Brutal Schedule Provides Great Test For Liverpool FC
By Adam Clifton
@adamdclifton
Getty Images
Competing in the UEFA Champions League is one of the primary goals for every team in the Barclays Premier League. The prestige and the financial compensation associated with Europe’s premier competition make it a dream to qualify for. Liverpool FC made their long-awaited return to the Champions League in 2014, and a disappointing Group Stage has seen the Reds fall into the UEFA Europa League. Still a prestigious competition, the Europa League adds a considerable amount of fixtures to an already busy schedule. Success in the Europa League will be a major priority for Liverpool, but it could come at a cost in the Premier League.
The parties that are responsible for scheduling did not do Liverpool any favors in the past week. Last weekend, Liverpool traveled to Southampton to take on a Saints side that currently sits fifth in the Barclays Premier League table. Coming off a massive 2-0 victory, the Reds were rewarded with a trip to Turkey to take on Besiktas in the second leg of their Europa League tie. Finally, it is back to England where Liverpool will host second place Manchester City early on Sunday. The timing of these games is difficult for any squad. The caliber of the competition makes this an incredibly tough task for Brendan Rodgers‘ side.
The good news for Liverpool is the health of their squad is as good as it has been all season. Daniel Sturridge has returned to fitness and is starting to show signs of his prolific goal scoring self. Mario Balotelli has finally scored a goal in the Premier League and continues to work hard for the squad. Finally, Rodgers appears to have found a future star in Jordan Ibe. With the depth of squad improving, Liverpool have a chance to end this rough week of fixtures with three victories.
Despite the quality of opposition, Liverpool are starting to demonstrate the form that saw them finish second in the Barclays Premier League last season. A slow start to the 2014-15 season had many questioning Liverpool, but a great start to 2015 has the Reds in position to accomplish many of their goals this season. Still alive in the FA Cup, Europa League and just two points away from returning to the Champions League, Liverpool will be extremely motivated to prove themselves against this brutal fixture list. Despite a series of tough tests, Liverpool will be up to the challenge. Look for the Reds to continue their winning ways by defeating Besiktas and Manchester City.
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