Rodgers out?

Liverpool has been through a bit of a roller coaster ride since Rodgers took the helm three years ago. His first season was bad but finished on a high note as the team began to accept his philosophies. His second was outstanding as Liverpool nearly won the title if not for a few unfortunate errors. Then Rodgers had to rebuild his team once again as Suarez left for Barcelona and the Reds struggled to integrate the hosts of new players they signed in the summer. It seemed as though Rodgers' team was back as they stormed up the Premier League table to be within a shot of finishing in the top four and in the semifinals of the FA Cup and so fans once again hailed Rodgers as their savior.

Now Liverpool are out of the Cup and it seems as though the top four challenge is over after defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United in the last month. Now the question is being asked if Rodgers is still the right man for Liverpool right now. Liverpool fans, including myself, have been patient over the years of Liverpool's struggles and many of us still believe that Rodgers is the man for the job. But there is something else going on in Europe that might be enough to cause the owners to part ways with Rodgers. Highly rated manager of Borussia Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp, is now available for hire.

After seven years with Dortmund Klopp has announced that he will leave the German side at the end of the season and looks to get right back to work as soon as possible. It appears to be a match made in heaven, a match that might be too good to turn down. Klopp has spoken of his admiration for both the Premier League as well as saying he is a fan of Liverpool in recent years so it is not unreasonable to link Klopp with the Liverpool job. Klopp's Dortmund defied the odds to win the Bundesliga twice and reaching the final of the Champions League during his time as manager. His team played with pace and high pressure, making stars out of underrated and inexpensive players. Sound familiar, it should because the same could be said of Rodgers' Liverpool, with less success it should be said.

Fans that oppose the appointment of Klopp will surely cite Dortmund's 2014/15 season as a reason not to hire the German. Dortmund were at one time in danger of relegation at one point. Klopp, much like Rodgers, turned things around to an extent and has brought them in the top half of the table, still not great but better than it could have turned out. Their team suffered similar afflictions as Liverpool with their top goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski leaving for bitter rivals Bayern Munich last summer and they failed to adequately replace him. This coupled with an extremely leaky defense led to their troubles. It must be asked if Klopp is capable of shaping up Liverpool's defensive woes if he was unable to do so while at Dortmund.

It is still unclear the path that Liverpool with take. Will they give Rodgers another season to solidify this new team or will they start a new era with a new manager, with Klopp being just one qualified candidate. I for one am torn. Rodgers has led Liverpool out of the darkness and has brought some good times back to Liverpool, including the Champions League. But with no trophies in 3 years, a top 4 finish looking unlikely, and a failure to perform well against top teams, it may be time for Liverpool to move on to bigger and better things. Let me reiterate, I am a fan of Brendan Rodgers. What I am saying is that I am a bigger fan of Jurgen Klopp. I have faith that Liverpool's owners and managers will make the right decision on Liverpool's future, and I await that decision with anticipation, as I do with all news pertaining to my beloved Liverpool.

Who is going where?

I love to make predictions. I have predicted many football matches on this blog in the past. I would like to take this opportunity to test my skills of predicting transfer activity. We still have a ways to go before the summer transfer window opens on June 1 but there has been constant transfer rumors flying, as there always is. So here are my predictions of some of the biggest deals I think will happen this summer.

Samir Nasri- Sold to Inter FC
James Milner- join Liverpool on a free transfer
Micah Richards- joins Southampton or Newcastle on a free transfer
Alvaro Negredo- makes loan move to Valencia permanent
Paul Pogba- sold to Manchester City for about 60m
Kevin de Bruyne- sold to Manchester City for 25m
England international to Manchester City, maybe Kyle Walker, John Stones or Ross Barkley
Nathaniel Clyne- sold to Manchester United for 20m
Morgan Schneiderlin- sold to Arsenal for 15m
Javier Hernandez- sold to Lazio or Southampton for 10m
Dani Alves- free transfer to PSG
Danny Ings- free transfer to Liverpool
Fabio Borini- sold to Swansea City for 8m
Mario Balotelli- staying at Liverpool
Carl Jenkinson- sold to West Ham
Charlie Austin- if relegated, transfer to  Newcastle
Memphis Depay- sold to Manchester United for 25m
Angel di Maria- sold to PSG for 40m
Tom Cleverly- sold to Everton for 8m
Andre Ayew- free transfer to Newcastle
Radamel Falcao- loaned to Juventus
Edinson Cavani- sold to Manchester United 40m
Javier Pastore- sold, hopefully to Liverpool :)
Andre-Pierre Gignac- free transfer to AC Milan
Neil Lennon- sold to Everton for 8m
Fabian Schar- sold to West Ham for 8m
Dybala- sold to Inter

Sterling, Coutinho, Lallana, Markovic, Ibe...and now Depay?

It would appear that Liverpool will be going head to head with Manchester United for a number of transfer targets. Nathaniel Clyne seems to be leaning towards the Red Devils while it seems that another target, Memphis Depay, appears to prefer a move to the Reds. After watching Depay tear it up at the World Cup for the Netherlands I would say that any team would be lucky to have him.

Now its time to contradict myself; Liverpool is not the place for Depay at the moment. It would appear that almost every top EPL team have an excess in the attacking midfielder department, and Liverpool are no different. Liverpool have Sterling, Coutinho, Lallana, Markovic, Ibe, and now they are bidding for Depay? Not to mention there is also the likes of Shinji Ojo and Jerome Sinclair who are rising stars as well through their loans in the Championship. Does Depay overcome the likes of Sterling and Coutinho? For a player that is still untested in a top league and team it is hard to tell if he can, and if he does, will he be enough of an upgrade to really make a difference?

Reports say that he will cost in the region of 23m pounds, and money is not growing on trees at the moment at Anfield. These funds could be used to strengthen in areas that actually need to strengthen, which is almost every other position. At right back we have Glen Johnson departing (oh what a relief it is), and Manquillo not impressing (his current loan will last until the end of next season) and so I believe the position we need to strengthen the most in is at right back. Clyne is the best option but not too likely but Daryl Janmaat is another great option as well.

Another position that needs another player coming in to fill is in center midfield. With Can being deployed mostly as a center back the midfield is already pretty scarce and with Gerrard leaving it will be even more so. We will have Henderson, Lucas and Allen with Can able to fill in too. There has been a lot of talk about who can replace Gerrard and the truth is that they need someone to replace him as a midfielder, and not so much as Captain Fantastic. There are many names that have made it through the rounds but in my opinion the best candidate would be Miralem Pjanic. He actually reminds me quite a bit of Gerrard due to his marauding runs in the final third and could add some needed creativity in that part of the pitch. Another midfield deal that seems to be nearing completion is a move for soon to be free agent James Milner. Signing the England international would be a major coup for Liverpool as he has true winning experience and able to play in almost any position be it winger, fullback or even striker.

Lastly we need to revamp our striking department. Sturridge needs to have a top class striker to either partner him or serve as deputy because he breaks a nail every month which rules him out of many matches. That role was supposed to be fulfilled by Mario Balotelli but anyone who has been paying attention knows that gamble didn't pay off. The other strikers haven't impressed either this season with Lambert only making late substitute appearances and Borini only making the bench on rare occasions. Liverpool need to drop the Italians (Balo and Borini) and bring in a top class striker to do what they have failed to do. Rumors on this front have been scarce with Danny Ings being one of the only realistic targets being talked about. Ings will also be a free agent come the summer and so presents a very low risk option for Liverpool. I like this kid a lot, he has been Burnely's best player, scoring quite a few goals despite being on one of the worst teams in the league. He is young, English, free, fast, hardworking...he's a perfect fit for Liverpool. The problem again is that he is being fought over by Liverpool and Manchester United. And so the fight between the two most decorated clubs in English history continues, and I hope that the Reds of Merseyside are able to win this transfer tug of war this summer, setting them up for a real push for silverware and a top four spot next season.

What Liverpool should do in the summer transfer market

There remains 10 games to play in the English Premier League but the transfer rumors never stop in this game and so I want to take a look at what Liverpool should do to in the transfer market to improve next season.

Out:

Mario Balotelli

It was well worth the gamble to sign the controversial Italian but it just simply hasn't worked out. It might be hard to find suitors for him but I think it is important to get him away from Anfield because he just brings the whole team down mentally. There have been rumors that MLS are interested in signing him, which would be a bit weird but stranger things have happened.

Steven Gerrard

Captain Fantastic's exit has already been confirmed and so Liverpool need to find a replacement for him. There have been musings that Gerrard might return back on loan as early as next January, though I wouldn't count on it.

Fabio Borini

Borini came very close to being sold off to Sunderland and later QPR but he rejected a move away to fight for a place at Liverpool. He didn't do too bad in his cameos this season but he certainly didn't set the world alight, he seems to lack that cutting edge that is needed to be a top club type of player. He will undoubtedly have plenty of suitors in England as well as his native Italy.

Glen Johnson

The right back's current contract expires at the end of the season and so will become a free agent in the summer. I believe Liverpool have made a smart choice in choosing not to renew his contract as he has been abysmal in recent years, looking totally lackadaisical on the ball and unwilling to track back on defense. It also seems as though Rodgers is set on eliminating the fullback positions in favor of wing-backs, which doesn't favor Johnson.

In:

Danny Ings

With the theoretical exits of Balotelli and Borini Liverpool will need to bring in reinforcements to back up the exceptional yet injury prone Sturridge. Ings have impressed with relegation battling Burnley, scoring 9 Premier League goals despite the team's poor form. He fits the FSG transfer policy: he is young, English and hardworking. His style is very similar to that of Sturridge but is quite capable of playing in other advanced roles as well. The best part about Ings, he is out of contract at the end of the season which means he wouldn't cost a thing. A no brainer.

Petr Cech or Mignolet backup

Liverpool were linked with the Czech keeper after Courtois replaced him as first choice at Chelsea, but Chelsea were unmoving and Cech remained loyal. Cech has played a minor role for Chelsea and will probably seek to be first choice elsewhere and there is no doubt he would start above Mignolet. If a move for Cech doesn't materialize Liverpool will still need to bring in a keeper, as Mignolet needs better competition/backup than Brad Jones. Mignolet has been is sparking form since he was brought back after Jones was injured, but Cech is on another level than Mignolet.

Asier Illaramendi

The young Spanish midfielder has endured a season of sitting on the sidelines at Real Madrid and is rumored to want a move to get more game time. It is rumored that Liverpool are considering moving for him in the summer. With Gerrard gone and Lucas being in and out of the team with constant injuries it would be wise to bring in another midfielder. Illaramendi is good at controlling games and spreading passes, a role which Gerrard has played for Liverpool recently and so would be a good replacement. I am not sure he would automatically start each match for Liverpool but would be a great squad player to have.

Center back or right back

Emre Can is currently playing as the right-sided center back for Liverpool, despite being more comfortable in the midfield. I think this is the most unneeded position for Liverpool to reinforce and should only sign a player if they can get the right kind of player. The only player that comes to mind is Nathaniel Clyne, of Southampton, who has enjoyed another fantastic season with the Saints. Southampton will not want to let another young English player leave but Liverpool's pockets run deep.

EPL Predictions Week 24

I believe it has been over a year since I have published my Premier League predictions. I hope to renew the tradition now.

Tottenham v Arsenal

This is the first of the two derbies to be played this round. It should be a good fight as both North London teams are in fine form. This match will likely be a key fixture in the race for the top 4. Arsenal might be able to recover from a negative result but I don't think Tottenham have that same ability in their squad, so it will be even more important for Spurs to get a positive result. Arsenal are coming into the match on the back of a 5-0 hammering over Aston Villa. Tottenham are also coming off a good 3-0 win over West Brom themselves. This fixture often ends in a draw and I am fearful that this time it will be another draw, and perhaps a dull one as both do not want to lose at any costs.
Prediction: 1-1

Aston Villa v Chelsea

I do not think this will be a great match to watch as both teams will not be at their best. Chelsea will be without arguably their two best players, Costa and Fabregas. Villa have a number of players coming back to the squad such as Vlaar and Cole. I do not think these changes in the squads will change the result of the match, though I think it will make it closer. Chelsea will surely win this match, or maybe a tie because Villa quite frankly can't score to save their lives.
Prediction: 0-2

Leicester City v Crystal Palace

It should be a grand old game, as both teams are pretty desperate for points, especially bottom of the table Leicester. Palace won't go down without a good fight as Pardew has inspired the Eagles to a great run. Leicester will be buoyed by their new signings such as Huth and Kramaric, though I'm not sure it will be enough to save them from the drop. Crystal Palace has a decent away form and I think they will line up defensively to avoid defeat. I am expecting a draw.
Prediction: 1-1

Manchester City v Hull City

Man City are still in the title race, trailing leaders Chelsea by 5 points, a gap that they maintained by getting a draw at Stamford Bridge last week. Hull are simply despicable lately, losing to the turbulent Newcastle 3-0 at home, and this time they will playing at the Etihad. I can't see anything other than a thrashing to add to Hull's woes as they get closer and closer to the relegation zone, a place which I do not expect them to escape from.
Prediction: 2-0

QPR v Southampton

Both clubs are a bit hurt at the moment, though it appears as though QPR are on the ropes. Rednapp has abandoned them to their doom. He may claim that he will be unable to lead the team properly because of surgery but I think we all know its because of the lack of transfer activity that Rednapp so clearly loves to dabble in. QPR fought hard against Stoke last week but it was for naught as they lost 3-1 away from home, a place they despise this season. They will be the hosts this week but I don't think they can beat such a talented team. Swansea's stalwart defense, led by the amazing Ashley Williams, had it in them to get the clean sheet, but QPR's defense simply don't have it in them to mimic them. That said I expect a good fight to be fruitless as QPR begin life without Rednapp.
Prediction: 1-2

Swansea City v Sunderland

I believe this will be a very good match to watch as both teams are coming into it after crucial wins, Swansea against Southampton and Sunderland against Burnley. The Swans are pretty good at home and Sunderland are pretty good at tying, so I think it will be either a tie or a Swansea victory. I don't think Sunderland's attack is good enough, especially against Swansea's defense at home.
Prediction: 0-0

Everton v Liverpool

This is the big kahoona, the second derby of the round, the Merseyside Derby. These teams shared the honors the last time they met thanks to a miraculous Jagielka volley in the last minute. Despite being at home I believe Liverpool are doing too good lately to lose this match. Everton languish in 12th place and only scraped to a 1-0 win last week against Palace thanks to a very lucky deflected goal in the opening minutes. Added to their woes is the possibility of Liverpool's star striker, Sturridge, returning from injury and you have a recipe for disaster. As with almost all Merseyside derbies I am expecting a hard fought and close game, but I have to go with my Reds.
Prediction: 0-1

Burnley v WBA

These two teams will kick off the Sunday games and it will not be one that I will be waking up early to watch. Both teams lost their last games and are in need of a boost. Burnley needed to desperately sign some new players in January and they failed to do so. That said, keeping a hold of Ings was important and will be even more important for them as we are entering a crucial period in the season. WBA simply don't look that great, and while Burnley doesn't either, Burnley at least gives it their all. Pulis doesn't get relegated though, he just doesn't and winning these types of games are the ones that save you in the end. I expect it to be a close match and I think Burnley's intense pressure on the ball will see them avoid defeat.
Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v Stoke City

These teams aren't really challenging for anything, and aren't currently in danger of the relegation zone, so I don't think either side will be too bothered at the result. Two points favor Stoke in the table currently thanks in part to the transition period happening at Newcastle. Their manager, Carver, has all the passion in the world for Newcastle and will be desperate for a win to state his case for the permanent manager job. I don't think the players share his passion at all and I don't expect them to really care and Stoke will be happy to try and catch them on the break. This is a hard one to call but I am going to go with Newcastle, simply because they are the home side.
Prediction: 1-0

West Ham v Manchester United

West Ham won this figure the last time they met each other, at Old Trafford. Man U are currently on a bit of a roll, in terms of getting results at least. West Ham's current form in a bit wishy washy, they lost to Liverpool away from home last week 2-0 and only registered like 2 shots on goal, with none of them even close. Being at home will buoy their hopes and they seem to always be in the mood to take on the big boys like Man U. The Red Devils are doing alright, and yet find themselves in third place nonetheless. It should be a great match to watch, and it is hard to call. I am going to go with my gut, though it might just be more hope than gut, a West Ham win to get the double.
Prediction: 2-1

Liverpool's transfer window so far

Liverpool have had a very active transfer window to date so far and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Luis Suarez has been sold and despite Rodgers' claims that they are not "pulling a Tottenham" they have emulated the Spurs' in bringing in a host of new, young players. Despite this I believe Liverpool have done a magnificent job this transfer window in bringing in talented and hungry players who will fight for places and trophies this season. There is still some unresolved transfer sagas such as bringing in Spanish defenders Javier Manuillo and Alberto Moreno. There are also rumors that Mario Balotelli could be on his way to Anfield, which would definitely be entertaining to say the least. Mostly though there are musings that there could be further exits as Rodgers seeks to get rid of the dead wood. He has already sent out Alberto, Aspas and Wisdom on loan and it seems as though Robinson and one of our current right backs will be leaving too. As to which one it will be is up to debate but in my opinion I believe it is Johnson who should be sold. Daniel Agger is once again being linked with a move away and his exclusion from the match with AC Milan yesterday has only fanned the flames of him being sold. The good preseason form of Coates and Toure, but most importantly the acquisition of Dejan Lovren has pushed Agger further down the pecking order at center back. I have loved having Agger at Anfield but I believe the time is right for him to leave, he has unfortunately made too many errors.

Everything is shaping up pretty well for Liverpool as we approach the beginning of the new Premier League season. The question on everyone's mind is can Daniel Sturridge become a world class striker to fill the void left by Suarez, or will Suarez's absence mean that the Reds will be out of the Champions League once again. I believe that Liverpool need another striker and a left back and then they will be ready to succeed in the EPL and Europe and I think Moreno and Balotelli are the guys to do the job. Even if they aren't brought in I will still be happy with all the work that Liverpool has done this transfer window. I for one cannot count the days until the new season starts but I suppose watching Liverpool take on Manchester United in the International Champions Cup will be a good distraction.

The Perfect Transfer Window for Liverpool

Liverpool will be returning to Europe's elite competition, the Champions League thanks to their second place finish in the EPL last season. The competition brings new expectations as well as opportunities for Liverpool, especially in the transfer market. Gone are the days of losing players like Willian and Mkhitaryan to Champions League teams, now the Reds are able to really bring in some ringers. The thin squad needs strengthening but even more so in need of an injection of Champion's League level players in order to push on from the successes of last season. So far Liverpool have addressed the need of more squad players in bringing in the experienced striker Rickie Lambert as well as the promising midfielder Emre Can. Neither of Liverpool's signings thus far are capable of dislodging any of the current starting eleven. So what do Liverpool do now? What do they need to do in order to be successful next season?

Sell the unwanted:
Liverpool's owners will certainly be willing to spend the cash this summer as a show of good faith to Rodgers and to prepare for the Champions League. Despite the influx of available funds Liverpool still would benefit from offloading players who are simply getting their pay by sitting on the bench. Cissokho and Moses are already gone as they did not impress while on loan last season, provoking Rodgers to say that he does not plan on going back into the loan market again. Assaidi impressed in spurts while on loan to Stoke City last season but small injuries is hampering his chances. All parties involved would benefit from his sale to another team. Pepe Reina did decently while at Napoli last season but not good enough for Napoli to want to put out the cash Liverpool want for him. His wages are a stumbling block for his departure but he still needs to find somewhere else to play as Rodgers lost faith the Spaniard. Daniel Agger is again rumored to be offered a move away and it might be best if he was sold his summer as Sakho looks to have dislodged the loyal but at times shaky Dane. Suso is also rumored to depart though another loan move to continue his progression might be best. Also worth mentioning is Borini's great development last year, I believe he should be given more chances at Liverpool next season.

Strengthen the defense:
The defense was Liverpool's achille's heel last season. Skrtel was fantastic (especially off corners) and Johnson usually solid but the second center back and the left back were big problem areas last season. Sakho was decent and will improve with time but Toure was simply awful and cost the Reds crucial points with his blunders. I believe an additional center back should be brought in, and my first choice would be Southampton's Dejan Lovren. Liverpool were linked with the Croat last summer but became a Saint instead but now seeks a move to a Champions League club. Liverpool are boosted in the chase for his signature by his reported transfer request sent to his club's management.

Another weak point is of course the left back position. This has been a problem area for Liverpool for years and Enrique was thought to be our left back saviour, but inconsistency and long term injuries have made that impossible. Liverpool must now seek a new saviour for the left back position and there are many options for them. Alberto Moreno is being reported as close to a move but that Sevilla's high demands might stop the deal from materializing. If Moreno is not signed there are many other young talents for Liverpool to pursue. They include the Swiss/Chilean/Spanish/German Wolfsburg player Ricardo Rodriguez who can shield and tackle like nobody's business and is a great free kick taker, and is only 21 years old! Then there is the adaptable Marcos Rojo of Argentina and Sporting Lisbon. He is just as comfortable at left back as he is in the center and is starting for his country during the World Cup, and is only 24.

Champions League quality attacking midfielder:
I believe that Liverpool don't need to many players brought in so it wouldn't be the worst thing if an attacking midfielder wasn't signed. Coutinho is doing very well and still has a lot to learn at only 22 years old but I do believe Liverpool can bring in someone to start in front of him. Adam Lallana seemed to be the first choice for Liverpool but that move seems a ways off from being completed due to Southampton's reluctance to sell. Another, higher profile target is Alexis Sanchez whose future at Barcelona is again being questioned as a new manager takes the helm at the Nou Camp. The options for Liverpool in this position are many and have the ability to attract a really good attacker this summer.

In conclusion I believe 3 players should be sold and 5 players brought in(including Emre and Lambert). By making these changes I believe that Liverpool will be able to repeat the surprisingly lethal attacking backed by a more organized and talented back line. I for one am really looking forward to next season, though having the World Cup to pass the time makes it a bit easier to get through.