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    The echoes of rivalry are resounding and come March 16th, 2024, Goodison Park will once again become a cauldron of raw emotions and intense footballing drama as Everton and Liverpool will lock horns in the pulsating heart of the Merseyside Derby.
     
    This is not just a Premier League fixture, it's a war of nerves, a clash of cultures, and a battle for the soul of a city split between two teams yet connected by an unyielding passion for the beautiful game of football.
     
    The echoes of Liverpool's resounding 2-0 victory at Anfield earlier this season still reverberate through the streets of Merseyside. The Reds, under the tactical mastery of Jurgen Klopp, displayed a clinical dominance that left the Toffees awe-struck. But this time, the stage is going to be different. Everton's historic home, Goodison Park, promises a vastly different atmosphere from what Liverpool enjoyed at Anfield. We expect a cacophony of chants, a wall of blue defiance, and a relentless, desperate fight from the blue half of Merseyside.
     
    Under the stern guidance of the dogmatic Sean Dyche, Everton have been transformed into a resolute defensive unit not to be broken so easily. Dyche's no fills approach has brought stability and a newfound determination to Goodison after the disastrous reign of Frank Lampard. Virgil van Dijk and Ibou Komnate will face a stern physical challenge from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Toffees' talismanic striker, who is eager to prove to the home fans that the Blues will not be rolled over by the title chasing Reds.
     
    Across the divide, Liverpool is a relentless juggernaut with their front three of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah capable of breaking open even the most watertight backline. However, pacey counter-attacks and set-pieces provide hope against the Reds defence, tactics which Dyche is an expert at deploying. 
     
    It certainly is poised to be an explosive match with one side battling to win the league and the other fighting to stay in it. Both teams have their strengths and vulnerabilities, tactical nuances, and hidden weapons. Dyche's Everton will be desperate to prove their mettle on home turf while Liverpool will look to maintain their dominance and retain bragging rights for the city. 
     
    Liverpool started this season with an explosive desire to make their presence felt once more in the league and have remained on top for quite a while so they will be looking to maintain their title challenge by securing a win for themselves at Everton’s home.
     
    On paper, Liverpool's attack gives them a big edge over the goal shy Blues, but Goodison Park can act as a great equalizer, transforming the Toffees into a formidable and passionate unit. This is the best hope for Everton to spring an upset. Liverpool have been very much a second half team this season so fans should expect a tight first half, filled with sporadic tackles flying and nerves jangling. A single moment of brilliance, a defensive lapse, or a goalkeeping error could decide the fate of the match.
     
    While from all indications it might seem like a comfortable win for the big favourites of Liverpool, derby games can be unpredictable and the Reds have not won too frequently at Goodison in recent years. They haven't lost either, so a draw would not be a surprise to anybody.
    Match Tickets
    We are expecting a sell-out crowd as tickets for this high-octane clash have been in astronomical demand, and Goodison Park is set to witness a serious uproar. The atmosphere will be electric and pulsating with anticipation and simmering with the raw passion of both sets of fans. 
     
    Expect pyro to light up the Merseyside sky, chants to drown out the roar of the engines across the river, and a display of unwavering support from both armies of blue and red. 
     
    Wherever you are, hurry up and secure your spot in the arena because, from the look of things, these remaining handful of empty seats will not remain empty for long. Fans can purchase Everton vs Liverpool tickets via top ticket reselling sites.
    Team News
    Everton will be hoping for the full availability of their midfielder Amadou Onana, whose presence in the heart of the park could provide the much-needed dynamism and ball-winning ability that will be crucial to the outcome of the game. James Garner, a tenacious young talent, will likely partner him in the engine room with the onerous task of disrupting Liverpool's rhythm and also launching swift counterattacks. Vitaliy Mykolenko and Seamus Coleman's experience and crossing prowess is still an added dimension to the Toffees' attack, while Onana's tireless running could prove invaluable in covering Liverpool's attacking trio.
     
    Liverpool, despite all the problems they have with injuries, still have an embarrassment of riches in their midfield. Endo's defensive acumen and Alexis Mac Allister's creative spark offer Klopp a plethora of options to explore. Cody Gakpo and talented youngster Jayden Danns provide valuable backup for the front three if needed. Of course, it is not out of place to expect Klopp to tinker with his formation, and possibly opt for a false nine in Darwin Nunez to draw Tarkowski and Branthwaite out of position and create space for Salah to exploit behind the Everton defense
    Lineup
    Everton: Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Onana, Garner, Gueye, Harrison, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin
     
    Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Szoboslai, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
    Prediction
    A victory for either side wouldn't surprise anyone, while a draw would leave both sets of fans with mixed emotions. 
     
    However, the potential for a late winner, a dramatic twist, or a moment of individual magic hangs heavy in the Merseyside air. 
     
    Liverpool are one of the most resilient sides in the league so far this season and they will strongly be expected to seal the double over their Merseyside rivals. Everton might put up a strong fight at Goodison but the Reds will just be too much for them to handle and will win it late.
     
    Everton 0-2 Liverpool
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold believes that the way that Liverpool have earned their success in the Jurgen Klopp era means more in a personal sense compared to the financial juggernaut that is Man City.
     
    For the second time in three seasons, Liverpool are challenging on all four fronts. and having already one cup under their belt, it only gets more challenging from this point on.
     
    And on Sunday sees yet another chapter in the great modern day rivalry that is Liverpool vs Man City.
     
    And while nothing will be truly decided by the time the final whistle blows on Sunday, a win to either team will most certainly see them claim the favouritism tag for the title-run in.
     
    The Reds have a couple of things in their favour, namely that they are playing at Anfield and the fact that they still hold the pole position, thanks to that precious 99th minute winner by Darwin Nunez against Nottingham Forest.
     
    For their part Man City are doing what they seemingly do automatically which is click into gear once the new year comes around.
     
    It takes a hell of a lot of mental strength to come up against a team with the immense financial power that Man City have in abundance.
     
    Now that’s not to say that it money is the only thing that breeds success as you have to have a clear plan in how to spend it and bring in the right players of quality, but in the current landscape it most certainly helps your cause.
     
    Liverpool have a different method in how they have gone about their quest to claim honours, and it is something that clearly resonates with the playing group if the words of Alexander-Arnold are to go by as The Mirror reported (per Four Four Two).
     

     
    “It's tough. We're up against a machine that's built to win - that's the simplest way to describe City and their organisation.
     
    "Looking back on this era, although they've won more titles than us and have probably been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase because of the situations at both clubs, financially.
     
    “How both clubs have built their teams and the manner in which we've done it, probably means more to our fans."
     
    The right-back who is currently out with a lateral knee ligament injury knows full well about the overall strength of their title rivals, but sees no reason why the Reds cannot go stride for stride with them and come out on top come May.
     

     
    "From the turn of the year, City switch it on and it's a difficult machine to stop,"
     
    "But we've shown in the past that we've been able to do it and there's no reason why we can't go and match them this season. We're excited to be involved with City and know we're in a good position.
     
    "I'm sure they'll be motivated, as are we. It's going to be an exciting end."
     
     
  • And we thought last week was dramatic. This team, fucking hell. It wasn’t a good performance, the lads just didn’t have it but they dug deep and found a way. That’s what Champions do. It’s hard not to draw parallels with the Villa game in the title winning season, but it’s too early to know if it will have the same significance. Teams who win titles usually have moments like this one that they look back on as being pivotal though. Hopefully this is ours.
     
    For so long it was looking like it wasn’t going to happen, yet because of the faith I have in these players I wasn’t panicking and even going into stoppage time I thought we’d win. It wasn’t until around 95 minutes or so that I gave up and had resigned myself to us ending the weekend in 3rd spot. It’s ironic that the moment I had given up was the moment that Forest are kicking off about and saying it decided the game.
     
    May as well get all that out of the way first. The game was in the balance and Forest looked just as likely to get a winner as we did in extra time. They had carried a threat on the counter attack all day and the more we pushed forward looking for the winner, the more space we left for them. They had the ball in our final third and time was running out. It was around the time they had that corner that I lost hope. In fact, it was the moment when play was stopped for the Konate head injury.
     
    Forest had already been wasting time (more on that in a bit) and Hudson-Odoi had been in possession when play stopped. I expected a brief delay while Ibou was sorted and then I assumed Forest would keep it in the corner and that would be that. The stream I was watching on buffered at that point and when it came back on we had the ball in the Forest half. So I didn’t know what had happened there until afterwards. Then a minute or so later we scored and all hell broke loose.
     
    On the final whistle the Forest staff were going mad (their assistant manager was red carded) and even the owner was on the pitch kicking off. The big fat fuck even waddled down the tunnel chasing after Paul Tierney. Imagine John Henry doing that shit. Add some more points to their impending deduction, the crying pricks. The commentators explained that they were furious that they didn’t get the ball back after Ibou’s head injury and at that moment I could understand why they’d be pissed off. I would be too. It made no sense why Tierney gave us the ball back, and even know I’m still not entirely what should have happened. I do know that Tierney had done virtually the same thing at the other end though.
  • Monday Feb 26:
     
    Still basking in the glow of yesterday. The content that comes out after these wins is always brilliant and this is no different. All the footage of Darwin being mental, from numerous angles, the goal celebrations put to the Rocky music, the image of Klopp fist pumping the fans with a crestfallen Caicedo sat on the pitch looking on, the kids celebrating together with the big photo of them all, Klopp’s dad dancing to Dua Lipa, Diaz’s actual dad dancing, the video of the best Allez Allez Allez ever that spurred the team on, Neville savaging Chelsea with that “billion dollar blue bottle jobs” just because he was pissed off we’d won…. there’s just so much to digest. Imagine being us.
     
    Meanwhile, the PL bottled it and gave Everton four points back. On what grounds? Because of how much they’ve cried? What a load of bollocks this is. The punishment was the very least they deserved given the offences. They had been allowed to write off a load of shit they should never have been able to write off (all the Covid losses for one thing) but they cried and screamed "corruption" and the PL have shit themselves. It's a joke. Not as much of a joke as them doing nothing to stop City from just carrying on regardless, but it's still a joke. 
     
    Everton still have another charge which might see them docked more points, and Forest will probably get done as well. THIS SEASON. Whatever happens to City won't be this season. It won’t be until God knows when, by which time they might have added another tainted title to the collection and ruined yet another PL season. If they win it and then get punished next season, what fucking good does that do us or Arsenal? 
     
    I understand how complex it is and that it will take time, but the more I think about it the more I don’t understand why they don’t just do them in blocks of five charges, starting this season. These cunts need the book throwing at them to the extent that whatever punishment they get causes them to fall down the leagues, lose all of their best players and see Abu Dhabi pull out of there because of the bad PR they’re getting. I want that club ruined and for them to never win anything again. And not even that would make up for the memories they’ve robbed us and others of.
     
    Meanwhile, "Go and win it for them, young King". The new “eight worst words in the English language” perhaps? Tony Bellew tweeted that yesterday when Danns came on and as you can imagine it caused quite the stir with the Blues. Neil Danns is his best mate so he's known Jayden since he was a little kid, but "go and win it for them" was never going to go down well. He knew that but said it anyway, because in his words Jayden is “family” but now they're mad at him and his ‘top blue’ status is being questioned. There's never a dull moment with the Blues is there?  
  • Liverpool are set for another battle with the Egyptian FA after officially asking them to exclude Mo Salah from the March friendlies.
     
    Salah had his African Cup of Nations tournament ended early after suffering a hamstring injury, and after a lay-off he returned to Liverpool action against Brentford on the 17th of February playing the second 45 minutes where he scored and produced a assist in the 4-1 victory.
     
    However bad news was to come in the aftermath of that game when the winger sustained a muscular injury which was apparently linked to his original ailment.
     
    There was always apprehension and caution attached in regards to how to bring Salah back to the playing fold, given how vital he is to the fortunes of Liverpool battling for honours on all four fronts.
     
    It seems remarkable to think in the modern day of high-octane Football and especially the way that Salah plays the game, that this was his first setback with any sort of muscle strain or tear that he has had since being at the club.
     
    But it is to his utmost credit in the professional way he prepares himself, that the 31 year-old has almost been an omnipresent fixture on the team sheet of Jurgen Klopp.
     
    To highlight that further, in his first six seasons on Merseyside, Salah has averaged 36.33 Premier League appearances per season, and extending that to all competitions he has averaged 50.83 appearances per season, only once not passing the half century which was in 2019/20.
     
    This campaign will be the second time, as even if he plays every possible game from here on in (currently on 28) he will fall one game short of the mark.
     

     
    But by far the most important thing is getting Salah back on the pitch and in top shape once the big games come around, which basically starts this week with a Round- of-16 clash with Sparta Prague in the Europa League followed by a visit from reigning league champions Man City.
     
    And hence why the letter was written to Egyptian officials, however the response gives the impression that they will make the decision and not Liverpool as the Echo reported.
     
    “We have already received a letter from Liverpool to exempt Mohamed Salah from the upcoming camp due to his injury. We sent the name of Mohamed Salah among the professional players that we are requesting to include in the next camp a few days ago.
     
    "It is our right to include any professional player as long as it is at the time of the international agenda, and the issue of whether or not to include him is in the hands of the national team’s technical staff, led by captain Hossam Hassan.
     
    "It is still too early to decide the matter, and if Mohamed Salah plays any match in the time before the start of the camp, we will adhere to his inclusion, and he will be examined and his readiness determined by the medical staff of the Egyptian national team."
     

     
    In 2021, Liverpool won the battle of wills with the Egyptian FA when they refused to release him for duty for the Olympic Games which they had every right not to given it was a non-FIFA sanctioned event.
     
    But it is clear given that wording that there is no love lost and the Egyptian FA are determined to chalk up any win they can.
     
    But let us hope the bigger picture is not lost in all this, and that is the fitness of one of the most important players in modern day Football.
  • 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
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