LAURA WOODS: NO CRISIS FOR LIVERPOOL, BUT ISAK FORM IS A CONCERN
EUROPEAN WIN IS IMPORTANT BUT PREMIER LEAGUE CONSISTENCY IS KEY FOR LIVERPOOL
I don’t think Liverpool are in a crisis.
They got that midweek confidence boost by beating Frankfurt, which was much-needed, especially after the defeat to Manchester United. Scoring a lot of goals will have felt good too, even if Frankfurt do leak goals for fun.
They really need to bring that confidence into the Premier League. If they can do that against Brentford this weekend, then they can get themselves back on track.
Defensively, though, I think their woes will still be there. They’ve only kept two clean sheets all season, and they don't look like a title-winning team for me yet.
BTTS in Brentford vs Liverpool is 11/20 with BetMGM
ISAK IS A WORRY FOR LIVERPOOL
What is worrying me regarding Liverpool is the Alexander Isak situation.
He’s had no pre-season, so he is already having to play catch-up in that regard, and then he has the issue of having to gel with a new team. That team are also having to gel with a lot of new faces, so it has been difficult.
When he got into the team, his form wasn’t there, and now he’s been forced off with another injury. It’s been pretty much the worst start he could have had at Anfield. It is a lot of pressure on a player with a huge price tag.
It is a long season, though. He has so much time to settle and come good. Confidence is a wonderful thing when you’ve got it. Look at how well Hugo Ekitike played against Frankfurt — the pundits with me in the studio were raving about him, he was superb.
Hugo Ekitike to score against Brentford is 6/4 with BetMGM
POSTECOGLOU SITUATION WAS A FARCE
It felt inevitable that Nottingham Forest were going to sack Ange Postecoglou but giving him such a short space of time seems like a complete waste of money and energy.
What was the point of it all? Did they fail to do their research on him properly? Did they think last season’s Premier League form with Spurs was a blip and he could pull them a trophy from somewhere?
Or, did they fail him by not giving him the resources and time that a new manager needs to settle into a new club? Everyone knows his style of play and I just think the whole thing was a bit of a farce.
I love Sean Dyche though. I’m enjoying him back in his press conferences, going off on tangents and being so entertaining. I can’t wait to watch him at Forest.
Nottingham Forest to beat Bournemouth is 7/2 with BetMGM
GYOKERES IS SUITED TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Viktor Gyokeres will be a success in the Premier League and this Arsenal team suits him.
The Gunners already have the silky players, and needed a poacher in front of goal. It doesn’t always have to be pretty.
He is so strong, and he holds the ball up so well. Defenders have to occupy him, and that takes the attention away from Saka, so the opposition doesn’t always mob him.
Scoring a brace in the Champions League in midweek felt like a big statement, and it filled me with even more confidence that he is the right man for Arsenal. They look every bit the complete team at the moment.
Viktor Gyokeres to score against Crystal Palace is Evens with BetMGM
GOLDEN GOALS MATCHDAY 9 SELECTIONS
Here’s what I’m thinking for the latest Golden Goals round:
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You can find out more about Golden Goals and play along here.
Golden Goals Terms & Conditions
Opt in & predict 6 correct scores (see game lobby for weekly tournament cut-off time) to win up to £250k jackpot. Predict 2+ correct scores and win a prize (ranging from Free Bets to £5k Prizepool). Winnings shared evenly in case of multiple winners. Each prize subject to its own terms. Void if 1 or more matches postponed/abandoned or not completed. Verification procedures apply. 18+. T&Cs and exclusions apply.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
