Credit; here.
Roy Hodgson is a good manager. He has managed the likes of Inter Milan and finally seems to have reversed Liverpool's form after they collected only 6 points from their first 8 league games and went out of the Carling Cup at the hands of Northampton Town.
Since the loss to rivals Everton, the Merseysiders average almost 2 points per game and have slowly crept up the table to 9th, only 5 points away from a guarenteed Europa League spot in 5th.
I think most fans would have taken that heading into November, when the side were drifting around the relegation zone.
Not only that, but the side are already through in their Europa League group this season, despite the likes of Jonjo Shelvey being given regular run-outs.
Hodgson had previously made his intentions known that the competition was not his priority, but you wonder whether Liverpool have enough quality to do well anyway.
David N'Gog has 5 goals in the Europa League this season but has only scored once in his last 14 appearance in all competitions.
Credit; The Guardian
The Reds have already finished top of Group K heading into tonight's game with Utrecht, but could do with a confidence boost heading into the Christmas period after losing 3-1 at Newcastle on Saturday.
Regardless, a strong team is expected at Anfield tonight against the Dutch side, who cannot reach the next round no matter of the result.
Without doubt, Liverpool have the squad to do one better than Fulham did last year.
It would be silly to forget that the next round features 3rd place teams from the Champions League Groups, including the likes of Ajax, FC Twente and Rangers, to add to Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City, who have already reached the last 32.
Is there any team that, at this stage, could beat Liverpool to a trophy they have won on no less than 3 occasions, most recently in 2001?
Perhaps Manchester City, or Atletico Madrid, who knocked them out last year.
One thing is for sure, it would be a happy 10th anniversary if they can win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin come May.
It seems that Hodgson has won over the fans slowly after some much-improved performances of late, and he spoke out yesterday about having confidence in his own ability, despite owner John Henry saying he has been left unimpressed with their form since the end of last season.
A trophy would be the ideal way for Hodgson to show his worth to the club and maybe that's what the new owners are after.
Questions surrounding the 63 year old's future continue to persist heading into Liverpool's trip to Hodgson's old club Fulham at the weekend, but I believe he's done a great job with no budget and numerous injuries since he took over the reigns.
12 months ago tomorrow, he was about to take his Fulham side to Basel in a must win game for the London outfit. They managed it 3-2 and the former Blackburn Rovers manager guided them to a Europa League final, where only Diego Forlan denied them success.
Maybe it's time his players stepped up, as Fulham did last year, with the likes of Fernando Torres seemingly now out of form and lacking in confidence.
If this continues, his time in the hot-seat may be limited, but not as long as the side continue to improve and pick up results.
Liverpool can win the Europa League, it's just whether they want to.
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