Soccer: English Premier League Preview – Birmingham vs. Liverpool
Two teams will look to gain some momentum when Birmingham hosts Liverpool on Sunday.
Liverpool is coming off their first EPL win, a 1-0 effort against West Bromwich. Meanwhile, Birmingham is coming off a draw against the Bolton Wanderers, their second draw this season to go along with one victory. After years of being an elite power in the English Premier League, Liverpool tapered off last season. They are looking to get on the right track.
The offensive edge seems to go to Birmingham. They have scored two goals in each of their EPL games this year, while Liverpool has only managed two. Craig Gardner has led the way for Birmingham, scoring three goals on the season so far. Liverpool has goals by Fernando Torres and David N’gog. As for the goaltending edge, Liverpool has a major advantage.
Aside from a tough showing against Manchester City in which he let in three goals, Pepe Reina has been solid, notching six saves. A lot of the credit goes to the strong Liverpool defense. Ben Foster has faced more shots for Birmingham. While picking up ten saves, he has also allowed five goals. The offense has been able to bail him out so far this year, but Foster and the Birmingham defense need to step up if they want to break through to the upper echelon.
Liverpool has had little attack so far this season, and that will need to change if they want to return to elite status. Birmingham has holes in their defense, and Liverpool has the talent to expose them. But Birmingham is solid at home, and that will be to their advantage. Both teams have a lot to play for, but this game figures to end in a draw.
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