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    Once again the Reds left it late but once again it was an incredible moment and a massive win. Klopp's mentality monsters were on the brink of dropping two points and perhaps ending the weekend in third spot, but up popped returning substitute Darwin Nunez to win it and spark manic celebrations in the away end.
     
    TLW Editor Dave Usher is joined by John Gallagher and a just back from the City Ground Julian Richards to look back on another dramatic win for the Reds and to reflect on what it might mean for the rest of the season.
     
     

  • Jurgen Klopp has admitted that there is no time scale regarding a return to first team action for Alisson.
     
    The Brazilian keeper last played for the Reds exactly a month ago in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.
     
    He then missed the next game against Burnley with the flu before recovering from that and was set to play against Brentford on the 17th of February  before injuring his hamstring at the last training session.
     
    From the moment he sustained that injury, Klopp indicated to say that it would not be a quick return from this setback, and speaking ahead of the fixture against Nottingham Forest, the manager went into a bit more detail as the Mirror reported.
     
    “There is no real timescale on it, but it is a proper muscle injury. Different players recover differently. That is it pretty much. It is not a short one.
     

     
    "It is not that he will be in contention for next week or something like that. We have to wait a few more weeks, definitely, for him. He is working in the gym, not on the pitch, it is a rather serious one but not a season-ending injury."
     
    If there is a silver lining to losing the best goalkeeper in World Football, it means that it is giving an opportunity to Caoimhin Kelleher to get a number of games under his belt on a consistent basis.
     
    The 25 year-old has made 17 appearances during this campaign which is already double the next highest amount of eight which came during the 2021/22 campaign.
     
    There has often been speculation regarding the future of Kelleher and when he would decide the time is right for him to become a No 1 goalkeeper in his own right.
     

     
    There is no question that he would be a major asset to most teams in the top flight with the latest example of that being in the past week with outstanding performances against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup win and again in midweek against Southampton in the FA Cup 5th round tie.
     
    For a long time Klopp has spoken about the natural talent of Kelleher and has often said how lucky he is that the Irishman has decided to stick around as backup to Alisson.
     
    And while there has been confirmed interest including today’s opponent Nottingham Forest, the German said the club was never interested in selling a valued asset.
     
    “For me it was never a discussion, we spoke about it but for me there was no chance of him leaving so I was not interested in who was asking.
     
    “It would have had to be proper price to give us a chance of doing something in a difficult market. It is not like other goalkeepers moving from A to B for £15m or £20m, that is totally unrealistic and nonsense in how I understood.”
     
    Klopp says that Kelleher is the consummate team man and has never agitated for a move.
     
    “With a goalkeeper it is slightly different, but it never reached a point where we had a discussion whereby it was, ‘you have to stay, shut up.’
     
    “You would have to ask him exactly what he thought, but I think now he would be pretty happy with the decision he made in the summer.”
  • I’ll kick things off at Old Trafford where the Mancs lost in comical fashion to Fulham. United had five wins in a row and were unbeaten in 2024 going into this. Some had been fooled by that and were thinking they were turning things around. Shit, Gary Neville was even predicting they’d beat Spurs and Villa to a top four spot.
     
    It never ceases to amaze me how people can allow themselves to be so influenced by results and completely ignore what they see with their own eyes. Klopp always talks about how important the performances are in terms of knowing where you are at as a team. If we win and play shit, he’ll say so and he’ll say that we need to be better next time because that won’t get the job done. You can play shite and win, or play really well and lose. As a coach he takes more from the latter because he knows that playing well will yield much better results over a period of time.
     
    United’s record in 2024 looks really good, providing you haven’t seen them play. No team in the league has a bigger disparity between performances and results than they do. Even when they win they look shit. Only Sheffield United have given up more shots on goal than these fucking bums. Some of their fans get all chesty when they’ve won a few but the knowledgable ones surely knew a result like this one was in the post.
     
    I wasn’t at all surprised Fulham beat them, but the manner of it wasn’t something I’d have expected. Once United got their spawny late equaliser I expected them to get another, so that 87th minute Fulham winner was funny as fuck, especially as Brighton were equalising against Everton at virtually the same moment.
     
    I say this a lot so I should be used to it, but it’s always jarring to me any time I see a United line up as it’s always so shit looking. They’ve got absolutely nothing there in terms of top talent and they’re not well coached either. They’re complete dogshit and it’s a miracle they’re so high in the table.
     
    They had Lindelof at left back, some kid I’d never heard of on the wing and Rashford is now back at centre forward because the one player they have who does look decent is now injured and will miss the Manc derby this weekend. They had virtually no chance of getting anything at City even when Hojland was available, but without him forget it. That lazy arse Rashford with his four goals all season strutting around like his shit don’t stink. He’s a fucking disgrace him. I heard loads of school kids in Manchester are refusing their free school dinners because they don’t want to be associated with the bone idle bastard.
     
    Fulham were all over them in the first half and Iwobi was running them ragged. Imagine being run ragged by Iwobi. Kinell. I like that Muniz up front for Fulham. He’s proving to be a decent replacement for Mitrovic now and I don’t think they’re missing him any more.
     
    Maguire should have been sent off for a first half lunge but his name isn’t Curtis Jones so he escaped with a yellow card.
     
    Bassey blasted Fulham ahead from a corner and at this point in the MOTD highlights United hadn’t actually had a single chance. They were in the Fulham box once when they had a corner, but Fulham broke on them and nearly scored. That was the only time we’d seen them in the Fulham half.
     
    Eventually with 10 minutes to go they got a corner and Maguire headed over. That sparked a little bit of pressure and Maguire equalised with a rebound after Leno spilled a shot by Fernandes. United poured forward looking for a winner and left the back door open for Traore to break on them and find Iwobi who fired into the bottom corner past a static Onana.
     
    Fulham have been trolling United on social media ever since and Ten Hag has been crying about something they put on Tik Tok taking the piss out of Fernandes faking injury. He also had a go at Carra over his MNF analysis, even though it was absolutely bang on. Baldy is proper rattled now. They’re going to get killed at City this weekend.
  • Three goals, another clean sheet and the kids step up. A perfect evening’s work then. Yes, it is I, Dan Thomas, to regale you with the tales of a midweek win in the FA Cup 5th round. Instead of a cup goalkeeper, Dave has cup match report writers!
     
    It wasn’t as straightforward as the scoreline suggests but we’ll come to that. This result stands squarely on the shoulders of Liverpool’s Academy. It feels like we could have at least two breakout kids to step up into the first team in Bobby Clark and Jayden Danns, and James McConnell isn’t that far behind either if not an equal in the conversation. The Academy is in the best place it has been for a long, long time.
     
    And yet, this match report felt like it could be significantly different at one point given that Southampton started really quickly. Everything about our start was slow, even fans arriving late en masse. Apparently there were bad problems with the ticketing system – I was straight in but from what I was told, the Southampton game was not appearing in people’s wallets and it wasn’t just a few people, it was causing bedlam outside the ground come kickoff time. Luckily I’d gone in early because Paul Natton’s bladder is not as capacious as it once was.
     
    Anyway, back to the football – Southampton made a lot of changes, 8 in fact, and rotated heavily for this game. I think they would have done that no matter what team we put out because the reality is for them, and for Norwich in the previous round, the FA Cup is a distraction. Getting back into the Premier League is their priority and having lost 3 of their last 5 in the league they were always going to look at giving key players a rest.
     
    For us, that was more or less the strongest team we could put out given the frankly ridiculous situation we have with injuries and we lost two more at Wembley. The team we put out was stronger than I expected, I was surprised that van Dijk started. I genuinely thought we might go with Quansah being the experienced centre half. Because the reality is that he has now played enough football to warrant the tag of first team player. Kostas starting made sense (even if his performance didn’t) and Gomez at holding midfield was…. unexpected. It wasn’t the greatest performance from a holding midfielder you’ll ever see but it wasn’t the worst either. It just goes to show you can put Joe Gomez wherever you need him to and he will get the job done.
     
    However, the first 15 minutes were not a good watch. Southampton absolutely battered us quite honestly; they were ahead practically straight away but Mara slightly mistimed his run and the flag went up. Nice finish but we were carved open far too easily. That was only a taster of what was to come though. The visitors sensed a chance against a very youthful reds team and piled forward. Joe Aribo in midfield was running the show and he took control of a loose ball, played in Sulemana on the wide left only for his low shot to hit the post.
     
    With an inexperienced midfield on the park it was no surprise that we were losing every 50/50 but that’s what was happening. Southampton hoovered up every loose ball and played some nice football. I was very critical of Norwich in the last round for trying to pass their way around a front three of Diaz, Nunez and Jota but Southampton played around at the back and into midfield very nicely. As the half wore on, we got wise to it and almost nicked the ball a few times but for the first half an hour we struggled to get on the ball.
     
    Kelleher made a couple of sharp saves, including a really good one from Mara. That came from McConnell being dispossessed. Van Dijk played a simple ball to the midfielder and he tried to turn – he was simply muscled off the ball and Mara’s low shot was really well saved by Kelleher. I’ve been critical of him this season but last night and at Wembley, he showcased how good a goalkeeper he actually is.
     
    From the subsequent corner, Rothwell jinked into the box from a second ball (a theme all night with second balls) and placed his shot just wide. It honestly felt like a Southampton goal was an inevitability. It took us 15 minutes to have a shot of any kind, when all the dickheads in the crowd shouted SHOOOOOT and Joe Gomez did – it only just landed in the lower tier. We just couldn’t wrestle control of the game.
     
    Ultimately it was that midfield battleground and Clark and McConnell were simply getting overpowered physically. Technically, they both showed nice touches but that’s where Southampton were getting their joy – winning the ball and looking early for either flank but especially Sulemana on the left, who was direct and tricky. He went on a run and went in between both Bradley and Quansah before hitting his shot straight at Kelleher. It was a good run but some real naivety and inexperience from our lads to let him go in between him. At least boot him if he gets through you both, eh lads?
     
    After that the game settled down and we started to get into it a bit more. When we had possession we were tidy with it and worked some nice overlaps and forced a few corners. We took the sting out of the game, calmed it down and looked a much better team as a result. Gomez grew into his role and won the ball back nicely a few times – our biggest threat always looked like it was going to come from Bradley though.
     
    Elliott had a shot tipped wide and we suddenly went in front and what a moment for Lewis Koumas. Shout out to Bobby Clark here because he injected himself into the game at the perfect time, driving in from the left and fizzing in a ball to Koumas, who jinked himself into a shooting position. It hit the defender on the calf and flew into the bottom corner. The ground properly erupted – relief and ecstasy, because who doesn’t like a debut goal? Serious business for Koumas who was understandably delighted – chalk one up to the Academy.
     
    One thing that I liked about this goal was that the superfan mouth on a stick sat behind me missed the goal. You know the sort – loudly complaining about the atmosphere and people not singing. He was so much a better fan than everyone else that he went down for a half time burst and missed the goal. He is also so much a better fan than everyone else that he left about 30 seconds before the 3rd goal. Glorious.
     
    It reminds me of that time I was watching Premier League Darts at the Echo Arena and a gang of young lads behind me were pissed up and kept spilling beer down our backs. My mate told them in no uncertain terms that if it happened again he’d use them as a dart and they apologised and went downstairs to let the situation calm down and of course, replace the drinks they’d just spilled. As they were downstairs, they missed a 9 Darter. Exquisite.
     
    Gakpo should have immediately doubled the lead but he tried to clip a shot and missed the target. I initially thought the goalkeeper had saved it but looking at replays, he just missed. Poor from him – as the experienced forward on the pitch I was looking for a lot more from him to be honest. The game just passed him by for long spells which seems to happen too often.
     
    We nearly had a chance to nick another one just before half time as our press caught Southampton out with their extravagant passing around the back but the ball just ricocheted away from Clark – had he been able to take it in, we had runners left and right.
     
    Half time and some relief. I don’t know what Kostas’ problem was, but he played like he had his boots on the wrong feet and as above, Gakpo needed to do more and lead the line. The kids had all done great.
     
    Van Dijk came off, Konaté came on and we should have extended our lead but Gakpo scuffed a very presentable chance wide in keeping with his evening. Should have done better, should have been 2-0 but instead, Southampton lived on. Credit to them, they kept going and should have been level after a lovely ball in behind saw Sulemana hit a shot at the back post straight at Kelleher. With any composure at all, he’d have scored.
     
    They had another great chance from a corner when a flick on saw two unmarked at the back post but Charles lashed it into the side netting. It was a quite incredible miss and it was actually their last chance. The game got into a pattern where we were in control and Southampton never got close again.
     
    We’d brought Danns on before that miss for the hard working, but tiring Koumas and MacAllister soon followed. It’s no coincidence to me that he comes on and we find another level and possession was much tidier and progressive. McConnell played well but MacAllister stepped it up a level.
     
    It was another FA Cup moment befitting of a Hollywood blockbuster TM as Jayden Danns scored his first goal for the club, and to be honest it feels like it could be the first of many. Smallbone (the best named player on the pitch) gave the ball away and Elliott swooped onto it and ran into space. He played a perfect ball through for Danns and for an 18 year old kid that finish is just ridiculous. He showed a certain Dutch international how to finish with calmness and composure as he lifted the ball over the goalkeeper. Game over.
     
    We nearly extended that lead as Gakpo lead a counter attack and ran with it from pretty much the edge of his own box. He held off three attempted fouls from that Smallbone jabroni and ran to just outside their box and fizzed a shot just over. That’s what I want to see more of from Gakpo – be direct, back yourself and get a shot away. I still have question marks over what he is and what his role should be for us, but he is clearly a gifted footballer. I just wanted to see more from him last night, this was good though.
     
    The game was capped off nicely just before the end as Bradley’s shot was saved and Danns swept in the rebound. Again, it is very promising for an 18 year old lad to know where to stand to get to the ball first – but he was switched on, he had ground to cover and reacted quicker than anyone to poke it home. I thought that was possibly Bradley’s weakest game for us, certainly defensively, but he always carries a threat going forward.
     
    In the end it was easy, but we could have got a kicking there had Southampton taken their chances. Thankfully they didn’t, and we can “look forward” to a “mouthwatering” quarter final at Old Trafford.
     
    Star Man – It has to be Danns, but shout out to Kelleher as well because without him, we could have been in serious trouble before we even got a foothold in the game.
     
    Team: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk (Konate), Tsimikas; Gomez, McConnell (Mac Allister), Clark; Elliott (Nyoni), Gakpo (Gordon), Koumas (Danns):
  • In the United Kingdom, the legality of online casinos is a topic of significant interest and importance. As the popularity of online gambling continues to rise, it gets harder to choose the top brand from the best online casinos rating in UK. Understanding the legal framework surrounding these platforms is crucial for both players and operators.
     
    This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the legality of online casinos in the UK, examining key regulations, licensing requirements, and player protections.
    Regulatory Framework
    Regulatory Framework in the UK is Built on the Pillars of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which acts as the primary regulatory body overseeing all aspects of the gambling industry, including online casinos. Established under the Gambling Act 2005, the UKGC's mandate extends to ensuring fairness, transparency, and the prevention of criminal activities in gambling operations. Moreover, it places a strong emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable individuals and minors from the potential harms associated with gambling. Through stringent regulations and oversight, the UKGC plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the online gambling sector in the UK.
    Licensing Requirements
    For an online casino to operate legally in the UK market, it must obtain a valid license from the UK Gambling Commission. The licensing process is stringent and entails rigorous scrutiny to ensure that operators adhere to strict standards of integrity, financial stability, and player protection. To obtain a license, operators must undergo thorough background checks, demonstrate their ability to maintain secure and fair gaming practices, and showcase their commitment to responsible gambling initiatives. Additionally, licensed casinos are required to implement robust anti-money laundering measures, provide secure payment processing options, and conduct regular audits to verify compliance with regulatory standards. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, suspension or revocation of the license, and potential criminal prosecution for egregious violations of gambling laws and regulations.

    Legal Landscape
    In the United Kingdom, online gambling operates within a legal and regulated framework, ensuring a safe and secure environment for players. However, there are several important considerations and restrictions that individuals should keep in mind when participating in online gambling activities. 
     
    Firstly, all participants must be at least 18 years old to engage in gambling, with operators strictly prohibited from targeting underage or vulnerable individuals through their marketing campaigns. This age requirement serves to protect minors from the potential risks associated with gambling and ensures responsible participation within the industry. 
     
    Additionally, specific regulations govern various forms of online gambling activities, such as betting on virtual events and non-UK-based lottery betting. These regulations often entail stringent licensing requirements and compliance measures to uphold the integrity and fairness of such activities. As such, players should familiarize themselves with the specific rules and regulations applicable to their chosen form of online gambling to ensure compliance with legal requirements and avoid potential penalties or sanctions.
    Player Protections
    In addition to regulating operators, the UKGC places a strong emphasis on protecting players and promoting responsible gambling practices. Licensed online casinos are required to provide robust player protections, including tools for setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to support services for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. Furthermore, operators must ensure that their games are fair and transparent, utilizing certified random number generators (RNGs) to determine game outcomes.
    Responsible Gambling Initiatives
    In the UK, fostering responsible gambling practices is a fundamental aspect of the online gambling industry's operations. Regulators, operators, and advocacy groups collaborate closely to implement a comprehensive set of measures aimed at promoting responsible gambling and preventing harm to players. Online casinos are mandated to incorporate various initiatives designed to empower players to make informed decisions about their gambling activities. These measures encompass the provision of accessible self-assessment tools, comprehensive information on problem gambling support services, and options for setting deposit limits or self-excluding from gambling platforms. By equipping players with these resources, operators strive to empower individuals to exercise greater control over their gambling behavior and mitigate potential risks.
     
    Moreover, operators are encouraged to adopt proactive strategies to raise awareness of responsible gambling practices among their customer base. This involves prominently displaying links to responsible gambling resources on their websites and integrating responsible gambling messaging into their marketing communications. By incorporating these initiatives into their operations, operators demonstrate their commitment to promoting a culture of responsible gambling and prioritizing the well-being of their customers above all else. Ultimately, the overarching goal of these initiatives is to cultivate a safe and supportive gambling environment where individuals can engage in recreational gambling activities responsibly while minimizing the potential for harm associated with problem gambling behaviors.
    Future Developments
    As the online gambling landscape continues to evolve, the UK regulatory framework may undergo further changes to address emerging challenges and trends. One area of particular focus is the regulation of online advertising and marketing practices, with regulators exploring ways to protect vulnerable individuals from excessive exposure to gambling advertisements. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as the rise of mobile gambling and virtual reality gaming, may prompt regulators to consider new approaches to regulating these emerging forms of gambling. Overall, the future of online casino regulation in the UK is likely to involve ongoing adaptation and innovation to ensure that the industry remains safe, fair, and socially responsible.
    Finding the Best Legal Online Casinos in the UK
    When embarking on the quest to find the best legal online casinos in the UK, players should embark armed with knowledge and discerning criteria to ensure a safe and rewarding gaming journey. Foremost among these considerations is the casino's licensing status, with preference given to those regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This accreditation serves as a hallmark of credibility, assuring players that the operator adheres to stringent standards for security, fairness, and player protection. Beyond regulatory compliance, delving into the casino's reputation and history is paramount. Examining player reviews and testimonials provides invaluable insights into the overall user experience, helping prospective players gauge the casino's trustworthiness and reliability.
     
    A diverse and captivating gaming library is a hallmark of top-tier online casinos. Players should seek out platforms that boast a wide array of games from reputable software providers renowned for their innovation and quality. Whether it's immersive slots, thrilling table games, or engaging live dealer experiences, variety is key to catering to diverse player preferences. Moreover, the allure of generous bonuses and promotions should not overshadow the importance of fair terms and conditions. Players should scrutinize bonus offers to ensure transparency and reasonableness, steering clear of overly restrictive wagering requirements and hidden clauses that detract from the value of the promotion.
     
    In addition to gaming variety and promotional incentives, players should prioritize casinos that prioritize security, convenience, and responsible gambling practices. Secure payment options, such as trusted e-wallets and encrypted transactions, safeguard financial transactions and personal data. Responsive customer support channels ensure that assistance is readily available whenever needed, enhancing the overall player experience. 
     
    Finally, robust responsible gambling tools, such as self-exclusion options and deposit limits, empower players to maintain control over their gambling habits and promote responsible gaming practices. By considering these factors comprehensively, players can navigate the vast landscape of online casinos with confidence and find the best legal options tailored to their preferences and needs.
    Conclusion
    In conclusion, the legality of online casinos in the UK is governed by a robust regulatory framework designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and player protection. By obtaining a license from the UKGC and adhering to strict regulatory requirements, operators can offer their services legally in the UK market. Likewise, players can enjoy online gambling with confidence, knowing that licensed casinos are held to high standards of integrity and accountability. However, it is essential for both players and operators to remain vigilant and comply with relevant regulations to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment.
  • Liverpool recently trounced a hapless Bournemouth 4-0 at the Vitality stadium. The Anfield giants are firmly in the race to claim a second Premier League title. The Reds have been quite dominant this season, they have scored against every opponent that has come to their fortress Anfield bar arch-rivals Manchester United.
     
    Braces from their two forward men - Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were enough to annihilate the Cherries. The four-nil rout of the south coast side gave us a mild view of what life could be for Liverpool without their Egyptian pharaoh.
     
    Manchester City on the other hand had to battle very hard to take three points from a resilient Newcastle United side. The game ended 2-3 in favor of the away side. Goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and newbie Bobb did the business. The return of Kevin De Bruyne has no doubt added more fuel to an already hot Manchester City midfield. The Belgian's absence no doubt reduced the spark going forward for the Pep Guardiola-led side. Erling Haaland, who has been injured for some weeks, should be back for this fixture, adding more oil to our already heightened suspense. 
    While still holding the title of “the defending champions”, Manchester City remains an orchestrated symphony. Kevin De Bruyne, the conductor, whose fingers play the strings of the midfield, dictates the pace, weaving his passes with almost supernatural accuracy.
    The mastermind of this orchestra, however, is undoubtedly Erling Haaland, the Viking berserker, an indelible force of nature in human form, who devours chances with the unyielding hunger of a wolf. It is still unclear whether or not City can maneuver the Liverpool storm with their intricate tiki-taka. Amid the suffocating gegen press, can they find a rhythm with their possession game? Guardiola's orchestra, though sublime, must weather the storm if they are to maintain their hold over the Premier League title.
    This match is not just a game; it's a philosophical clash, a battle of wits between two of the game's greatest minds. Klopp's gegen press, a relentless wave crashing against the shore, will collide with Guardiola's possession-based symphony, a meticulously constructed dam holding back the tide. Can Liverpool's pressing disrupt City's rhythm? Can City's intricate passing bypass the Reds' suffocating defense? The answer will unfold on the mighty Anfield pitch, where every touch, every tackle, will be a note in this epic symphony. 
    This is a tightrope walk, a masterclass in tactics where the margin for error is as thin as a razor's edge. Both teams possess world-class talent and proven pedigree. Liverpool's hunger and relentless pressing might give them a slight edge, but City's experience, tactical nous, and Haaland's predatory instincts cannot be underestimated. Expect a game of inches, of moments of individual brilliance, where the first goal could be the defining factor. It could be a high-scoring thriller, a defensive stalemate, or a single moment of magic that decides the fate of this epic clash.
    This match is beyond statistics and league tables. It's a narrative woven into the fabric of recent English football, a saga etched in sweat and passion. This is a battle for bragging rights, for the hearts and minds of millions, for the very soul of two proud cities.
    Match tickets
    The match is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024, with kick-off set for 3.45 PM UK time. Tickets are available on each club's website, with priority allocation for club members. Given the high demand, non-season ticket holders are advised to secure their seats promptly. Traveling fans may explore ticket resale sites for availability. Fans are advised to book their Liverpool vs Manchester City tickets on a ticket resale site
    Team news
    Injuries have affected both teams in the past and possibly just before the game. Though Mo Salah is sidelined now, he should be available for the game along with Darwin Nunez and Dominic Szoboszlai. Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander Arnold and Alisson Becker are almost certainly ruled out though. 
     
    Manchester City have more or less a clean bill of health and should be at full strength for the fixture. 
    Line-ups
    Lineups are quite unstable for most teams, as they are mostly a function of player form and injuries. These are factors that can not be predicted.
     
    As managers aim for continuity and performance, the line-ups are crucial. Liverpool’s potential lineup includes Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, and Diaz. 
     
    For Manchester City, it could likely be Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Debruyne, Doku, Alvarez and Haaland.
    Prediction
    While Manchester City is favored to edge this one, Liverpool's strong home record, counter-attacking prowess, and supreme set-piece abilities make this the most challenging fixture in City's season. The first goal may determine the game.
     
    Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City
  • The kids did it again! Goals from 18 year old Youth Team duo Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns saw off Southampton at Anfield as the young Reds set up a quarter final clash at Castle Greyskull.
     
    Chris Smith is joined by John Brennan and TLW Editor Dave Usher to bask in the glory of another great night for the Academy and to look ahead to the game at Forest this weekend.
     
     
     
     
  • Jurgen Klopp has pleaded for Liverpool’s next generation of talent to be able to focus on their own game and grow in an organic sense.
     
    Jayden Danns continued the week of his dreams on Wednesday evening when he scored two goals while his academy teammate. Lewis Koumas scored on his first-team debut as Liverpool registered a 3-0 win against Southampton to move into the Quarter-Final of the FA Cup where they will meet Man United at Old Trafford.
     
    Following the euphoria of Sunday’s dramatic Carabao Cup Final win against Chelsea, attention turned to this midweek tie, and just what sort of line-up the manager would be able to field.
     
    Some of the heroes of that epic encounter were given the night off to recuperate, while the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate shared central defensive duties with the captain starting and replaced by the Frenchman at half time.
     
    Harvey Elliott who has made a name for himself as a impact-sub this season made his third start in a week and was tireless worker throughout, while Joe Gomez has taken over the James Milner tag of “Mr Fixit” this season and after being deployed across the back four, the 26 year- old played in central midfleld against the Championship outfit.
     
    Speaking after the game, Klopp firstly wanted to address the discussion of his talented teens, and while being extremely proud of their rapid progress, wanted to emphasise that they are still on a learning curve as the Official Site reported.
     
    “I understand 100 per cent but it's a little bit like with the new darts sensation (Luke Littler). It's fine for tonight, absolutely, but from tomorrow on leave the boys in the corner please and don't ask where are they now, where are they now, where are they now. They have a lot to improve, a lot to learn.
     
    “They will have their moments and in the moment, with our squad situation, they will have more moments than they ever have expected probably, so that's one thing. The other this is their exceptional talents. Of course it's not natural that a boy, 18 years old, comes in that situation and he's just calm as you like and chips the balls there."
     

     
    Klopp said there was never any timeline drawn up for the pathway to first team action for the academy players and the way it has panned out opportunity has come out of necessity and paid full credit to the coaches for having the likes of Danns, Koumas, Bobby Clark and James McConnell cherry ripe for their moment on the big stage.
     
    “We were not involved in the timing, to be honest, too much because we had to use them because we don't have other players. I would like to say we waited five years and I saw them first time when they were 13 and I said, 'In February 2024, we will bring them.'
     
    "We have a very, very good and a very close relationship with the Academy for the obvious reasons, you all know that – Vitor Matos. Alex [Inglethorpe], Barry [Lewtas], Marc [Bridge-Wilkinson], we have a really close relationship, we actually work in the same building, just on different sides.
     
    “The way Liverpool wants to play is clear as well. On a specific day a few years ago, it was probably set up by me but the club needs to agree on that. I cannot stand in the Academy every day on the training pitch and say we do that in training.
     
    “Everybody bought into that. It's the best news because it's not about how you play, because there might be different styles, different ways, but you have to make sure that these exceptional talents understand that a football game starts with defending.”
     
    And in all of the years of being a manager and in his last few months of being Liverpool boss in particular, Klopp says he has experienced a first.
     
    “It is for me strange as well, I never had that before – that you play with that many kids and still can win football games. It's a really interesting experience, to be honest. Close before the finishing line, I saw that as well, so I'm really thankful for that.”
     
    And whoever takes over as manager, let’s hope this legacy which has been put in place so specifically and expertly goes on to replicate many more nights like this.
  • Bayern Munich have identified Andy Robertson as a prime transfer target as it is believed that Alphonso Davies will move to Real Madrid.
     
    The Canadian left-back has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish giants to join them either at the end of this season or when his contract expires in 2025.
     
    Bayern have their work cut out in retaining their Bundesliga title this season as the Xabi Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen is currently eight points clear.
     
    Losing a key member of their squad will come as a major blow, but they have a drawn up a number of options and as the Daily Mail reports, the Liverpool left-back has been earmarked as a key option.
     
    Robertson is a club favourite with players and fans alike, one of those players that is the true heart and soul of the club that identifies with everyone.
     
    Not only is he incredibly respected, the Scottish captain has proven to be one of the most dependable and durable players of the Klopp era.
     

     
    The only substantial injury that the 30 year-old has suffered during his seven seasons on Merseyside was this season which ironically occurred on international duty when he collided with Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon dislocating his shoulder in the process.
     
    Robertson missed the best part of three months and over 20 games, by far his longest forced lay-off in Liverpool colours.
     
    Jurgen Klopp has looked to not overburden the left-back since his return to full fitness, knowing that he is such a whole hearted competitor who goes 100 miles a hour from the first whistle.
     
    The outstanding body of work that Robertson has produced for the Reds is the reason that Bayern see him as the perfect replacement for Davies.
     
    Despite being seven years older, they are hoping that with Klopp calling time and possibly other long term players possibly considering their futures, Robertson may fancy a change of scenery.
     

     
    However this prevailing view from the outside that this outstanding squad built by Klopp will follow their manager quickly out the exit door is certainly not seen by the man himself.
     
    Klopp recently said “ Write what you want. This club is stable, 100%. Everything will be fine, I'm 100% sure."
     
    The current contract of Robertson runs out in 2026, and what we know about the man it is hard to see him play for any other club until  his latter years as a professional when a move to boyhood club Celtic could possibly be on the cards.
     
    But the Football landscape  has rarely been more unpredictable as this present time. Who ever believed that captain Jordan Henderson would depart to play in a Saudi League or Jurgen Klopp announce that he will be moving on at the conclusion of this season when we thought we had many more years together.
     
    Liverpool without Andy Robertson will almost be as hard to contemplate as Jurgen departing and fingers crossed it doesn’t come to that just yet.
     
     
     
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13130787/Liverpool-Andy-Robertson-transfer-Bayern-Munich-Alphonso-Davies-Real-Madrid.html
  • Last time I wrote: "The front five are now up to 57 for the season and will go close to 100. The team is up to 84 and will go through the 100 barrier sometime in late-February, early-March and could hit 130 or more by the end of the season. We’ve done this before and not got the rewards we deserved in terms of trophies, so there are no guarantees, but with those numbers, we are going to be in contention – and the supporters likely on valium – for the rest of Klopp’s reign."
     
    Well, I had to get something right after the injury jinx I ‘cursed’ the squad with on the pod! I wrote that just after the Norwich game on the 28th of January and since then, things have gone great, in the main, the sole blot on the Reds’ copybook being that off-day against Arsenal.
     
    The front five have moved on to 67 – not bad adding 10 goals between them in the space of a month, given the injuries in that area. All of those goals came in the League too, with Darwin and Diaz really stepping up. We are looking at a game every three of four days from here on in, so getting four out of those front five back to fitness will be more vital than ever. If Diogo manages to get back on his feet for the final games, all the better. However, that doesn’t seem too likely at the moment.
     
    We managed to hit the 100 mark on February the 21st, against Luton. Harvey doing the business in his 100th game for the Club. We still look to be on course for somewhere around 130, time will tell. Whatever, we’ve got one trophy in the bag and as stated above, with those kind of numbers, we’ll always have a chance of contending.
     
    The Arsenal defeat seemed to knock the stuffing out of a good few Reds. I wasn’t that bothered: they were very good on the day, we were terrible, it happens. It hasn’t happened a lot this season – we’ve had two or three stand-out below-par to downright poor performances, Wolves in the first-half, Luton away, Sheffield United away spring to mind. Yet, we still came away with seven points out of nine against those.
     
    The only thing that mattered after that Arsenal defeat was the reaction to it. And to that end, the Reds have come up trumps. Nine points out nine, 11 goals for, three against. Not forgetting the 4-1 demolition of Chelsea before the Arsenal game! We’ve scored three or more in a League game 13 times this season (out of 26 played). That’s extraordinary, all the more so as we have done it while looking solid at the back, with the second-best defensive record in the League.
     
    This is largely down to Virgil. One of the things we all said we needed was for him to be back to his imperious best this season. He has stepped into the role of captain admirably – Paul referenced his leadership on the Cup Final pod. That leadership has been off the field as much as it has been on it. Off it, he’s been an example, accompanying the youngsters and representing the Club really well in the media.
     
    On it, he’s been colossal, back to his commanding best. I think two things in particular stand out for me this season with Virgil. The way he took his punishment on the chin after the Newcastle game, served his extra game ban and was commanding all winter. And the way he took the blame for the second goal conceded against Arsenal, came back and inspired us to a win against Luton, helping to turn Anfield rabid and then a few days later leading us to Cup glory.
     
    He’s not a one-man band though and all of them have been heroes this season – Ibou’s physicality is off the charts, Joe Gomez has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Andy has come back with fire in his belly, Kostas is so vital to us in terms of the spirit he brings to  the whole ‘project’ and the young lads have seized their opportunity with both hands, whether in the League or in the Cups.
     
    ‘If we go all the way in the FA Cup and the Europa League, there is a maximum of 29 games remaining. I know, only 29 more games – at best – with Jürgen at the helm… The intensity will really ramp up in February and March. Three League games, the League Cup final and an FA Cup 5th round tie before our very own version of March Madness with – take a deep breath – four League games, a possible FA Cup quarter-final, a two-legged Europa League tie and, as if that wasn’t enough, an international break. It’s exhausting even thinking about it.  We are well-equipped though, given the depth of the squad and its freshness which is down to the rotation referenced earlier and really good in-game management.’
     
    We are now down to a maximum of 23 games remaining – the end is nigh, as witnessed by Jürgen going to all sides of the Ground for the fist pumps. He even acknowledged the Main Stand, for goodness’ sake! The rearranged Luton game meant that we actually played four League games in February. March was always going to be crazy and even more so now, given the scale of the injury crisis.
     
    It’s all about managing on a game-to-game basis and trying to get bodies back. That the injury crisis hasn’t damaged us that much is down to a combination of fight, composure, maturity, desire. If you take the end of December as the start of the crisis (not to mention Mo’s and Endo’s absences), we have come through more than unscathed. We’ve advanced to the 5th round of the FA Cup, won six out of seven in the League and won ANOTHER trophy under Jürgen. Oh, did you think I was forgetting?
     
    Sunday, at Wembley, was the epitome of what we have become under Jürgen Norbert Klopp. What he has instilled in this team, this backroom team, this communion with the supporters is intangible. It was best typified by him believing – genuinely – on the night of the loss to Madrid in Kiev that we would be back a year on. And we were. And the year after that we won the Title.
     
    Against all odds, against the greatest cheating enterprise in the history of English football, we have gone toe to toe. Never backed down. A bounce or two of the ball away from epoch-defining moments. Almost 1000 goals. More than ‘a never-say-die’ attitude, it’s a ‘fuck-you-all’ attitude. We are here, come what may. In fact, the more adverse the conditions, they better we like it.
     
    Alisson out. Caoimhin impersonates him. £500m-worth of footballers on crutches, we’ve got Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jayden Danns to come in and star. There have been bigger victories in the Club’s history, there’ll be bigger ones to come, hopefully, but few, if any, will equal Sunday’s. The manager was bursting with pride. So were Reds everywhere.
     
    Soak it up for the next couple of months, because soon we’re going to have to sing, ‘I’m so glad That Jürgen was a Red’.
     
    John Brennan
  • Within the ever-changing gambling industry, sports betting has established a unique and dynamic niche. With millions of fans cheering for their favorite teams and players, football is among the most prominent sports in the world.
     
    The fact that football betting has grown to be a multibillion-dollar industry is not surprising. Betting on games and competitions is becoming more and more popular. For football fans interested in learning more about the sport, online betting has emerged as a successful and enjoyable option.
     
    So how has the sports betting evolution shaped football and its fans?
     
    Mobile betting
     
    Football betting was revolutionized by a technical revolution that occurred in the 21st century. Both bookies and bettors now have more options thanks to the internet and mobile technologies.
     
    Online betting sites took off, providing unprecedented levels of accessibility and ease. Thanks to mobile applications, you can now wager on football online either at home or on the move.
     
    The sports betting sector saw an additional boost from the widespread use of smartphones and tablets. You can manage your accounts, follow results, and make bets while on the go with the help of mobile betting applications. This is bringing about an unparalleled degree of accessibility and convenience.
     
    Early internet betting sites had simple user interfaces, few betting selections, and basic betting functionality. Nonetheless, more advanced systems were made possible by the quick development of web technology. These systems greatly improve the betting experience by providing a wider selection of betting markets, live betting possibilities, and real-time odds updates.
     
    Responsible betting
     
    Football betting is a highly regulated sector of the economy, with rules and legislation in place to safeguard players and maintain fair play. For instance, the Gambling Commission in the UK oversees the sector and places tight regulations on bookies.
     
    The promotion of ethical gaming is becoming more and more important as the sector expands. Betting limitations, self-exclusion tools like gamstop, and algorithms that detect compulsive gambling behavior are becoming commonplace on betting sites.
     
    Additionally, sports betting sites not on gamstop are always looking for other ways to make betting safe for their clients. For example, they have deposit and betting limits you can use to manage your bankroll.
     
    Live betting and streaming
     
    The quality of live streaming has improved along with technological advancements. Buffering has decreased as a result of the automation of 4G and 5G networks, improving user experience.
     
    Many people were surprised to learn that bookies' websites now provide live game streaming. As a result, you may get everything you need for betting in one place.
     
    You may watch sports conveniently on a bookmaker's website if they are live streaming. With live odds data, it makes it more likely for bettors to place wagers on live sports.  Since sportsbooks can provide a more thorough and engaging betting experience, it benefits both bettors and sportsbooks. On the other hand, you may monitor your favorite teams' every move.
     
    You may wager on the results of football matches and games using live betting. For many, it has altered their approach to watching football. It gives the watching experience a monetary incentive in addition to an additional degree of excitement. In addition, it's now simpler than ever to place bets and follow the outcomes thanks to the growth of online betting.
     
    Rise of Fantasy Football Leagues
     
    Fantasy football leagues and other such activities have proliferated as a result of sports betting. This is in addition to the increase in information and analysis that is readily available.
     
    You may establish and run your virtual teams in these fantasy leagues. You compete with other players for rewards in this, which is frequently based on actual players and teams. The main difference between sports betting and fantasy sports is the amount of skill and chance required. 
     
    Strategy, analysis, and research are necessary for fantasy sports.
     
    Based on player performance and statistical data, you must choose and manage your fantasy squad. The capacity to make wise judgments and adjust to shifting conditions is essential for success in fantasy sports.
     
    Football betting and fantasy sports have several parallels despite these distinctions. Both of these hobbies let you place bets with real money and entail making predictions about sports results. Compared to 78% in 2022, 81% of fantasy sports participants placed bets on sports in 2023. Fans are betting more and more as they participate in fantasy sports.
     
    Increased use of data analytics in betting
     
    Football betting now requires the use of data analytics. It gives fans and bookies insightful information on how players and teams are performing. Fans employ data analytics to make well-informed betting selections, while bookmakers use it to calculate odds and provide a variety of markets.
     
    Data analytics may be used, for instance, to evaluate individual and team performance. This includes their performance, both at home and away, and in head-to-head matches. It may also be used to determine value bets and examine odds.
     
    Forecasts and insights related to football betting will become more precise as data analytics progresses. Numerous statistics, player performance data, and forecasting algorithms will be at your disposal. You'll be able to make better judgments as a result.
     
    Social media integration
     
    Social media websites and betting platforms have merged to improve user interaction and community development. Social media platforms function as forums for talking about sporting events, giving advice, and celebrating victories. This is encouraging a sports-loving community.
     
    In recent years, social media has had a big influence on the sports betting market. The emergence of social media influencers in the realm of football wagering is among the most noteworthy developments. Fans may make better judgments by using the advice, forecasts, and other insights that these influencers offer.
     
    There is no denying social media's benefits for sports betting. A multitude of data and insights from many sources, such as specialists and other seasoned wagerers, are at your disposal. You may improve your chances of success and make better decisions with the aid of this knowledge.
     
    The future of sports betting
     
    Football betting appears to have a bright future ahead of it since the sector is predicted to keep expanding and changing.  The development of football betting from its modest origins to the current day demonstrates how customer preferences, legislation, and technology have influenced the sector. Future developments in virtual reality, cryptocurrencies, and sophisticated data analytics promise to make sports betting even more thrilling than it has been in the past.
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