The fixtures for the 2014/15 Premier League season were released this morning. We take a look at Liverpool’s campaign and identify the opening month and a tough February as the hardest spells of the campaign.
AUGUST
The Reds open their league season with a home game against Southampton (16th), who have just appointed Ronald Koeman as their new manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.
The game will be a poignant one for new Reds signing Rickie Lambert against his former club, and with Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren both heavily linked with moves to Anfield too, the match could have a but of spice to it.
It is far from an easy curtain-raiser for Brendan Rodgers and his side, and although a number of star players may left by the time August rolls around, the Saints are a match for anyone on their day – they won in this fixture at Anfield last season.
Liverpool’s first away game is arguably the toughest possible, with a trip to champions Manchester City (23rd).
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are the deserved favourites to win their third Premier League league title in four years, and will be even stronger than last season. Rodgers’ side should take heart from their performance at the Etihad last season, however, despite losing 2-1.
The final game of a tough opening month sees the Reds travel to north London to face Tottenham (30th).
White Hart Lane has not always been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool- their 5-0 trouncing of them last season was their first win in seven there- and with Pochettino in charge they will play a fluent, attacking style of football.
There is no reason for Liverpool to fear anyone after last season’s efforts, but August is definitely tricky and they must ensure they don’t fall behind the pack early, as has been the case so often down the years.
FEBRUARY
While the Christmas period and January are relatively kind to the Reds, February is potentially an extremely tough month.
A trip to Goodison Park to face Everton (7th) is first up, and is always guaranteed to be a competitive affair. Roberto Martinez’s side will be looking to build upon last season’s fifth-place finish, and would love nothing more than to stop Liverpool in their tracks.
The Reds host Spurs three days later (10th), and assuming they are still in the FA Cup at that point, will have a Fifth Round clash on the weekend of the 14th and 15th.
The Champions League could also play a major part in a very busy month, assuming the Reds make it past the group stages. The first-leg of their last-16 clash would either be on the 17th or 18th, or the 24th or 25th.
Sandwiched between those two dates is a clash with City at Anfield. The season will be starting to reach its business end by this point, and this will be a pivotal match for both sides. A repeat of the unforgettable 3-2 victory in April would be most welcome.
February perfectly highlights the need for Rodgers to build a far stronger squad than last season, with key matches every three days. It will be a good gauge of how well the club fared in the two transfer windows prior to it.
(Dates of fixtures subject to change, once TV move half of them.)
What do you think is Liverpool’s toughest period of the season? Let us know in the comments section below.
The fixtures for the 2014/15 Premier League season were released this morning. We take a look at Liverpool’s campaign and identify the opening month and a tough February as the hardest spells of the campaign.
AUGUST
The Reds open their league season with a home game against Southampton (16th), who have just appointed Ronald Koeman as their new manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.
The game will be a poignant one for new Reds signing Rickie Lambert against his former club, and with Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren both heavily linked with moves to Anfield too, the match could have a but of spice to it.
It is far from an easy curtain-raiser for Brendan Rodgers and his side, and although a number of star players may left by the time August rolls around, the Saints are a match for anyone on their day – they won in this fixture at Anfield last season.
Liverpool’s first away game is arguably the toughest possible, with a trip to champions Manchester City (23rd).
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are the deserved favourites to win their third Premier League league title in four years, and will be even stronger than last season. Rodgers’ side should take heart from their performance at the Etihad last season, however, despite losing 2-1.
The final game of a tough opening month sees the Reds travel to north London to face Tottenham (30th).
White Hart Lane has not always been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool- their 5-0 trouncing of them last season was their first win in seven there- and with Pochettino in charge they will play a fluent, attacking style of football.
There is no reason for Liverpool to fear anyone after last season’s efforts, but August is definitely tricky and they must ensure they don’t fall behind the pack early, as has been the case so often down the years.
FEBRUARY
While the Christmas period and January are relatively kind to the Reds, February is potentially an extremely tough month.
A trip to Goodison Park to face Everton (7th) is first up, and is always guaranteed to be a competitive affair. Roberto Martinez’s side will be looking to build upon last season’s fifth-place finish, and would love nothing more than to stop Liverpool in their tracks.
The Reds host Spurs three days later (10th), and assuming they are still in the FA Cup at that point, will have a Fifth Round clash on the weekend of the 14th and 15th.
The Champions League could also play a major part in a very busy month, assuming the Reds make it past the group stages. The first-leg of their last-16 clash would either be on the 17th or 18th, or the 24th or 25th.
Sandwiched between those two dates is a clash with City at Anfield. The season will be starting to reach its business end by this point, and this will be a pivotal match for both sides. A repeat of the unforgettable 3-2 victory in April would be most welcome.
February perfectly highlights the need for Rodgers to build a far stronger squad than last season, with key matches every three days. It will be a good gauge of how well the club fared in the two transfer windows prior to it.
(Dates of fixtures subject to change, once TV move half of them.)
What do you think is Liverpool’s toughest period of the season? Let us know in the comments section below.
The Premier League fixtures for season 2014/15 have been released, with Liverpool beginning the season at home to Southampton. The Reds’ first away game is at Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side face a tough first month, with trips to City and Tottenham following the first game at home to Southampton.
Matches against Manchester United usually take place at Anfield first but this season are switched, with the visit to Old Trafford in mid-December just days after the final Champions League group game.
Merseyside derbies take place in September and February, again switched from usually being at Goodison first.
In another reverse of last season, Crystal Palace are at Anfield in the penultimate game, while Liverpool end the season away to Stoke City.
Key Games:
Everton Home: September 27
Everton Away: February 7
Man United Away: December 13
Man United Home: March 21
Boxing Day: Burnley (a)
New Years’ Day: Leicester City (h)
The first games will take place on August 16th, with the season ending on Sunday, May 24th.
FULL FIXTURES
August
16 – Southampton (H)
23 – Manchester City (A)
30 – Tottenham Hotspur (A)
September
13 – Aston Villa (H)
16/17 – CL Matchday 1
20 – West Ham United (A)
24 – League Cup third round
27 – Everton (H)
30/1 Oct – CL Matchday 2
October
4 – West Bromwich Albion (H)
18 – Queens Park Rangers (A)
21/22 – CL Matchday 3
25 – Hull City (H)
29 – League Cup fourth round
November
1 – Newcastle United (A)
4/5 – CL Matchday 4
8 – Chelsea (H)
22 – Crystal Palace (A)
25/26 – CL Matchday 5
29 – Stoke City (H)
December
2 – Leicester City (A)
6 – Sunderland (H)
9/10 – CL Matchday 6
13 – Manchester United (A)
17 – League Cup fifth round
20 – Arsenal (H)
26 – Burnley (A)
28 – Swansea City (H)
January
1 – Leicester City (H)
3 – FA Cup third round
10 – Sunderland (A)
17 – Aston Villa (A)
21 – League Cup semi-final, first leg
24 – FA Cup fourth round
28 – League Cup semi-final, second leg
31 – West Ham United (H)
February
7 – Everton (A)
10 – Tottenham Hotspur (H)
14 – FA Cup fifth round
21 – Southampton (A)
28 – Manchester City (H)
March
1 – League Cup final
3 – Burnley (H)
7 – FA Cup quarter-finals
14 – Swansea City (A)
21 – Manchester United (H)
April
4 – Arsenal (A)
11 – Newcastle United (H)
18 – Hull City (A)
18 – FA Cup semi-finals
25 – West Bromwich Albion (A)
May
2 – Queens Park Rangers (H)
9 – Chelsea (A)
16 – Crystal Palace (H)
24 – Stoke City (A)
30 – FA Cup final
The Premier League fixtures for season 2014/15 have been released, with Liverpool beginning the season at home to Southampton. The Reds’ first away game is at Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side face a tough first month, with trips to City and Tottenham following the first game at home to Southampton.
Matches against Manchester United usually take place at Anfield first but this season are switched, with the visit to Old Trafford in mid-December just days after the final Champions League group game.
Merseyside derbies take place in September and February, again switched from usually being at Goodison first.
In another reverse of last season, Crystal Palace are at Anfield in the penultimate game, while Liverpool end the season away to Stoke City.
Key Games:
Everton Home: September 27
Everton Away: February 7
Man United Away: December 13
Man United Home: March 21
Boxing Day: Burnley (a)
New Years’ Day: Leicester City (h)
The first games will take place on August 16th, with the season ending on Sunday, May 24th.
FULL FIXTURES
August
16 – Southampton (H)
23 – Manchester City (A)
30 – Tottenham Hotspur (A)
September
13 – Aston Villa (H)
16/17 – CL Matchday 1
20 – West Ham United (A)
24 – League Cup third round
27 – Everton (H)
30/1 Oct – CL Matchday 2
October
4 – West Bromwich Albion (H)
18 – Queens Park Rangers (A)
21/22 – CL Matchday 3
25 – Hull City (H)
29 – League Cup fourth round
November
1 – Newcastle United (A)
4/5 – CL Matchday 4
8 – Chelsea (H)
22 – Crystal Palace (A)
25/26 – CL Matchday 5
29 – Stoke City (H)
December
2 – Leicester City (A)
6 – Sunderland (H)
9/10 – CL Matchday 6
13 – Manchester United (A)
17 – League Cup fifth round
20 – Arsenal (H)
26 – Burnley (A)
28 – Swansea City (H)
January
1 – Leicester City (H)
3 – FA Cup third round
10 – Sunderland (A)
17 – Aston Villa (A)
21 – League Cup semi-final, first leg
24 – FA Cup fourth round
28 – League Cup semi-final, second leg
31 – West Ham United (H)
February
7 – Everton (A)
10 – Tottenham Hotspur (H)
14 – FA Cup fifth round
21 – Southampton (A)
28 – Manchester City (H)
March
1 – League Cup final
3 – Burnley (H)
7 – FA Cup quarter-finals
14 – Swansea City (A)
21 – Manchester United (H)
April
4 – Arsenal (A)
11 – Newcastle United (H)
18 – Hull City (A)
18 – FA Cup semi-finals
25 – West Bromwich Albion (A)
May
2 – Queens Park Rangers (H)
9 – Chelsea (A)
16 – Crystal Palace (H)
24 – Stoke City (A)
30 – FA Cup final
A week ago, Liverpool looked to be on the verge of signing Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno, numerous reports suggested the deal was agreed, however that has not materialised and now reports suggest Liverpool are looking elsewhere.
The two players now being linked are the two who we scouted on This Is Anfield last month – Argentina’s Marcos Rojo and Switzerland’s Ricardo Rodriguez.
Rojo is 24 and currently at Sporting Lisbon, he’s also capable of playing at centre-back but is Argentina’s first choice left-back for the World Cup.
Rodriguez is 21 and was hugely impressive for Wolfsburg last season in Bundesliga, he’s left-back for Switzerland and impressed in their opening game against Ecuador.
Rojo is linked in The Mirror, while Rodriguez is linked in The Daily Mail.
The Mail claim Sevilla are now requesting £20 million for Moreno, who failed to make the cut for Spain’s final 23-man squad for the World Cup. The Mirror say similarly, adding that Liverpool will not go above £13.5m for Moreno.
A week ago, Liverpool looked to be on the verge of signing Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno, numerous reports suggested the deal was agreed, however that has not materialised and now reports suggest Liverpool are looking elsewhere.
The two players now being linked are the two who we scouted on This Is Anfield last month – Argentina’s Marcos Rojo and Switzerland’s Ricardo Rodriguez.
Rojo is 24 and currently at Sporting Lisbon, he’s also capable of playing at centre-back but is Argentina’s first choice left-back for the World Cup.
Rodriguez is 21 and was hugely impressive for Wolfsburg last season in Bundesliga, he’s left-back for Switzerland and impressed in their opening game against Ecuador.
Rojo is linked in The Mirror, while Rodriguez is linked in The Daily Mail.
The Mail claim Sevilla are now requesting £20 million for Moreno, who failed to make the cut for Spain’s final 23-man squad for the World Cup. The Mirror say similarly, adding that Liverpool will not go above £13.5m for Moreno.
With many former and current Liverpool players competing in this year’s World Cup, Jack Lusby picks the best of the past and present for his XI.
Xabi Alonso celebrates with teammates after Liverpool’s 2006 FA Cup Final victory.(Pic by David Davies/Pool/Propaganda)
The 2014 Brazil World Cup is well and truly underway, and is set to be one of the best in recent times.
Liverpool players have graced the biggest stage of them all on many occasions over the years, and this competition is set to continue in the same way.
So far to name a few we have seen French centre-back Mamadou Sakho assert himself on proceedings in a 3-0 victory over Honduras, ex-Red Maxi Rodriguez claim all three points for Argentina against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Daniel Sturridge score a consolation effort for England against Italy.
But would any of these players make it into a past and present World Cup XI?
Without further ado here is said XI, utilising a modern 3-5-2 formation.
Goalkeeper
Whilst he may not start for his country, with Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois likely to put paid to that suggestion, Belgian goalkeeper and current Liverpool first-choice Simon Mignolet makes the cut here.
Former Liverpool back-up Charles Itandje would be an unpopular choice either way due to his perceived disrespect at a Hillsborough memorial ceremony, but his contribution to the Cameroon cause pales in comparison to the powers of Mignolet in any respect.
Spanish shotstopper and current Reds exile Pepe Reina would give Mignolet the most cause for concern, but the fact that loan club Napoli have ruled out a permanent move for the 31-year-old says it all.
The Belgian is now Reina’s superior, and continues in the same vein in this XI.
Players to miss out: Pepe Reina, Charles Itandje
Defenders
Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho in action against Southampton during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Opting for a back three in this XI, this means that three centre-backs will form the core of the defence.
Of those current Reds, only one makes the starting line-up, that being French central defensive monolith Mamadou Sakho.
The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes as France decimated a tenacious Honduras side on Sunday night, completing 96 percent of his attempted passes, per Squawka.
Partnering the 2013 summer signing is an encapsulation of resurrection—Gabriel Paletta.
Signed by Liverpool under Rafa Benitez in 2006, Paletta made scant appearances for the Reds in a single dismal season, before being sold to Argentinean club Boca Juniors following the signing of Emiliano Insua.
However, the 28-year-old—now at Parma—has turned things around, and started against England as Italy won 2-1 on Saturday night.
Part of a solid Azzurri back line, Paletta would complement this defensive line-up adeptly.
Elsewhere, wedged in at centre-back for the final slot is Argentine destroyer Javier Mascherano.
More than likely any Red’s dream selection for a return to Anfield, the 30-year-old was one of few genuine world-class players at the club upon Roy Hodgson’s appointment in 2010.
Now at Barcelona, Mascherano has adapted his game to suit that of a free-flowing defensive setup, and would complete this side’s back line phenomenally.
Players to miss out: Glen Johnson, Sebastian Coates, Kolo Toure
Midfielders
Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Southampton’s Dejan Lovren during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have been blessed with many outstanding midfielders in recent years, and as such this quality suits a formation flooded in the middle of the pitch.
Firstly, on the wings come one former and one current Red—Argentine marauder Maxi Rodriguez and English prodigy Raheem Sterling
.
33-year-old midfielder Maxi left the club in 2012 after a fruitful two-and-a-half year stint, and now plays his club football in his homeland for Newell’s Old Boys.
On the other end of the age spectrum, Sterling was utilised in No. 10 role by Roy Hodgson in England’s first World Cup game against Italy, performing sensationally.
Every attack went through the 19-year-old and the former QPR youngster would be a credit to any XI.
Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso in action against FC Bayern Munchen during the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In the centre of midfield it would be hard to miss out one former Red, that being Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso.
Alongside Mascherano, Alonso was part of Liverpool’s self-proclaimed ‘Best Midfield in the World’ in the mid-2000s, and would be welcomed back by the Anfield faithful in a heartbeat.
Now a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side, along with Vicente del Bosque’s Spain side, Alonso remains one of the world’s best.
Alongside Alonso would sit two current Brendan Rodgers charges—Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
The Englishman have made themselves into pillars on which their club and country’s midfield are based on, and their work in tandem has become crucial for both.
Players to miss out: Alberto Aquilani, Victor Moses, Raul Meireles
Strikers
Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the fith goal against Cardiff City with team-mate Luis Suarez (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There are only two true first-choices for this XI when it comes to forward options, and that comes in the form of current Liverpool striker partners Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
Suarez was forced to watch on in dismay as Uruguay fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Costa Rica on Saturday night, whilst Sturridge could do little to help the Three Lions in their loss to Italy the same evening, despite scoring.
However, this belies the enduring quality of the pair and their partnership is a match for any in world football.
England forward and new Reds signing Rickie Lambert would make for a solid backup option in lieu of either of the pair, and will likely do so under Rodgers at Anfield next season.
Furthermore, Dutch workhorse Dirk Kuyt will forever live in the hearts of faithful Reds due to his determined contributions in the past.
The boy least likely now, ironically, is former Liverpool star Fernando Torres, who continued his woeful form with some risible attempts in Spain’s surprise 5-1 defeat to Netherlands on Friday night.
Players to miss out: Rickie Lambert, Dirk Kuyt, Fernando Torres
The Final XI
How would this XI fare in this year’s World Cup? Who would make yours? Let us know in the comments below.
With many former and current Liverpool players competing in this year’s World Cup, Jack Lusby picks the best of the past and present for his XI.
Xabi Alonso celebrates with teammates after Liverpool’s 2006 FA Cup Final victory.(Pic by David Davies/Pool/Propaganda)
The 2014 Brazil World Cup is well and truly underway, and is set to be one of the best in recent times.
Liverpool players have graced the biggest stage of them all on many occasions over the years, and this competition is set to continue in the same way.
So far to name a few we have seen French centre-back Mamadou Sakho assert himself on proceedings in a 3-0 victory over Honduras, ex-Red Maxi Rodriguez claim all three points for Argentina against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Daniel Sturridge score a consolation effort for England against Italy.
But would any of these players make it into a past and present World Cup XI?
Without further ado here is said XI, utilising a modern 3-5-2 formation.
Goalkeeper
Whilst he may not start for his country, with Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois likely to put paid to that suggestion, Belgian goalkeeper and current Liverpool first-choice Simon Mignolet makes the cut here.
Former Liverpool back-up Charles Itandje would be an unpopular choice either way due to his perceived disrespect at a Hillsborough memorial ceremony, but his contribution to the Cameroon cause pales in comparison to the powers of Mignolet in any respect.
Spanish shotstopper and current Reds exile Pepe Reina would give Mignolet the most cause for concern, but the fact that loan club Napoli have ruled out a permanent move for the 31-year-old says it all.
The Belgian is now Reina’s superior, and continues in the same vein in this XI.
Players to miss out: Pepe Reina, Charles Itandje
Defenders
Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho in action against Southampton during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Opting for a back three in this XI, this means that three centre-backs will form the core of the defence.
Of those current Reds, only one makes the starting line-up, that being French central defensive monolith Mamadou Sakho.
The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes as France decimated a tenacious Honduras side on Sunday night, completing 96 percent of his attempted passes, per Squawka.
Partnering the 2013 summer signing is an encapsulation of resurrection—Gabriel Paletta.
Signed by Liverpool under Rafa Benitez in 2006, Paletta made scant appearances for the Reds in a single dismal season, before being sold to Argentinean club Boca Juniors following the signing of Emiliano Insua.
However, the 28-year-old—now at Parma—has turned things around, and started against England as Italy won 2-1 on Saturday night.
Part of a solid Azzurri back line, Paletta would complement this defensive line-up adeptly.
Elsewhere, wedged in at centre-back for the final slot is Argentine destroyer Javier Mascherano.
More than likely any Red’s dream selection for a return to Anfield, the 30-year-old was one of few genuine world-class players at the club upon Roy Hodgson’s appointment in 2010.
Now at Barcelona, Mascherano has adapted his game to suit that of a free-flowing defensive setup, and would complete this side’s back line phenomenally.
Players to miss out: Glen Johnson, Sebastian Coates, Kolo Toure
Midfielders
Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Southampton’s Dejan Lovren during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have been blessed with many outstanding midfielders in recent years, and as such this quality suits a formation flooded in the middle of the pitch.
Firstly, on the wings come one former and one current Red—Argentine marauder Maxi Rodriguez and English prodigy Raheem Sterling
.
33-year-old midfielder Maxi left the club in 2012 after a fruitful two-and-a-half year stint, and now plays his club football in his homeland for Newell’s Old Boys.
On the other end of the age spectrum, Sterling was utilised in No. 10 role by Roy Hodgson in England’s first World Cup game against Italy, performing sensationally.
Every attack went through the 19-year-old and the former QPR youngster would be a credit to any XI.
Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso in action against FC Bayern Munchen during the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In the centre of midfield it would be hard to miss out one former Red, that being Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso.
Alongside Mascherano, Alonso was part of Liverpool’s self-proclaimed ‘Best Midfield in the World’ in the mid-2000s, and would be welcomed back by the Anfield faithful in a heartbeat.
Now a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side, along with Vicente del Bosque’s Spain side, Alonso remains one of the world’s best.
Alongside Alonso would sit two current Brendan Rodgers charges—Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
The Englishman have made themselves into pillars on which their club and country’s midfield are based on, and their work in tandem has become crucial for both.
Players to miss out: Alberto Aquilani, Victor Moses, Raul Meireles
Strikers
Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the fith goal against Cardiff City with team-mate Luis Suarez (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There are only two true first-choices for this XI when it comes to forward options, and that comes in the form of current Liverpool striker partners Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
Suarez was forced to watch on in dismay as Uruguay fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Costa Rica on Saturday night, whilst Sturridge could do little to help the Three Lions in their loss to Italy the same evening, despite scoring.
However, this belies the enduring quality of the pair and their partnership is a match for any in world football.
England forward and new Reds signing Rickie Lambert would make for a solid backup option in lieu of either of the pair, and will likely do so under Rodgers at Anfield next season.
Furthermore, Dutch workhorse Dirk Kuyt will forever live in the hearts of faithful Reds due to his determined contributions in the past.
The boy least likely now, ironically, is former Liverpool star Fernando Torres, who continued his woeful form with some risible attempts in Spain’s surprise 5-1 defeat to Netherlands on Friday night.
Players to miss out: Rickie Lambert, Dirk Kuyt, Fernando Torres
The Final XI
How would this XI fare in this year’s World Cup? Who would make yours? Let us know in the comments below.
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