Since Luis Suarez’s departure, the Merseyside Reds have struggled to hit top form. Mario Balotelli’s disappointing performances are not only the cause of Liverpool’s bad results but also an incarnation of the entire team’s shape right now. At such a period in the season, Brazilian starlet Coutinho is relishing the possibility of becoming Brendan Rodgers’ new talisman.
Coutinho told his club’s official website:
“My role encompasses creating goal-scoring opportunities and scoring goals myself. Many people may see it as a task of higher responsibility. However, I've always been ready and prepared for it.”
Against Hull City this Saturday, the 22-year-old will be making his seventh appearance in the English Premier League this season.
“It's very important that we find the same tempo and intensity from last season and the Hull game will be an opportunity for us to show that we can have a solid and convincing performance,” Coutinho declared.
“This game will be really important for us and everyone is focused on playing better and winning again. We're all concentrated on having a good display on Saturday.
“It would be important to have a run of games like last season's, when we won 11 consecutive matches, as this would give the squad confidence.”
So let’s pretend the 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in midweek never took place, Liverpool fans would say. What’s in store for them against the Tigers?
Based on the head-to-head record between the two sides, it could be very hard to predict. Key facts tell that the Merseyside Reds have won three of their last five EPL meetings against Hull City. The latter’s last two visits at Anfield were a nightmare as they lost 6-1 in September 2009 and 2-0 in January 2014. In between, these resounding defeats, Hull did manage to surprise Liverpool in the league. First, they drew goalless, then they won 3-1; both results occurred at the KC Stadium.
It would be big news if the Tigers manage to devour the Merseyside Reds at Anfield. Not only will it rub salt on Liverpool’s wounds but it would also boost the confidence of Hull City. It must be recalled that the latter are unbeaten in October thanks to their 2-0 win at home to Crystal Palace and their near-victory away to Arsenal. Only a late equalizer by Danny Welbeck denied the Tigers from stealing three vital points at the Emirates Stadium.
Considering both Liverpool and Hull City’s desire to win, Saturday’s encounter should not be short of thrills. As of now, the hosts are fifth with 13 points, below third-placed Southampton and fourth-placed West Ham United. Steve Bruce’s Tigers are 11th with 10 points, three above the relegation zone.
Liverpool vs Hull City team sheets
Liverpool's line up: Mignolet, Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno, Gerrard, Allen, Can, Lallana, Sterling, Balotelli.
Hull City's line up: Jakupovic, Bruce, Davies, Chester, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Diame, Livermore, Brady, Ben Arfa, Hernandez.
Liverpool's bench: Jones, Toure, Johnson, Henderson, Coutinho, Markovic, Lambert.
Hull City's bench: Watson, Rosenior, Meyler, McShane, Aluko, Ramirez, Quinn
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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