Soccer Fan Blog

I have made no secret of my indifference towards the Europa League this season. Rubbing shoulders with Europe’s nearly men on channel 5 has been nothing short of soul destroying and I simply cannot express just how much I yearn to be amongst the elite once more. To make matters worse I happened across El Clasico last night where I witnessed a plethora of the worlds biggest stars fighting for perhaps the most coveted domestic trophy in Europe right now. Needless to say I was brought back to earth with an almighty crash when I recalled our last outing in the premier league which left us with an even more difficult ascent to glory. Nevertheless, we shall give it a go anyway.

Today’s opponents have been one of this seasons real success stories; quietly going about their business in the premier league and emphatically making their mark in European competition. Roy Hodgson’s Fulham will come to Anfield brimming with confidence, especially with memories of the corresponding fixture at Craven Cottage last year when they hammered us 3-1. Here, then, is a chance for us to exact our revenge and move another 3 points closer to the position that will separate us from the likes of Fulham in European competition.

The good news for us comes in the probable absence of would-be England striker Bobby Zamora who is suffering from an Achilles problem. Other than that Hodgson will be able to select from most of the same players that have served him so well so far this season. For us there is little team news to report other than the return to contention of Ryan Babel and Maxi Rodriguez who were suspended and ineligible respectively for Thursday’s European exploits. I am hopeful that Rafa will field his strongest side this afternoon as we look to get one over on our possible opponents in this years Europa League final.

—————————Reina————————

Johnson——–Carra———-Agger———Insua

Maxi————Masch———-Gerrard——-Babel

————————–Kuyt—————————

—————————Torres———————–

I realise that there is no need to tinker with a winning formula but I also know that Rafa doesn’t give a monkey’s what I think and he will always look to tailor his team to the job in hand. With this in mind I have struck a compromise and gone for a team and formation that I feel could work well for us at home against an inferior side. This, though, is not likely to happen after golden boy Lucas capped a an impressive performance against Benfica with a goal. For this reason I shall justify my team selection by calling this a well earned rest for the Brazilian. Rafa could also be tempted to keep faith in Daniel Agger at left back after a faultless performance against Benfica. Even if he isn’t brimming with natural ability, though, Insua is a natural left back and that could be enough to see him back into the team today.

With the scene set, then, there is little left to do than to call the shots. The race for fourth is, of course, our priority but there is also the huge matter of The Kop End scorecast competition to settle. With the scores locked at 2-2, the next goal is huge and could well prove to be the decider as the fixtures whittle away. I have gone for an optimistic but nonetheless achievable 3-0 victory on home turf, while Dom is opting for Fulham to reply with a solitary strike. 3-0 or 3-1 would be a nice way to end the week but in truth, like any other game from this point until the end of the season, I would take a win any which way it comes. 

With Rafa’s strong words about summer transfers ringing loud in everyone’s ears it is important that he backs it up with a justification of his position. Most of the fans, myself included, remain loyal to him and if he were to guide us into the top four he would certainly consolidate his position at the club and give the owners little choice but to back him, or back off. For now, though, as the man would say himself: we must think about the next game. Onwards, to victory!