Where: Carrow Road, Norwich, England
When: Saturday, September 29, 15:00 B.S.T.
The Reds are winless in the English top-flight through five games for the first time in 101 years, and not surprisingly find themselves in the relegation zone. Their opponents on Saturday will be Norwich who have had a similar start as the reds and are just one place above them on the table on 17th.
Both the teams are under a new manager and things have not kicked off as they would have wanted them to.
Norwich City :
After having a horrendous start to the season with a 5-0 thrashing away at Fulham, Norwich haven’t quite adjusted themselves this season. They then managed to draw 3 games in a row after being narrowly beaten by Newcastle last week. Despite the start, Norwich would not be too disappointed if they manage a draw against Liverpool. Many pundits have tipped The Canaries to be the hot favorites to be relegated this season and they really need to step up to a different level if they are to prove them wrong.
Team News :
Midfield Simon Lappin and Steven Whittaker are set to miss the match due to ankle injuries.
Sebastian Bassong pulled a Hamstring against Newcastle and will have a late fitness test.
Anthony Pilkington is set to return after missing out on the last two games.
On the whole, Norwich will have their desired first XI available.
Probable Starting Line-up:
Ruddy,
Martin, Barnett, Bassong, Garrido,
Snodgrass, Howson, Johnson,
Pilkington, Jackson, Morison
Liverpool :
As stated earlier, Liverpool have had their worst start since 1903. After a terrible start to the season with a 3-0 loss to West Brom, Liverpool improved their game a lot but a combination of tough fixtures, defensive howlers(against Man City), bad luck(Sunderland) and shocking refereeing decisions(against Man United) Liverpool find themselves struggling after 5 games. This will be the perfect game to start the recovery process against a struggling Norwich side. Anything less than 3 points will only add salt to their wounds.
Team News :
Lucas continues to miss out with his long term injury.
Agger’s injury seemed serious initially but he has recovered well. But it will be unlikely for him to get a start this weekend.
Fabio Borini is also out with an ankle injury and Joe Cole is still not fit enough to play and Jonjo Shelvey will miss the game through suspension.
Martin Kelly ruptured his ACL in the game against Manchester United and is set to miss the remainder of the season. With the absence of Kelly, Johnson is expected to switch to the right back slot with Enrique taking his place on the opposite flank.
Sahin could start for the suspended Shelvey after impressing in the mid-week Cup game.
Suarez will lead the attack as usual with Gerrard set to play in the attacking midfield position and this combination needs to be controlled by the Canaries if they are to get anything from the game.
Probable Starting Line-up:
Reina,
Johnson, Skrtel, Coates, Enrique,
Allen, Sahin, Gerrard,
Sterling, Suarez, Assaidi.
Prediction:
Norwich 1-2 Liverpool
Liverpool to finally get their first three points but after a hard fought victory.
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