Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Is this Liverpool's year?

Ok, we've heard it all before, that this is the year Liverpool finally end their 26-year hunt for the title. Following the way in which they disposed of Watford over the weekend, there's cause for optimism on Merseyside. Can they sustain this level of play throughout the season? Is it too soon, just 11 games in, to be touting them as the favourites?

They do have some things working in their favour. The brilliantly charismatic, dashing German tracksuit model/manager Jurgen Klopp has experience guiding teams to the title, having transformed Borussia Dortmund. Robert Firimino and Coutinho are in dazzling form and if they can get a fully-fit Daniel Sturridge, they'll be one of, if not the, best attacking sides in the league. Dejan Lovren has turned into a good defender all of a sudden and their captain Jordan Henderson is having his best season in midfield since their last gasp title choke in 2014.

However, can they stay the pace? Following Leicester's miraculous title win and West Ham's surprisingly high finish last season, business seems to have returned to normal at the top end of the table. Chelsea have overcome a slow start to the season to find themselves in 2nd, while Manchester City have arguably the world's best manager (Pep Guardiola) at their disposal. And it would be folly to rule out Arsenal and Tottenham, who have produced some flawless displays already this season.

There's no doubt Liverpool have the talent to win the league. The question perhaps should be, do they have the mental fortitude to do so?

Saturday, 5 November 2016

Return of the W-League

It's superb to see the W-League return this weekend. Can't wait to see some of the world's best female footballers in Australia. Really hoping the W-League can kick on and capitalise on the success of The Matildas and give aspiring female footballers out there something to aim for. Kudos must go to Fox Sports and the ABC for announcing a TV rights partnership between the two, allowing them braodcast 14 matches this season (although I hope one day in the near future, viewers will be able to watch every game).

Once again, it's hard to go past Melbourne City as the favoruties after the way their superstar squad swept away everyone in their path last season. The signing of Matilda's goalkeeper Lydia Williams is a coup, strengthening an already imposing team. Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide will all be aiming for a finals spot, while don't cout out Canberra and Perth either.