Power Pros Forum

August 20, 2016: Getting Back on Track
Liverpool 0-1-0 @ Burnley 0-0-1

After a very dull 0-0 draw, Liverpool came into the match as 2-goal favorites over relegation favorites Burnley. Liverpool needed to create much more chances in order to get the win that everyone expected. The lineup was the exact same as the first match, except for one change. Roberto Firmino started in place of Adam Lallana. Samuel Darke said that he felt his team was much more relaxed in training than they were during the week before the Arsenal match.

It didn't take very long for the action to start. In the 6th minute, Daniel Sturridge made a great run into the box and fired a shot that was blocked. However, a late challenge from a player very familiar to Liverpool gave them a penalty! Jon Flanagan, who technically still plays for Liverpool (he is on loan at Burnley) made the foul. Philippe Coutinho followed up by nailing the penalty, giving Liverpool their first goal of the season! The excitement was short-lived, after an error by Roberto Firmino allowed George Boyd to work towards the middle of the box, where he fired a great shot to tie the match up. Nobody could mount enough momentum for the rest of the half, and the match went to half with a score of 1-1. In the 50th minute, Darke sent in Adam Lallana and Divock Origi to create a spark. They did just that. Lallana fed Origi, who gave Mane the perfect chance to make a solo run into the box. Mane did just that, and fired a great strike that the keeper could not even react to. Liverpool were again in the lead! Usually, teams would sit back at this point, but Liverpool kept the pressure up, choking the game out and clinching a 2-1 win! A little bit closer than expected, but three points are three points! Coutinho and Mane were excellent, and Divock Origi outshined Daniel Sturridge. Perhaps there will be a striker competition?

Final Score:
Burnley 1
Liverpool 2

7: Liverpool GOAL: Philippe Coutinho (Penalty)
26: Burney GOAL: George Boyd
45: Burnley Substitution: Barnes-Vokes
60: Burnley Substitution: Boyd-Kightly
60: Liverpool Subs: Origi-Sturridge, Firmino-Lallana
63: Liverpool GOAL: Sadio Mane
75: Liverpool Substitution: Mane-Can

Match Ratings:
GK Karius 7.6
LB Milner 7.0
CB Lovren 7.5
CB Matip 7.1
RB Clyne 7.6
CM Henderson 8.0
CM Wijnaldum 7.6
CAM Coutinho 7.9
LAM Lallana 6.5
RAM Can 6.2
ST Origi 7.9
ST Sturridge 7.6
LAM Firmino 6.5
RAM Mane 7.9

Despite Injury, Liverpool Sign Riyad Mahrez


Moments after it was announced that he would be missing six weeks due to injury, Liverpool and 2015-16 EPL Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez have agreed to a deal. Liverpool paid the defending champs $80 million to lock up the defending MVP. This move pretty much ends Leicester City's magical 15-16 campaign, as they now have no stars remaining. Samuel Darke was estatic, stating that "despite his injury, Riyad is the best signing a club I have been apart of has ever made. He is the reigning player of the year, and led a team that was almost relegated in 14-15 to a title. Now it's time for him to lead a team to its first ever premiership.

30 Minutes After Mahrez Deal, Liverpool Sign Youngster Mahmoud Dahoud


It is official... Liverpool has broken the football world. Literally 30 minutes after Mahrez was announced, the team signed promising youngster Mahmoud Dahoud. Despite being only 20, Dahoud is expected to start right away. Samuel Darke will switch to a 4-5-1 formation starting with the next match against Tottenham. Liverpool are now second-favorites to win the Premier League title, behind only Manchester City.

August 27, 2016: Dahoud's Debut
Liverpool 1-1-0 @ Tottenham Hotspur 0-1-1

Liverpool supporters were buzzing in support of 67 year old manager Samuel Darke after he made some of the boldest signings in recent Liverpool history. Mahoud Dahoud surely will make an impact in a Liverpool attack that has been struggling a bit to start. Liverpool switched to a 4-5-1 formation. They used the same defensive pairing as usual, but this time used 5 midfielders. Wijnaldum, Henderson, and Dahoud lined up as center mids, while Coutinho and Mane served as left and right mids respectively. After much speculation, Daniel Sturridge indeed started over the youngster Divock Origi. Sturridge will need to make a bigger impact sooner rather than later.

It was a nightmare start for Liverpool, as Tottenham mauled through their defense. Eric Dier scored a wonder strike in only the 3rd minute. Dier had nobody in his vicinity to even attempt to block the shot. The defense was even worse in the 15th minute, as a Sadio Mane giveaway allowed Harry Kane to become wide open. Kane obviously finished well to score his first EPL goal. The pain didn't stop, as Harry Kane received a perfect cross in the 25th minute. Kane headed it in for his second goal. 3-0 in 25 minutes!!! Something needed to change. Liverpool needed a quick response. They got just that. In the 32nd minute, Philippe Coutinho put a perfect corner into the box, and Joel Matip banged in a strong header to cut the lead to 3-1. At the half, Tottenham led 3-1. Darke needed to fire up the boys, and he did just that, screaming at them to live up to their expectations. He again brought in Origi for Sturridge at the half, raising more questions about Sturridge's status with the club. Liverpool mounted absolutely no challenge in the second half, and Dele Alli made it worse by scoring a goal to make it 4-1. Despite Darke's efforts, it was clear that Liverpool were not interested in this match. Dahoud was decent, but could not create scoring chances when it mattered. Liverpool will have a two-week break before their next match vs. Leicester.

Final Score:
Tottenham Hotspur 4
Liverpool 1

3: Tottenham GOAL: Eric Dier
15: Tottenham GOAL: Harry Kane
26: Tottenham GOAL: Harry Kane
33: Liverpool GOAL: Joel Matip
45: Liverpool Substitution: Origi-Sturridge
69: Tottenham Subs: Dier-Dembele, Eriksen-Alli
70: Liverpool Substitution: Wijnaldum-Pulisic
73: Tottenham GOAL: Dele Alli

Match Ratings (this is ugly):
GK Karius 6.4
LB Milner 6.8
CB Lovren 7.7
CB Matip 8.3
RB Clyne 6.5
LM Pulisic 5.9
CM Henderson 6.9
RM Dahoud 5.3
RAM Coutinho 8.0
LAM Mane 6.5
ST Origi 6.3
ST Sturridge 6.5
LM Wijnaldum 6.2

September 10, 2016: Return to Anfield
Leicester City 1-2-0 @ Liverpool 1-1-1

After nearly a month of waiting due to the construction of the new Anfield main stand, Liverpool finally played their home opener against the defending champs. Liverpool hoped to avenge their miserable 4-1 loss to Tottenham, so they made a few changes to the squad. Instead of a 4-5-1, the Reds went with a basic 4-3-3 false nine. Sakho replaced Lovren at centre back. The three midfielders were again Dahoud, Wijnaldum, and Henderson. Up top, Coutinho was the central attack mid, while Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane were placed up top. Liverpool needed some type of spark to get into an early groove in order to win.

Liverpool got off to a blazing start. Sadio Mane played the hero again, stealing the ball from Christian Fuchs and making a solo run into the box. Mane finished with a clinical strike, and the Reds captured an early lead. However, the sweet day turned sour as Mane was injured five minutes after. Mane would toughen it up and fight through the pain. Nampalys Mendy easily shed Mamadou Sakho to get into perfect position for a cross, tying the game up at 1. Liverpool's defense is in shambles! However, two minutes later, and Mane was the hero again! Scoring on a great run to retake the lead. In the 33rd minute, Daniel Sturridge was fouled in the box... Penalty for Liverpool! Coutinho is normally the PK taker, but this team he delegated the responsibility to Sadio Mane, who banged the shot in! A first half hattrick for the injured player! Absolutely insane scene at Anfield for the new signing. Last time, Liverpool went into the half trailing 3-1. This time, they lead 3-1! Liverpool opened the second half with a bang, as Mahoud Dahoud put a perfect ball into the box for Daniel Sturridge to clean up-and he did just that. Studge's first EPL goal to make it 4-1. Leicester City was able to grab a consolation goal from Islam Slimani, but they still fell 4-2. Sadio Mane made himself known to the Premier League.

Final Score:
Liverpool 4
Leicester City 2

6: Liverpool GOAL: Sadio Mane
24: Leicester GOAL: Nampalys Mendy
26: Liverpool GOAL: Sadio Mane
33: Leicester YELLOW CARD: Robert Huth
33: Liverpool GOAL: Sadio Mane (Penalty)
51: Liverpool GOAL: Daniel Sturridge
69: Liverpool Subs: Pulisic-Wijnaldum, Firmino-Coutinho
69: Leicester Subs: Mendy-King, Amartey-Drinkwater
76: Leicester GOAL: Islam Slimani
81: Liverpool Substitution: Origi-Sturridge

Match Ratings:
GK Karius 7.0
LB Milner 7.7
CB Sakho 8.3
CB Matip 7.4
RB Clyne 7.5
LM Pulisic 6.4
CM Dahoud 8.5
CM Henderson 6.8
CAM Firmino 5.7
ST Origi 6.0
ST Mane 9.6
LM Wijnaldum 7.1
CAM Coutinho 8.2
ST Sturridge 9.5

cool

September 16, 2016
Liverpool 2-1-1 @ Chelsea 3-1-0

Liverpool traveled to Stamford Bridge to face second-place Chelsea. Liverpool have had some memorable matches with Chelsea over the years, and this one looks like it could be another one of those matches. A win for Liverpool could establish them as Premier League contenders. The whole team will have to be more involved, rather than just Sadio Mane, who has scored 4 of the 7 goals Liverpool has scored. After a 4-2 win against the defending champs, no changes were really needed, so Liverpool stuck with their 4-3-3 false nine formation. Samuel Darke hoped to see more production from not only his strikers, but his defense as well.

Liverpool knew heading into the game that they would have to put lots of pressure on Chelsea. They did just that, putting 7 shots on goal in the first 20 minutes. Chelsea tried to switch the momentum in their favor, but they could not find the back of the net. Finally, towards the end of the second half, Liverpool were able to put together a strong counter attack, led by youngster Mahoud Dahoud. Dahoud raced past Chelsea defenders into the box, where he set up Daniel Sturridge with a perfect pass, right in front of the net. Even with a defender close, Sturridge was able to score to put Liverpool up 1-0 at the half. Liverpool needed to keep up the pressure, and they did just that, refusing to set back. Chelsea did not put a single shot on goal in the second half! Liverpool did a great job of choking out Chelsea's attack. Liverpool need to continue this style of play in order to reach their full potential. Liverpool took on Swindon Town in the 3rd round of the EFL Cup, a match I simmed, and won 3-0.

FINAL SCORE:
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 1

45: Liverpool GOAL: Daniel Sturridge
53: Chelsea Substitution: Mikel-Oscar
61: Liverpool Substitution: Coutinho-Firmino
71: Chelsea Substitution: Willian-Pedro
72: Liverpool Subs: Wijnaldum-Pulisic, Lovren-Matip
77: Chelsea Substitution: Costa-Batshuayi
85: Chelsea YELLOW card: Nemanja Matic

September 24, 2016: Can Liverpool Gain Consistency?
Hull City 1-2-2 @ Liverpool 3-1-1

Liverpool's biggest issue in the Premier League was arguably their inability to follow up wins versus bigger clubs with wins against smaller clubs. Darke agreed with this statement, saying that, "If we cannot win these games, then we cannot win a Premiership. We need to collect 3 points whenever we can. I think we can today." No changes again for Liverpool, as Darke is not known for making many changes to a winning squad.

Liverpool again got out to a blazing start, firing six shots on goal in the first 25 minutes, but Hull City's goalkeeper made several fantastic saves. However, Liverpool's issues defending corner kicks came to light yet again, as Curtis Davies headed a rebound into the net. However, two minutes later, Sadio Mane used his fantastic pace to work towards the box, where he made a perfect centering pass to Daniel Sturridge, who again was given a great scoring opportunity. Sturridge took this chance and tied the match up at 1. It was a second half filled with frustration for Liverpool, as Hull City parked the bus. Daniel Sturridge had a perfect chance with seconds remaining, but his shot was denied again! An absolute wonderful performance by the Hull City goalkeeper! Liverpool took 18 shots, 13 of them were on target, but still only managed to score one goal. Games like these can hinder a Premier League campaign. Liverpool need to be much better at finishing chances.

FINAL SCORE:
Liverpool 1
Hull City 1

34: Hull City GOAL: Curtis Davies
36: Liverpool GOAL: Daniel Sturridge
59: Liverpool Substitution: Wijnaldum-Pulisic
65: Hull City Substitution: Elmohamaday-Snodgrass
70: Liverpool Substitution: Origi-Mane
77: Hull City Substitution: Odubajo-Maguire

Match Ratings:
GK Karius 6.9 (Nice)
LB Milner 6.7
CB Sakho 7.4
CB Matip 7.1
RB Clyne 7.1
LM Pulisic 6.0
CM Dahoud 6.0
RM Henderson 6.8
CAM Coutinho 6.6
ST Sturridge 8.3
ST Origi 6.0
LM Wijnaldum 7.1
LM Mane 9.0

September Recap
EPL TABLE:


Is it going to happen again??? Are we going to see a second consecutive shock champion? That's what things are looking like now, as Crystal Palace, who came into the season with 1000/1 odds, have a comfortable lead, five points ahead of Man City at the top of the table. Swansea City is another surprise, occupying the final Champions League spot, ahead of Liverpool du to goal differential. Manchester United have been struggling heavily, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba have one goal between the two of them. West Ham United is in the relegation zone despite a very good campaign in 2015-16.

Here is the google sheets link where you can view the stats of each player. It will be updated at the end of each in-game month: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing

October 2, 2016: The Debut of Riyad Mahrez
Liverpool 3-2-1 @ Swansea City 3-2-1

A big day for Liverpool as their newly acquired star Riyad Mahrez made his team debut. Mahrez was signed in late August, but was forced to sit the first month out due to injury. Mahrez will play right mid, while Jordan Henderson will move to the left. Gini Wijnaldum will provide extra strength off the bench. Another change was that Dejan Lovren started over Mamadou Sakho at centre back. A win for Liverpool will put them in a Champions League qualification spot.

Once again, Liverpool applied loads of pressure, but couldn't finish. That was until the 45th minute, when Mahoud Dahoud picked up a blocked Philippe Coutinho shot and fired it into the net from 5 yards outside the box! "A wonder strike from the youngster! He is thriving at his new club!" remarked Sky Sports announcer Martin Tyler. The second half started poorly, as Jordan Henderson gave up a free kick in dangerous range. Gylfi Sigurðsson fired the free kick right over the head of Karius to level the score at 1. Swansea City continued to frustrate Liverpool, blocking any shot attempts and controlling majority of possession. However, just as it seemed that it was going to be another draw for Liverpool, a hero stepped up. Once again, that hero was Sadio Mane. Mane received a good set-up from Mahoud Dahoud and blazed through the right side of the box. Mane worked his way to the middle, and got passed a defender, following up with a shot that Lukas Fabianski could not block. Swansea believed that they should have gotten at least one point, but Liverpool was the better team for longer. Darke said that these types of wins against teams in good form can motivate his side to push forward against smaller teams. After a two-week international break, Liverpool will face fierce rivals Manchester United.

FINAL SCORE:
Liverpool 2
Swansea City 1

45: Liverpool GOAL: Mahoud Dahoud
49: Swansea GOAL: Gylfi Sigurðsson
56: Swansea Substitution: Montero-Barrow
73: Swansea Substitution: Baston-Llorente
73: Liverpool Substitution: Coutinho-Wijnaldum
82: Swansea Substitution: Cork-Sung Yeung
90: Liverpool GOAL: Sadio Mane

Match Ratings:
GK Karius 7.7
LB Milner 6.8
CB Lovren 7.7
CB Matip 8.7
RB Clyne 7.5
LM Henderson 7.1
CM Dahoud 8.5
RM Mahrez 7.2
CAM Wijnaldum 6.5
ST Sturridge 6.4
ST Mane 8.8
CAM Coutinho 7.1

October 15, 2016: The Greatest Rivalry in the World
Manchester United 2-3-2 @ Liverpool 4-2-1

The day has finally arrived. The Northwest Derby, one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. Manchester United have gotten off to a miserable start, as they currently sit in 10th in the Premier League table. Liverpool have had an exact opposite start, winning 4 of 7 games and sitting in 3rd place. United hoped to grab a win and gain key momentum, while Liverpool looked to jump Manchester City and get closer to Crystal Palace. Liverpool decided to make one change, starting Christian Pulisic over Jordan Henderson. A questionable decision, as despite his struggles, Henderson can provide some decent attacking prowess. However, Pulisic is young and energetic, and has very large potential. Darke believes he can make an impact in this big contest.

Despite there being no goals from United, it was a bad first half for Liverpool, who could not apply the pressure they are used to applying early in games. Instead, Zlatan Ibrahimovic wrecked havoc upon the defense, creating several chances. Poor finishing from their rivals saved Liverpool. Despite the poor outing, Liverpool made no halftime changes. Early in the second half, Pulisic suffered a bad injury after falling after a shot. After that point, Liverpool completely collapsed, allowing 3 goals to United. Liverpool showed no heart, no fighting spirit, no energy. Samuel Darke was extremely furious. Liverpool need to play with energy if they want to win the league this season.

FINAL SCORE:
Liverpool 0
Manchester United 3

49: Liverpool Substitution: Pulisic-Henderson
69: Liverpool Substitution: Coutinho-Wijnaldum
69: Manchester United Substitution: Carrick-Pogba
75: Manchester United GOAL: Anthony Martial
87: Manchester United GOAL: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
90: Manchester United GOAL: Henri Mkhitaryan

Match Ratings
GK Karius 7.6
LB Milner 6.1
CB Sakho 7.2
CB Matip 8.3
RB Clyne 6.9 (Nice)
LM Henderson 6.0
CM Dahoud 6.0
RM Mahrez 6.3
CAM Wijnaldum 5.7
ST Sturridge 7.1
ST Mane 6.4
LM Pulisic 6.6
CAM Coutinho 6.7