Preview: Will Liverpool prioritize the League over the Cup?
The team from Merseyside topped the table on Christmas only to fall to fourth by the New Year. However, both their defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea came by a single goal. They were unlucky to lose to City and matched the 2011 Champions stride for stride. The games showed that Liverpool can more than hold their own ground against tough opposition.
Now that Champions League football is actually a viable option, will Liverpool sacrifice the Cup for its millions? They reached the FA Cup final in 2012, losing out to Chelsea in a closely fought affair. This time, in the third round, they have a much easier opponent in the shape of Oldham. They will come into this match without three of their important players.
Daniel Sturridge is out with an ankle problem while Joe Allen has a hip problem. Mamadou Sakho will also miss out due to a hamstring injury. David Worrall and Simon Harkins could see action for Oldham after being signed in January. Danny Philliskirk, James Dayton and Charlie MacDonald have all recovered from recent injuries. Brendan Rodgers’ son Anton could also be set to feature. Young Anton was on the cusp of a professional contract for Chelsea but was stopped in his tracks by his wise father.
Oldham is not currently in a good situation in League One. They sit nineteenth in the 24-team league. The two clubs met in last season’s competition as well. Liverpool fell to a shock 3-2 defeat. Matt Smith grabbed twice that day while Reece Wabara scored a third. Goals from Luis Suarez and Joe Allen ultimately did not help Liverpool’s cause.
The two teams also met in the 2011-12 FA Cup. Liverpool went behind to a 28th minute strike from Robbie Simpson. However, Craig Bellamy scored within two minutes to level matters. Steven Gerrard’s penalty on the stroke of half time gave the Reds the lead. Jonjo Shelvey, Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing’s strikes saw the Merseyside team march to victory, 5-1.
Oldham’s manager Lee Johnson feels that a win is not beyond reach, as noted by BBC Sport, as proved by last season’s result:
"A lot of these players, with such a big turnaround, weren't involved last year but it's proof of what can be done.
We'll be going there (to Liverpool) to do our best and try and get a result. Why not? There's nothing for us to lose."
Where to watch the match: Live Streams, Live Scores, Start Times, TV Channels
Watch Liverpool vs. Oldham Athletic live on Sunday, January 5, 2014:
In the UK at 15:00 BST on LFC TV Online
Internationally on LFC TV Online
For the complete TV listings and live scores upon kick-off, visit the Liverpool-Oldham match page.
