Liverpool vs. Swansea: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info
Liverpool host Swansea City at Anfield on Sunday looking to continue their good run of former under Jurgen Klopp and build on the victories over Manchester City and Bordeaux.
Klopp has lost just once since taking over the Reds in early October—their last home league game, against Crystal Palace. That defeat arrived immediately after a Europa League game against Rubin Kazan, and Klopp will be looking to ensure such a hangover doesn't happen again.
While Klopp's stock continues to rise, his opposite number on Sunday is feeling the heat. Garry Monk's future as manager of the Welsh club is reportedly under threat after just one win in their last 10 games.
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This fixture last season ended in a 4-1 win for the home side—that was the last time Liverpool had scored more than three goals in a game up until their impressive demolition of Man City last time out in the league.
The Swans also tasted defeat in the League Cup at Anfield last season, losing 2-1 late on.
Swansea have never won a league game at Anfield, although they did record a 3-1 win in the League Cup back in 2012. Their only other victory at Anfield was in the FA Cup in 1964.
Liverpool are firm favourites to win, something Monk is aware of pre-match.
“[Klopp] speaks exceptionally well and the team are in a good run of form,” Monk said ahead of the game, per the Press Association (via This Is Anfield). “But this week has been about us and concentrating the players on what we do best and improving in all areas."
Can Swansea upset the odds and relieve the pressure on their manager?
Date: Sunday, 29 November, 2015
Time: 4.15 p.m. GMT / 11.15 a.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV Info: Sky Sports UK) / NBCSN (U.S.)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK) / NBCSN Live Extra (U.S.)
Form Lines (Last 5 Games)
Liverpool
Won 2-1 vs. Bordeaux (Europa League)
Won 4-1 vs. Manchester City
Lost 2-1 vs. Crystal Palace
Won 1-0 vs. Rubin Kazan (Europa League)
Won 3-1 vs. Chelsea
Swansea
Drew 2-2 vs. Bournemouth
Lost 1-0 vs. Norwich City
Lost 3-0 vs. Arsenal
Won 2-1 vs. Aston Villa
Lost 1-0 vs. Stoke City
Team News
Klopp's pre-match press conference was dominated by questions relating to the fitness of key players. Daniel Sturridge's troubles have been well documented, and Klopp refused to be drawn on whether the England forward could recover from his latest setback, this time a foot injury sustained before Thursday's Europa League win over Bordeaux.
Klopp, though, did hint that Sturridge needs to toughen up, saying, per This Is Anfield: “You have to learn what is serious pain and what is only pain. Everybody wants him back on the pitch but that’s what we have to learn."
In contrast, captain Jordan Henderson is showing a different attitude, says Klopp: "For a player like him, with his history with injury, he’s always on the door. I like this."
Henderson could be involved in the matchday squad for the first time under Klopp, and the first time since the second game of the season, at home to Bournemouth.
Philippe Coutinho should recover from the hamstring strain that saw him miss the Bordeaux match, while Martin Skrtel is also fit to return for the home side.
For the visitors, they're without former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who is suspended. Monk has no injuries in his squad.
He will likely pick between Bafetimbi Gomis and Eder up front.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Allen, Can, Milner, Coutinho, Lallana, Firmino.
Swansea: Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Ki, Cork, Ayew, Sigurdsson, Montero, Eder.
Players to Watch
Liverpool: Roberto Firmino
After starting against Bordeaux on Thursday, Christian Benteke could drop down to the bench on Sunday, with Klopp questioning in his pre-match press conference whether the Belgian can start two games in three days.
That means it's likely the Reds boss will return to the front three that unsettled Man City's defence, with Roberto Firmino as the No. 9 assisted by Coutinho and Adam Lallana.
Firmino is finding form under Klopp, enjoying being played in his preferred central role, claiming a goal and an assist against City.
Swansea: Andre Ayew
Another player in form is Swansea attacking midfielder Andre Aye, who scored in the Swans' 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last time out.
He has six goals this season from the left of the attack, making him their leading goalscorer this season.
Key Battle: Finishing
Swansea, like Liverpool, have struggled for goals this season. Both clubs' top scorers are attacking midfielders—Ayew with six, and Coutinho with five—and both sides have struggled when defending set pieces.
Neither side, though, has conceded many goals from open play. Therefore, the quality of finishing will be key to getting a result for both sides.
Swansea have failed to replace the departed Wilfried Bony up front, but Liverpool do have the forwards available now and Benteke likely to be called upon the bench, which should give them the edge.
Odds (via Odds Shark)
Liverpool: 100/149
Swansea: 4/1
Draw: 11/4
