Month: February 2023

Brighton advanced into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as teenage forward Evan Ferguson’s first-half effort secured a 1-0 victory at Stoke.

The Republic of Ireland international, 18, finished a fine move on the half-hour mark to register his fifth goal for the Seagulls.

The Sky Bet Championship hosts went close to equalising after the break through on-loan Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, before Brighton substitute Danny Welbeck hit the post in stoppage-time as the visitors claimed a last-eight spot for the third time in six seasons.

Ten days on from their last match, the 1-0 Premier League loss to Fulham, boss Roberto De Zerbi made five changes to his starting line-up, with Ferguson one of two 18-year-olds in the side.

The other was Argentinian midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, making his first start since joining the club in January, while skipper Lewis Dunk retained his place for a 400th Brighton appearance.

Stoke, currently 17th in the second tier, had an XI showing seven adjustments from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Millwall, including Alex Neil bringing in January signing Tuanzebe for a full debut.

Potters forward Tyrese Campbell registered the contest’s opening attempt in the fifth minute when he cut in from the right and saw Jason Steele block his shot.

Soon after, Buonanotte’s header was diverted behind by Jack Bonham, and Jan Paul van Hecke nodded over from the resulting corner.

Stoke threatened again in the 29th minute with a low Campbell strike that Steele got down to save but Brighton had been dominating possession and a minute later they were in front as Kaoru Mitoma ran on to Dunk’s excellent through-ball and laid a delightful pass of his own to Ferguson, who tapped in.

The closing stages of the first half then saw Moises Caicedo hit a strike wide of the Stoke goal and a Jordan Thompson shot pushed behind by Steele.

Pascal Gross dragged an effort wide and Jeremy Sarmiento’s shot was well saved by Bonham as Brighton sought another early in the second half, before Stoke almost drew level in the 65th minute with Tuanzebe sending a header just wide.

Mitoma looked likely to double Brighton’s advantage on 73 minutes but his shot ended up in the side-netting.

Having weathered some Stoke pressure, the visitors then nearly added a second late on, with Welbeck seeing one shot saved by Bonham and another come back off the post.

Erik ten Hag’s message to Manchester United players after winning the EFL Cup was “back to work” as they look to build on that success in the coming months.

United beat Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley to lift the trophy, ending a silverware drought that stretched back almost six years.

Sunday’s victory was also momentous because it made Ten Hag’s promising start at the club tangible, and there are more prizes up for grabs before the end of the season.

The Red Devils are arguably still in the Premier League title race despite being eight points behind leaders Arsenal; they eliminated Barcelona to reach the last 16 of the Europa League; they remain alive in the FA Cup as well.

It is the latter that they turn their attention towards next, with West Ham visiting Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

Kick-off will be only about 72 hours after the conclusion of the EFL Cup final, and with such a tight turnaround, Ten Hag is eager to impress on the players a need for focus rather than basking in former glories.

Asked if there were any additional celebrations after United got back to Manchester on Sunday, Ten Hag told reporters: “No. Nothing beyond. Get back to work.”

He added: “Of course, [on Monday] the players were still enthusiastic and they had to celebrate this moment.

“But after we settled down, we got back to work and did what we had to do, which was recovery. The ones who played less [minutes in the final] did a good training session.”

Despite Tuesday’s press conference being a preview to Wednesday, there was understandably very little focus on West Ham, rather the defeat of Newcastle.

One element of his management that Ten Hag has received a lot of praise for this season has been his squad rotation, with the Dutchman clearly comfortable dropping underperforming players and seemingly always ready to look to his bench to change matches.

And in that respect he was keen to pay tribute to the whole squad for the EFL Cup success.

“Let’s make myself clear: we didn’t win with 11 players, we did win with a squad and I think the squad the whole season is so important and every time players come in, if it’s for a whole game, minutes, a couple of games – also during games when we can change the dynamics – we do it with many more than 11 players,” he said.

“So I count on them and I know they will be ready, because every time they play they take responsibility and it’s about that, but you also have to fight for your position.

“There can be great months ahead of us and great games and everyone wants to play games. The players who form the best teams will play, so it’s also [the case] for [Harry] Maguire. When he plays well, he can come into the team.

“It was not my perspective from the celebrations [that it was about a few individuals]. I think everyone was involved, everyone was happy, and everyone had the idea we did it collectively, not individual or one, two, three players did this. It was the performance of the whole team, the whole squad.”

Manchester City fans will have been thrilled to see Phil Foden back to his breathtaking best against Bournemouth.

The England international, 22, notched his eighth goal and fourth assist of the Premier League campaign during a dazzling display on the South Coast in what was his 200th Citizens appearance.

Remarkably, it was only the second time Foden has completed 90 minutes at club level since November’s World Cup break.

Ahead of City’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Bristol City, we take a look at the Stockport-born star’s recent rocky period and why his return bodes well for City’s three-pronged trophy hunt.

Growing presence

Foden’s importance to City has risen year-on-year since making his first-team breakthrough.

In 2019-20, Pep Guardiola gave the academy graduate nine league starts. One season later, that tally rose to 17.

Last term, Foden started 24 of a possible 38 matches in the Citizens’ Premier League title-winning campaign — equating to 2,133 minutes on the pitch.

That was the eighth-highest tally in a star-studded squad and could have been even higher if not for a foot injury the midfielder sustained in early August.

Any hopes he had of setting a new personal best this season now look slim, however.

Out of the picture

In City’s opening 25 Premier League matches, the No47 has notched up only 1,260 minutes.

While a niggling foot injury sustained around early January has slightly impacted that figure, many pundits have also speculated whether a lack of form has also played a part.

After January’s disappointing derby defeat to Manchester United, where Foden was hauled off after just 57 minutes, ex-pro Chris Sutton questioned the youngster’s performance levels.

Sutton said: “I don’t know what’s happened to Phil Foden at this moment in time. He hasn’t played well since he’s come back after the World Cup.”

Foden did not start any of his side’s four games after that display with Guardiola citing fitness as the primary reason, though it is possible that the Spaniard had a deeper motive.

Test of character

Considering the embarrassment of attacking riches Guardiola has at his disposal, giving an underperforming forward a spell out of the side is no issue.

In Foden’s absence, City won four of their five Premier League outings with seven different scorers sharing a 13-goal haul, including the likes of Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.

By the time Foden was reintroduced against Nottingham Forest, he was chomping at the bit to impress and his virtuoso performance against Bournemouth a week later had him back dominating headlines.

In the last 12 months alone, world-class operators such as Joao Cancelo, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have walked away from the Etihad due to a lack of minutes.

Guardiola’s rotation policy has caused frustration for many a player, yet Foden has shown he has the mettle to roar back from adversity.

Diamonds are forever

Guardiola moved quickly this weekend to reaffirm his love for the Three Lions international.

The 52-year-old explained: “Phil made an incredible effort playing with pain and arrived at a moment when he said, ‘Pep, I cannot any more’, so he had to rest.

“We gave him a week or two off, and after that Riyad Mahrez was in his best time of the season and Jack Grealish made a step forward.

“But if you are saying that I don’t trust Phil, forget about it. Phil is our diamond. He needs to be himself. I just saw other players better than him at times after the World Cup.”

To his credit, Guardiola’s stance is backed some key numbers.

This campaign, Foden is only creating 0.29 big chances per 90 minutes, compared to Grealish’s 0.40 and Mahrez’s 0.42, while he also trails the pair in terms of pass accuracy.

Hitting his stride

It may be that Foden is bringing his best form to the party at the perfect time.

The Citizens are still firmly competing on three fronts this term, with a victory over Championship side Bristol City tonight putting them three wins from FA Cup glory.

Their Champions League last-16 tie with RB Leipzig is finely poised at 1-1, though home advantage in the second leg makes them red-hot favourites to progress in their quest for a first European title.

Meanwhile, the title race looks increasingly set to go to the wire — all of which means there are plenty of huge games still to come for City over the next three months.

Foden himself said last week: “I am just all for the team. I just want to work hard in every opportunity that I get and it is all about just helping the team.”

That hard work may well reap rewards for him and his club between now and late May.

– Liverpool have managed only two wins in their last seven games in all competitions
– Wolves have found the net in three of their last four matches
– Recommended bet: Both teams to score

Liverpool have played Wolves three times already in 2023 and the pair lock horns again in the Premier League at Anfield on Wednesday.

Each of the three meetings between the clubs this year have produced different results and their tussle on Merseyside looks a tough one to call.

Team news

Liverpool have had to deal with a lengthy injury list of late and will once again be without Luis Diaz (knee), Thiago Alcantara (hip), Calvin Ramsay (knee) and Joe Gomez (hamstring).

Darwin Nunez and Ibrahima Konate could feature after shoulder and hamstring injuries, respectively, but Arthur Melo is a doubt with a long-term thigh issue.

For Wolves, Sasa Kalajdzic (knee) and Chiquinho (knee) will again be absent, while Boubacar Traore (groin), Hwang Hee-chan (hamstring) and Matheus Cunha (knee) are doubts.

The stats

Both teams have scored in six of Liverpool’s 11 home matches in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool’s home matches in the Premier League this term have featured an average of 3.09 goals per game. 

Wolves have managed to score in three of their last four Premier League fixtures, including striking three times in their home clash with Liverpool earlier in the month.

The Reds, meanwhile, have failed to score in only one of their 11 matches at Anfield in the Premier League this campaign.

Predictions

Liverpool’s most recent outing at Anfield was a high-octane 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League and, although the club’s upcoming clash with Wolves may not be quite as pulsating, it should be another entertaining affair nonetheless.

These sides met in the third round of the FA Cup in January, with the game at Anfield finishing 2-2 and the replay at Molineux won 1-0 by Liverpool.

But when they locked horns again at the start of February in the Premier League, it was Wolves who came out on top 3-0.

Liverpool were frustrated in a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace last time out in the Premier League but they hit the woodwork twice in that game and their matches at Anfield have typically been more open than those on their travels.

Wolves have managed to pull away from the relegation zone under Julen Lopetegui and can play with a little more freedom for now, especially as they know they have it in them to beat Jurgen Klopp’s side.

They have scored in three of their last four matches in the Premier League, netting against the Reds, Southampton and Fulham in February and this could be an end-to-end encounter.

January addition Cody Gakpo failed to make an impact for Liverpool in their matches with Real Madrid and Crystal Palace but he netted against Everton and Newcastle earlier in February and could be a worthwhile bet at 6/4 with LiveScore Bet to score in this contest.

Both teams have blown hot and cold since the start of the year, so punters are advised to swerve a result bet and look elsewhere.

Back both teams to score at 4/5 with LiveScore Bet.

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Zlatko Dalic accused FIFA of showing “a lack of respect” for Croatia’s World Cup heroes and revealed he refused to vote in the world body’s The Best awards.

Croatia playmaker Luka Modric was a nominee in the men’s player category, but Dalic did not make the five-man list for coach of the year.

In a fiery blast to Gianni Infantino’s FIFA, Dalic argued Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Dominic Livakovic deserved recognition, suggesting all would have been in the frame for nominations if they belonged to a more fashionable footballing nation.

Dalic’s team beat Brazil in the Qatar 2022 quarter-finals before falling to Argentina in the semi-finals. They then rebounded to beat Morocco in the third-place play-off, following their runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup.

Scornful of Croatian players being left off voting lists, Dalic said: “If English, Brazilian, Spanish, German or Italian players and coaches had the kind of results that we do, they’d be on the shortlist for every possible football award.

“I want more respect for us, for our national team, for our players, and for myself, because with two medals, we more than deserve it. FIFA should promote the fact that a tiny country such as Croatia can play against the biggest nations in the world because that’s the most beautiful message for the whole football world.”

In a contemptuous statement issued through the Croatian FA, Dalic said: “I am disappointed with FIFA’s attitude towards the Croatian national team because I strongly maintain that, based on everything we’ve achieved as a national team, we deserve more respect from the head governing body of world football than we have received.

“We are the only national team that was among the top four teams at both the World Cup in Qatar and in the current UEFA Nations League cycle.

“We made the front pages worldwide by winning a match against the world’s greatest team Brazil, and along with France, we are the only team to have won two medals at the two most recent World Cups.

“This year, we beat France in Paris and Denmark in Copenhagen, we took Brazil and Belgium out of the World Cup. In the 23 matches we’ve played since Euro 2020, we’ve only lost twice. And yet even after all of that, look at the list of the 14 candidates for The Best FIFA Men’s player – aside from the great Luka Modric, where are other Croatian players?”

He asked: “Was there really no place for Mateo Kovacic on that list, even though he’s won the FIFA Club World Cup and played a brilliant World Cup in Qatar? Where is Josko Gvardiol’s name? After all, he was listed among the Top 11 for both the World Cup and for the Bundesliga by most sources. And did Dominik Livakovic not deserve to be one of the five finalists for the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper after everything he did in Qatar?”

Contenders for the coach award were Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, France boss Didier Deschamps, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City, Morocco’s Walid Regragui and Lionel Scaloni, whose Argentina won the World Cup. Scaloni took the honour.

Dalic said: “With all due respect for Morocco’s head coach and their success at the World Cup, in the two matches we played against them, we tied once and Croatia won the bronze medal the second time.”

The 56-year-old Dalic claimed this was not the first instance of feeling a lack of recognition.

He said: “I feel that we have not been extended the respect we deserve, and both the time slots of our matches at the World Cup and the quality of refereeing – especially at the semi-final match – made me feel that there was a lack of respect towards the Croatian team. I fully believe that our national team’s performance on the pitch and conduct off of it has made us deserving of the very same respect that we show our opponents at every match.”

Chelsea are enduring a torrid time under Graham Potter and he could soon be heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues suffered another defeat at the weekend, this time at the hands of London rivals Tottenham.

Potter’s side are one of the lowest scorers in the Premier League despite their recent big-spending recruitment drive.

Defeat to Leeds on Saturday could leave Todd Boehly and Co with no choice but to part ways with their English boss.

We take a look at five contenders who could replace the 47-year-old in West London.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho is the name at the top of many Chelsea fans’ wish lists with the Roma boss said to be keen on a third stint at the five-time Premier League winners.

The Portuguese head coach delivered the league title to Stamford Bridge twice during his first stay and then again in 2014-2015.

Reports have suggested that the legendary manager wants to return to England one more time to win further silverware after failing to do so during his time in charge of Spurs.

With his family said to still be living in London, it is certainly not impossible that Chelsea’s most successful coach could return to the club that sacked him on two occasions.

Mauricio Pochettino

It is no secret that Mauricio Pochettino spends a lot of time in England having been relieved of his duties by Paris Saint-Germain last July.

Former Southampton and Spurs boss Poch was well known for his high-intensity, attacking football — especially during his reign in North London.

The 50-year-old looks to be biding his time when it comes to securing his next job but there is some excitement around what Pochettino could do with Chelsea’s young and hugely-talented squad.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Argentine is waiting for Antonio Conte to depart his beloved Spurs so that he can return to management in a familiar environment.

Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique’s time at the helm of the Spanish national side came to an abrupt end when they were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.

The 2010 winners were contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar but crashed out on penalties in the last 16, leaving the former Barcelona boss searching for a new adventure.

The 52-year-old has not taken a job in club management since he left the Camp Nou in 2017 but an opportunity at Chelsea could turn his head towards a challenge in the Premier League.

Luis Enrique is a tactical expert who would be capable of developing the Blues into a well-oiled machine able to challenge for honours if the Spaniard is given the time and resources.

Zinedine Zidane

It seems an age since Zinedine Zidane guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles but he is another who may be tempted by a vacancy at Chelsea.

The Frenchman has been linked with almost every top job in Europe since his departure from Los Blancos in 2021 — and for good reason.

His excellent man-management skills would be a welcome sight for fans of the West London club as the squad appears unsettled by so many new faces this term.

Zidane was said to be patiently waiting for the French national team job but Didier Deschamps’ decision to stay on as Les Bleus boss may prompt the former midfielder to seek an alternative route back into the dugout.

Diego Simeone 

Diego Simeone may be tempted by a new project having spent 11 years in charge of Atletico Madrid and is a proven winner at the top level.

He has boasted some impressive achievements in the Spanish capital, coaching Atleti to the title ahead of LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2014 and 2021 alongside two visits to the Champions League final.

Well known for his defensive tactics, Simeone is an expert at game management and relies on counter-attacks to breach the opposition.

And with an arsenal of tools available in West London, the 52-year-old Argentine would be able to stamp his authority on this young squad.

– Manchester United have won 15 of their last 16 matches at home in all competitons
– Six of Manchester United’s last seven league strikes have come after the break
– Tottenham have won their last two Premier League games

Our Bet Builder column focuses on two of Wednesday’s FA Cup ties with Carabao Cup winners Manchester United expected to ease past West Ham at Old Trafford. and Spurs backed to edge a tight match at Bramall Lane.

Red Devils should extend stunning run at home

Bet 1: Back Man Utd to win by 2+ Goals

Manchester United knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League last week before dashing Newcastle’s dreams of silverware in the Carabao Cup final and West Ham’s FA Cup run looks likely to end at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils have been sensational at home, winning 15 of their last 16 matches in all competitions at Old Trafford and scoring at least twice in 14 of those victories.

West Ham have struggled away from home this season, finding the net only seven times in 12 Premier League road games, so backing United to win by at least a two-goal margin looks the way to go.

Bet 2: Back Tie/Man Utd Half time/Full time result

Manchester United are worthy favourites for this tie but their heavy recent workload means they may have to wait until the second half to break down the Hammers.

This is their 17th fixture of 2023 and they do not always come flying out of the traps. All four of their goals in the two legs against Barcelona came in the second half and six of their last seven Premier League strikes were also scored after the break, so West Ham could stand firm for the first 45 minutes.

Bet 3: Back Alejandro Garnacho to score anytime

With a crunch Premier League fixture at Liverpool to come on Sunday, United boss Ten Hag may well freshen up his starting XI and exciting young winger Alejandro Garnacho could get another chance to impress.

The 18-year-old showed his finishing prowess with a late winner at Fulham in November and also scored against Leeds at Elland Road in February, racking up five shots in 88 minutes of his side’s home and away clashes with the Whites.

Recommended Bet Builder: Back Man Utd to win by 2+, Tie/Man Utd Half time/Full time result and Alejandro Garnacho to score anytime at 18/1

Spurs should grind out victory in tight tie

Bet 1: Back Tottenham to win

Tottenham have boosted their Premier League top-four hopes with back-to-back 2-0 wins over London rivals West Ham and Chelsea and they can come through a tricky FA Cup tie at Sheffield United.

The Blades are going well in the Championship, although they have lost two of their last three league matches and needed two injury-time goals to see off National League Wrexham in an entertaining FA Cup fourth-round replay.

Bet 2: Back under 3 goals in the match for both teams combined

Seven of Tottenham’s last 10 matches in all competitions have ended with under 2.5 goals and their defensive performances are certainly improving, the Leicester defeat aside.

Spurs have kept clean sheets in all seven of their league and cup wins since the World Cup break – and four in their last five matches – so their second-tier hosts may struggle to create chances at Bramall Lane.

Bet 3: Back over 10 corners in the match for both teams combined

One area in which Sheffield United could pose a threat is from set-pieces and defender John Egan scored from a corner in the dramatic 3-3 draw at Wrexham in the previous round.

The Blades’ Championship matches this season are averaging 10.67 corners per game, the fourth-highest in the division, while Spurs also like to attack down the flanks and their league fixtures average 10.28 corners per game.

Recommended Bet Builder: Back Tottenham to win, under 3 goals in the match for both teams combined and over 10 corners in the match for both teams combined at 7/1

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– Southampton have lost six of their last eight matches 
– Grimsby are 16th in League Two but are unbeaten in three matches 
– Recommended bet: Southampton to win 2-1

Southampton are rock-solid favourites to see off Grimsby Town in their FA Cup fifth-round tie at St Mary’s.

This is the first time Grimsby have reached round five since 1995-96 and the League Two side have beaten four teams from a higher level to do so, culminating in their 3-0 replay success over Championship side Luton in the last round.

Premier League backmarkers Southampton are trying to get to Wembley while fighting for their top-flight lives and come into this game on the back of a sorry 1-0 loss at Leeds at the weekend.

The Saints have played four lower-league opponents in both cups this season and have made hard work of beating three of them, needing penalties to see off Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup in which they also pipped Lincoln 2-1. 

They beat Blackpool, also 2-1, in round four to book this date with Grimsby.

Team news

Centre-back Mohamed Salisu and striker Mislav Orsic could both be available for Southampton after injuries.

However, striker Che Adams looks set to miss out with a knock, with long-term crocks Juan Larios and Tino Livramento also sidelined while defender James Bree is cup-tied.

Boss Ruben Selles is under pressure to make changes with keeper Gavin Bazunu quite likely to be taken out of the firing line and Willy Caballero donning the gloves.

As for Grimsby, manager Paul Hurst has said winger Otis Khan is available again after a six-week absence but is not guaranteed to go straight back into the side.

New frontmen George Lloyd and Mikey O’Neil are cup-tied while Owen Gallacher, Kieran Green and Harry Clifton are all missing.

The stats

Southampton go into the game on a run of six defeats in their last eight games in all competitions and now find themselves four points from safety at the foot of the Premier League.

Their top scorer is midfielder James Ward-Prowse with six league goals – the team as a whole has scored just 19 times in 24 top-flight outings.

Grimsby have suffered three defeats in 11 and come into the game on the back of successive draws against Harrogate and League Two leaders Leyton Orient.

Prediction

There are 65 places between Southampton and Grimsby in football’s pyramid so the Saints, with home advantage as well, ought to be good things.

However, at the moment – and especially at the odds – they make little appeal as a 90-minute bet at a short price, especially given the trouble they have had against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Lincoln this season.

And Grimsby, with seven of their 10 league wins this season coming on the road, will give it their all. 

They may be limited but there will be no lack of effort from Paul Hurst’s men and they can keep the Saints honest.

The Premier League side’s class and options off the bench are expected to tell in the end so the Tie/Southampton Half Time/Full Time result becomes a big runner, so too Southampton over 1.5 goals in the second half.

But they are struggling, Grimsby are solid and a correct-score bet is the preferred way in, with the Saints progressing in familiar fashion.

Back Southampton to win 2-1 at 6/1 with LiveScore Bet.

Win big with LiveScore 6!

LiveScore customer Karen from Northern Ireland won £2,500 last week after landing five scores from six, the second prize winner in three weeks! 

Can you do the same or go one better and win up to £100,000 by correctly predicting all six correct scores this weekend? Play LiveScore 6 for free! (UK residents only, 18+ – click here for T&Cs).

Jurgen Klopp has told his Liverpool stars to “squeeze everything” they can out of this season as they head into a rematch with the Wolves team who left them at their lowest ebb.

A 3-0 thumping at Molineux on February 4 followed a month that contained two defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and a loss at Brentford, with Liverpool leaving the West Midlands in a state of disarray.

Results have picked up since from that low point, with Liverpool beating Everton and Newcastle United in the Premier League and drawing at Crystal Palace. They have kept three successive clean sheets for the first time in the domestic league, but the elephant in the room is the 5-2 stuffing Liverpool suffered at the hands of Real Madrid amid that improvement.

As it stands, Liverpool are up to seventh in the league, still in the hunt for a Champions League place with 45 points up for grabs before the season ends, and manager Klopp says this is “a super-important week”.

With Wolves their visitors on Wednesday, and Manchester United coming to Anfield on Sunday, the chance is there for Liverpool to take big strides towards the top four.

Considering Liverpool came from mid-table to snatch fourth in the 2020-21 season, after winning eight of their last 10 games, Klopp knows it can be done.

“It helps because it was us and I don’t have to tell them the story from another team,” Klopp said on Tuesday. “History is not allowed to hinder you, but you cannot constantly rely on doing it again, so we have to make sure.

“I really see we have the right mindset, and we are ready to go, but now we have to do it as well because a game is different. You have an opponent who wants the points as well. We have to create, we have to attack, we have to defend, we have to protect. I know the boys can do that, so let’s give it a try.

“We have to force it as well, but we have to play and enjoy what we are doing, that’s really important. I really think we are ready. If there’s a club that can do it, I really think it’s us, because all the things we’ve achieved, we’ve achieved together.

“We have a future together. The immediate future, but there’s a bigger picture as well. We will strike back in general, but now we have to make sure we really squeeze everything out of this season that we can squeeze out of this season.

“I don’t know in this moment what it will be, but the obvious spots are not too far away from us, and we will see which one we can pick up, but there’s no alternative to results, so we need results and for results we need performances.”

Liverpool have won 18 of their last 20 home league games against Wolves, with the exceptions being 1-0 defeats in January 1984 and December 2010.

Klopp’s Reds also beat Wolves after a replay in the FA Cup in January, so victory over the men in black and gold is not an alien concept, despite the recent woeful league result. Klopp labelled that 3-0 loss as “not a cool day” and urged Liverpool to take advantage of being at home this time.

Wolves will be looking to complete a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 1950-51 season, and they need the points too, given they hover just above the relegation zone.

“It’s a super-important week,” Klopp said. “We can’t ignore that and why would I? We have two home games.

“I would love to give the season a little push this week. I know we all understand, so we have to give a proper, proper, proper go against a team we played more often than any other team this season.

“We know a lot about each other. We know it will not be easy, so we have to make sure we are ready. I know Anfield will be, and we have to do our part.”

– Manchester United have been imperious at home, beating some of Europe’s best
– West Ham may be buoyed by a home win but remain abject on the road 
– Recommended bet: Manchester United to win by a two-goal margin

After correctly predicting Manchester United to get the better of Barcelona in the Europa League, Dan Sait assesses the best bet for the Red Devils’ fifth-round FA Cup clash with West Ham.

Manchester United and West Ham contest this FA Cup fifth-round clash in high spirits thanks to a weekend that brought Carabao Cup glory for the Red Devils and a much-needed Premier League victory for the Hammers.

Though defeats of Newcastle and Nottingham Forest might not seem particularly seismic for clubs of the stature of Manchester United and West Ham, both successes will have felt hugely significant to managers Erik ten Hag and David Moyes.

Moyes has been under serious pressure in the West Ham dugout, fretting at a lack of cutting edge that had seen his side slip into the bottom three. 

So to see the floodgates open in a 4-0 thrashing of Forest will have been a huge relief, with West Ham netting more than three goals in a game for the first time this season to move them out of the bottom three and give hope for a far brighter second half of the campaign.

And Ten Hag will have felt similar relief at Wembley when claiming the Carabao Cup. 

It may not be the most sought-after piece of silverware but the Dutchman has made his first serious statement at the club in ending United’s six-year trophy drought at the very first opportunity.

Ten Hag will doubtless be hungry for more in the league, Europe and the FA Cup.

Team news

Manchester United’s injury issues are starting to clear up, with midfielders Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek the only long-term injury absentees and striker Anthony Martial expected back from a hip problem within the next week or two.

West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and right-back Vladimir Coufal were both forced off against Nottingham Forest last weekend with eye and heel injuries respectively and are unlikely to start at Old Trafford.

Central defender Kurt Zouma and attacker Maxwel Cornet both have an outside chance of returning from their respective calf and thigh injuries but January signing Danny Ings is cup tied after playing for Aston Villa in the third round.

The stats

Manchester United have won six of their last seven meetings with West Ham, though the only West Ham success in that run came in cup competition – last season’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup third round.

However, West Ham’s Premier League away record this season does not offer much encouragement for another cup upset, with Moyes’ men having failed to win any of their last 10 league away games, losing seven.

The Hammers’ hopes are further undermined by United’s excellent home record in 2022-23. 

Ten Hag’s men are unbeaten in 18 at Old Trafford, winning 16 – including defeats of Barcelona and Manchester City – and have beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham on home soil this term.

Prediction

West Ham’s impressive defeat of Nottingham Forest last weekend could prove a turning point in their season as they have been playing better than results suggest but have lacked confidence in front of goal. 

A four-goal haul could help them relax and release the shackles to power on in both the Premier League and in Europe.

However, harnessing that positivity to land a shock Old Trafford success seems too big an ask for the Hammers as United are starting to look the real deal under Ten Hag.

The Red Devils have seen off some of the best teams in Europe on home soil this term, scoring at least twice in victories over Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham to make over 1.5 Manchester United goals a safe-looking addition to Bet Builder selections.

But the best bet might be to go for a comfortable home win as the hosts are rightfully strong favourites for this match and Ten Hag will be keen to kill the tie off and rest players once his team has a safe lead to defend.

Back Manchester United to win by a two-goal margin, available at 16/5 with LiveScore Bet.

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