Liverpool FC started their season Saturday, August 14th, with a commanding 3-0 against Norwich City. Goals from Jota, Firmino, and Salah helped seal the victory with Alisson facing 9 shots but having only 2 on goal to make an easy clean sheet for the Brazilian keeper. Liverpool won an easy game versus Burnley 2-0 on the back of Jota and Mane. Liverpool had 25 shots with 9 on goal compared to Burnley’s 9 shots total with 3 on goal. The possession stats were as one-sided as they’ll be all season with Liverpool controlling the ball 63% of the time. Rounding up the first of their three games of August was a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Chelsea. It did not, however, come without some fireworks. During stoppage time in the first half, Reece James of Chelsea was given a red card after the referee took a quick look at the replay, indicating that there was a clear and obvious handball to prevent Liverpool from scoring. The Egyptian King, Mo Salah, buried the penalty kick to even the game at one going into half. Liverpool could not find a way to score in a rather frustrating second half to get them the three points.
Liverpool’s September schedule is a mixed bag of two Champions League games, three Premier League games, and one Carabao Cup. First off, the fact that Liverpool is even in the Champions League after struggling with the injury bug last season is remarkable. They will face AC Milan Wednesday, September 15th, and FC Porto Tuesday, September 28th. Needing all six points from these games is a must because they will face Atletico Madrid in back-to-back matches later in the computation, and to not have six points going into those games might cost them a spot in the round of sixteen.
Liverpool sits in fourth place only behind on goal differential to jump up to second place and are only two points from first place. Playing Leeds United Sunday should give the boys in red the jump they need to add to their goals for. Firmino did leave the Chelsea game in the first half, but with the international break happening the past week and a half he has had time to rest up. My guess is if he is 100% healthy, Klopp will put him in the starting lineup. If not, Jota looks to have another opportunity with Salah and Mane.
Liverpool sit at 5/1 to win the Premier League and 9/1 to win the Champions League. Do what you wish with this information if Liverpool can stay healthy they look poised to make a run at both cups.
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