On top at xmas, 5th at new years? If we win two games we're favourites for and you lose 2 games you're expected to lose and you'll be 6 points off the lead. With just 2 points separating 1st and 5th you might not even be in the 4 when 2014 rolls in.
Of all the other big teams I hate Liverpool least, I want you in the 4 ahead of the plastics and the spuds and MoyesU and if we can't win I'd rather Liverpool win than the rest of them.
Having said that, you have to see where you are after the City/Chelsea games.
We just played them and we're out of 1st only on goal difference. That scenario was beyond my wildest dreams at the start of the season. Now let's see where Liverpool is after playing them. First or outside the 4 or inbetween somewhere.
Liverpool and Arsenal probably do have the friendliest traditional top 4. There's never been any real spite between the 2 more clubs: there's moreso just been a mutual respect, which can maybe go back to the days of the late 80's where Arsenal won the league at Anfield.
What does work in Liverpool's favour with these 2 upcoming games are their records against Chelsea and Man City; Liverpool have won 3 of the past 4 encounters at the Bridge, and their results at City aren't too bad either. We always make it a close game against them.
I don't think we'll get trounced at City, but in saying that I don't know if we will get a result...but it's still possible. This match is all dependant on the game Liverpool bring, because everyone knows City will most likely be at their usual blistering home form best. But an on-fire Suarez and on-fire Liverpool can definitely match that. The Chelsea match is harder to call, because you just don't know when Chelsea are finally going to put in a convincing home performance.
What Liverpool need to achieve by the new year is a table spot around the top 3, or possibly 4. They need to buy powerful reinforcements in midfield, and then maybe in the forwards, to capitalise on that position and drive further on once bodies may start getting tired, and the limited top January players available will only turn heads towards teams that they think will go somewhere in the near future. If it were January now, Liverpool IMO would be the most attractive destination, especially for a Midfielder. Why? Because a) They'd basically walk into the team and have a guaranteed spot, unlike at Chelsea, City or even Arsenal, where the midfield has a lot depth and competition b) Liverpool are coming first around mid-way through the league; they have a lot of stability, unlike Man Utd at the moment, and currently look likely to grab a CL place. c) There is a hot, enthusiastic drive for success permeating the club, and it's there for all to see and feel.
If Liverpool are able to snap some great signings, then It'd officially be time to start dreaming, but at the moment I'm going to hold off, while still remaining optimistic. I'd rather all the spotlight be shone on Arsenal, Chelsea and City, but that's unfortunately impossible, and a price to pay when you're on top of the Christmas tree.
*With the recent emergence of more quality competition in the premier league, I'm starting to feel that a top 4 is just not big enough!
