Paul Parker Article

Room for optimism at Anfield

Sat Oct 24 07:06AM

Match of the weekend: Liverpool v Manchester United

Liverpool versus Manchester United is the biggest game of the season for both teams, and this time there are even more reasons to get excited. You have to go back to 1953 for the last time Liverpool lost five on the bounce, and a defeat on Sunday would increase the pressure of Rafa Benitez to almost unbearable levels. The club's fans have focused their anger on the owners, but they are starting to realise it's what is happening on the pitch that is the problem. That said, I feel a Liverpool win could change everything. I think this will be a season where the champions could lose as many as six games, and if they beat United they will be no more than six points off the top. Their situation is serious, but not irreversible.

Player to watch: Wayne Rooney

There has been so much emphasis on Liverpool's reliance on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres that you could almost forget United might be without their most influential player. Since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, Rooney's importance has increased and he has stepped up his performances accordingly. He is the main focal point of the attack and the spark that gets everyone going. United played a controlled game at CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, but you could tell they missed Rooney's energy, invention and eye for goal. Michael Owen has only performed in fits and starts this season, while we all know how variable Dimitar Berbatov's performances can be. If Rooney misses out it will be a massive boost to a Liverpool back line that has been uncharacteristically shaky this season.

Upset of the weekend: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa

I haven't been too impressed with Wolves this season, and under normal circumstances Molineux is not the most intimidating place to visit. However, they will be really fired up for this West Midlands derby and I wouldn't put a win past them if they score the first goal. Villa are in good form but there is always a risk of a letdown after a win like they had over Chelsea. They will still be favourites, and rightly so, but Mick McCarthy will definitely have targeted this game as one that could potentially kick-start Wolves' season.

Under pressure: Gianfranco Zola

We've covered Benitez, so it has to be Zola here. There is talk of a takeover at West Ham, but even if they get an injection of money they won't be able to improve the team until January - by which time they could be in serious trouble. Coming from East London, I know the fans there love Zola and are desperate for him to turn things around, but it just isn't happening at the moment. Zola's side have been conceding a lot of bad goals, which is clearly a concern, and when you have a leaky defence the last team you want to come up against is Arsenal. They have doled out some thrashings this season and Hammers fans will be concerned this might be another. The one positive is that Arsenal will at least give them a chance to play, but I wouldn't be too optimistic.

Comments1 - 30 of 74
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where were the promises from rafa?? ZERO!!!! na na na na na na na na hey hey hey goodbye rafa!!!
From galvin_aven on Sat Oct 24 07:58AM
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I am tall.
From scotterceg on Sat Oct 24 08:00AM
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#4..LOL..you never fail to entertain me mcclain..they should hire you as a blogger
From boyz_rulz_86 on Sat Oct 24 08:11AM
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We're going down, indeed. Donney, you wish.
From iangidigasu on Sat Oct 24 08:14AM
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One to watch: Rooney
1. He might not play
2. If he does start, he is the only player on the pitch even worth a mention, so you've just picked the obvious. I think you'll find Torres will start, Rooney will not, and Torres will be the one to watch
From rwlwhite1 on Sat Oct 24 08:34AM
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This lose-pool al beit LOOSERPOOL is going too far. Why should one wait for a single game? What's been happening the other games?
Manager tactics have failed! Let's get the head off lame duck!! Bye bye Rafa...
From frankombe on Sat Oct 24 08:53AM
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IS THAT RAB C.NESBIT TALKING OR SIR SPAMFACE FURGINGTON? IT'S WAR YOU POTHUNTING PHONIES.
From gglynes on Sat Oct 24 08:58AM
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u-17 world cup - for live commentary on the germany vs nigeria match, visit africaplays.come
From go2tss on Sat Oct 24 09:18AM
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Rooney isn't playing, I think. But Torres definitely is.
For me, the player to watch is Lucas. I can't take him being in this side anymore, and I have a feeling he's going to do something stupid, and then later score.
From dhritimand on Sat Oct 24 09:27AM
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i thought this was for liverpool supporters and football supporters alike not this bunch of knobheads writing here
From kinell44 on Sat Oct 24 09:28AM
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donneymcclain you need to learn to speak english mate. or grow up
From seedy992000 on Sat Oct 24 09:31AM
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Is Gerrard Playing? Hope he plays Liverpool 2-1 Man. Utd
From bern_bad8114 on Sat Oct 24 09:33AM
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Manu 20344573456873 : 0 Liverpool
Rooney to kill Liverpool
From rtdxyron on Sat Oct 24 09:46AM
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Liveinstools might win this game (on form they shouldn't) but its getting psyched for all the other games where there going to fall short.Even Rafart shouldn't have to rely on his poor motivational skills for this game.I predict a 2-1,3-1 united win and Rafart on his way Monday morning.Its pretty stupid blaming the owners when its Rafart thats spent the cash on that rabble of a squad, not fit to wear the jersey of the great 'pool teams of old.Rafart has the look of the Titanics captain, get rid .Whoever they appoint will need plenty of bin bags and a big brush to put all the @#$% in.!!
From micthetic1 on Sat Oct 24 09:48AM
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DONNEY, GO AND PLAY WITH YOUR FAVOURITE TOY, YOU BELL END
From gglynes on Sat Oct 24 09:48AM
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". . . main focal point of the attack . . ."? Common Parker, stop wasting words! "Main" and "focal" mean the same thing! Great article though.
From spiritdotcom on Sat Oct 24 09:58AM
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@ dhritimand - i think you've nailed it right in the head
From sebsterel on Sat Oct 24 10:07AM
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A decent article Mr Parker..Its time for the Liverpool team to pull together. Anyone who knows anthing about Liverpool knows that has always been the strength of the club and the city.
Its time for the likes of Lucas Ryan Javier etc to step up and rescue the situation without relying on Fernando and Stevie.Dirk and Yossi are quite often match winners. I believe a game like this is like a cup final where form on the day is the most important thing.Literally anything can happen.Yes confidence may be low but as always the Liverpool loyal will get behind the team and manager and help dig their way out.Its finally time to stand up and be counted!!
From andrewyoung63 on Sat Oct 24 10:13AM
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Parker, that was a gud one eeh...Wayne Rooney is not giving the poolers a chance.With or without him The Red Devils will win so help em GOD!
From wanjiru_wanjiku on Sat Oct 24 10:24AM
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DWANE GOONEY LOOKS LIKE HIS MUM AND DAD WERE BROTHER AND SISTER, HE IS A SPOTTY, FAT, UGLY IMBECILE. ITS FUNNY HOW YOU PRETEND MANCS FROM BASINGSTOKE HANG YOUR HOPES ON A SCOUSER. SAD B*STARDS.
From gglynes on Sat Oct 24 10:25AM
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DWANE GOONEY LOOKS LIKE HIS MUM AND DAD WERE BROTHER AND SISTER, HE IS A SPOTTY, FAT, UGLY IMBECILE. ITS FUNNY HOW YOU PRETEND MANCS FROM BASINGSTOKE HANG YOUR HOPES ON A SCOUSER. SAD B*STARDS.
From gglynes on Sat Oct 24 10:25AM
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I love the pool but its time to get real; we need a manager who is not so stubborn and blinkered. I thought the last one was bad enough, bringing us a french revolution, so now its time to start a spanish inquisition and bring the youth through. If we are so skint, bring in some local lads, take a hit for a few years and rebuild. If we dont, we are going to do a Newcastle, Leeds, Forest!!
From lily.beynon on Sat Oct 24 10:38AM
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we don,t hang our hopes on rooney unlike you sad scousers with punch a lot gerrard and torres....we may not all come from manchester but neither do your plastic scousers.
From m.fowler771 on Sat Oct 24 10:39AM
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it,s sad that gglynes has to resort to childish attacks on wayne rooney and non manchester living fans..for your information we don,t solely rely on rooney...did he play in russia? no...i rest my case.
From m.fowler771 on Sat Oct 24 10:45AM
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Ihave a couple of spare tickets for Liverpool F.C end of season bash this coming sunday anyone interested?
From citydave356 on Sat Oct 24 10:47AM
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Yes, but your not from manchester are you? tell the truth you simply picked the most succsessful team at the time. My childish attacks on dwane were in reply to the childish attack on yossi benayoun"anorexia" jibe. You'll be supporting man city next year when slur alex finally gets wheeled down to the nursing home-incontinence is no laughing matter. splatter-poop etc
From gglynes on Sat Oct 24 10:53AM
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Yes, but your not from manchester are you? tell the truth you simply picked the most succsessful team at the time. My childish attacks on dwane were in reply to the childish attack on yossi benayoun"anorexia" jibe. You'll be supporting man city next year when slur alex finally gets wheeled down to the nursing home-incontinence is no laughing matter. splatter-poop etc
From gglynes on Sat Oct 24 10:54AM
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Room for optimism at Anfield ??
Not on Sunday night there wont be !!
From king_giggs on Sat Oct 24 11:00AM
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lfc have,with chelsea, the best first eleven in the prem but beyond that the rest of the squad would struggle in the chapionship
From rawest1 on Sat Oct 24 11:11AM
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4:1
From arttidesco on Sat Oct 24 11:15AM
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