Liverpool v Manchester City: European Heartbreak Comes Back to Give Sven a Headache
Liverpool’s season effectively ended last night after being knocked out of the Champions League, losing 4-3 to Chelsea on aggregate. So with the Reds playing solely for that proverbial pride, how much desire is there left in the tank?
I’d expect Liverpool to start with the duo of Pennant and Crouch (if Torres did play after going off in the Champions League match with a hamstring injury, eyebrows would definitely be raised). They’d be lining up against an extremely depleted Manchester City defence.
A Short Supply for Sven
Dunne and Richard who played such a pinnacle role in containing Liverpool in their trip to Eastlands at the end of December continue to figure only in the stands. They are also joined by fellow defender Nedum Onuoha who is currently suffering from a dislocated shoulder thus leaving Sven little option but to play squad members out of position.
Last week in City’s match at home to Fulham, Sven put out a makeshift back four. Attacking midfielder Elano played at right back, Michael Ball dropped from his preferred left back position in fill the gap in central defence alongside defensive midfielder Corluka while an inexperienced Jihai who has only made 12 appearances all season was recruited for left back.
Soap Opera Style
It’s been a week of drama for both clubs this week but while Liverpool’s commotion occurred on the pitch (for a change!); Man City’s was very much off it. Sven’s future has been the topic of hearsay for some weeks now but came to a severe head on Monday when the Swede was reportedly told he would be sacked at the end of the season. Nice!
Eriksson’s appointment was met with dubious speculation by the City supporters but after a fantastic first half to the season - with City never out of the top six - Sven was gratefully accepted with open arms. However, loyalty in football is a fickle thing and a dismal second half to the season (just five wins from 16) saw Sven’s popularity with Thaksin Shinawatra plummet leaving the Swede seemingly paying for it with his job.
Why Bother?
While I’m by no means questioning Sven Goran Eriksson’s professionalism, you have to wonder what is going through his head and exactly how committed he is to the City cause after enduring these extraordinary turn of events.
So all in all we’ve got two managers neither of who have much to fight for at this moment in time. Sven’s not trying to save his job - it appears to have already gone - and Rafa’s favourite competition has left him empty handed. This match looks set to be one of those end-of-season playing for playing’s sake. So make it matter; play Premier 10! This week there’s a £12,500 jackpot up for grabs. Now that’s meaningful…
Pundit Pick: Life Goes On for Liverpool (home win). Do you agree with this for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Blues, Liverpool, Manchester City, Premier 10 match preview, Premier League football, reds, Sven Goran Eriksson
