The last league meeting between Liverpool and Swansea in mid-September is perhaps remembered most for Jonjo Shelvey’s direct involvement in all four goals during the 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium. An early goal from Shelvey gave him and his new club a dream start, before the Liverpool-turned-Swansea player first misplaced a pass to Daniel Sturridge and then later Victor Moses to give Liverpool a 2-1 lead. Shelvey then assisted Michu just after the hour mark to level the match, ending The Reds’ 100% win record since the start of the campaign. On that day, a draw was enough for Rodgers’ men to leapfrog Arsenal and Tottenham and finish the gameweek at the top of the table. Five months on and The Reds find themselves four points behind league leaders Chelsea, but just three points ahead of fellow Champions League hopefuls Tottenham (albeit with a huge gulf in goal differential).

Liverpool’s exit from the FA Cup last weekend at the hands of Arsenal could ultimately prove to be a blessing in disguise in the race for a top-four spot, whereas Swansea’s strong showing in their Europa League tie against Serie A high-flyers Napoli on Thursday may provide a confidence boost before they ply their trade at one of the most intimidating and formidable grounds in English football. However a three day break for Swansea could, of course, benefit the Anfield side, who will have had a whole week’s break having not been involved in any European competition this season. The assumption that Liverpool’s opposition will tire in the latter stages of the game must seem like déjà vu to many, with Fulham enjoying just over 72 hours of rest following a gruelling 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Of course, the match last Wednesday at Craven Cottage went right to the wire and it may have been tired legs that eventually allowed Steven Gerrard to finish from the penalty spot in the dying minutes of the match to give his side a 3-2 victory. Similar mistakes may occur on Sunday if Swansea don’t remain concentrated, regardless of how tired their bodies become.

Liverpool’s injury list is slowly decreasing in length as Glen Johnson returns to the squad and Jordan Henderson (who was rested against Arsenal after surgery on his wrist) is expected to start. Lucas and Mamadou Sakho are both still out however, while it has been reported that Jose Enrique has travelled to the USA for treatment on a knee injury. For Swansea, star-man Michu is still out, but the previously mentioned hero and villain of the September fixture, Jonjo Shelvey, is expected to play after making a substitute appearance mid-week.

5-0 was the scoreline in the corresponding fixture last season, with five different players hitting the back of the net for Liverpool that day. For Swansea, a repeat of that thrashing will do their survival hopes no favours, whereas to take points at a ground where Everton and Arsenal have recently been swept aside with ease would give new manager Gary Monk and his side genuine belief that they can avoid the drop. However, it can be guaranteed that in whatever way Swansea approach their trip to Anfield, the seemingly unstoppable pairing of Daniel Sturridge (who has scored in seven consecutive league games) and Luis Suarez, coupled with the ever improving Raheem Sterling and Philippe Countinho, will have something to say about it.

Liverpool vs Swansea pre match by Elliot Morrow





