Liverpool v Utrecht
Where: Anfield
When: 15 Dec 2010, 8:05pm GMT
Liverpool face Utrecht in the Europa League clash at night, with many kids receiving free tickets courtesy of the club to savour the famed Anfield atmosphere.
Liverpool are already assured top spot in their Group, so in this dead-rubber tie the result does not make any difference or impact. However, any defeat would firmly put Hodgson on the backfoot as calls for him to get the sack grow louder.
In Monday’s world exclusive in a LIVE phone-in with the owners, fans expressed their displeasure at Hodgson still being the manager of Liverpool FC. The fans who called made their points across loud and clear, calling it ‘absolutely unbelievable’ that Kenny Dalglish, a former Kop favourite and the last manager who brought the title back to Liverpool, was overlooked for Hodgson.
This is a result that perhaps, is crucial to Hodgson’s survival in the doldrums as a manager of Liverpool. Any lack of ambition to win the game would clearly signify that Hodgson, is afterall, not up for the job.
Star names are expected to start the game, most notably Fernando Torres. He has looked hesitant and plagued with troubles all season. Nevetheless, it is another opportunity for him to rediscover his scoring touch that he has sorely lacked this season. I also think Kuyt is odds on to start the game considering his previous alliance with Utrecht.
I think it should be a good game, but if we win, please Hodgson, don’t claim this as a famous European victory.
Expected Liverpool Line-up (4-4-2): Reina, Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Aurelio, Jovanovic, Shelvey, Poulsen, Kuyt, Babel, Torres.
Prediction
Liverpool 1-1 Utrecht