Home of football statistics and historyLiverpool will head into February with their sights set on keeping themselves in contention to win four trophies this season.
However, that could be easier said than done, with Arne Slot’s side scheduled to play seven fixtures in 26 days. Here is what’s on the agenda:
- Bournemouth (A) – Premier League – February 1
- Tottenham Hotspur (H) – League Cup – February 6
- Plymouth Argyle (A) – FA Cup – February 9
- Everton (A) – Premier League – February 12
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) – Premier League – February 16
- Manchester City (A) – Premier League – February 23
- Newcastle United (H) – Premier League – February 26
Liverpool’s hopes of winning an unprecedented treble could be significantly influenced by a hectic run of games which wouldn’t raise eyebrows in North American sports.
LeBron James, who converted his stake in Liverpool to a one percent share in Fenway Sports Group’s global empire, is familiar with busy schedules in the NBA.
James and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers lineup regularly play games every two or three days and would baulk at the suggestion that Liverpool have things hard next month.
Despite this, the Reds will recognise that the run of games in February undoubtedly have the potential to derail their silverware ambitions this season.
Liverpool don’t have to worry about shoehorning extra play-off game into their schedule after securing an automatic place in the last-16 of the Champions League.
However, a run of five league games and two domestic cup ties during February will place a sizeable strain on the club’s playing resources.
Liverpool will fancy their chances of starting the month on a winning note when they travel south to face Bournemouth in the Premier League.
They have lost just two of their previous 23 meetings with the Cherries in all competitions and will be the favourites to pick up three points at the Vitality Stadium.
Achieving that feat may be easier said than done given that Bournemouth are one of the most improved teams in the English top flight this season.
Liverpool will switch their attention to the League Cup on February 6 the second leg of their semi-final clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The London club claimed a 1-0 victory in the first game and will be desperate to make life difficult for the Reds at Anfield with a place in the final up for grabs.
Slot’s side stay focused on cup matters a few days later as they embark on another length trip south to face Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
With the Merseyside derby next on the agenda, it will be intriguing to see how Slot manages his squad for what could be a tricky outing at Home Park.
Argyle triumphed 1-0 at Brentford in the previous round and will be no pushovers as they strive to claim another noteworthy Premier League scalp.
Things don’t get any easier during the rest of the month, with Liverpool scheduled to play four important Premier League games in 15 days.
The rearranged game at Goodison Park is a potential banana skin, with Everton guaranteed to be buoyed by the return of David Moyes as manager.
Liverpool are a banker bet to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on February 16, but it will be a different story a week later.
Reigning champions Manchester City will be keen to blow a hole in Liverpool’s title hopes at the Etihad Stadium and potentially keep themselves in contention.
Slot’s side round off February with a home game against Newcastle United. The Magpies are in the running for European qualification and will be tough opponents.
0 Comments