Pundit fires ‘huge’ Liverpool claim pre-Man United after latest
Noel Whelan has suggested Monday’s (22 August) clash against Man United has already become a must-win game for Liverpool after a “turbulent” start to the new campaign.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Jurgen Klopp’s side “can’t afford” many more “slip-ups” with history dictating that the league title could go right down to the wire.
Liverpool go into the historic derby having picked up just two points from a possible six after draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace this month.
Meanwhile, title rivals Man City have picked up maximum points after victories over West Ham and Bournemouth.
The Merseysiders will have to beat basement side Man United without Darwin Nunez after he saw red for a headbutt against Palace last week.
Whelan claimed Monday’s match is a “massive game” with both sides desperately needing to “ignite their campaign”.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “They need to find three points somewhere – and find them quick.
“It’s not been the great start that we expected from Liverpool – it’s been quite a turbulent one, actually. They’ve only picked up two points and now their new striker is banned for three games.
“It’s a bit of pressure for Klopp that he probably didn’t expect. But the Premier League is competitive – you can’t be hanging around getting draws for too long while Man City are picking up maximum points.
“The history of the league shows that there could well be a point in it come the end of the season, so you can’t afford too many slip-ups.
“It’s a huge game, there’ll be a big reaction, it’s a big derby – Liverpool have got to add all of that into the equation.
“They won’t panic, but it’s a massive game. It’s two teams that need to ignite their campaign very quickly.”
In other news, ex-England pundit reveals new Darwin Nunez fear as Liverpool footage analysed.