The show must go on...

I wasn't able to comment on the last gameweek, but I think that enough has been said about the issue. It is a pity to see this kind of refereeing in the top football championship. Anyway, I have just finished working on my dissertation and I will now have time to keep an almost daily update.

Tomorrow's game HAS to be won. LFC has a relatively easy schedule until the Euro qualifiers break, so it'd be good to make the most of it.

My prediction on the lineup:

Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa
Pennant, Alonso, Mascherano, Riise
Crouch, Torres

Given that Torres will not be needed for the Toulouse game, I'd bank on him starting. I wouldn't bank on Riise though, since I have a feeling about Babel starting. I am sure that Stevie G will not start since this is not a game that we need our injured captain to play.

Prediction on score: 2-0
Liverpool have not yet conceded a non-penalty goal so far, which is encouraging. Apart from that, this may sound weird but after two penalties in two games and all the hassle with last week's penalty, I really think the ref will think about it twice before awarding a penalty for Sunderland....

Mid-Summer Christmas Morning

Right.

Brace yourselves Ladies and Gentlemen. It a Big Sunday today. Been looking forward to today all week. Man City - MAn Utd and Liverpool - Chelsea. Since I woke up - half an hour ago- I have the feeling of a kid waking up on Christmas day. Can't wait to rush under the Christmas tree and see what's waiting for me.

Appetizer: Man City - Man Utd


This will be exciting. It will be even more exciting for me since I have tickets for the game. I haven't studied none of the teams too careful in the past two weeks, but I'd expect United to play with Tevez as the only striker, getting help from Giggs and Scholes. The fact that Rooney and Ronaldo are not playing gives City a big chance to get some points from this game. I went to 4 City games last season: Sheffield, Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool. Apart from the Chelsea game in which Lampard scored a penalty, all the others ended 0-0. So I'm going to have a bet on a goal-less draw. I would expect, however at least one goal from City. On the other hand, United are desperate for the first win and what would be better than one at their rivals' home?

Main Dish: Liverpool - Chelsea


I'd expect a Liverpol line-up like this:

Reina
Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa
Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard, Riise
Kuyt, Torres

There is a slight chance to see Babel or Benayoun at the wings and Mascherano instead of Alonso. Liverpool will definitely score. I'd even expect Fernando's first goal in the Premier League today. Final score? 1-0 or 2-1, but I wouldn't bank on it...

There is also a rumour going around about Gerrard not starting. I really doubt that, although it is possible to see him being subbed at about 70th minute if everything goes well....

On the Chelsea side, Terry is back, but I don't know whether he'll either start or give his 100%. Jose does not have many options at the centre-backs so expect Terry to start...

Desert: Rest

After all this action all day what could be better than watching the weekend's highlights and trying to sober up from all the beers you had...

You'll probably hear from me at the end of the week when -if everything goes well- I'll be done with my dissertation and have time to analyze my dull life...
Cheers

Liverpool starting the season...

In case you have not already realized, I am a Liverpool fan.

Get this straight: I am a Liverpool fan, from Athens, currently studying in Manchester....

Even better: I am a Liverpool fan from Athens who was IN MANCHESTER when Liverpool was in the Champions League final in Athens....

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(let me weep will you???)
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Okay, I'm back.
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Anyway, ever since I remember myself was a fan of Liverpool.
Liverpool and Olympiakos but the latter is an issue I'm still dealing with... :p

This summer Liverpool filled me with hope that I did not have during the last year.

First of all, we have a brilliant gaffer. Our manager is master in discovering talents, motivating the team as well as a brilliant tactician.

Our skipper is pure inspiration. Steven Gerrard is the best that English football has to offer today: leadership, power, genius...

After Liverpool being bought by Gillette and Hicks, we've been offered a big pile of cash to spend on transfers. Given what I said about Benitez, I do believe we've spent it wisely. We could use one more defender -espessialy on the left wing since my much beloved Riise sometimes forgets about his defensive duties- but I still trust the gaffer's choices...

We have one of the most promising strikers in Europe today (Fernando Torres) accompanied by players like Kuyt and Crouch that have proven that can get it done.
We managed to get one of Europe's most promising wingers - Ryan Babel- and a pacey midfielder like Benayoun.
Voronin has also proven to be a surprise free purchase.

Our first game is on Saturday against Aston Villa. If this was a mid-season game and Liverpool were contesting for the premier league, I wouldn't be as scared as I am now. Liverpool are known not to be able to make the most out of the first league games. If you also consider that 5 days later we face Toulouse for the Champions League qualifiers -an important cash injection- you will understand the reason behind my worries.

My wish is that the lads will take it easy, will not stress and start the title race confidently.
My fear is that the lads will strive to prove their determination to win the league this year, will stress and not deliver...

Just because I am superstitious, I will give a prediction on Saturdays game (most of my predictions are right normally) :
Liverpool's side (ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT WATCHED ANY OF LIVERPOOL'S PRE-SEASON GAMES):

REINA,
FINNAN, CARRAGHER, AGGER, RIISE
PENNANT, ALONSO, GERRARD, KEWELL
KUYT, TORRES

Rafa will not fear attack but I also think we will not face a counter-attack problem: Carragher will be watching our back.

I think the score will be 2-1 for Liverpool. I have a feeling that Gerrard will score...

That's all for liverpool... see you on Sunday...!