Liverpool seek to shore up defence against Huddersfield
Liverpool, Jan. 29: Joel Matip accepts Liverpool must quickly resolve the defensive problems that sparked their FA Cup exit ahead of a Premier League visit to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledged his side were guilty of making mistakes for each of West Browmich Albion’s goals in the visitors’ 3- 2 cup win at Anfield that ended Liverpool’s lengthy unbeaten home run.
Defeat came on the back of Liverpool’s shock 1- 0 reverse at Premier League basement club Swansea City. Now, two weeks after the Merseysiders enjoyed the high of becoming the first team to beat Manchester City in domestic competition this season, Klopp’s side are in need of another lift.
Cameroon centre- back Matip accepted responsibility for one of West Brom’s goals and the defender acknowledged Liverpool cannot afford a repeat when they face Huddersfield if they are to keep a firm hold on a topfour spot and a guaranteed place in next season’s Champions League.
“We have to do everything to turn things around, to get in better shape and get better results,” Matip said.
Huddersfield have not been in the relegation zone all season, but sit just two points above the bottom three after a six- match run without a Premier League win. MKHITARYAN SET FOR
ARSENAL BOW Henrikh Mkhitaryan is poised to make his Arsenal debut when Arsene Wenger’s side resume their Premier League campaign at Swansea.
The Gunners head to South Wales boosted by their League Cup semifinal triumph over Chelsea and rested following a free weekend, a consequence of the holders’ early exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Nottingham Forest.
Mkhitaryan’s arrival from Manchester United also means Wenger’s players have been able to prepare for the game without the sideshow caused by Alexis Sanchez’s protracted departure from the Emirates Stadium.
Swansea have been revived since the appointment of manager Carlos Carvalhal although the weekend FA Cup draw at fourth- tier Notts County was a step backwards.