Back to the Prem
That's followed by the traditional 3pm GMT kickoffs in Britain, which include Chelsea v. Brentford on USA and my beloved Leeds hosting Southampton on The Cock. This is one of the nine remaining fixtures that's winnable for the Whites; a third successive win would make us virtually safe.
Finally, we've got the 12:30 fixture on NBC; this week it features United at Old Trafford against Leicester.
So, grab that cuppa and join me, won't you?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:12 AM
419 Comments:
The best statistic of the morning is that Liverpool haven't dropped points in the Premier League for three months. I'm hoping that they won't slip up today. A loss for Watford is a must.
The teams now warming up for this one:
Liverpool: Alisson, Gomez, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson, Jones, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Firmino, Jota.
Subs: Fabinho, Konate, Milner, Mane, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tsimikas, Diaz, Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold.
Watford: Foster, Femenia, Kabasele, Samir, Kamara, Sissoko, Louza, Kucka, Sarr, Joao Pedro, Hernandez.
Subs: Ngakia, King, Cleverley, Masina, Sema, Cathcart, Dennis, Bachmann, Kayembe.
Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)
The players are coming out at Anfield. A lot of focus in the warm-up show on Mo Salah, who suffered the disappointment of losing out with his Egypt side in the African qualifiers.
And we're away in this lunchtime kickoff.
Samir rakes a long ball down the middle. Sarr can’t get past Van Dijk so decides to send a speculative screaming shot goalwards. The ball clears the bar, but only just. A little more dip on that, and things might have been interesting.
Nice stuff between Salah and Curtis Jones but Jones' cross from the by-line was just cut off.
Good Morning, Bob. Up to join you for the return of Prem footie
Liverpool, by merely kicking off here have jumped to the top of the table.
Watford, meanwhile, are within two points of Everton but crucially having played three more matches than the Toffees.
Liverpool have a free kick out wide right now.
Morning, David - great to have you on board this morning.
I'm disappointing that Liverpool aren't already a couple of goals to the good.
Oh - Watford broke quickly and only Alisson's legs saved Liverpool there. That's the danger posed by the Hornets front line.
GOAL! And just like that, Liverpool are in front!
Jota again.
Great cross in from Joe Gomez and Foster was in no man's land as Jota nicked it by him.
Back from walks with Trooper on a chilly morning to see Pool have taken the lead.
Lovely - Watford are now back down to 22 points where I want them and level on matches played with Leeds who are seven points clear of them.
Thanks, Bob. Glad to join you. Now time to break w a pot of hot coffee and feed Trooper brekkies
What will depress Watford is that they've actually been pretty good, defending doggedly and springing attacks when they can.
Just rewound to see the Hornets nearly took the lead on the break when Kucka and Joao Pewrdo combined then Pool immediately broke and Jota headed in off a cross from Joe Gomez Addams
Looks like the Hornets had several good chances prior to the goal , especially just before Pool scored
Nasty head clash there between Matip and Hernandez. The Watford man came off worse.
I'd like to see another Liverpool goal before half-time to settle the nerves.
A bit more Watford possession than I would like. Liverpool are 1-0 up but Watford are definitely in this one.
Pool two points clear , but the should change with Citeh playing at Turf Moor at 10 AM
Yes, if anything David, Watford had the better chances before the goal.
Poo, counter off the Hornets corner and Salad well defended as he's tackled for as Pool corner
OH! Great close range block by Ben Foster from Jota after ping pong in the Hornets box
That's of course my hope. If we were to beat Southampton and the top three teams were to win against Watford, Burnley and Brentford respectively, this could be a very good morning for us.
Hornets midfield player, Louza, living up to his name.
BOOM BOOM!
It will be a tough one vs Saints, who are in decent form, but definitely winnable. Leeds will need to be at their best
Morning Boys,
I am just checking in for a few minutes. I have my baseball draft, my laptop being fixed and then going to Tom's place
It doesn't feel right not being on LOB!!
Hornets remain three points from safety behind the Toffees.
I know the Toffees have a big make up match at VR. I guess you want a draw, but a Toffees win would be better than a Hornets win if there is a winner
Morning, Dave - it sounds like a busy morning for you. Everything's going well here so far.
Good Morning, Dave. Have fun at the draft. Sorry you won't be around
It will be a tough one but we've won two on the trot and I believe the Saints have lost three on the bounce.
I thought Salah would be more depressed today after another penalty shootout loss to Senegal.
I suppose that's correct but a draw is definitely the right result.
Correct, mate.Saints have lost threee in a row , including losing at home to the Hornets. Leeds can win this then.
Jack Frost joined Troopernand I for wlakies today. Didn't expect him in April. Supposed to be in the 60s this afternoon.
Into two minutes of stoppage time.
A pair of stoppage time minutes
Joe Gomez has been building up to a yellow card and he's got one now, the first of the afternoon.
Joe Gomez Addams booked for pulling Joaoa Pedros' shirt
Half-time - everything going swimmingly so far, although I would have preferred to see Liverpool 2-0 or 3-0 up.
Pool one up at the half
Had to go on a coffee run for Kath and Doug.... I'll be around for next 20 minutes
I'm doing all my drafting stuff on my laptop that has to be plugged in or will die(that's what Walt is helping me with)
I'll have the Leeds match on my telly on the Cock....who cares about Chelsea/Brentford
Second half underway from Anfield
Agreed, Dave. With only eight matches remaining Chelsea vs Bees not as important.
I'm back with a second cuppa for the second half now.
Now that Leeds have pulled within a point of the Bees, I've got a passing interest in that match.
It looked like you had a splendid dinner last night, David.
If terriers get promoted then Bob's old mate will be in the Prem. Terriers manager, Carlos Corberan was Bielsa's assistant and sometimes translator until taking over at the Terriers midway through last season. Was in charge of the under 23s a season before that
It’s all a bit slow and mannered from a Liverpool perspective. Watford will be perfectly happy with the plodding pace of this game at the moment.
Yes. . It was great getting to use the Blackstone cooker again after our handyman replaced a part
Well, as I said last week, it is always good to overtake a team in the table....Love Leeds to overtake the Bees today
Yeah - I'm really happy for Carlos. I've never had any animosity toward Huddersfield who have a tight history with Leeds. However, my social studies colleague David Hicks, who's at Virginia Tech and is a Huddersfield native, feels differently about the relationship.
It's always handy to have a handyman that you can trust about.
Good point, m Dave. Going up the table helps too and every chance of that today
Oh - from the corner. Virgil had a headed chance but got too much under it.
Not sure why Mr. Hicks doesn't like Carlos . He's done an excellent job. What problem would he have with him? He seems a decent bloke.
Oh - Joao Pedro with a very good chance. I'm really glad that fizzed just wide.
OH! Hornets should have ties it up. That Saar was a nice pass then Joao Pedro should have tied it up. Just wide with just Alison top beat
No - I'm sure that David likes Carlos just fine. He just hates Leeds, or the "White Shite" as he likes to call them.
You must be relieved
I would think he would want Carlos to get promoted and have as chance to stick it to Leeds.
Cucho Hernardez goes into the book now. Good free kick chance for the Reds.
Oh - Jota had a free header and should have made it 2-0.
Carlos's Terriers won 0-1 at the KC and are third three points behind the Cherries but have played four more than the Cherries.
Foirest three up at the Tangerines and are now in fifth place
I was watching Overlap with Neville, Keane and Cara
They mentioned Leeds and Nev said he talked to a few Leeds players and they said all the players are so impressed with JM
Wigan one up vs Bolton and are top of L1, a pair of points ahead of Rotherham
Fabinho replaces Curtis Jones - Jurgen obviously wants to bolt the door.
Fab on for Curtis Jones. That's a defensive switch
Freee kickoff head dout then a Fab cross headed inches over by Salah as he was well marked by Kabesele
Oh - Salah in there but his header just cleared the bar. Shame.
Sounds like encouraging news for Leeds based on what Dave stated
Best of Luck Bob.... GET A WIN!!!
I'm off
Sadio Mane coming on now for Mo Salah.
Cheers, Dave. Have fun
Salah for Mane must be and awkward exchange after that penalty shootout a few days ago. One in the WC and one not
Cross headed out by Kiko for a Pool corner
Poor corner cleared by Joao Pedro
Cheers, mate. We need it.
Uncle Won about to make a triple substitution
Watford have played well today but, with fifteen minutes left, I can't really see them getting a goal back.
Oh - Robertson ghosted in at the back post but couldn't get the cross right.
Hornets last won at Anfield when Liverpool born Tommy Mooney scored in a 0-1 in win in August 1999 that was close to the end for Roy Evans. I remember that match
Clever Boy on for Louza , Josh King for Joao Pedro and Manny Dennis for Hernandez on the final rolls of the dice for Uncle Woy. Two of those subs formerly of the MUFC Academy
Bob, Your old mate Cloughie said it only takes a second to score a goal and until Pool score a second there's a slight chance of that equalizer. Pool need a second goal to pad that cushion
Pool without a shot on target for forty minutes. WOW!
This has been a really flat performance by Liverpool, but all they care about is the win.
That is a revealing statistic; but these are the kinds of wins that champions pull off.
Ben Foster the first 39 year old to play at least half the Hornets matches in a season. Was Super Kev the last one?
Agreed with both statements, Bob. Today is one of those days that Pool will need to grind out a result. The brinternational break may be partially responsible for the below par performance
Another Liverpool attack comes to nothing.
Nice break from Pool off a Fab tackle, but his compatriot, Bobby Chompers ruined the break with a poor pass
Then Chompers with a shot blocked
Forest go FOUR UP at the Tangerines in a battle of former Pool assistants
Just a few minutes for Liverpool to hold out here.
Kucka brings down Andy Robertson. Is he frustrated the the Czechs went out in the playoffs?
Stuart Atwell is coming over to look at the VAR monitor. Probably going to be a penalty then.
VAR checking for a penalty. Stu Atwell headed to the monitor
It is a penalty for Liverpool! Lovely!
Actually brought down Jota off the corner . As expected it's a penalty. Will Kucka be booked?
Fab to take as Salah has been substituted.. Will Bob be feeling Fab?
Mo Salah is off the pitch so it's Fabinho to take....
Scores! 2-0!
That'll do nicely - over and out for Uncle Woy and the Hornets.
I am feeling rather Fab!
GOAL ! POOLK GO TWO UP AS FAB PUTS IN THE UPPER 90 DESPITE BEN FOSTER GUESSING CORRECTLY. NICE SPOT KICK
Nice. Thought you would be feeling that way
A late, late cameo for Jamie Milner just to ruin Dave's whole morning.
James Milner on for Thiago
At least it wasn't in stoppage time, so he may not be feeling that upset
A Barber Shop Quartet of stoppage time minutes. Bob singing "I'm Feeling Fab" in that genre
Tangerines score a consolation goal. Now trail Forest 1-4 in stoppage time.
Into four minutes of stoppage time.
Bolton tie it up at the DW. Wigan now second , behind Rotherham on goal difference and four points ahead of the Fake Dons , who host the Shrews at 10 AM
A lovely steaming bowl of Kate's special oatmeal has arrived at my side.
The win must be sealed. Trooper is napping
Perfect weather for oatmeal despite it being April
Surely Jota the best Prem player on current form
That's that - just the win I wanted to start the proceedings this morning. Next up - my Leeds boys.
It's over and Pool win 2-0. Top a pair of points ahead of Citeh , who play at Turf Moor at 10
The match on USA at 10 is a West London Derby as Chelsea hosts the Bees. Not much at stake for any of us in that one
Burnley vs Citeh today and Hammers vs Toffees tomorrow the big matches for you, mate, other than the one coming up at ER
The 10 am matches upcoming:
Brighton v Norwich
Burnley v Manchester City
Chelsea v Brentford
Leeds v Southampton
Wolves v Aston Villa
The team news out of Elland Road:
Meslier, Ayling, Dallas, Coop, Llorente, Forshaw, Klich, Harrison, James, Raphinha, Rodrigo:
Subs: Klaesson, Koch, Struijk, Creswell, Phillips, Kenneh, Summerville, Greenwood, Gelhardt
The coverage has started on Peacock now. Great atmosphere at Elland Road with Josh Warrington showing off his championship belt to an adoring crowd.
You're absolutely right, mate - those are both crucial matches.
And we're away at Elland Road - come on!
Oh - Salisu slid in on James there but the ref wasn't having any of those shouts for a pen.
Early corner chance - come on!
Oh - just wide by Llorente!
Oh - one chance after another now for us. Great start!
Back from Trooper's second walks . We took a while because he has several friends in the nioeghborhood
Oh - now it's Klich with a chance - but he put it wide!
Actually it came off Raph and went out.
How was the walkies?
Chelsea vs Bees on USA. Will be lookin g for Leeds vs saints on the Cock
Mendy nearly gifted the Bees the lead. Horrible pass went straight to Ivan Toney, who chipped him, but it was a foot over
Walkies was great . Thank you for asking. Sunny clear skies and starting to warm up nicely
All Leeds so far and we could already be one or two up.
Great to see our skipper Liam Cooper back in the fold.
I have the match from ER on the IMAC.
COME ON LEEDS! MOT!
Oh - Raph got to the by-line there but couldn't pull it back for Rodrigo.
Not sure why but FOTMOB not showing scores. I guess I can see the scores later today
Oh - first chance for the Saints there. Well taken by Meslier. We need to clear our lines better.
OH! Nice save by Forster by Dan James on the break
Oh - Dan James was through there and made the keeper work.
I'm on the Beeb on my phone. KDB has given Citeh the lead at Turf Moor. Citeh back on top. Johnny Otto has given Wolves the lead vs Villa. Wolves now 7th a point behind United
Oh - Dan James had a chance to slide Raph in there but he just couldn't find the pass.
In the big relegation six point er run the Championship Barnslley has taken the lead vs the Reading Railroad. Reading Railroad now a pair of points from safety ahead of Ince's lads.
Bristol City one up at the Cherries , Coventry on top at Blackburn. Table topping Cottagers one up at Loftus Road in the other West London Derby. Who else but Miotrovic, with the goal
Swans one up at Cardiff in the South Wales Derby. Cottagers now top, eleven points clear of the Cherries
Oh - great ball from Forshaw but he couldn't take the ball with him. Very frustrating. We often start like a house on fire but don't score early.
Oh - that ball over from Che Adams nearly crept in.
Oh - nice one-two between Klich and Rodrigo but his final ball was behind the man.
In L1 Not a big Club has taken a Real lead vs the Real Dons. Not a Big club now in fifth place while the Real Dons ion the last drop spot a pair of points behind Fleetwood Mac
Corner chance now for us - come on!
Shame - we've got it in the net but it's called back for a push.
OH! The corner from Leeds hits the post then Klich with a shot blocked and then Rodrigo called for a foul as Jack Harrison thought he had scored. Good start from Leeds
The Saints are here for the taking - we need to win this match.
Bob, I think is a battle of former Leipzig managers
The annual tribute to the two fans who were stabbed to death in Istanbul now.
Fleetwood Mac rocking and rolling to the lead at rock bottom Motley Crewe and the Fake Dons take the lead vs the Taming of the Shrews. Fake Dons third a point behind Rotherham and Wigan. Fleetwood Mac now four pints clear of the drop xzone.Motley Crewe bottom and close top clinching relegation
Sad what happened in Istanbul.
I think you're right, mate. A fascinating strategic battle.
Oh - Che Adams has a go and it's deflected up and out. Corner. Mark 'em up!
che Addams with a shot blocked for a Saints corner cleared by Jack Harrison
Jesse on top of Ralph so far in this battle
Soton creeping back into this match - don't like it.
Real Dons tie it up at Hillsborough . Real Dons still three points from safety while Not a Big Club in sixth place. Wcomeb on top vs struggling Donny Trump. Wycombe just outside the playoffs, a point behind Not a Big Club
GOAL!JACK HARRISON GIVES LEEDS THE LEAD
YESSSSS!!!!!!!
Raph creates it and Jack Harrison finishes it off!
1-0!
Aspecial thanks to Fraser Forster who flapped at a cross that Raph did well to keep in play. Then Jack blasted it in . Congrats, Bob
That's Jack's eighth goal of the season - a really good return from him.
More good news, Bob, Gundoigan has put Citeh two up at Turf Moor
Oh - now Dan James gets behind the back four and flashes a shot across the area.
Leeds now up to 14th place ten points clear of the drop zone. Movwe ahead of the Bees , who are 0-0 at SB and the Toon who play at the Spuds tomorrow
Happy to see that Citeh are already 0-2 up at Turf Moor.
Brighton have just missed a pen against Norwich.
teesiders take the lead at Posh as do the Evil Lions at Luton
Phew! Great save by Meslier to keep Che Adams out.
OH! Great save by Meslier from Che Addmas then cleared by Llorente for a corner then another Saints corner
Two corners on the trot now - tense times. Mark 'em up!
Teesiders up to sixth place and the Evil Lions up to ninth place. Hatters now in fourth place. Forest down to 7th after winning 1-4 at Bloomfield Road earlier this morning
Wolves two up bus Villa . Not good news for United who need to defeat the Foxes in the late match
Another corner - mark 'em up!
Hatters tie it up vs the Evil Lions. Still fourth a couple of points behind Carlos's lads
Phew - from the corner, it comes out to Walker-Peters and he blasts over the bar. Now, calm down.
I'd love to see Luton go up.
We're having a hard time keeping the ball now.
Oldham in the lead at Stevenage in a L2 relegation six pointer. Oldham there epoiints clear of Stevenage for that last drop spot. Stevenage has played one less than Oldham
I would too. I would clall thatHelen Back for Luton. From the Old First Division to the Conference and back up to the Prem. Being a Hatters fan is a real roller coaster ride
Oh - Raph found Dan James at the back post but couldn't bring it down.
Nice cut out there by Liam Coop - it's great to see him back there again. Corner. Mark 'em up!
Solanke ties it top for Cherries vs Bristol City. Cherries second four points clear of Terriers and with three games in hand
Two of our players down now - Llorente and Stu Dallas.
I'd love to see the half-time whistle right about now - we've dropped off the intensity since scoring and we need to regroup.
Morecambe and Wise on top vs Richard Burton., The comic duo in the last drop spot a pair points behind Fleetwood Mac
Shout for handball now being checked by VAR. Please, no.
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