It is odd to think that, as Kopite91 said, a win against West Ham is a turning point. It is seen by many as a "turning point" as it is the first time we have won 2 consecutively in the league. I know you can harp on all you like about the past but it is mad to think that these things would have been taken for granted only a few years back.
I don't mean to sound like I am taking anything away from Brendan, I was delighted with the result against West Ham, a game I actually expected us to struggle in. For some reason, however, I think this next game will go a long way to symbolise a lot. Liverpool FC of recent years has always had the same problem....losing when expected to win. I don't know what it is but we just seem to have issues with it.
Villa got a good result, albeit in the League Cup, against Norwich. I don't often say this about other teams, as I believe there are no easy games in the Premiership, but Villa really are a sh*t team. They may have given United a good run for their money a few weeks back but this is a game that I would would be extremely disappointed to lose. A home game against an average team, after winning 2 on the bounce, 3 if you include Europa League. We have to approach this game with real determination and fight. Villa are the sort of team who will go to Anfield, defend as if their life depends on it and try and nick a counter-attacking goal. The only way to avoid that happening is by taking our chances and be awake to any potential threat. The team have to be switched on for the whole 90 minutes, nothing less.
I think the team, with most games, fairly pick itself. I believe the XI that Kopite91 has selected will be the choice. That said, maybe Brendan will choose to leave Shelvey in, playing a more attacking midfield role with Suarez ahead of him. Thought Jonjo's performance on Sunday was excellent and he really showed his main attributes: strength, skill and an eye for goal. Brendan has a difficult choice to make.
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