the above features will play against Newcastle on Sunday and will be decided in this week’s training session.

    One player who will be available however is Alexis Mac Allister. In an official statement on Tuesday night, the FA lifted the Argentine’s three-match gross misconduct ban after Liverpool successfully appealed. It will be a welcome relief and a big boost for the tough away game.

    NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS
    Newcastle’s biggest injury problem is none other than Joelinton. The Brazilian has enjoyed a stellar season in central midfield and many are eager to see him continue that momentum until 2023/24.

    However, the player suffered a limping injury just after an hour against Manchester City last weekend and is a doubt for the game against Liverpool. Joelinton’s midfield team-mate Joe Willock will also be unavailable for the match, having suffered a hamstring injury which will keep the Englishman out until after the international break.

    PREDICTED LINEUP

    Here’s how Liverpool could start their game against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon:

    (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota

    FORECAST

    A trip to Newcastle is never easy and the match is associated with some of the most exciting and famous fixtures in Premier League history.

    It will probably be the most important test of the season for Liverpool so far. The Reds have a good record against the Magpies and both teams can score for fun.

    Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool

     

  • Chelsea and Liverpool play to a spirited draw, to start off their wild seasons – 5 talking points.

    Chelsea and Liverpool play to a spirited draw, to start off their wild seasons – 5 talking points.

    Chelsea and Liverpool play to a spirited draw, to start off their wild seasons - 5 talking points.
    CHELSEA 1-1 LIVERPOOL: Axel Dsasi, making his debut for Chelsea, equalized Luis Diaz’s opening goal for an attacking Liverpool team.

    In an open match at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Liverpool provided a game that did little to dispel rumors that their seasons might be in for a wild ride.

    The Reds dominated the opening exchanges, and after Mo Salah’s curling effort from the edge of the box had hit the crossbar, Luis Diaz converted the Egyptian’s excellent cross across the box.

    Axel Disasi scored on his debut by slipping in behind a sluggish defense after Chelsea improved. Liverpool could have had more goals, and Salah had a goal disallowed by VAR, but their weakness in the middle of the field was exposed as Chelsea improved.

    In the second half, both teams had their opportunities, and Liverpool had a strong claim for a penalty after Nicolas Jackson was handballed.

    The game ended in a draw after 90 minutes for the seventh time in a row in this matchup despite attempts from Liverpool substitute Darwin Nunez and Chelsea substitute Mykhaylo Mudryk going narrowly wide.

    Key talking points are listed below.

    1. Reds go on the attack.

    Chelsea and Liverpool play to a spirited draw, to start off their wild seasons - 5 talking points.
    When there aren’t enough midfielders on the field, you play more attackers.

    It may have surprised some people that Liverpool started with this lineup, but if you watched enough of their preseason – and enough of their lack of transfer activity, although you can’t miss that – then it always seemed pretty likely that they would choose Cody Gakpo in an advanced midfield position behind a more traditional front three, with the other two midfielders hardly being shrinking violets when it comes to attacking either.

    When everything comes together, it makes for incredibly entertaining entertainment that is also, given the Reds’ attacking in the early exchanges, effective entertainment. They were able to dominate a nervous-looking Chelsea team thanks to their setup, and for the first 30 minutes, it appeared as though only one team was scoring.

    2. The sharpness and spikiness of Salah

    Chelsea and Liverpool play to a spirited draw, to start off their wild seasons - 5 talking points.
    No matter how many midfielders or attackers you have on the field, if one of them is Salah, eventually things will go south for the opposition.

    While positioned on the right, the Egyptian was at the center of all the mayhem the Reds created in the first period. Had his shot that hit the crossbar a little lower, his one that was cleared off the line a little differently, and if he hadn’t been caught offside by VAR, he might have scored a hat-trick.

    He threaded a beautiful ball across the box for Diaz to charge in and finish for his one first-half goal, demonstrating once more why he will be a force to be reckoned with this season. Judging by his reaction to being substituted late, he will want to be on the field more often than not this year.

    He first raised his arms in apparent rage when he saw the No. The fume was then made worse when each throw of the tape he peeled off his wrists was greeted with joy by jubilant Chelsea fans, who still haven’t forgotten his past here. 11 went up on the substitutes’ board.

    Salah may need to explain that to Jurgen Klopp, but it was obvious that he had lost some of his impact in the second half.

    3. Chelsea flips the script.

    Chelsea and Liverpool play to a spirited draw, to start off their wild seasons - 5 talking points.
    But when you play like Liverpool does, you constantly leave yourself vulnerable to the opposition taking advantage of your frailty and turning you around, just as Chelsea did shortly after the Salah goal that was disallowed.

    In the first 30 minutes of the game, it had been the Blues who were too simple to play through, but suddenly, it was Liverpool as Dominik Szoboszlai’s influence waned and an overexcited Alexis Mac Allister was surrounded.

    Liverpool was unable to keep possession of the ball for a long enough period of time as Chelsea gained momentum and an equalizer suddenly seemed inevitable. When it did, Disasi sneaked in amid careless defending, it was just compensation for the hosts sensing where they could exert authority, and Liverpool bowed out under the pressure.

    4. Pochettino presses his style onto Chelsea

    Chelsea and Liverpool play to a spirited draw, to start off their wild seasons - 5 talking points.
    Pochettino, who initially cut a somewhat disgruntled figure for much of the first half until his side’s drastic improvement, was the mastermind behind all of this.

    The new manager appeared at ease in his surroundings and appears to have completely won over any supporters who were skeptical of his appointment given his Tottenham past.
    He wore all black, as we frequently used to see in his Tottenham days, and displayed that familiar approach full of enthusiasm for his players, when they deserved it.

    The 2023–2024 Liverpool season’s home jersey honors Bill Shankly and the legendary Reds manager’s final year in charge at Anfield. The Nike shirt has a vivid red design that contrasts sharply with white at the color and cuffs.

    When Conor Gallagher sprinted back to stop a Salah attack in the second half, the Argentinean reserved his loudest applause for the Irishman. Given his perseverance, you could definitely see the former England midfielder turning into a favorite of his manager amid all the talk of incomings and outgoings.

    That came from Chelsea a lot, which is more than you can say for the previous campaign.

    5. The obvious query.

    The truth is that both of these two teams could benefit from a central midfielder worth £110 million.

    Enzo Fernandez, who Chelsea already has and who pretty much already cost them that, battled away against a Liverpool team that used Mac Allister in that position as you would expect him to, but they will get much more out of him if they play him higher up.

    You feel as though they are both like a puzzle with pieces missing until they both sign a player or players who play that position, whoever they may be.

     

  • Liverpool starting lineup vs. Chelsea: expected lineup, confirmed team news, latest injury information, and Caicedo debut.

    Liverpool starting lineup vs. Chelsea: expected lineup, confirmed team news, latest injury information, and Caicedo debut.

    Liverpool starting lineup vs. Chelsea: expected lineup, confirmed team news, latest injury information, and Caicedo debut.
    If Liverpool were to sign the Brighton midfielder, Moises Caicedo would not be eligible to make his Premier League debut against Chelsea on Sunday.

    The Reds have agreed to a £111 million deal for the Ecuadorian, which would be a spectacular gazumping of their rivals on the opening weekend.

    However, the agreement had to be made by Friday at noon in order for him to be officially registered to play for Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are still trying to sign Caicedo themselves.

    Because anchor man Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara are still recovering from injuries that caused their 2022–23 seasons to end early, Liverpool’s midfield lacks defensively minded players in preparation for Sunday’s game.

    In preseason, Klopp used newcomers Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboslzai together in an attacking 4-2-3-1, a formation that would not be without risk against Chelsea.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold, who excelled in the midfield position while representing England at the beginning of the summer, has been put to the test in that position; Curtis Jones is another choice.

    Predicted Liverpool starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Konate; Van Dijk; Robertson; Jones; Mac Allister; Szoboszlai; Salah; Jota; Diaz.

    Injuries: Thiago, Bajcetic

    Doubts: None

    Time and date: 4.30pm BST, Sunday August 13, 2023

    Venue: Stamford Bridge

    More news………

    Liverpool is about to complete a record $110 million deal for Moises Caicedo of Brighton.

    Liverpool is about to complete a record $110 million deal for Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
    According to talkSPORT, Liverpool and Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo are about to finalize a record-breaking £110 million deal.

    Caicedo could get a medical as soon as this Friday because the Reds have outbid Chelsea in the race to sign him.

    The final amount will surpass the previous British record, which was £105 million, which Arsenal paid West Ham to acquire Declan Rice earlier this summer.

    It will also break Liverpool’s record player transfer, currently held by Virgil van Dijk’s £75 million purchase from Southampton in January 2018—although the price tag on Darwin Nunez’s transfer could rise to £85 million.

    As Caicedo is poised for a Merseyside switch, this saga that has dragged on all summer appears to finally come to an end with a surprise turn.

    He appeared to be joining Chelsea, who made the 21-year-old’s first significant summer transfer move.

    Liverpool is about to complete a record $110 million deal for Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
    Caicedo has received two offers from Chelsea, but both fell short of Brighton’s £100 million valuation of the player.

    It gave Liverpool the opportunity to act, and at their first attempt, they outbid the Seagulls in price and appear poised to close the deal.

    After allowing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, and James Milner to leave after their contracts expired, Jurgen Klopp’s team was always in need of a rebuild in the midfield.

    They made a good start to the transfer window by bringing in World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who played with Caicedo at Brighton, and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

    However, when both Fabinho and club captain Jordan Henderson left Anfield for lucrative jobs in Saudi Arabia, their midfield shortages reached almost emergency levels.

    Romeo Lavia, a star for Southampton who appeared destined for a move to Liverpool, may now be the focus of Chelsea’s attention.

    Chelsea saw an opportunity to pounce on the Reds’ refusal to meet Saints’ £50m asking price for the 19-year-old.

    But the Championship club is likely to reject Chelsea’s most recent offer of £48 million.

    More news………..

    Thiago makes transfer decisions, as Al-Ettifaq sends Liverpool an “apologetic” letter regarding Jordan Henderson

    Media Digest: Thiago has made up his mind amid transfer rumors, and Jordan Henderson has apologized to Liverpool through
    Media Digest: Thiago has made up his mind amid transfer rumors, and Jordan Henderson has apologized to Liverpool through Al Ettifaq’s official channels.

    Jordan Henderson “apologetic” statement from Al-Ettifaq.

    Al-Ettifaq has “apologized” to Liverpool supporters on Twitter. Jordan Henderson was recently acquired by the Steven Gerrard-coached Saudi team, who made him captain of their most recent match.

    The reality is more ironic, despite the fact that some Liverpool employees might feel they should apologize for the way the Saudi club initially tried to sign the Reds captain for nothing (Guardian). Al-Ettifaq apologized for printing “EFC” on the back of Henderson’s shirt through their social media channel.

    These initials, which are also those of the Ettifaq Football Club, are connected to the English football team Everton and are located just below the prancing horse logo on the neck of the Saudi team’s jerseys. The club account joked, “At least it’s not blue,” enticing supporters to purchase the number 10 shirt before it sells out.

    Due to the captain’s prior decision to speak out as an ally of the LGBT community, Henderson has drawn a great deal of criticism for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia—far more than Fabinho—but this seeming lighthearted post highlights the fact that Liverpool is also facing some ethical challenges. Given that the league has been referred to as a sportswashing project (Guardian), it’s less than ideal that Al Ettifaq is already using its name to help the organization market itself.

    Thiago’s choice to transfer.

    Surprisingly, during the transfer window, Thiago has also been connected to several moves away. Only Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott would be left from the midfield that Jürgen Klopp famously deemed fit for purpose prior to last season if the Spaniard left along with Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita.

    Thankfully, it appears that Thiago has made a decision. Fabrizio Romano has disabled links to Sevilla in a post on Twitter:.

    Despite their connections, Thiago Alcântara and Sevilla have not engaged in any negotiations or talks. Thiago Only considering Liverpool.

    Thiago has assumed a crucial role as an experienced leader in a shifting midfield after initially being perceived as one of the Liverpool candidates with the highest likelihood of leaving the club this summer. Given his strong defensive statistics, he might also start the season as one of the top choices for the number six position.