The Klopp touch at the Kop
It would appear Jugern Klopp has brought smiles back to Anifield after a series of good results that has seen the Reds climb to sixth on the log, qualify into the last 32 of the Europa League and a place in the Capital One semi-final.
It might be too early to start waxing lyrical about Klopp, but so far so good. The return of Daniel Sturridge from injury makes Liverpool’s attacking front even more lethal with Christian Benteke, Fiminho and Coutinho in tow. This is why Newcastle should be afraid as they meet a rampant Liverpool that could throw the Magpies deep in the relegation abyss.
My game of the weekend is between leaders Manchester City and Stoke. Stoke City are always a tricky customer in the English Premier League because they are often mistaken for bullies who rely on their blunt physic to bludgeon opponents.
But there is quality, there in ex Barcelona duo of Bojan Krkic and Mohamed Affelay add to that cocktail ex -Bayern Munich Sheridan Shaquiri and you have enough quality to trouble anyone in the league.
City will remember it was Stoke City which derailed their campaign last season after beating them at home. A fortnight ago, Stoke beat Chelsea in a match no one gave them a chance.
In fact, both teams qualified into the semi-finals of the Capital One midweek so Emmanuel Pellegrini knows Stoke are in good form and will come prepared. Pellegrini will be happy with the return of David Silva, the midfield maestro that orchestrates passes from the central area like a sprinkler machine. His arrival will mean Rahim Sterling will be relegated to the bench as Kelvin De Bruyne will be the other man in attack along with Kun Aguero.
Man City will hope their minus-Kompany defence will not leak goals again. City are favourites for this game.
Goal shy Man United will play unpredictable West Ham United. Man U are now struggling to score goals despite their defence being solid. There is not enough subtlety from the midfield to create scoring opportunities. Captain Wayne Rooney is not his man lately. United need a spark only Luis Van Gaal does not seem to know where it will come from.
As a United fan though, I am wary of West Ham because Slaven Bilic has a penchant for humiliating big teams. He started with Arsenal on the opening day of the league, then Chelsea before it was the turn of Liverpool. But lately they have lost form probably the absence of Payet in midfield has taken a toll on them.
It seems Mourinho has decided to change tactics to inspire his players. Previously Mourinho was defensive about his players. He defended the wild behaviour of striker Diego Costa. But against Tottenham, put the Spanish forward on the bench and the striker reacted by throwing his bib down after Mourinho did not give him a run in the match. Before the match, Mourinho also took a dig at play maker Edin Hazard.
I am keen to see how his public comments will unlock the reaction he expects against Bournemouth. Bournemouth surprised Everton last week when they scored at the death of added time to draw 3-3. Chelsea should tread carefully. n
