Liverpool limping and Lloris in the limelight

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss a big week in the Champions League, and a bigger weekend to come in the Premier League.

Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield as the Premier League’s top two title favourites go head to head. With the Reds losing in Naples, is it the wake-up call Jurgen Klopp needs for a reset on a midfield lacking in creativity?

Henry Winter witnesses a Messi masterclass at Wembley, as Barcelona dismantle Tottenham. Messi may be one of the greatest of all time but does he benefit from a better supporting cast than legends of the past?

And we ask what has happened to Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris? Is he still among the Premier League’s best shot stoppers? And is it right that he’s been out of the spotlight for so long after his drink-driving charges?

Plus Natalie doesn’t want to talk about it – but there’s a managerial vacancy at Villa Park, brought about by bad results and cabbages.


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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