This year’s Premier League title race is likely to be one of the fiercest, with more teams than usual taking part. Liverpool are currently leading the way, with Arsenal and Manchester City set to follow suit. Aston Villa are defying the odds and Unai Emery’s side have slipped slightly in recent games.Before Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend, a supercomputer model even predicted that Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal would be tied on points. A few games in between and this prediction may have changed a bit, but it gets the point across. The thing is, things can get pretty busy.
Liverpool are leading the team so far but have been hampered by injuries and a few doubts. Arsenal didn’t have many scorers and lost 2-0 at home to West Ham. Manchester City are unlike any team the Reds have faced recently. Pep Guardiola’s side can still play an extra game, but a 15-game winning streak is unlikely at this point. Liverpool will face plenty of international challenges during the season, with Mohamed Salah playing in the AFCON and Wataru Endo playing in the Asian Cup.
But Manchester City have been without Erling Haaland for some time and Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t played since August. Both may return soon.And Liverpool could bring back the dynamic midfielder. Thiago Alcantara has not played since April but Jurgen Klopp hopes he can return to first-team training in January.
The Reds will be very cautious about the Spaniard, but he will continue to be an option after around nine months. Klopp told a press conference ahead of Newcastle: “I think Thiago will also be training with the team around the same time (January).” “Thiago is in a very good phase but we have to make sure we don’t use him too early.” Pelvic problems in and around this area are also a long-term problem. Of course, there were days when I could have easily trained, but I’m worried about how I can come back in the long term.
“Thiago is unlikely to be able to play more than 90 minutes twice a week for the rest of the season when he returns, but Liverpool no longer need him. With the additions of Alexis McAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai since last game, the midfield dynamic looks very different to their last outing last season. Thiago can come in and out of the team with good stamina.
Administer today without need as often as possible. “Liverpool” is no longer in despair.Instead, Klopp could use him sparingly, perhaps mostly in cameo appearances from the bench. Even if Liverpool can only get that from the 32-year-old, who is likely to be at a difficult and crucial time in the title race, he could still make a decisive difference.
