Now without wanting to upset Birmingham City fans & make this sound like this game is only about Liverpool, the focus is firmly on Liverpool & they find themselves under the greatest of pressure with the answer to those questions holding the key to it all. There is no getting away from the desperate problems Liverpool face at this point in the season & without exaggerating, Liverpool`s season is virtually over already. 5 defeats in their first 11 league games, knocked out of the Carling Cup & all but knocked out of the European Champions League, Rafa Benitez & his Liverpool players need to turn it all around & fast. To make matters worse, the squad is suffering through injuries to key players such as Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres and also suspension for this game with Jamie Carragher & Philip Degen both suspended. To be fair, Liverpool did play well in Lyon & were slightly unlucky to only draw that game but conceding that late goal will only serve to put further dents in the fragile confidence levels of the Liverpool squad. Of course, Liverpool are at home & will still be expected to win this game and they do still have the talent that can achieve that but the question is do they have enough belief & confidence left.
Birmingham
Alex McCleish will be delighted with how much pressure Liverpool are under because his Birmingham City side will be able to turn up for this fixture knowing they a fair chance to cause Liverpool problems & get the positive result they need. Birmingham City come into this fixture in good form after a very good 2-1 win at home to Sunderland & then a good performance to draw 0-0 with Manchester City so we expect Birmingham City to play with confidence. History is also on Birmingham City`s side in this fixture as Birmingham City have achieved 1 win & 3 draws out of the 5 Premier League games they have played at Anfield & that should further boost the confidence of the Birmingham City players. This is a tough game to call because it will be a definite clash of styles with Liverpool committed to playing passing, attacking football & Birmingham City playing their solid, well organised containing game which could indeed make like difficult for Liverpool.
Betting verdict
When we take everything into account including the pressure Liverpool are under & the relative form of both sides our view is that the long odds-on quote for a Liverpool win offers nothing to the punter & so we are going to take a punt on Birmingham City having enough to get a draw & continue their excellent record at Anfield.
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Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (+1.5)
Odd: 1.90
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 8 /10
Tipster: Kather
