--- title: "Preview: Liverpool vs Swansea" canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/first-team/preview-liverpool-v-swansea/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Tom Murphy" section: "First Team" published: "2013-02-16T10:56:44Z" modified: "2013-12-04T22:20:09Z" --- # Preview: Liverpool vs Swansea Liverpool go into Sunday’s encounter with Swansea off the back of arguably their worst week of the Brendan Rodgers regime. It all seemed to be going so well; the emphatic win against Norwich followed by impressive performances at Arsenal and City suggested that maybe, just maybe, this Liverpool side had turned a corner. Two games and zero points later, the outlook is considerably less sunny amongst Liverpool fans. Against West Brom and Zenit St Petersburg, profligacy was at times Liverpool’s downfall. For all the domination of the ball they maintained, Rodgers’ side were incapable of capitalising in either game. Luis Suarez was as guilty as anyone of not finishing his chances; he was presented with at least two gilt-edged opportunities to give the Reds the lead in Russia, and yet drew a blank. Liverpool can not afford to be so wasteful at Anfield on Sunday. However, the Uruguayan was not the only Liverpool player deserving of criticism off the back of the two losses; far from it. In fact, the majority of the players on show failed to live up to expectations. With every one of the four goals conceded, the accusations of mental weakness grew stronger. As has so often been the case, Liverpool looked dumbfounded, devoid of fighting spirit, seemingly clueless of how to get back into either game after falling behind. Approaching the Swansea fixture, there are feelings of trepidation amongst the Liverpool fans. It’s a difficult situation; a win will only go so far to dampen the doubt amongst anti-Rodgers sections of the support, whilst an embarrassing loss will fuel their disdain for the manager yet further. Swansea’s main threat comes in the form of free-scoring Spaniard Michu. How often we have marvelled at the value of this £2M signing who continues to produce important goals time and time again; Liverpool need to keep the diminutive striker quiet if Sunday’s game is to result in three points. Charged with nullifying Michu will be the Liverpool centre backs, most likely Daniel Agger and a rejuvenated Jamie Carragher. Both Agger and Carragher will be key men for the Reds; if Liverpool are to prosper, then good performances are required from them both. Liverpool will be rebuffed by the return of one of their most vital players; Daniel Sturridge should return to the side after a thigh injury. The pace of Sturridge, coupled with his partnership with Suarez, are integral to any success Liverpool are to enjoy not only against Swansea, but for the rest of the season. The effect Sturridge has had on the few games he has played has been remarkable, and fellow signing Coutinho will hope that he is able to make a similar impact. The Brazilian may well feature at Anfield on Sunday having returned to full fitness following his transfer from Inter Milan. The only absentee for Liverpool is the injured Martin Kelly. A win against Swansea would see Liverpool overtake the Welsh club and reach seventh place, provided other results go their way. However, a defeat could see Liverpool 15 points adrift of the top four, surely ending their hopes of Champions League qualification this season. As it is, Liverpool are more or less competing for 5th place and Europa League qualification; they currently sit eight points behind Arsenal. The previous fixture between these sides was a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium, and it is clear that some of the problems facing Liverpool then have not been wholly eradicated. Chances to win that game were spurned, as they were against West Brom and Zenit. Capitalising on possession is something that must be worked on in training; so many times this season, we have seen Liverpool unable to make the most of having the lion’s share of the ball. Liverpool have seen several false dawns this season; every peak followed by a depressing trough. The progress, however, is tangible; at least in the style of play, if not the results. Even in the defeats against West Brom and Zenit, it is plain to see that Brendan Rodgers is getting his ideas across to the players. Whilst the league table is not the deciding factor as to the ‘success’ of this season, it is an interesting gauge of performance. A win on Sunday will not make Liverpool’s season, just as a loss will not break it; but as far as Brendan Rodgers is concerned, it would certainly help.