Reds Facing Crucial Period

The next month will determine whether Liverpool have rescued their season or fallen short once again as Liverpool face several crucial Premier League games in the battle for a place in the top 4, and also a difficult two legged Europa League tie against Romanian side Unirea, which is Liverpool's last chance of sliverware this season.

Liverpool have managed to spark a run of form over recent games, in an attempt to make something out of what has been an instantly forgettable season. Wins over Wolves, Villa and Spurs have propelled the Reds back towards the top end of the table, with draws away at Stoke and Wolves showing that the Reds have finally devloped a defensive backbone, even with Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio all on the treatment table.

However, Liverpool now face matches against Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City following their home game against Bolton on the weekend. Sandwiched in between these vital season defining Premier League games is a critical Europa League tie against Unirea.

Liverpool are expected to claim maximum points against Bolton, and, if they get an early goal, should do with consummate ease, even without Spanish striker Fernando Torres. Following Saturday's home game against Owen Coyle's side the Reds welcome Everton to Anfield for the Merseyside derby.

Everton, like Liverpool, have had a disappointing season and have struggled desperately with injuries. However, recently they have regained some form and have provided the Goodison faithful with something to cheer, as they've beaten both Manchester City and Steve Bruce's Sunderland team. Furthermore, the Bluenoses managed to earn an impressive point in the snow at the Emirates Stadium, and were only a few minutes away from claiming a massive 3 points.

Everton will be a difficult match for Rafa's Reds but if Liverpool play at the level that they know they can, then the Reds should collect all 3 points from the Derby. It will be a fiesty and fiery occasion (as all Derby's tend to be) but Liverpool have shown the determination and desire in recent performances to show that they will not shy away from a tough, physical fight. Also, with several key players likely to still be out, or not at full fitness, a physical battle could play right into the Red's hands, and may be the best way to win what will be a heated contest.

On the 10th February Liverpool travel to London to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Londoners have embarked on an impressive unbeaten streak in the League following their embarrasing 0-3 reversal at home to Chelsea on the 29th November. At that point many pundits and punters, including myself, ruled Arsenal out of the title race however they have proven their title credentials with a 10 match unbeaten run, including 7 wins and 3 draws.

Amongst those victories is a 2-1 win at Anfield on the 13th December, in a match which truly proved that football is a game of two halves. Liverpool dominated the first half, defying their form this season, to go into the break with a one goal lead. It should have been 3 or 4. Arsenal came back out for the second half a changed side. They pressed and harried the Reds into mistakes, causing Glen Johnson to score an own goal. From that point on Liverpool capitulated and failed to make a single chance. Arshavin scored at Anfield for the 5th time in 2 seasons to break Red hearts, and leave Liverpool's season in tatters.

The Gunners will pose a stern test for Liverpool and will be confident of claiming victory over a Liverpool side that has been woeful at times this season. Liverpool must go to London with a positive mentailty, however they must be defensively stable otherwise they could be ripped apart by the attacking quality of Fabregas, Arshavin and Rosiscky.

The Europa League (which used to be known as the UEFA Cup) has never been a popular trophy. Like the Carling Cup it is shunned and mocked but this season it is vitally important for the Redmen. The newly formed Europa League is Liverpool's only hope of silverware so takes on an importance of its own. Also, the winner is given a place in next season's Champions League. If Liverpool fail to finish 4th then this competition could be their only route into the elite European tournament.

Unirea Urziceni, similarly to Liverpool, dropped down into the Europa League after finishing 3rd in Champions League Group G. However, they did achieve some notable results in the group stages, thrashing Rangers 4-1 at Ibrox and defeating table topping Sevilla 1-0 in Romania. In fact, they survived longer in the competition than the Reds as they went into matchday 6 with a chance of qualifying for the last 16, however they disappointingly lost 3-1 at Stuttgart.

Liverpool will aim to get the job done at Anfield in the first leg of this tricky tie. With a difficult fixture at Eastlands squeazed in between, Rafa will hope to raise an unassailable lead at Anfield and then give some squad players and youngsters a run out in Romania, leaving the first teamers to rest at home.

Perhaps the most important fixture in February is the away match at Roberto Mancini's Manchester City, as they are one of the Reds main rivals for 4th spot. City have experienced a revival following the ugly saga when Mark Hughes was replaced by Italian boss Mancini, with a run of wins ensuing. However, they showed their fragility when they succembed to a ramapant Everton just after the New Year, losing 2-0.

Moreover, they are likely to suffer, pyschologically at least, after being dumped out of the Carling Cup by bitter rivals Manchester United, as the Red Devils triumphed 4-3 on aggregate. The Carling Cup was the Blue Mancs main chance of winning a trophy this season, and they will be devestated at missing out on a trip to Wembley. Liverpool should have more players back from injury by the time the Reds visit Eastlands, and it would prove to be a huge win if they could grab 3 points from City.

Liverpool are facing a season defining month and must be playing well or this could turn out to be an unimaginably horrible season. On the other hand, if we can claim a few wins on the trot then it could turn our season around.

Here's hoping...

YNWA