Manchester City V.Liverpool Prediction-Lineup-Erling Haaland Out-Jeremy Doku Out-Liverpool To Win Clean Sheets

Manchester City V.Liverpool Prediction-Lineup-Erling Haaland Out-Jeremy Doku Out-Liverpool To Win Clean Sheets

 

The key players Liverpool could be without against Manchester City amid squad omissions
Liverpool will face Manchester City in their next Premier League fixture but Jurgen Klopp could be without several key players

Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool (Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool could be without several key players for their upcoming game with Manchester City.

It has been a fixture that has regularly carried added importance for both clubs in recent years and this season is no different. Liverpool’s strong start to the season has put Jurgan Klopp’s side just one point behind City in top spot after 12 league games, suggesting that the Reds are set to mount another title challenge.

Following the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s side will head to the Etihad as his new-look team seek to prove they are genuine title contenders. They may have to take on Pep Guardiola’s team without a number of key players, though, as Liverpool deal with their injury list.

Here’s a look at who may not be available for the Reds against Manchester City:

READ MORE: Everton’s explosive statement shows why Liverpool will be watching Man City situation

READ MORE: Anfield’s atmosphere has to change – and I am part of Liverpool’s problem

In defence, there are doubts over Ibrahima Konate’s availability for the City clash. The centre-back, who missed the recent win over Brentford and also suffered an injury during the October international break, has not travelled with France for the current set of fixtures. While an official explanation of his injury has not been shared, French reporters have suggested that Konate is recovering from a slight hamstring issue.

Joe Gomez was another absentee from the squad that recorded the 3-0 victory over Brentford. The versatile defender was a surprise omission, given his impressive start to the season, and there was similarly no official diagnosis shared by Liverpool, raising doubts over his potential availability against Manchester City.

Andy Robertson remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on the dislocated shoulder he suffered while on Scotland duty. The left-back is expected to make his return in the New Year.

Moving into midfield, Curtis Jones could return to the squad to face Guardiola’s team. Jones picked up a low grade hamstring injury in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth.Another positive for the Reds is that Ryan Gravenberch is expected to be available after missing several games with a slight knee injury, prior to the international break,

However, the Reds will continue to be without long-term absentee Thiago Alcantara, who is recovering from pelvis surgery. Similarly, no timeline has been given for the return of young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic after he picked up a fresh injury setback, having previously seen his breakthrough season cut short last term.

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Luis Diaz Barcelona transfer claim made as Liverpool forward makes emotional statement
Your morning Liverpool headlines including latest Luis Diaz transfer rumours as his father speaks out

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ByLaura HartleySport audience and content editor
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Liverpool star Luis Diaz was the match-winner for Colombia against Brazil
Liverpool star Luis Diaz was the match-winner for Colombia against Brazil (Image: Photo by Jairo Cassiani/Vizzor Image/Getty Images)

Your morning Liverpool headlines for Saturday, November 18.

Luis Diaz father makes Barcelona transfer claim as he admits Liverpool forward’s ‘dream’

Luis Daiz’s father has spoken out on the reports linking the Liverpool forward with Barcelona.

Despite the turmoil that the 26-year-old was subjected to in his personal life, Diaz still managed to salvage a point for Liverpool with a late goal against Luton earlier this month, upon his return to the team. His two goals for Colombia further highlight why the former Porto forward has become a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

READ MORE: Liverpool get Man City boost as injury list grows for Pep Guardiola over international break

READ MORE: Man City handed fresh injury concern after Rodri absence ahead of Liverpool clash

His performances have led to shock claims that Barcelona could be interested in signing the Liverpool forward. Diaz’s father was asked about his son possibly moving to Barcelona in the future and admitted that he has always been a supporter of the Catalan giants.

“[The] truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment,” Diaz Snr. told Win Sports, as reported by Sport Witness. “It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there. So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him.”

Read the full story here.

Luis Diaz makes emotional statement and sends Alisson message after stunning display

Luis Diaz has highlighted the support from Liverpool team-mate Alisson following his inspirational performance for Colombia against Brazil.

Alisson Becker was in goal for Brazil after Ederson pulled out with an ankle injury. Despite the defeat, the shot-stopper embraced Diaz as the cameras caught the exchange between the Reds teammates.

“Alisson very happy, he is a great person. He accompanied me in the last 15 days, he is a great human being and he helped me get through this difficult moment,” Diaz said speaking after their win.

“Thank God, we have gone through hard times, but like life, we deserved this victory because we have made a great process , not only us players, but also the coach. Dedicate the victory to the people.”

Read the full story here.

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Sky Sports says Manchester City Best Player Erling Haaland not playing Against Liveepool,had a critical Injury

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Gary Lineker and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher make same point after Everton deduction
Gary Lineker and Jamie Carragher both made the same point after Everton was hit with a 10-point deduction, and it’s something Liverpool will be keeping an eye on.

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ByJames FindlaterContent Editor
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Former Everton striker Gary Lineker (Image: Getty Images)

Gary Lineker has sparked speculation about the potential punishments that Manchester City and Chelsea may face. That’s in light of the recent bombshell ruling against Everton by an independent commission.

The commission’s decision to deduct 10 points from Everton has sent shockwaves across Merseyside and cast a dark cloud over Goodison Park. Despite positive results in recent weeks, Everton now finds itself in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.

The severity of Man City’s and Chelsea’s potential punishments is now being questioned. City is facing 115 separate charges, while Chelsea is under investigation for alleged offenses dating back to the Roman Abramovich era. It remains to be seen how their cases will progress and what penalties they may face.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota just underwent peculiar experiment but Liverpool hasn’t got new Andy Robertson option

READ MORE: Saudi club who offered Liverpool $187m for Mohamed Salah in disarray as Karim Benzema ‘insulted’

The news of Everton’s significant points deduction has garnered strong reactions from the football community. Former Everton striker Lineker took to social media to express his thoughts, hinting at the possibility of “other clubs” facing more severe penalties.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “With Everton being docked 10 points it will be very interesting to see if other clubs are sanctioned.”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also voiced his opinion on the matter, stating that the 10-point deduction for Everton is excessive and not justified considering the club’s cooperation with the Premier League over the past couple of years. “Would it have been better to be evasive and try to drag it out like other clubs?” Carragher posted.

“No doubt relegated clubs will have put big pressure on the PL to deal with Everton, but when you consider six clubs tried to leave the PL and there was no sanction at all it doesn’t feel right. Until other clubs are sanctioned Everton will feel they are being used to show there is no need for an independent regulator, and they are right.”

Another former Liverpool player, Stan Collymore, expressed sympathy for Everton and suggested that if Manchester City and Chelsea do not receive the same punishment, Everton will receive support from other clubs in the Premier League. Collymore stated: “Everton will have a lot of sympathy in the Premier League ‘dressing room’ should other clubs not be treated as Everton have today. Popcorn time.”

The Premier League’s handling of Everton’s case has raised questions about fairness and consistency in disciplinary matters. The outcome of Manchester City’s and Chelsea’s investigations will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, and the football world will be watching to see if they face comparable penalties.

Liverpool.com says: All eyes are now on City and Chelsea after Everton’s deduction. With a precedent having been set, fans across the league will be expecting even bigger punishments.

We’re unlikely to get a verdict on Man City’s case anytime soon, such is the severity of the 115 charges against them. Having set the benchmark with Everton though, if City is found guilty, then the Premier League has to ensure any subsequent punishment fits in comparison.

—

You may notice the below message on a small number of Liverpool.com articles. We like to innovate and this is part of a trial to look at whether AI can help speed up the publishing process. We will always declare where this happens.

This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, based on a piece first written by Charlie Bennett for the Liverpool ECHO. You can read the original piece by clicking here. A Liverpool.com news editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to matt.addison@reachplc.com.

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Anfield’s atmosphere has to change – and I am part of Liverpool’s problem
There are numerous reasons why Anfield’s match-day atmosphere has tailed off this season and not all of them have quick fixes.

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ByRichard GarnettSport Trends Writer
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BLOOD RED: LUIS DIAZ RETURNS TO LIVERPOOL TRAINING AHEAD OF NEWCASTLE UNITED CLASH | PICTURES

It’s a familiar story lived over and over by generations of Liverpool supporters. You never forget your first game.

Whether it was in the swinging sixties, this season or somewhere in between, the anticipation of walking up those steps into the heart of Anfield and seeing the overwhelming sight of thousands of people congregated on a football terrace is a feeling like no other. Most people are gripped by the experience and soon become hooked on the game for life.

That ordeal can be enhanced to far greater heights by being part of a great match that results in a dramatic triumph. It’s truly at that point that the penny drops and supporters realise how they can help influence the outcome of a match themselves and nowhere more so has that been the case than at the storied auditorium of Anfield.

READ MORE: I was chucked in the deep end by Jurgen Klopp but Liverpool won’t regret it

READ MORE: Everton’s explosive statement shows why Liverpool will be watching Man City situation

The Spion Kop became so famous in the 1960s that the BBC sent cameras to the ground for a Panorama special report. Widely regarded as one of the most significant terraces in world football, its scalps include pretty much every top club in European football. A combination of wit, sharp humour, graciousness in defeat and magnanimity in victory earned Kopites the reputation of being amongst the most knowledgeable and respected in the land – a badge of honour that is still worn by supporters – and the club – today.

Plenty has changed over the past 30 years of course. The move to all-seater stadiums in the wake of the Taylor report saw Liverpool’s original standing Kop demolished in 1994 and replaced with a modern 12,000 capacity seated cantilever grandstand. It swept in a new era for football in England as the Premier League grabbed hold of the untapped potential of the game and turned it into a marketing powerhouse.

Fans at the time believed that the Kop would never be the same again, but although that is certainly true, the new stand has built its own story over almost three decades and without question developed a respected reputation in its own right. There have been plenty of occasions during its lifespan when the atmosphere created at Anfield rivalled and even succeeded that of the original standing Kop.

Notable highlights include the emotional return of Gerard Houllier to the dugout after recovering from a heart attack against Roma in 2002, the Champions League semi-final triumphs against Chelsea in 2005 and 2007 (the first of which was arguably the greatest atmosphere experienced in the ground in the past 30 years), the remarkable come-back victory over Borussia Dortmund in 2016, the first Premier League match in front of the redeveloped main stand against Leicester City in 2016 – played in front of Anfield’s highest attendance since 1977 and more recently the improbable 4-0 second leg comeback against Barcelona that put Liverpool on course for their sixth European Cup. All powered by the partisan energy of Anfield and its pumped-up supporters.

Such stories of crazy nights and euphoric success have whetted the appetite of football enthusiasts far beyond the reaches of Merseyside or even Britain for that matter. That is something the club has leveraged over the years and nowadays people flock to Anfield for a matchday experience in the same way you may wish to experience a Real Madrid or Barcelona match.

There can be no denying that the demographic of the match-going fan has changed quite considerably over the past 30 years and it would be no exaggeration to say that the make-up of Liverpool’s fanbase today is miles away from what it looked like in 1994 when the bulldozers move in on the Kop.

With that comes different practices and different attitudes, but when a team is winning like Liverpool has been under Jurgen Klopp, maintaining a good atmosphere is consequently easier. So what happens when things aren’t going so well like last season for example? The result is pretty obvious.

Liverpool’s match-day atmosphere is currently rooted in expectation rather than a culture of organic creation. Is this the price of success and the end result of not losing a home league match for five-and-a-half years? Probably, but that is not the only factor at play.

Anfield has a storied songbook developed over generations, but currently you will be lucky to hear more than a few variations of its repertoire before some of the more mundane modern offerings are looped to fade into a vacuum of complacency. Is this because Anfield now has far more ‘tourist fans’ and day-trippers than it used to? Actually, there is little evidence to support that as a root cause of a dip in the atmosphere even if it could be true in some cases.

The complexities of supporting a popular football club in the modern era should not result in the blame for a drop-off in noise falling squarely at the feet of less-regular visitors but perhaps at how the system works itself. Broadly speaking, the opportunity to attend a Liverpool home match can be compared to owning a house. If you’re old enough or rich enough you’ll probably be OK, but for everyone else it’s a bit of a thankless battle.

Before the standing Kop was turned into rubble in 1994, a teenager could buy a ticket on the day – with their mates – for £4.50. A season later everyone needed to pay a minimum of £9 to get an adult price but a hike in entry for juniors was the least of their worries. Nowadays, supporters with the necessary level of commitment need to purchase a £26.99 annual membership as a minimum before entering an online dog fight with 300,000 others to scrap over around 15,000 available tickets per match.

Not only does that give most people next to no chance of attending matches regularly, the whole experience is hugely unenjoyable and the chances of going to watch a game surrounded by mates becomes a perk banished to history.

As a season ticket holder of over 20 years, I thank my lucky stars that I don’t have to enter into such a hopeless crusade every time I want to attend a Premier League football match and if the tables were turned and I was the one having to frantically tap F5 rather than queue at a turnstile like I did 30 years ago I simply wouldn’t bother.

But if reasonable accessibility for the next generation of fans is a major issue and the luxury of watching the game alongside your mates an unachievable goal, there is still another factor that is killing the atmosphere behind the goalmouth and its people like me who are at the heart of the problem. There are thousands of season ticket holders who traditionally should have graduated out of the Kop years ago but are going nowhere.

When I first started going to games with my father back in the 80s he was a similar age to what I am now and already a Main Stand season ticket holder. Like most his age, he had started off on the Kop with his mates, before growing older and then moving to the relative comfort of the side of the pitch making way for the younger supporters coming through to become the pumping heart of the Anfield atmosphere. But no one is doing that now.

Standing on the Kop for 90 minutes is not ideal when you suffer from a stiff back and occasional achy joints, but it is a walk in the park compared to the old Kop and the trade-off for two other match-day perks is almost certainly worth it. Season ticket holders have built matchday communities around them over the years and value seeing the same people each game as much as the action on the pitch itself. Sharing in the triumphs and failures of the team and occasionally personal ones off it, this is a unique element of football that still exists in the modern game and is prevalent all over the middle of the Kop. A move to another stand breaks all that up. Some would rather give up going altogether than lose that.

But even if seeing the same faces each week isn’t enough to stop a time-served loyalist from considering the comfort of a match-day seat that you can actually sit in for 90 minutes, the uplift in cost is surely enough in most cases to call off a move to another part of the ground. A season ticket in the middle of the Kop this season will set you back £735 but one in the Main Stand of equivalent standing is coming in at £869. Hardly the type of uplift people are looking for during a cost of living crisis.

Recently the club has installed rail seating barriers in certain areas of the Kop as well as the Anfield Road stand. It is a step in the right direction in terms of facilitating areas where fans can stand safely and create a match-day atmosphere, but in reality they will be of little use to the army of older fans populating the Kop who will probably just be grateful to have something to lean on for 90 minutes.

Until workable solutions can be found to alleviate the above issues, I’m afraid you will be stuck with thousands of ageing Kopites in situ cheering the team on when they feel like it. Don’t blame them, blame the system!

Football success often goes in cycles and with that in mind the lauded roar of Anfield will return in earnest before you know it. It is the power of unification and belonging that pulls people to matches in the first place and with the continued upturn in results it won’t take much for another special Anfield occasion to come around once more.

Do you agree with Richard’s assessment of the atmosphere at Anfield? Let us know in the comments section below

This piece was first published in February 2023

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Luis Diaz Barcelona transfer claim made as Liverpool forward makes emotional statement
Your morning Liverpool headlines including latest Luis Diaz transfer rumours as his father speaks out

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ByLaura HartleySport audience and content editor
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Liverpool star Luis Diaz was the match-winner for Colombia against Brazil
Liverpool star Luis Diaz was the match-winner for Colombia against Brazil (Image: Photo by Jairo Cassiani/Vizzor Image/Getty Images)

Your morning Liverpool headlines for Saturday, November 18.

Luis Diaz father makes Barcelona transfer claim as he admits Liverpool forward’s ‘dream’

Luis Daiz’s father has spoken out on the reports linking the Liverpool forward with Barcelona.

Despite the turmoil that the 26-year-old was subjected to in his personal life, Diaz still managed to salvage a point for Liverpool with a late goal against Luton earlier this month, upon his return to the team. His two goals for Colombia further highlight why the former Porto forward has become a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

READ MORE: Liverpool get Man City boost as injury list grows for Pep Guardiola over international break

READ MORE: Man City handed fresh injury concern after Rodri absence ahead of Liverpool clash

His performances have led to shock claims that Barcelona could be interested in signing the Liverpool forward. Diaz’s father was asked about his son possibly moving to Barcelona in the future and admitted that he has always been a supporter of the Catalan giants.

“[The] truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment,” Diaz Snr. told Win Sports, as reported by Sport Witness. “It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there. So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him.”

Read the full story here.

Luis Diaz makes emotional statement and sends Alisson message after stunning display

Luis Diaz has highlighted the support from Liverpool team-mate Alisson following his inspirational performance for Colombia against Brazil.

Alisson Becker was in goal for Brazil after Ederson pulled out with an ankle injury. Despite the defeat, the shot-stopper embraced Diaz as the cameras caught the exchange between the Reds teammates.

“Alisson very happy, he is a great person. He accompanied me in the last 15 days, he is a great human being and he helped me get through this difficult moment,” Diaz said speaking after their win.

“Thank God, we have gone through hard times, but like life, we deserved this victory because we have made a great process , not only us players, but also the coach. Dedicate the victory to the people.”

Read the full story here.

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Sky Sports says Manchester City Best Player Erling Haaland not playing Against Liveepool,had a critical Injury

liverpoolLoad mobile navigation

Gary Lineker and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher make same point after Everton deduction
Gary Lineker and Jamie Carragher both made the same point after Everton was hit with a 10-point deduction, and it’s something Liverpool will be keeping an eye on.

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ByJames FindlaterContent Editor
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Former Everton striker Gary Lineker (Image: Getty Images)

Gary Lineker has sparked speculation about the potential punishments that Manchester City and Chelsea may face. That’s in light of the recent bombshell ruling against Everton by an independent commission.

The commission’s decision to deduct 10 points from Everton has sent shockwaves across Merseyside and cast a dark cloud over Goodison Park. Despite positive results in recent weeks, Everton now finds itself in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.

The severity of Man City’s and Chelsea’s potential punishments is now being questioned. City is facing 115 separate charges, while Chelsea is under investigation for alleged offenses dating back to the Roman Abramovich era. It remains to be seen how their cases will progress and what penalties they may face.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota just underwent peculiar experiment but Liverpool hasn’t got new Andy Robertson option

READ MORE: Saudi club who offered Liverpool $187m for Mohamed Salah in disarray as Karim Benzema ‘insulted’

The news of Everton’s significant points deduction has garnered strong reactions from the football community. Former Everton striker Lineker took to social media to express his thoughts, hinting at the possibility of “other clubs” facing more severe penalties.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “With Everton being docked 10 points it will be very interesting to see if other clubs are sanctioned.”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also voiced his opinion on the matter, stating that the 10-point deduction for Everton is excessive and not justified considering the club’s cooperation with the Premier League over the past couple of years. “Would it have been better to be evasive and try to drag it out like other clubs?” Carragher posted.

“No doubt relegated clubs will have put big pressure on the PL to deal with Everton, but when you consider six clubs tried to leave the PL and there was no sanction at all it doesn’t feel right. Until other clubs are sanctioned Everton will feel they are being used to show there is no need for an independent regulator, and they are right.”

Another former Liverpool player, Stan Collymore, expressed sympathy for Everton and suggested that if Manchester City and Chelsea do not receive the same punishment, Everton will receive support from other clubs in the Premier League. Collymore stated: “Everton will have a lot of sympathy in the Premier League ‘dressing room’ should other clubs not be treated as Everton have today. Popcorn time.”

The Premier League’s handling of Everton’s case has raised questions about fairness and consistency in disciplinary matters. The outcome of Manchester City’s and Chelsea’s investigations will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, and the football world will be watching to see if they face comparable penalties.

Liverpool.com says: All eyes are now on City and Chelsea after Everton’s deduction. With a precedent having been set, fans across the league will be expecting even bigger punishments.

We’re unlikely to get a verdict on Man City’s case anytime soon, such is the severity of the 115 charges against them. Having set the benchmark with Everton though, if City is found guilty, then the Premier League has to ensure any subsequent punishment fits in comparison.

—

You may notice the below message on a small number of Liverpool.com articles. We like to innovate and this is part of a trial to look at whether AI can help speed up the publishing process. We will always declare where this happens.

This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, based on a piece first written by Charlie Bennett for the Liverpool ECHO. You can read the original piece by clicking here. A Liverpool.com news editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to matt.addison@reachplc.com.

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Anfield’s atmosphere has to change – and I am part of Liverpool’s problem
There are numerous reasons why Anfield’s match-day atmosphere has tailed off this season and not all of them have quick fixes.

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ByRichard GarnettSport Trends Writer
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It’s a familiar story lived over and over by generations of Liverpool supporters. You never forget your first game.

Whether it was in the swinging sixties, this season or somewhere in between, the anticipation of walking up those steps into the heart of Anfield and seeing the overwhelming sight of thousands of people congregated on a football terrace is a feeling like no other. Most people are gripped by the experience and soon become hooked on the game for life.

That ordeal can be enhanced to far greater heights by being part of a great match that results in a dramatic triumph. It’s truly at that point that the penny drops and supporters realise how they can help influence the outcome of a match themselves and nowhere more so has that been the case than at the storied auditorium of Anfield.

READ MORE: I was chucked in the deep end by Jurgen Klopp but Liverpool won’t regret it

READ MORE: Everton’s explosive statement shows why Liverpool will be watching Man City situation

The Spion Kop became so famous in the 1960s that the BBC sent cameras to the ground for a Panorama special report. Widely regarded as one of the most significant terraces in world football, its scalps include pretty much every top club in European football. A combination of wit, sharp humour, graciousness in defeat and magnanimity in victory earned Kopites the reputation of being amongst the most knowledgeable and respected in the land – a badge of honour that is still worn by supporters – and the club – today.

Plenty has changed over the past 30 years of course. The move to all-seater stadiums in the wake of the Taylor report saw Liverpool’s original standing Kop demolished in 1994 and replaced with a modern 12,000 capacity seated cantilever grandstand. It swept in a new era for football in England as the Premier League grabbed hold of the untapped potential of the game and turned it into a marketing powerhouse.

Fans at the time believed that the Kop would never be the same again, but although that is certainly true, the new stand has built its own story over almost three decades and without question developed a respected reputation in its own right. There have been plenty of occasions during its lifespan when the atmosphere created at Anfield rivalled and even succeeded that of the original standing Kop.

Notable highlights include the emotional return of Gerard Houllier to the dugout after recovering from a heart attack against Roma in 2002, the Champions League semi-final triumphs against Chelsea in 2005 and 2007 (the first of which was arguably the greatest atmosphere experienced in the ground in the past 30 years), the remarkable come-back victory over Borussia Dortmund in 2016, the first Premier League match in front of the redeveloped main stand against Leicester City in 2016 – played in front of Anfield’s highest attendance since 1977 and more recently the improbable 4-0 second leg comeback against Barcelona that put Liverpool on course for their sixth European Cup. All powered by the partisan energy of Anfield and its pumped-up supporters.

Such stories of crazy nights and euphoric success have whetted the appetite of football enthusiasts far beyond the reaches of Merseyside or even Britain for that matter. That is something the club has leveraged over the years and nowadays people flock to Anfield for a matchday experience in the same way you may wish to experience a Real Madrid or Barcelona match.

There can be no denying that the demographic of the match-going fan has changed quite considerably over the past 30 years and it would be no exaggeration to say that the make-up of Liverpool’s fanbase today is miles away from what it looked like in 1994 when the bulldozers move in on the Kop.

With that comes different practices and different attitudes, but when a team is winning like Liverpool has been under Jurgen Klopp, maintaining a good atmosphere is consequently easier. So what happens when things aren’t going so well like last season for example? The result is pretty obvious.

Liverpool’s match-day atmosphere is currently rooted in expectation rather than a culture of organic creation. Is this the price of success and the end result of not losing a home league match for five-and-a-half years? Probably, but that is not the only factor at play.

Anfield has a storied songbook developed over generations, but currently you will be lucky to hear more than a few variations of its repertoire before some of the more mundane modern offerings are looped to fade into a vacuum of complacency. Is this because Anfield now has far more ‘tourist fans’ and day-trippers than it used to? Actually, there is little evidence to support that as a root cause of a dip in the atmosphere even if it could be true in some cases.

The complexities of supporting a popular football club in the modern era should not result in the blame for a drop-off in noise falling squarely at the feet of less-regular visitors but perhaps at how the system works itself. Broadly speaking, the opportunity to attend a Liverpool home match can be compared to owning a house. If you’re old enough or rich enough you’ll probably be OK, but for everyone else it’s a bit of a thankless battle.

Before the standing Kop was turned into rubble in 1994, a teenager could buy a ticket on the day – with their mates – for £4.50. A season later everyone needed to pay a minimum of £9 to get an adult price but a hike in entry for juniors was the least of their worries. Nowadays, supporters with the necessary level of commitment need to purchase a £26.99 annual membership as a minimum before entering an online dog fight with 300,000 others to scrap over around 15,000 available tickets per match.

Not only does that give most people next to no chance of attending matches regularly, the whole experience is hugely unenjoyable and the chances of going to watch a game surrounded by mates becomes a perk banished to history.

As a season ticket holder of over 20 years, I thank my lucky stars that I don’t have to enter into such a hopeless crusade every time I want to attend a Premier League football match and if the tables were turned and I was the one having to frantically tap F5 rather than queue at a turnstile like I did 30 years ago I simply wouldn’t bother.

But if reasonable accessibility for the next generation of fans is a major issue and the luxury of watching the game alongside your mates an unachievable goal, there is still another factor that is killing the atmosphere behind the goalmouth and its people like me who are at the heart of the problem. There are thousands of season ticket holders who traditionally should have graduated out of the Kop years ago but are going nowhere.

When I first started going to games with my father back in the 80s he was a similar age to what I am now and already a Main Stand season ticket holder. Like most his age, he had started off on the Kop with his mates, before growing older and then moving to the relative comfort of the side of the pitch making way for the younger supporters coming through to become the pumping heart of the Anfield atmosphere. But no one is doing that now.

Standing on the Kop for 90 minutes is not ideal when you suffer from a stiff back and occasional achy joints, but it is a walk in the park compared to the old Kop and the trade-off for two other match-day perks is almost certainly worth it. Season ticket holders have built matchday communities around them over the years and value seeing the same people each game as much as the action on the pitch itself. Sharing in the triumphs and failures of the team and occasionally personal ones off it, this is a unique element of football that still exists in the modern game and is prevalent all over the middle of the Kop. A move to another stand breaks all that up. Some would rather give up going altogether than lose that.

But even if seeing the same faces each week isn’t enough to stop a time-served loyalist from considering the comfort of a match-day seat that you can actually sit in for 90 minutes, the uplift in cost is surely enough in most cases to call off a move to another part of the ground. A season ticket in the middle of the Kop this season will set you back £735 but one in the Main Stand of equivalent standing is coming in at £869. Hardly the type of uplift people are looking for during a cost of living crisis.

Recently the club has installed rail seating barriers in certain areas of the Kop as well as the Anfield Road stand. It is a step in the right direction in terms of facilitating areas where fans can stand safely and create a match-day atmosphere, but in reality they will be of little use to the army of older fans populating the Kop who will probably just be grateful to have something to lean on for 90 minutes.

Until workable solutions can be found to alleviate the above issues, I’m afraid you will be stuck with thousands of ageing Kopites in situ cheering the team on when they feel like it. Don’t blame them, blame the system!

Football success often goes in cycles and with that in mind the lauded roar of Anfield will return in earnest before you know it. It is the power of unification and belonging that pulls people to matches in the first place and with the continued upturn in results it won’t take much for another special Anfield occasion to come around once more.

Do you agree with Richard’s assessment of the atmosphere at Anfield? Let us know in the comments section below

This piece was first published in February 2023

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