Liverpool are still shaky at the back, says Empire of the Kop

Rival Lines

Match Preview: Liverpool v AFCB

Capital One Cup Fourth Round

Blogger Interview: Empire of the Kop

I caught up with Antoine who writes on the Empire of the Kop blog for Liverpool fans and hoped he would give us a bit of information on how the Klopp factor was going at Anfield. I think some of my questions were longer than his answers, but I don't think Liverpool fans are expecting their team to suddenly play sensational football with the way things have been going for them. Sadly for us, AFCB have a habit of revitalising Liverpool's season and if they are in need of improving their shooting practise it could be a difficult night. We always seem to play them just when they need a boost!

CC: What has Jurgen Klopp got to do to improve this Liverpool side?

EOK: Make them believe again.

CC: What have you made of Klopp's start?

EOK:
0-0 Spurs
1-1 Rubin Kazan
1-1 Saints
Good so far but he does have a lot of work to do, we are still shaky at the back and don't have any strikers who are 100% fit. [Ed- if Liverpool are shaky at the back what can the Cherries' defencive qualities be called at the moment? porous?]

CC: How much of a loss are Danny Ings and Joe Gomez to you and re you worried about Daniel Sturridge lasting the season?

EOK: Sturridge is injured again, yes very worried about Ings we are lacking up front. [Ed - they still have Christian Benteke - Oh, no he's out as well now knee injury!]

CC: Will the Capital One Cup (League Cup) always have a special importance to Liverpool and their fans or do you want more than that these days?

EOK: At this point anything will do, we need to win to restore the belief.

CC: Did you feel really lucky to get through the last round of the cup against Carlisle Utd and do you blame the struggle that night on Brendan Rodgers?

EOK: Yes, we were lucky and yes Brendan was the chief culprit however the players were responsible too.

CC: How do you expect Liverpool to line up for this game?

EOK: I think that Klopp will go with a strong squad, will not be surprised if he starts with the same line up that played on Sunday against Southampton.

Liverpool team v Southampton
22 Mignolet
02 Clyne
37 Skrtel
17 Sakho
18 Moreno
07 Milner Booked
21 Lucas
23 Can
20 Lallana (Firmino 67)
10 Coutinho (Ibe 83)
27 Origi (Benteke 45)

CC: Thanks for Antoine for sending in some answers for Bournemouth fans. You can read more of his words on Empire of the Kop, including Jurgen Klopp's press interview. Whether Liverpool are shaky at the back or not, the Cherries have to find themselves again in this game. A solid performance is what I'd like to see whether AFCB progress or not. If Liverpool's quality is too much then we can't quibble, but I think all of us don't want to see anymore gifted goals on the part of AFCB. I'm making my way up to Anfield today and am looking forward to the match. I shall enjoy seeing what I can around the city and will hopefully bump into a few red scoucers before the game.