Comments on: Liverpools Title Challenge Is Slipping Away

By: Raatzie

Raatzie — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:23:05 +0000

I agree they're the favorites, with Man U. the second best bet.

Which is why, unless they put away Arsenal and any other contender (Everton?) for the fourth CL spot early (unlikely give their current form) I don't think Liverpool puts out its best squad in the CL this year.

By: PaulieB

PaulieB — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:10:41 +0000

I agree 100% Raatzie. Benitez's selections and substitutions are completely baffling at present. As for the Champions League, I cannot see anyone stopping Barcelona this season, they are playing football on a different planet. There is no way that I can see Liverpool or anyone else beating them.

By: Raatzie

Raatzie — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:14:25 +0000

There is absolutely no justification for taking Gerrard off last night. None.

Without Keane to replace him, there was absolutely no justiifcation for taking Torres off in the Everton league game, up 1-0. None.

These are the straws breaking the camel's back of odd substitution decisions, which also include (a) a very steady winger in Riera being taken off almost every game that he starts, and (b) Keane being taken off almost every game that he starts, regardless of situation.

It's very possible - but to me, mind-boggling - that a week from now, Liverpool's goals for the remainder of the season could be down to (1) winning the Champions' League and (2) beating out Arsenal for the fourth CL spot for next year.

Of course, they may have to sacrifice the former for the latter, putting depleted teams out in the CL games and saving their best 11 for the League games.

In other words, a mirror image of the last two years.

Assuming they get by Everton (huge assumption given their current form), they'll need some Anfield fairy dust to avoid a defeat or a Villa Park replay in Round 5.

The doubters have been proven right by a nightmrish December/January.