Red2TheCore

Jagdev Singh Sidhu

LIVERPOOL’S form over the last 10 League games has been atrocious, culminating with that sucker-punch loss to Roy Hodgson’s West Bromwich Albion last weekend.

Although a run of seven losses over that span of games would sap the confidence of most fans, the defeat by WBA is something I can accept wholeheartedly because of the effort put in by the Liverpool players.

Our woes in front of goal continued to mount as Kenny Dalglish’s men added to their League-leading score of hitting the post.

They were again denied by the woodwork and Ben Foster but the industry of the team more than makes up for the loss of concentration by Glen Johnson, which allowed Peter Odemwingie to dart in and slip a shot past an off balance Pepe Reina.

The industry of Luis Suarez, the drive of Jordan Henderson and the imposing stature of Andy Carroll will give hope that the team are getting their fight back, casting aside the indifferent form that has far too often surfaced during the team’s recent slump.

Now that they are starting to find their feet again, the Reds should put Norwich to the sword today.

That’s my hope but the patchy season experienced by Liverpool – performing well in Cup competitions but disappointing in the League – makes me wonder if that will be the case.

It’s therefore important that Liverpool, who welcome back Steven Gerrard from a one-game rest, continue to press ahead and forget about losing a game.

The mentality of being a lot more adventurous and inventive is something most fans will want to see, given the array of talent at the club.

And it’s the perfect warm-up to the FA Cup final next weekend.

I think Liverpool will use this game to prepare for the FA Cup final. The players taking to the pitch for the game against Norwich today and Fulham on Wednesday will be making their case for selection against Chelsea on May 5.

And Dalglish has a big decision to make too. Does he play Dirk Kuyt, who will never ever be blamed for his effort but criticised for his ball skills and pace, ahead of Stewart Downing, who has the pace and skill but not the industry of Kuyt?

Will he go with the wily Maxi Rodriguez or the combustious Craig Bellamy? Will he play the limited but acceptable Jay Spearing or put in the confidence-rattled but non-stop action of Henderson?

It’s decision time for Dalglish ahead of arguably the biggest game for Liverpool and himself this season next weekend.

Jagdev Singh Sidhu thinks winning the FA Cup will ensure Dalglish one more year at least at Liverpool, barring another poor showing in the league next season.

 

 

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