With two games in the next 6 days, the week ahead is a critical opportunity for Liverpool. First, Liverpool return to Champion's League play when they go on the road to face Maribor. This week could go a long way in determining their fortunes in both the Premier League and advancing in the Champion's League.
On Tuesday, Liverpool will play on the road against Maribor in a Champion's League group play fixture. In fact, both of their next 2 Champion's League games are against the Slovenia champions, this week on the road and then again at Anfield on November 1st. Maribor sits at the bottom of the group standings and is considered the weakest team in the group. Still, they will not be a pushover and Liverpool will have to be sharp to come away with a road victory.
Still, the way the Champion's League schedule is set-up, Liverpool are in a good position to advance, if not win the group. This week is key to that achievement. With Spartak set to face Seville in the next two games, Liverpool could find themselves in full control of the group with two wins against Maribor.
Maribor, who play in the Slovenia First League, have 1 point after the first 2 Champion's League games. That came in the first match in a 1-1 draw at home to Spartak. Maribor conceded the first goal but were able to equalize to secure a point. When they traveled to Seville they fell in a 3-0 loss. After the two games they have just one goal. However, the goal, and the game they earned a point in occurred at home, which is were Liverpool are set to face them.
After the Champion's League mid-week contest, Liverpool face a difficult challenge on the road against Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 3rd in the Premier League Table with 17 points, four more than Liverpool. Ahead of the contest with Liverpool, Tottenham have to face Real Madrid on Tuesday. And, after Liverpool they duel with Manchester United.
Last season, Liverpool faced Tottenham three times and did not taste defeat once. Their only away game vs Spurs last season ended in a 1-1 draw. Liverpool also beat Tottenham at home in the EFL Cup, 2-1, and in the Premier League, 2-0. For the season match-up, Liverpool scored 5 goals to Tottenham's 2.
Thus far this season, Liverpool seem to be just short of something special. They routinely have dominated the opposition but have not enjoyed favorable results both due to a lack of converting chances as well as the occasional allowance of a soft goal. This week is an opportunity to turn their fortunes and build their confidence.
Already, Liverpool should be feeling good about themselves after dominating Manchester United, a team many claim to be title contenders. It took perhaps the save of the season from De Gea to keep the game a scoreless draw. If Liverpool ever needed a 3 or 4 goal-game to build their confidence Tuesday against Maribor is that game. If they can begin to capitalize on their many chances, the results will come.
If Liverpool were able to score 3 or 4 against Maribor, momentum will build leading into the Sunday contest with Tottenham. Confidence and form will on the rise. If they could then come away with points against Spurs, Liverpool will suddenly find themselves in good position with great confidence. After Tottenham, Liverpool have the likes of Huddersfield, West Ham, and Southamption which will provide opportunity to pick-up points and close the gap on teams above them.
Liverpool have played well this season but lacked the finishing needed to secure victories. This week provides the opportunity to build momentum and gain ground on the teams above them in the table. It all starts tonight against Maribor.