Liverpool in control and Rafa in need of relief

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by George Caulkin, Paul Joyce and Bill Edgar ahead of another seismic Saturday and Sunday in the Premier League.


League leaders Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp’s men embracing control over chaos this season. Klopp appears to have cracked it when it comes to the goalkeeper, defence and attack. But will the rotation in midfield be what costs the Reds this season. And as Mourinho renews old rivalries on Merseyside, would Liverpool fans actually want him to leave Old Trafford?


All four English clubs progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League but were we impressed by how they performed? And does their patchy form show what a struggle it is to juggle European football with chasing Manchester City this season?


And as Newcastle head to Huddersfield in a relegation six-pointer on Saturday, George Caulkin talks to us about proposed takeovers, fan boycotts and why January will be so crucial to Rafa Benitez’s future.


Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball 


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