The Premier League is back, and Liverpool start a quick three-game sprint to close out October. With Huddersfield, Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, and Cardiff before squaring off with top-four contender Arsenal, on the road, the Reds will be needed nine out of nine in order to keep pace with their fellow table-toppers Chelsea and Manchester City as well as keeping themselves on the road to advancing out of a tough Champions League group.
Team News:
It would not be an international break without Liverpool injury concerns. The biggest concern for the Reds is Sadio Mane, who underwent surgery on his hand. The surgery must have been minor enough for him to remain in contention for the weekend's match. It will be interesting to see if the winger is risked with a short week ahead of Liverpool, or if he will rested for at least this weekend's match. His absence would likely mean we see Xherdan Shaqiri in his place, or perhaps Daniel Sturridge in a more central role pushing Bobby Firmino more wide.
Of course, he is not the only one. A whole slew of Reds had issues over the break. Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk both were in full training ahead of the weekend's encounter, but their fitness is a slight doubt. Salah was taken off for precautionary measures in Egypt's match against Swaziland with a groin issue before missing the side's second match. van Dijk has continued to battle his bruised ribs and Ronald Koeman, ex-Everton manager and current Netherlands manager, held the center back out of their second match. Jurgen Klopp has assured fans that a strong side will wear the Liverpool shirts at Huddersfield, and it would seem that this pair will be available.
There are a couple players in midfield, though, that are likely misses. James Milner's fitness status remains the same, he is likely out through the rest of October with a hamstring injury, but he was in training with the team on Thursday and could perhaps make a quicker-than-anticipated return. My personal guess is that he will be available on the bench Saturday, perhaps play 20-30 minutes, and get a full start midweek against Belgrade. Naby Keita, on the other hand, recovered from an injury against Napoli only to suffer another to his hamstring which could potentially rule him out for a pair of weeks. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, of course, continues to miss out long-term, so with three first-team midfielders out for Liverpool it could perhaps be time for Klopp to recall Adam Lallana, fresh off an injury of his own, into the Liverpool side. He is confirmed available for contention.
For the hosts, they have been dealt a blow of their own as mainstay center back Terrence Kongolo has been a confirmed miss for David Wagner's side on the weekend. Danny Williams, the American midfielder, and Tommy Smith are also confirmed absent, while Ramadan Sobhi's status was left up in the air in an intentionally vague manner. Isaac Mbenza, on loan from Montpellier, is also a probable miss as he's made four sub appearances for his English host club. Philip Binning seems to be a near-certain to start, as well. The 22-year-old is Huddersfield's top-ranked man on WhoScored and will be a key man for Wagner to have available.
Projected Liverpool Line-Up: Alisson; Gomez, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Lallana, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Shaqiri
Projected Huddersfield Line-Up: Lossl; Durm, Zanka, Schindler, Lowe; Mooy, Billing, Hogg; Mooy, Pritchard, van la Parra; Depoitre
Previewing the Match:
After an extremely difficult early-October, the latter stages of the month hand them two league matches with two of the three sides in relegation places. Huddersfield are in 18th and going through serious struggles with just three points, four goals scored (a tie for league-low), and 17 goals conceded (tied for second-highest in the league). Having relied mainly on set pieces, Huddersfield enjoy to press forward, but while the play is not too bad, the results are poor. Generally playing a lone physical striker (Laurent Depoitre or Steve Mounie) on top with Alex Pritchard pushing from the CAM spot has not provided enough for Huddersfield to smile about. They press and counter-press as a bread-and-butter and Wagner can pick and choose when to call the dogs on or off (no pun intended) but it is 540 minutes without a goal on home soil for the Terriers, and they will need to do well to get past Klopp's men.
Liverpool have struggled a bit with finding their killer instinct this season, and will hope to do so against Huddersfield despite a banged-up side. Terrence Kongolo missing means Huddersfield's most expensive man in club history is set to miss. A back four seems likely, which means two big center backs will still be likely to feature while Erik Durm, a former Borussia Dortmund man, and Florent Hadergjonaj will be contending for right back. Liverpool was able to get through the Terriers defense without much issue last season, the hope is that Salah can refind the form he's fully capable of against a side like Huddersfield that can leak goals if you strike right. Of course, they will not simply roll over. They took a strong point from Burnley and fought well at home against Tottenham despite a 2-0 scoreline. The pressing may be able to catch Klopp's side off guard if timed right, but I seriously question if a lone target man against this Liverpool defense is the right tactic to run.
Liverpool need to look at this game as a key opportunity to find some links that may have been missing in the side the past couple of games. For example, Bobby Firmino has pressed consistently well, as per usual, but has not been able to be his usual self in terms of finding the back of the net. Even if he does not score again this weekend, a real strong outing and perhaps an assist would do well for the confidence of the hard-working striker. I would also really like to see Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum be able to blossom their partnership further. If Klopp does not choose Fabinho again, as seems likely, the two men who have operated a double pivot in the Liverpool midfield need to establish their chemistry if they are to mesh perfectly together. They did it against PSG, but I've found both men to be lacking after that match. James Milner does appear to be racing towards fitness, but perhaps a player like Adam Lallana, who will press forward and pressure the Huddersfield back line, will help not just the fellow midfielders but also Firmino in terms of an additional man getting forward and making the Terriers feel hurried over the ball.
Finally, the Liverpool back line that I alluded to earlier. First is the matter of the people in it. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a bit out of form and Dejan Lovren's outing against Manchester City was too good to go unpunished. I have the same starting back four as was against City with Joe Gomez at right back, but would expect to see Trent midweek regardless of the result on the weekend. Tactically, I think the Huddersfield attack vs. Liverpool defense match-up strongly favors Liverpool. Aaron Mooy is a midfielder, not a wide man. He's going to naturally drift more centrally if Wagner plays him wide, and that will leave space for Andy Robertson to get forward and open up Xherdan Shaqiri (or Sadio Mane, if he's fit) on that wing. I also think that Virgil van Dijk and any combination of Lovren and Gomez are too fast and strong for whomever starts at striker. Both Mounie and Depoitre were silenced last season in a 5-3-2 in this fixture, and even Collin Quaner could find no joy off the bench. Liverpool may certainly get caught on the counter, especially if Mooy can get some room or Lowe can advance forward with pace. At this moment, though, I am not exactly banking on that even in Yorkshire.
Final Thoughts:
This really needs to be a pick-me-up game for Liverpool to get things going for the next stretch of the season. Huddersfield provides a nice atmosphere and it will be important for Liverpool to not allow the home side to give their fans anything to really cheer about, or at least keep their standard composure. Both fixtures last season produced three goals to zero results in Liverpool's favor, Liverpool fans would be thrilled to see that scoreline again.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2: Huddersfield 0:
I think Huddersfield will come out disciplined after an international break and in front of their home fans will be focused. But despite the fact that I do highly rate Aaron Mooy and I think Alex Pritchard has plenty of potential, I find it hard-pressed to pinpoint where a goal will come from exactly from this Terriers line-up. With their depth available, Liverpool can wear the Terriers down so even if they do not snag a first-half goal, they should be able to be fresh and avoid any serious trappings and find a pair of scores.
Follow me on Twitter @RMAB_Ryan for more LFC coverage, including live Tweets during the matches, as well as AFC Ann Arbor and Michigan basketball coverage!
Team News:
It would not be an international break without Liverpool injury concerns. The biggest concern for the Reds is Sadio Mane, who underwent surgery on his hand. The surgery must have been minor enough for him to remain in contention for the weekend's match. It will be interesting to see if the winger is risked with a short week ahead of Liverpool, or if he will rested for at least this weekend's match. His absence would likely mean we see Xherdan Shaqiri in his place, or perhaps Daniel Sturridge in a more central role pushing Bobby Firmino more wide.
Of course, he is not the only one. A whole slew of Reds had issues over the break. Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk both were in full training ahead of the weekend's encounter, but their fitness is a slight doubt. Salah was taken off for precautionary measures in Egypt's match against Swaziland with a groin issue before missing the side's second match. van Dijk has continued to battle his bruised ribs and Ronald Koeman, ex-Everton manager and current Netherlands manager, held the center back out of their second match. Jurgen Klopp has assured fans that a strong side will wear the Liverpool shirts at Huddersfield, and it would seem that this pair will be available.
There are a couple players in midfield, though, that are likely misses. James Milner's fitness status remains the same, he is likely out through the rest of October with a hamstring injury, but he was in training with the team on Thursday and could perhaps make a quicker-than-anticipated return. My personal guess is that he will be available on the bench Saturday, perhaps play 20-30 minutes, and get a full start midweek against Belgrade. Naby Keita, on the other hand, recovered from an injury against Napoli only to suffer another to his hamstring which could potentially rule him out for a pair of weeks. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, of course, continues to miss out long-term, so with three first-team midfielders out for Liverpool it could perhaps be time for Klopp to recall Adam Lallana, fresh off an injury of his own, into the Liverpool side. He is confirmed available for contention.
For the hosts, they have been dealt a blow of their own as mainstay center back Terrence Kongolo has been a confirmed miss for David Wagner's side on the weekend. Danny Williams, the American midfielder, and Tommy Smith are also confirmed absent, while Ramadan Sobhi's status was left up in the air in an intentionally vague manner. Isaac Mbenza, on loan from Montpellier, is also a probable miss as he's made four sub appearances for his English host club. Philip Binning seems to be a near-certain to start, as well. The 22-year-old is Huddersfield's top-ranked man on WhoScored and will be a key man for Wagner to have available.
Projected Liverpool Line-Up: Alisson; Gomez, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Lallana, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Shaqiri
Projected Huddersfield Line-Up: Lossl; Durm, Zanka, Schindler, Lowe; Mooy, Billing, Hogg; Mooy, Pritchard, van la Parra; Depoitre
Previewing the Match:
After an extremely difficult early-October, the latter stages of the month hand them two league matches with two of the three sides in relegation places. Huddersfield are in 18th and going through serious struggles with just three points, four goals scored (a tie for league-low), and 17 goals conceded (tied for second-highest in the league). Having relied mainly on set pieces, Huddersfield enjoy to press forward, but while the play is not too bad, the results are poor. Generally playing a lone physical striker (Laurent Depoitre or Steve Mounie) on top with Alex Pritchard pushing from the CAM spot has not provided enough for Huddersfield to smile about. They press and counter-press as a bread-and-butter and Wagner can pick and choose when to call the dogs on or off (no pun intended) but it is 540 minutes without a goal on home soil for the Terriers, and they will need to do well to get past Klopp's men.
Liverpool have struggled a bit with finding their killer instinct this season, and will hope to do so against Huddersfield despite a banged-up side. Terrence Kongolo missing means Huddersfield's most expensive man in club history is set to miss. A back four seems likely, which means two big center backs will still be likely to feature while Erik Durm, a former Borussia Dortmund man, and Florent Hadergjonaj will be contending for right back. Liverpool was able to get through the Terriers defense without much issue last season, the hope is that Salah can refind the form he's fully capable of against a side like Huddersfield that can leak goals if you strike right. Of course, they will not simply roll over. They took a strong point from Burnley and fought well at home against Tottenham despite a 2-0 scoreline. The pressing may be able to catch Klopp's side off guard if timed right, but I seriously question if a lone target man against this Liverpool defense is the right tactic to run.
Liverpool need to look at this game as a key opportunity to find some links that may have been missing in the side the past couple of games. For example, Bobby Firmino has pressed consistently well, as per usual, but has not been able to be his usual self in terms of finding the back of the net. Even if he does not score again this weekend, a real strong outing and perhaps an assist would do well for the confidence of the hard-working striker. I would also really like to see Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum be able to blossom their partnership further. If Klopp does not choose Fabinho again, as seems likely, the two men who have operated a double pivot in the Liverpool midfield need to establish their chemistry if they are to mesh perfectly together. They did it against PSG, but I've found both men to be lacking after that match. James Milner does appear to be racing towards fitness, but perhaps a player like Adam Lallana, who will press forward and pressure the Huddersfield back line, will help not just the fellow midfielders but also Firmino in terms of an additional man getting forward and making the Terriers feel hurried over the ball.
Finally, the Liverpool back line that I alluded to earlier. First is the matter of the people in it. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a bit out of form and Dejan Lovren's outing against Manchester City was too good to go unpunished. I have the same starting back four as was against City with Joe Gomez at right back, but would expect to see Trent midweek regardless of the result on the weekend. Tactically, I think the Huddersfield attack vs. Liverpool defense match-up strongly favors Liverpool. Aaron Mooy is a midfielder, not a wide man. He's going to naturally drift more centrally if Wagner plays him wide, and that will leave space for Andy Robertson to get forward and open up Xherdan Shaqiri (or Sadio Mane, if he's fit) on that wing. I also think that Virgil van Dijk and any combination of Lovren and Gomez are too fast and strong for whomever starts at striker. Both Mounie and Depoitre were silenced last season in a 5-3-2 in this fixture, and even Collin Quaner could find no joy off the bench. Liverpool may certainly get caught on the counter, especially if Mooy can get some room or Lowe can advance forward with pace. At this moment, though, I am not exactly banking on that even in Yorkshire.
Final Thoughts:
This really needs to be a pick-me-up game for Liverpool to get things going for the next stretch of the season. Huddersfield provides a nice atmosphere and it will be important for Liverpool to not allow the home side to give their fans anything to really cheer about, or at least keep their standard composure. Both fixtures last season produced three goals to zero results in Liverpool's favor, Liverpool fans would be thrilled to see that scoreline again.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2: Huddersfield 0:
I think Huddersfield will come out disciplined after an international break and in front of their home fans will be focused. But despite the fact that I do highly rate Aaron Mooy and I think Alex Pritchard has plenty of potential, I find it hard-pressed to pinpoint where a goal will come from exactly from this Terriers line-up. With their depth available, Liverpool can wear the Terriers down so even if they do not snag a first-half goal, they should be able to be fresh and avoid any serious trappings and find a pair of scores.
Follow me on Twitter @RMAB_Ryan for more LFC coverage, including live Tweets during the matches, as well as AFC Ann Arbor and Michigan basketball coverage!
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