Why Liverpool could win the League

Article by Lee Beevor

On Christmas Day, with Liverpool sat atop the Premier League table, many will have thought that perhaps this season really is the time for them to end their lengthy drought. The majority would have dismissed these thoughts just as quickly, following back to back defeats at Manchester City and Chelsea. However, I believe that there was sufficient evidence in these matches to suggest otherwise.

In both games, they suffered from major blunders by the officials that almost certainly would have altered the balance of play and perhaps the end results too. It is no coincidence that these decisions were made in favour of the home team, as is the tendency in the Premier League today. Aside from these defining moments beyond their control, they played with a spirit, determination and belief which did not wane at any time. Furthermore, their football was at times breath-taking, particularly against City, whose defence was dissected time and again.

In addition, Liverpool was deprived of several key players, with Sturridge and Gerrard the most notable. The fact that squad members such as Allen, Flanagan and Sterling have come into the team and performed so admirably bodes well for the Reds. It is also encouraging to see how Henderson has stepped up his level since the injury to their captain. He is finally starting to fulfil the potential that Kenny Dalglish identified and paid £20 million to secure. It is important their wounded start to return swiftly, as judging from the substitutes taking to the field against Chelsea, the bench is being stretched to the limit.

However, assuming they do, there is great reason for optimism. For having analysed the respective challengers, Liverpool has the easiest second half of the season. Obviously they have to face every other team in the course of the next five months, but of the potential “six pointers” all will take place at home. In this category I am including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, none of whom will relish a trip to a buzzing Anfield.

Widening the scope a little, Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham will represent a serious threat to the potential champions and could even mount a challenge themselves. However, I expect their realistic aims would be to sneak fourth place and providing nuisance value to those genuinely in contention. Once again, Liverpool faces them at home, with the exception of United, as their return fixture is at Old Trafford.

So in summary, five out of six of their hardest matches (on paper at least!) are at Anfield. At the other end of the scale, Manchester City host Chelsea in February, but must travel to White Hart Lane, The Emirates, Old Trafford, Goodison Park and Anfield. They may possess the strongest group among their peers, but surely will struggle to accumulate many points from these five away days. Arsenal also faces an uphill task, with four outings and just the two Manchester clubs scheduled to visit North London. Chelsea is the only direct rival to enjoy a similarly beneficial scenario, with four of their crucial match-ups to take place at Stamford Bridge.

I am not saying Liverpool will win the Premier League. At the end of the day, as a Chelsea fan I hope they don’t! However, this slightly softer fixture list, coupled with a lack of European midweek football, gives them a major opportunity. If they can cope with the pressure and perhaps benefit from a few referees who can’t, they may yet secure what would be the club’s maiden Premier League trophy.

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