
<p>The Liverpool game against Manchester City has coverage plans on USA Network. These two clubs have more success over the last two years than any other in the Premier League. Of course, City won four of the last five Premier League seasons. The lone exception belongs to Liverpool.</p>



<p>The two clubs developed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/28/2022-community-shield-adds-chapter-to-liverpool-manchester-city-rivalry/">something of a rivalry</a>, always making their way deep into different competitions. With Liverpool struggling this campaign, this is a major point in its season.</p>



<h2>Liverpool vs Manchester City coverage plans</h2>



<p><strong>Kickoff time: </strong>11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT – Sunday, Oct. 16<br><strong>Watch now (in USA): </strong>Live on <a href="https://servedby.flashtalking.com/click/8/189107;6690625;50126;211;0/?gdpr=$%7BGDPR%7D&amp;gdpr_consent=$%7BGDPR_CONSENT_78%7D&amp;us_privacy=$%7BUS_PRIVACY%7D&amp;url=https://www.sling.com/programming/sports/soccer?DS=1&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_source=worldsoccertalk&amp;utm_campaign=db&amp;utm_content=edit-promo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sling Blue</a><br><strong>Commentators:</strong> TBD<br><strong>US TV:</strong> Match is on USA Network (available via <a href="https://servedby.flashtalking.com/click/8/189107;6690625;50126;211;0/?gdpr=$%7BGDPR%7D&amp;gdpr_consent=$%7BGDPR_CONSENT_78%7D&amp;us_privacy=$%7BUS_PRIVACY%7D&amp;url=https://www.sling.com/programming/sports/soccer?DS=1&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_source=worldsoccertalk&amp;utm_campaign=db&amp;utm_content=edit-promo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sling Blue</a>)</p>



<p>This game is a fitting finale to the weekend of Premier League play. While there is no special coverage for the game, per se, it is the only game in that time slot. Therefore, any coverage plans have an extra focus on the Liverpool game against Manchester City.</p>



<p>Premier League Live is on USA Network before the game. This wraps up the four 9 a.m. kickoffs on Sunday. Yet, there will also be pregame analysis for this game. After the game, USA Network also has Goal Zone, a total wrap-up for the day’s action in the Premier League. Expect a specific focus on Sunday’s action.</p>



<p>Both of these coverage plans are available on USA Network on either side of the Liverpool vs City contest.</p>



<h5>City and Liverpool</h5>



<p>Recently, with last season in particular, Manchester City and Liverpool developed something of a rivalry. The two duked it out at the top of the league, met in the Champions League, played for a Community Shield, won FA Cups and League Cups. Over the past five years, Liverpool and City are by far the class of England.</p>



<p>Their two key signings in the offseason drew comparison. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/09/erling-haaland-transfer-to-manchester-city/">Erling Haaland</a> is making minced meat of the Premier League, while <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/17/how-darwin-nunez-fits-into-an-already-loaded-liverpool-team/">Darwin Núñez</a> continues to find his footing. Liverpool’s injuries are not going to make slowing down the Norwegian any easier.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Paul Marriott</em></p>


A battle of the two most-recent teams to win the Premier League. Liverpool and Manchester City have coverage plans for American audiences.

Liverpool vs Manchester City: TV coverage plans - World Soccer Talk

Liverpool vs Manchester City: TV coverage plans


<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool </a>injury crisis continues as Joël Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold join the list of players to hit the sidelines. Including these two, Liverpool has eight senior players unavailable due to various injuries.</p>



<p>Both Matip and Alexander-Arnold are set to miss two weeks. Matip has a calf issue, while his English teammate picked up an ankle injury.</p>



<p>At the weekend, the Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>. Following the loss, Liverpool sits 10th in the Premier League table. Those league-leading Gunners have a 14 point cushion over Liverpool, with Arsenal playing one more game. In fact, Jürgen Klopp’s team failed to win a league game in September. The club’s last league victory came at home to Newcastle on Aug. 31. Of course, Liverpool only had two games in the league during September. The Premier League postponed two of those games. </p>



<p>Injuries are a theme for Klopp in the early stages of this campaign. In particular, his midfield took a hit with issues to Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Arthur Melo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Fortunately, Henderson and Thiago have recovered. Yet, Liverpool is still without the other four midfielders.</p>



<h2>The Liverpool injury crisis in 2022/23</h2>



<p>Jones, who has not featured at all so far this season, is recovering from a fractured tibia. Recently, the midfielder rejoined training. His return to full fitness and availability for selection is on the near horizon.</p>



<p>Klopp left Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain off of the club’s Champions League squads. They most likely fall down in the pecking order of playing time. However, the manager added that they are still requiring extra time to recover from muscle injuries.</p>



<p>Arthur arrived at Anfield in at the final stages of the summer transfer window. In fact, he came in to ease the Liverpool injury crisis. Unfortunately, the Brazilian has encountered his own issues. Arthur only managed 13 total minutes on the pitch for the Reds so far. Now, he looks to miss three or four months of time following surgery to his quad.</p>



<p>Andy Robertson and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-injury-sidelines-forward-through-world-cup-20221010-WST-403697.html">Luis Diaz</a> have also picked up injuries as well. The two vastly important players are the biggest losses for Klopp and company. Diaz also suffered an injury in the Arsenal match. He is slated to miss two months due to knee problems. Robertson could, however, be set to feature at the weekend. Liverpool’s next Premier League game is against Manchester City on Sunday.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images</em></p>


Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the latest names to join the Liverpool injury crisis. Both picked up knocks against Arsenal.

Matip, Alexander-Arnold add to growing Liverpool injury crisis


<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> forward <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/26/liverpools-diaz-from-indigenous-community-that-breeds-toughness/">Luis Díaz</a> picked up an injury in the Reds’ game at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> at the weekend. The Colombian tried to continue play, but withdrew from the contest before halftime.</p>



<p>After the game, Díaz <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63205849?at_medium=RSS&amp;at_campaign=KARANGA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">left the stadium on crutches</a>. Plus, he had a brace surrounding his knee. It is likely the Luis Díaz injury occurred during a tackle from Arsenal’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/10/03/thomas-parteys-health-is-necessary-for-arsenal-and-ghana/">Thomas Partey</a>. The Ghanaian and the Colombian fell to the ground in tandem, with the 6’1 midfielder landing on Díaz’s left knee. There was no foul on the play, rather just a tangle of bodies.</p>



<p>The Luis Díaz injury was not the only one Liverpool suffered at the weekend. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold left the game at half time with what manager Jürgen Klopp called a twisted ankle. The German manager commented on the injuries to his side after the game. He said that both injuries appear to be serious. If the players could have continued, they likely would have stayed on, despite the deficit at half time.</p>



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<p>Liverpool have a laundry list of games before the extended ‘break’ for the World Cup. Fixtures lined up in the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup make injuries a worst-case scenario for the Anfield side. In fact, Liverpool has 10 more games in the five weeks until the World Cup.</p>



<h2>Luis Díaz injury runs through World Cup</h2>



<p>Colombia failed to qualify for the World Cup. Therefore, it is perhaps a silver lining that Díaz is not missing a chance to represent Colombia on the biggest stage. Plus, he will have the opportunity to stay in Liverpool to recuperate, rather than rushing back from any injury.</p>



<p>Still, the injury comes at an inopportune time for Liverpool. The 10-game run of fixtures building up to the World Cup features some key ties for Liverpool’s season.</p>



<p>Not only are there three Champions League games, including away days to both Rangers and Ajax, but there are key Premier League games.</p>



<p>The Luis Díaz injury means he is unavailable for this upcoming weekend’s fixture against Manchester City. The Colombian also misses out on another trip to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Luis Díaz picked up an injury against Arsenal that could sideline the Colombian for 10 games of Liverpool's season through the World Cup.

Luis Díaz injury sidelines forward through World Cup

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<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> have a deep rivalry featuring some of the world’s best players. In the past, the two had eras of dominating over the Premier League and extending its power into Europe.</p>
<p>Likewise, both had eras of relative failure. Seasons where no player looked to be a difference maker and the results never showed up. Liverpool is past that era of the 2010s. Jürgen Klopp’s takeover at Anfield in the beginning of the 2015/16 season yielded great success for the Reds. In his time, Liverpool won one of every top trophy, with the exception of the community shield.</p>
<p>However, the success came at a cost for the fans. From 2009/10 to 2015/16, Liverpool finished in the top-four of the table just once. Unfortunately, it was that dreadful collapse that saw Manchester City win the league in 2013/14. Surrounding that are two finishes each of sixth, seventh and eighth in the league.</p>
<h3>Sling Blue plus Peacock Premium combo worth checking out</h3>
<p>Readers wanting to watch Manchester United-Liverpool can <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" rel="noopener" target="_blank">watch the game on Peacock Premium</a>. Speaking of Peacock, many fans of Premier League clubs have caught on to the combination of Sling Blue plus Peacock Premium. </p>
<p>For the 2022/23 Premier League season, <a href="https://servedby.flashtalking.com/click/8/189107;6690625;50126;211;0/?gdpr=${GDPR}&amp;gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_78}&amp;us_privacy=${US_PRIVACY}&amp;url=https://www.sling.com/programming/sports/soccer?DS=1&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_source=worldsoccertalk&amp;utm_campaign=db&amp;utm_content=edit-promo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sling Blue</a> offers 200 Premier League games via USA Network and NBC for $35/month, which also includes a ton of other sports, news and entertainment channels. Combined with a Peacock Premium subscription at $5 per month, that streaming service offers the remaining 180 games per season. The net result is that you won’t miss a single Premier League match all season.</p>
<p>Of course, Sling Blue offers more too. Well, the price is one thing. At just $35 per month, it is half the price of something like fuboTV, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. Of course, you limit the quantity of channels you have access to. Still, this provides USA Network, home to four or five Premier League games each weekend on average.</p>
<p>Plus, Sling Blue carries NBC in most markets too. Each Saturday, the 12:30 p.m. ET kickoff in the Premier League typically airs on NBC, unless there is other major programming at that time.</p>
<p>Adding it up, <a href="https://servedby.flashtalking.com/click/8/189107;6690625;50126;211;0/?gdpr=${GDPR}&amp;gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_78}&amp;us_privacy=${US_PRIVACY}&amp;url=https://www.sling.com/programming/sports/soccer?DS=1&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_source=worldsoccertalk&amp;utm_campaign=db&amp;utm_content=edit-promo" target="_new" rel="noopener">Sling Blue</a> and <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock Premium</a> cost a combined $40 per month. For the soccer fan who is only passionate about the Premier League, there is perhaps no better option when it comes to affordability.</p>
<h3>New signings give Manchester United a ray of hope</h3>
<p>This season, Manchester United looks set for a difficult challenge. Unwise spending over recent campaigns and inconsistency at the managerial position is producing its consequences. A simply bad performance in the opening matchday against Brighton preceded one of United’s most embarrassing showings in recent years. Brentford did more than destroy Manchester United, 4-0. The Bees sent shockwaves through one of the world’s most popular clubs that change is needed.</p>
<p>At the same time, Liverpool had its own relative struggles. Poor performances in the opening two matchdays has Liverpool on two points from two games. Meanwhile, its principal title challengers, Manchester City, seem to be cruising along with their flashy new Erling Haaland.</p>
<p>It all adds a level of intrigue, albeit not of the kind this fixture usually proposes, to this Monday’s Manchester United clash with Liverpool.</p>
<h5>Rocky starts from both</h5>
<p>When the Premier League schedule came out, both Manchester United and Liverpool likely saw themselves on six points entering this game. Therefore, it could have been an early impetus for a title push.</p>
<p>The outlook for this game as the table stands with two games played could not be anymore different.</p>
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<h4>Watch Premier League</h4>
<p>Get Sling Blue for $35/month (&amp; add Peacock for $5/mth)</p></td>
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<p>Manchester United <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/08/18/liverpool-clash-threatens-more-misery-for-man-utd/">resembles something of Arsenal</a> from a season ago. A pair of opening losses (including being shutout by Brentford on the road) without a goal scored. Manchester United does have one goal officially, but even that was an own goal against Brighton. Just like Arsenal, Manchester United’s third game of the season comes against a preseason title challenger. For Arsenal, that was Manchester City, United has Liverpool.</p>
<p>For what it is worth, that terrible start for Arsenal did not get any better in matchday three. Manchester City destroyed that Gunners team at the Etihad, 5-0. Erik ten Hag, still seeking his first points in England, does not have an easy task against Liverpool.</p>
<p>In fact, Liverpool has an added incentive to perform at Old Trafford come Monday. A disappointing draw at home to Crystal Palace came as a result of Palace hitting Liverpool on the counter. Wilfried Zaha was always a threat with Eberechi Eze or Jordan Ayew on either side. Darwin Núñez’s red card for headbutting Joachim Andersen did not help the cause, either. He misses Monday’s game with the ensuing suspension, taking away one of Liverpool’s goal-scorers from this infantile campaign.</p>
<h3>Buildup for Manchester United against Liverpool</h3>
<p>Clearly, this game lacks some of the vigor of battles prior. That is not a shade to Liverpool, they will find their footing and likely rival Manchester City. It just needs to click into gear now. Manchester United is bad, though. The drama with transfers and the current squad combined with the reactions from the fans indicate that it is panic time at Old Trafford.</p>
<p>Erik ten Hag never had an easy job coming to a club in disarray and trying to make it work. He, like Jürgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta or even Sir Alex Ferguson’s first years, needs time to prove himself by inputting his own system. Right now, some of the players are not up to the skill demanded from a club like Manchester United. However, the solution, at least from the outside looking in, is not to buy any player that could fit in to the squad.</p>
<p>Manchester United fans likely expect a loss against a far-superior Liverpool side. However, it is just growing pains for an already dismal season with England’s most successful club in history.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</em></p>


Manchester United and Liverpool did not have their dream starts to the season. Will the nightmares continue for one of the sides?

Manchester United face Liverpool with desperation on clubs' minds - World Soccer Talk

Manchester United face Liverpool with desperation on clubs' minds

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<p>It seems that no one gets as upset about <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool FC</a> as much as some Liverpool supporters themselves do.</p>
<p>Of course, this refers to the multitude of those on social media that always find something to complain about. For example, the fan channels on YouTube and their monster followings echo plenty of frustration at the decisions the club makes. Just like with other clubs, divisiveness can permeate into a club despite, in Liverpool’s case, perhaps the greatest squad in the vaunted history of the Reds. </p>
<p>Most fans aim this spite at the club’s American owners – Fenway Sports Group (FSG) – and their scouting and transfer policies. The aim of this is to achieve both financial and on-field success. Recently, this structure served a key role in rescuing the club out of near-bankruptcy. Plus, the Reds now emerge as one of England’s elite as well as one of the best clubs in Europe, challenging each season. Despite this, fans appear to hate this very structure.</p>
<h3>Liverpool supporters’ unwarranted frustration</h3>
<p>Oftentimes, the whining and complaining proves to be misplaced. Even then, certain LFC fans spin the issue against the owners, putting the club in a negative light. For example, take the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/01/salah-ends-speculation-by-signing-new-liverpool-contract/">Mohamed Salah contract saga</a>. Over the last 18 months, Liverpool supporters chanted on Twitter how the Egyptian is irreplaceable. Essentially, they asked the club to pay Salah anything he wants. However, after Liverpool made Salah the highest-paid player in the history of the club, the narrative shifted. Fans said they wanted to keep <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/22/bayern-confirm-signing-of-liverpools-mane/">Sadio Mané</a> for a cheaper price instead of Salah.</p>
<p>Take a look back prior to this past season. The fans feared that a failure to strengthen the front line bore consequences. In fact, some foresaw a slide down in the table to mediocrity. They cited rivals Chelsea and Manchester City acquiring new players for over $100 million. Meanwhile, Liverpool relied on Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino. They wrote off the season before it started. One would think the fans would provide Jurgen Klopp a sense of respect and joy. After all, he guided the side to two trophies and runner-up finishes in the league and Champions League. Moreover, he did this without the ‘necessary’ depth and strength Chelsea and Manchester City brought on.</p>
<p>No. Suddenly, that haul of success from this past season, which featured <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/10/Liverpool/season-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">another season amounting 90 points</a> in the league, is shameful. Now, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/28/minamino-leaves-liverpool-for-ligue-1-club-monaco/">sale of Takumi Minamino</a> shows the much-maligned Japanese international played a key role in the squad. A player who did not properly serve the depth a year ago should not be sold, by their logic.</p>
<h5>Stirring the pot</h5>
<p>I totally get it. Many of these fan channels need clicks and views to make a living. Putting everything in a positive light does not meet those demands. However, the negativity aimed at certain players is simply unnecessary. The theory that more spending equates to more trophies and that FSG holds the club back makes me, a Liverpool supporter, frustrated with the fanbase.</p>
<p>Nothing is ever guaranteed in the sport, regardless of who the boss is or who the club signs. We see it time and time again. Big signings fail, managers choke and clubs fall apart. All the while, the roster, at least on paper, has no blemishes or weaknesses.</p>
<p>So if you are one of those Liverpool fans now damning the owners for not signing the midfielder that you feel they need to win a trophy this season, take a second to look at the club’s achievements over the last six seasons, take a deep breath, get behind every player that lines up on the opening day and just enjoy the ride.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images</em></p>


Liverpool supporters are a special bunch. Despite the recent outpouring of success, some fans still find a way to take issue with the club.

Liverpool supporters need to be patient amid high expectations - World Soccer Talk

Liverpool supporters need to be patient amid high expectations

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<p>Everyone has an opinion on what the best soccer stadium in the world is.</p>
<p>Some say it is where their favorite club plays, others prefer national stadiums. Frankly, there is good reason to support one or the other in that regard. For instance, club stadiums have an incomparable atmosphere and history. Take a club like Liverpool. The atmosphere from the Kop End stands out among Premier League fans, regardless of what they think of their red rival.</p>
<p>Or, look at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou. Few stadiums have the acclaim of such historical sides. Additionally, those stadiums have somewhat recent experience hosting Champions League Finals.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, those major finals, at both the club and international level, take place at stadiums not reserved for a single club. Instead, they are national stadiums. Among the most famous in that category are Wembley Stadium in London. Yes, this stadium recently housed Tottenham Hotspur while its new stadium was under construction. However, Wembley is more famous for its towering arch being the backdrop for Champions League and European Championship Finals.</p>
<p>Same goes for stadiums like the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro or the Stade de France in Paris. While these stadiums feature club teams, they are more recognizable for the international game.</p>
<h3>The best soccer stadium in the world?</h3>
<p>When you hear that question, what pops into your head? In thinking, consider a number of factors. Things like capacity or atmosphere certainly play a role. When watching a game, either in person or on TV, the crowd noise makes a difference. However, also consider general ambience. Take a stadium like Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. This stadium has perhaps the best backdrop in the world. Stadium designers built the ground so that fans can <a href="https://www.irishnews.com/magazine/daily/2017/08/24/news/the-story-behind-the-stunning-football-stadium-taking-the-internet-by-storm-1120279/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see through the opening in the roof</a> at Cera de la Silla Mountain.</p>
<p>Is it the most electric atmosphere in the sport? Probably not. However, that combination could help you whittle down your answer to just one stadium.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Buda Mendes/LatinContent via Getty Images</em></p>


Of the multitude of venues both big and small, what is your selection for the best soccer stadium in the world of soccer?

What is the best soccer stadium in the world? - World Soccer Talk

What is the best soccer stadium in the world?

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<p>Liverpool’s balancing act is more challenging than most clubs.</p>
<p>Injuries, runs of form and matchups are things that each manager deals with. Jurgen Klopp is no different. Only his Liverpool side are well in the running for a quadruple. The true test comes from how Jurgen Klopp balances his side with three trophies to play for over the the Reds’ final four games.</p>
<p>On one hand, it is all systems go for Liverpool. Klopp will not rest players with major trophies at stake. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup Final</a> and the UEFA Champions League Final are one-off games against familiar opponents separated by two weeks. The intensity and potential is enough to make any player&nbsp;<em>want&nbsp;</em>to play in those games. Jurgen Klopp is at a point where he must play his best players each game.</p>
<p>That being said, he did not start Mohamed Salah, Jordan Henderson or Thiago against Aston Villa. Tied at half time, the German made changes to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/10/liverpool-rally-to-keep-premier-league-title-hopes-alive/">ensure all three invaluable points</a> at this stage in the Premier League.</p>
<p>The Premier League is the quintessential component of the potential quadruple. Even if the Premier League falls short, which is looking likely with two EPL games remaining, Liverpool still has the chance at a treble of cup competitions.</p>
<p>Recommended FA Cup Final viewing option:</p>
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<p>Jurgen Klopp does not feel sorry for the wear and tear on his players at this stage of the season. After all, it is Liverpool’s success that put the strain on the side so late in the season.</p>
<h5>Self-inflicted, but welcome, damage</h5>
<p>The Premier League started way back in the middle of August. Thirty-six games later, Liverpool is in contention for the Premier League.</p>
<p>The first FA Cup game for Liverpool started at the turn of the year against Shrewsbury Town. That competition consisted of five games thus far with the sixth game coming on Saturday against Chelsea. The EFL Cup, which Liverpool won for the ninth time in its history, played out over six games, with five coming against Premier League opposition.</p>
<p>Finally, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League Final</a> on May 28 against Real Madrid is the 13th game in that competition.</p>
<p>In total, Liverpool played 59 games to get to their current standing. Minus the potential for FA Cup replays, it is the highest number of games possible for Liverpool at the beginning of the season.</p>
<p>Being in contention is something to be celebrated, and it is a welcome problem for Jurgen Klopp. Ahead of Liverpool’s second-leg tie against Benfica in the Champions League, Liverpool was in a stretch of two games against Manchester City, a game against Manchester United and the first leg against Benfica.</p>
<p>Klopp commented on how while <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/12/jurgen-klopp-hits-out-at-liverpools-crowded-fixture-schedule">the fixture schedule is tight</a>, this is the position he wants his Reds to be in.</p>
<blockquote><p>“You need to put in your mind that you have enough energy to deal with every challenge. We want to be in every match.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Well, Liverpool is in every match and every competition until the end. Now, it just comes down to divvying up the squad and making sure each game produces the best out of the team.</p>
<h3>Liverpool’s balancing act</h3>
<p>The one major consideration when jamming a load of significant fixtures into a short span of time is injuries. In an ideal world, where injuries are non-existent and managers have free roam, picking a lineup is far easier.</p>
<p>However, Jurgen Klopp must make conscious decisions to play one lineup in one game and make changes for the next. Consequently, injuries play a role in those decisions.</p>
<p>Fabinho, the defensive midfielder who played a key role for Liverpool throughout the season, picked up an injury early on against Aston Villa on Tuesday, May 10. Jordan Henderson is a strong replacement, but one that forced Jurgen Klopp’s hand at an untimely moment.</p>
<p>For a silver lining, Liverpool went on to win the game. Moreover, Fabinho’s injury ended up not being anything serious. In fact, he should be set to play in the FA Cup Final come Saturday, May 14.</p>
<p>Fabinho’s scare does represent an overarching threat for Liverpool. Say Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Alisson, or one of those two elite full backs picks up an injury. At this stage of the season, Liverpool’s balancing act would unravel with one of those stalwarts missing even one game.</p>
<p>Liverpool has played without its stars before, but not in a series of pressure-packed games like the next two weeks forebodes.</p>
<h5>Remaining schedule</h5>
<p>Jurgen Klopp will not give up on the Premier League until he is mathematically eliminated from contention. Therefore, he will play his best possible XI in each Premier League game.</p>
<p>Plus, he will not shy away from the possibility of Liverpool’s first FA Cup win since 2006. It will not be an easy task, with Chelsea looking to avoid a third-consecutive FA Cup Final loss.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="INSIDE WEMBLEY: Man City 2-3 Liverpool | JÜRGEN&apos;S REDS REACH THE FINAL!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aWsgVpGBF4w?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p>Of the remaining competitions, based on chances and prestige, Liverpool’s most important event is the Champions League Final against Real Madrid. Liverpool’s record of success in the Champions League stands out amongst its English rivals. Plus, it guarantees a spot at what could be the FIFA Club World Cup, although we still do not know when or if that is happening with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/29/when-is-the-next-world-cup/">FIFA World Cup in an odd time for this cycle</a>.</p>
<p>Liverpool’s remaining four games could spell out a quadruple. Or, this masterful team, one of the best in the illustrious history of Liverpool FC, could walk away from the season with nothing more than the League Cup.</p>


This season could lead to a quadruple, or it could yield no more than a League Cup. Such is the challenge for Liverpool's balancing act.

Liverpool's balancing act ahead of FA Cup Final & Champions League - World Soccer Talk

Liverpool's balancing act ahead of FA Cup Final & Champions League

<div id="attachment_359661" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-359661" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Arsenal’s European hopes looked bleak at the beginning of the season. Three-consecutive shutout losses in the opening-three games sank the Gunners to the bottom of the table.</p>
<p>Of course, Mikel Arteta’s squad then pulled off an 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions, ballooning the north London side to fifth in the Premier League. That run stopped on matchday 12 at Anfield, where <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/20/watford-inflict-more-misery-on-man-utd-as-chelsea-liverpool-cruise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Liverpool dismantled Arsenal</a>, 4-0.</p>
<p>Fans never want to watch their team suffer a heavy defeat. Big losses tend to cause division amongst supporters and. Also, lopsided results potentially change the entire mood around the team. However, Arsenal’s 4-0 thorough defeat at the hands of Liverpool last weekend shouldn’t really change much for the young Gunners.</p>
<h3>Putting the Liverpool loss in perspective of Arsenal’s European hopes</h3>
<p>Anfield is a very tough place to play for visiting teams. In fact, it’s undoubtedly one of the hardest places to pick up three points in the entire English top flight. Despite Liverpool’s subpar <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-fc-six-premier-league-home-defeats-at-anfield-b922670.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">home record last season</a>, the Merseyside club haven’t lost a home match with a full stadium of fans since April of 2017. Like most other teams, Liverpool’s home record wasn’t the same without fans in the stadium due to the pandemic. This is what Arsenal dealt with against Liverpool.</p>
<p>Prior to the Liverpool loss, Arsenal rode a 10-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. The winning run helped guide the Gunners from bottom of the table at the end of August, up to fifth heading to Anfield. Moreover, the loss did not damage Arsenal’s immediate position on the table. The north London outfit still remain fifth in the Premier League standings.</p>
<p>After the loss, it was paramount to move on quickly. Anfield and an earlier game at the Etihad against Manchester City represented Arsenal’s two-toughest games this season. Furthermore, Arsenal played its home contests against Chelsea and Tottenham in the opening weeks of the season.</p>
<p>Apparently, the club’s most recent game against Newcastle signaled the return of games propelling Arsenal’s European hopes.</p>
<h5>Developing the young core</h5>
<div id="attachment_351380" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-351380" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-351380" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211201_WST_359607_Getty-Mikel-Arteta-300x200.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="Arsenal&apos;s rebuild" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Getty-Mikel-Arteta-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Getty-Mikel-Arteta-600x400.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Getty-Mikel-Arteta-150x100.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Getty-Mikel-Arteta-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Getty-Mikel-Arteta.jpg 1430w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-351380" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Any time a team uses increasingly young players, there is a threat to consistency. One week, Arsenal <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/26/arsenals-fast-start-secures-derby-delight-against-tottenham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rips apart Tottenham</a>, not long after, Liverpool delivers a similar fate to the Gunners.</p>
<p>Most EPL fans know just how young this current crop of Arsenal players are this season. Young players tend to make mistakes, which occurred during the Liverpool loss. However, Arsenal clearly focus on the future of the club.</p>
<p>Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger previously explained how young players will make mistakes, but need to play to learn and progress.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“You pay for the education of young players with points,”</em> Wenger claimed during a Q&amp;A session in 2017.</p>
<p><em>“I play a young central defender of 20-years-old and I know he will cost me points in the season. I have to stand up for that.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>If Arteta is following his former manager’s advice, it seems to be paying dividends. Not only is Arsenal setting up one of the more promising young squads in the league, but the players already look up to the challenge of Premier League fixtures.</p>
<p>There is a quite clear long-term plan in place under the regime of technical director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta and fans will have to be patient as the club rebuilds.</p>
<h5>Bouncing Back</h5>
<p>Arsenal looked like the side that rattled off 10 games unbeaten when it handled Newcastle. Twenty-three shots to nine warranted a pair of second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who came over at a price that alarmed a number of Arsenal supporters, continued his fine form. His 10th appearance in the league yielded his sixth clean sheet and his seventh win this season.</p>
<p>Ramsdale supports a defense that came into this season remarkably unproven and expensive. Kieran Tierney remained the left-back of choice, but <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/ben-white/transfers/spieler/335721" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ben White</a> and <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/takehiro-tomiyasu/transfers/spieler/331560" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Takehiro Tomiyasu</a> came in for a combined $85 million in the summer. While both saw limited action due to late transfers or COVID-19 issues at the beginning of the season, the pair emerged as stalwarts on Mikel Arteta’s back line.</p>
<h5><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-344358 alignleft" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211201_WST_359607_Arsenal-Crest-300x200.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="Mikel Arteta and Arsenal" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Arsenal-Crest-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Arsenal-Crest-600x399.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Arsenal-Crest-150x100.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Arsenal-Crest-768x511.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Arsenal-Crest.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div></h5>
<h5>Moving forward</h5>
<p>Arsenal’s European hopes look relatively safe when considering the upcoming schedule. Now, that is all subject to change based on form, injuries and anything else that affects results.</p>
<p>Saturday’s win over the Magpies put Arsenal tied with West Ham on points for fourth in the <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/tables" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League table</a>. While Arsenal sit in fifth, the club is still three points clear of sixth-spot Wolverhampton Wanderers.</p>
<p>The Gunners now face a stretch of games against opposition also in competition for European spots. The likes of West Ham, Everton and Wolves all face Arsenal before the calendar turns.</p>
<p>However, another massively important away game is first up. A trip to Old Trafford to face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/29/manchester-united-appoint-ralf-rangnick-as-interim-boss-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interim-manager Ralf Rangnick</a> highlights midweek action in the Premier League. Manchester United may sit three spots beneath Arsenal, but a win moves the Red Devils within two of the London club.</p>
<p>Seemingly, there is no rest for Premier League clubs looking to break into the European spots. The top-three looks all-but locked up between Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.</p>
<p>Fans of the Gunners, and of the Premier League in general, will get a strong grasp Arsenal’s European hopes as we roll into 2022.</p>


Arsenal's European hopes took a hit after a 4-0 demolition courtesy of Liverpool. A comfortable 2-0 win over Newcastle steadied the ship.

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