Reds face 13 days that could revive their season or wreck it
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NUMBER 13 is unlucky for some. Liverpool will be hoping that is not the case for them.
After all their injuries season, the champions probably feel they have enough misfortune.
But they now face a huge 13 days which may shape the rest of their campaign.
They will be hoping their luck – but more importantly form – will turn.
Back-to-back home defeats in the Premier League for the first time since 2012 leaves their title defence in tatters.
Now Manchester City, Leicester, RB Leipzig and Everton lie in wait between Sunday and February 20.
Liverpool could be back in the title race and well on their way in the Champions League by the end of the month or staring down the barrel of a trophy-less season.
When Jurgen Klopp suggested his side would be in a battle to finish in the top four after drawing 0-0 with Manchester United last month, a few eyebrows were raised. Were the champions who ran away with the title last season this will had flip side is that this period provides the Reds with a chance to reignite their season.
Klopp felt that “mental fatigue” cost his men in their 1-0 defeat by Brighton onWednesday.
With games coming at a relentless pace in this bizarre behind-closed-doors campaign, it may be difficult to refresh those weary heads.
However, Liverpool would come out of this period with a far more positive mindset if results go their way.
They could be four points behind City – or even less depending on how Guardiola’s side get on against others – and still with a chance of retaining their crown.
Wins over Leicester and Everton would go some way to easing any worries about finishing outside the Champions League places.
And a positive result against Leipzig would put them one step closer towards a seventh European Cup.
Liverpool’s fortunes may change over the coming four games.
Either that or their rivals will feel their luck is in to see the Reds faltering.
WEST HAM are expected to make another bid for Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri in the summer. The Hammers failed to sign a striker before the transfer window shut despite making a £27m offer for the Morocco forward.
EMILIANO MARTINEZ retains the full support of Aston Villa boss Dean Smith despite a below-par display in Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat by West Ham. “I can’t moan too much about our goalkeeper – he has 10 clean sheets already,” said Smith.
JOSH KING says he jumped at the chance to work with Everton’s Carlo Ancelotti. King, 29, who joined the Toffees from Bournemouth on Monday, said: “I could not turn down learning from a manager like Carlo. He is a big, big name.”