So here we go, first home match of the new season. The Liverpool loyal return to Anfield with renewed belief after Rafa and Parry have once again had face to face talks to clear the air. I just wish they could come to my office every now and again as working with 30 sweaty blokes does raise a bit of a stink and the powers at be in Anfield seem to be the best in the country at getting it sorted. Ok Ok enough i say, let’s get back to the important business and 3 points against Southgates Boro tomorrow. Now Mr Southgate I wish I had a boss as layed back as your Chairman Mr Gibson cause I know for a fact if I had performed as poorly as you have over the same period of time I would be out the door. He must have the patience of a saint but then again he did have Bryan Robson in charge at one point so it’s not hard to beat that.
Boro come to Anfield tomorrow looking for maximum points in their opening two fixtures since records began in the Premiership which means that they have lost their first away fixture in each of past 5 seasons and Liverpool are bidding for a ninth successive home league win. It’s 32 years since Middlesbrough last won at Anfield. England defender Terry Cooper and forward John Hickton scored in a 0-2 victory on 6 March 1976, oh I remember it well. Fernando Torres scored the second of three hat-tricks for Liverpool last season in this corresponding fixture but i don’t think they are going to be a push over this term as they are are unbeaten in the last eight games on the road. Another thing to remember and this might be surprising to some but Liverpool have only won their first two fixtures of a 20-club Premier League once before; in 2002-03, beating Aston Villa (a) and Southampton (h). Began that campaign with a 12 match unbeaten sequence (nine wins, three draws).
Men to watch out for are Alves up front but I am more worried about this big guy Wheater at set pieces and corner kicks. he always seems to be in the right place at the right time and bagged around seven goals last season.
Shankly Quote for the Week
At a football club, there’s a holy trinity – the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don’t come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques.
Looking forward to this one. Always great to play the first home game of the season. I hope for Keane to get off the mark as I am sure all he needs is one goal and the rest will follow. Also look forward to seeing Babel return.
Reds to win 3 – 1.
forget this game. can’t wait till ASTON VILLA next week. anyway, 2-0 win, torres and gerrard do the honors
Come on now Max, how can you forget the first match of the season at Anfield – one game at a time mate, one game at a time – lol. Martin O’Squeal like a pig will get whats coming to him soon enough.
The Villa match is tempting to look forward to, but I agree that Boro will put up a fight.
Another 1-0 to Liverpool, Keane with the winner.
As Rafa would say, “All we think about is the next game.” But I for one have an eye on that Villa game. Mascherano should be back for that one and cant wait to see him play after he wins his gold medal. Two Olympic medals, now that is something special!
Have to agree with Dave, Wheater is one to watch for. We need Teenage Mutant Ninja Skrtel to mark him on those set plays and keep his head out of the way when we’re in attack. I’d love to see Torres and Keane bag one each with Torres assisting Keane’s goal (showing their progress with the partnership) and Gerrard from a free kick. 3-0 for me. Optimistic yes, but we need to dominate these games and show other teams we’re in it for the Premiership this year.
I hope for a 3-0 myself, but I’m thinking the dominance will commence with Masch’s return from China.
Oi mate, I was looking forward to the analysis of the last match. where is it?
Sorry zahoor – I am new to the team but I have noticed that the weekends match review is covered by Ron on his “Ron on Monday” feature. I feel that it would be better for me to perhaps stick to the match preview side.