Liverpool aims to bounce back in the Merseyside derby after a 3-0 capitulation at Wolves last Saturday. As a result, Liverpool have been languishing in the middle of the table failing to spark a charge to finish in the top four. In contrast the blue side of Merseyside is experiencing a resurgence after the sacking of Frank Lampard and the appointment of Sean Dyche.
Reasons for Liverpool collapse.
Hangover from congested 2021/22 fixture list
Pundits, journalists and ex-players have analyzed the poor performances and reasons for the drop in form. One of the main reasons is the draining sixty-three game season in 2021/22 season which almost saw Liverpool win a quadruple. Liverpool star players such as Salah, Henderson and Van Dijk who featured in most games are feeling the effects of a congested fixture list.
Midfield poor form
Liverpool’s engine room has also had to bear the blame of the poor performances as they are not covering as much as they did in yester year. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara are a shadow of their former selves. Klopp has been forced to use eighteen-year-old Stefan Bajcetic and Naby Keita, but they have failed to stabilize the ship.
Injuries to key players
Injuries to key players has also had a detrimental effect on the title charge this season. Injury to key players have really stretched the team and the supporting cast has failed to step up while the key players recover.
Defensive fragility
Liverpool have not been as solid defensively both with and without Virgil van Dijk. Consequently, Liverpool have let in five goals through set pieces (excluding penalties) which is far more than they had at this point last season where they let in seven all season long. Injuries have resulted in Klopp having to try out many defensive combinations with most failing to close the back door.
Liverpool defense also has the reputation of slow starts conceding five times in the opening 5 minutes leading to Liverpool going into most second halves trailing.
Keys to Liverpool bounce back in the Merseyside derby
Reds forward line
Klopp needs to work on Darwin Nunez finishing as the Uruguay striker has missed a league high 16 big chances this season. Salah has also not been at his goal scoring best with only seven goals compared sixteen at the same point last season. Salah has also wasted twelve big chances this season. The coach needs to help his strikers find their goal scoring touch through continuously playing the new front trio together.
Return of Injured players
Integral players who have missed out this season such as Diogo Jota, van Dijk, Firmino and Konate are likely to return to the squad after lengthy injuries. The return of these players will freshen up the tired looking Liverpool team.
Set piece preparedness
Set piece preparedness will help Liverpool a bounce back in the Merseyside derby as Sean Dyche teams are known for their set piece prowess. If Liverpool want to bounce back Joe Gomez and Matip must be on top of their game.
Integral players who have missed out this season such as Diogo Jota, van Dijk, Firmino and Konate are likely to return to the squad after lengthy injuries. The return of these players will freshen up the tired looking Liverpool team.
Wingbacks and assists
Jurgen Klopp must get his full backs making forward runs, delivering wonderful crossing, and assisting again. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold have been in the top three defenders with assists in the Premier League with the two having 54 and 46 assists respectively on the all-time list. Trent Alexander Arnold has only one assist so far whereas in the 2021/22 and 2019/20 he had thirteen and twelve respectively.
