Christmas is now less than a month away, and it becomes a fearful period instead of a festive one for many Premier League managers.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is not used to the hectic schedule over the season of goodwill, but this year his side remain in contention for domestic honours. Currently, the Premier League title race looks like it’s going to be a three-horse one, with Manchester City and Chelsea the other standout teams.
Premier League managers will be like children asking Santa for various gifts over the coming weeks, and those presents will include three points on Boxing Day, some luck in the January market or Premier League survival.
Nonetheless, the question won’t be whether Klopp was naughty or nice this year but whether the Reds can end their 26-year wait for a league title.
Just what may be on the German’s Xmas list? Here are FIVE thing’s he’s likely to request over the festive period.
A speedy recovery for Coutinho
Saturday’s victory over Sunderland wasn’t all good news, as the club’s key performer, Philippe Coutinho, injured ligaments in his ankle, which will see him miss six weeks of domestic action.
Coutinho has been the Reds’ best player this campaign and Klopp will now have to ponder a few questions in his absence.
The German will hope Coutinho makes a speedy recovery and is back in contention sooner than first expected with crucial games upcoming.
No more injuries to key players
For the majority of the season, Liverpool have been fortunate enough not to suffer major injuries to crucial players.
However, the past few weeks have witnessed long-term problems occur for both Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana. With Liverpool mounting a considerable challenge for the Premier League, Klopp will be hoping his key performers can remain fit for the majority of the season.
A healthy Reds squad will push title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea close to the end.
Daniel Sturridge to find his goalscoring boots
Questions have been raised as to why Daniel Sturridge is not a regular in the Liverpool first-team. However, the England forward has not managed to score a Premier League goal this campaign.
His chances may have been limited, but Sturridge needs to make full use of any opportunity provided by Jurgen Klopp – especially in Coutinho’s absence.
Take three points from Guardiola
If there is one thing Pep Guardiola knows better than most, it’s how to win and be successful, but on New Year’s Eve, he faces the unenviable task of beating a Jurgen Klopp side at Anfield.
Klopp will be desperate for another special night on the banks of the Mersey as the duo are set to lock horns in a heavyweight clash on December 31st.
Three points may go a long way in avenging their title defeat to City in 2014.
A left-back in January
Failure to sign an orthodox option last summer forced Klopp to be innovative with his squad and it’s not backfired as of yet, but January’s transfer window must mean he has to consider his options for the long run.
It’s difficult to criticise James Milner, but the former England international is not a left-back.
Due to the horrendous form of Alberto Moreno, Klopp has opted to play Milner as a left-back, however, the Reds need a suitable full-back to maintain a serious challenge in the title race.