Rory Fitzgerald

If City draw with Spurs then both City and Arsenal would be on the same points heading into the last game of the season with City needing to beat Arsenal by 3 goals in order to win it on Goals Scored. Arsenal GD is 61 with 89 goals scored City GD is 58 with 91 goals scored

We play before Arsenal next weekend. They could be 3rd by the time they play Villa at home. I don't think that affects the players, but I think it can affect the crowd. Which can the affect the players. All we can do, and have to do, is beat Crystal Palace at home next week and see what comes.

In the 0-5 game, Keita scored after 5 mins. I hope Jurgen remembers the exact pre-match speech from that day and also hope it doesnt inlude the words "Just give it to Naby"

In the last 5 games at Old Trafford in which Man Utd have scored (so excludes the 5-0 game), they have scored before the 20th minute in the last 3. MUFC 4-3 LFC (Jan24): McTominay (10th minute) MUFC 2-1 LFC (Aug22): Sancho (16th minute) MUFC 2-4 LFC (May21): Fernandes (11th minute) MUFC 3-2 LFC (Jan21): Salah 18th minute [Greenwood (26th minute)] MUFC 1-1 LFC (Oct19): Rashford (36th minute) And looking at the opening 15 mins this season, we are poor and they are relatively strong Recent performances and stats are saying that Uniteds best punch will be thrown in the opening stages. If it lands, we can still turn it around (also backed by performances and stats), but if we can get through the opening 20 minutes, then our chances improve given the intensity will drop a bit and we should be able to control the game as that energy from the opening 20 dissipates a bit

Peter King was over in Ireland last night at an event held by The Irish NFL Show (@IreNFL) After he shared all his stories, I shared my best "knock knock" joke

Whats wrong with Pittsburgh I'm glad they have some decent options at QB this season and hopefully they both get to start a few games so that it increases the competition between them.

I'm getting my head down for around 9ish until 10.30ish and then plan to watch the whole game.

I’m delighted the Chiefs made it. As I’m very new to the sport, I couldn’t care about Taylor Swift stuff and actually enjoy the narrative. However I could imagine it could be grating for die hard fans. As for 49ers, I’m also glad it’s them in the final given SB54 and that they are favourites so will build he game nicely. Its strange that Chiefs go on the road and control 2 away games as underdogs whereas 49ers played 2 games at home as favourites and gave themselves uphill tasks. Hopefully it’s a 55+ game with a decider in last 2 mins.

Thankfully my betting slips have been empty for a while. I’ve learned my weaknesses

Was looking through their highlights - not enough available clips of how they defend corners but they seem to go man-for-man. We've seen Liverpool score with men coming around the back post for 2nd balls (Salah and Jota for example) - might be something to fight for at the front post and see what happens in the space at the back post.

No particular analysis - just information. 3 games below are their only 2 defeats (away Villa, away Newcastle) and their set up at home to Man City. I thought these 3 games are good reference points for the challenge we will present. (1) ~60% possession, except vs City but still 49% is more than solid (2) 12-14 shots taken in each game (3) Restricted opposition to 4-10 shots in each game Some similarities; Inverted FB vs danger: Klopp and Arteta need to weigh the consideration of TAA and Zinchenko playing inside given that their direct opposition are very strong attacking players in Martinelli and Salah. Deep 9 between fast attackers: Will Liverpool put Gakpo as a deep-9 (akin to top of a diamond) with Salah and Nunez as the attackers. Something not dissimilar to Jesus between Martinelli and Saka. Midfield: Are we a little similar ? 3 generally attack-minded athletic lads that can cover ground. Arsenal maybe with a more settled midfield vs our rotation/injuries/suspension. 2 biggest questions: 1. Right back has 3 options. TAA as inverted, TAA as traditional RB, Gomez as traditional RB. The latter poses a question of what the rest of the team looks like and where does TAA play. 2. Diaz or Gakpo. Do we go deep-9 akin to diamond midfield. Or do we stick to Nunez playing on the shoulder with Diaz on the left.

Nothing like match day to bring a dose of reality - was nice being distracted by the turmoil at Utd - now its time to focus on us. I've talked myself into looking at how close our last 3 games were and stumbling through Fulham and Palace. I take alot of comfort from the atmosphere and the opposition which should both ensure we are bang at it from minute 1. I am going for Alisson TAA Konate VVD Tsimikas Szoboszlai Endo Jones Salah Nunez Diaz First subs off the rank: Gakpo, Elliott, Gravenberch [hopefully not needed - Gomez and Quansah] I'd go Nunez over Gakpo because I think he's the striker they don't want to face. He'll torment them down channels and give more threat on the shoulder. Also to chase in any spilled shots. I see Trent being everywhere today as we'll dominate the ball with 60%+ possession, so ok if we have Endo always facing the play and offering some protection Jones over Gravenberch is a 55/45 call but I'd side with Jones as he knows the atmosphere and game. I think he'd work that little bit harder initially in the game. I think the two "8s" will need to do a bit of running for their full backs as I think Utds main outballs and threats will come from FBs and wingers. I dont see Utd trying to go through us on the floor in the middle of the pitch. And SHOOOOT (44%) ! At home, we rank 2nd for the team with most shots taken from outside the box with 44%. We'll have 60%+ possession, so will be getting into decent areas often. We'll have Szoboszlai, Trent, Salah, Diaz and [Jones/Gravenberch] who can all hit from distance. Test out Onana and have Nunez placed on the shoulders to chase in any badly palmed saves.

Maybe lets keep the atmosphere under wraps - don't want to give Arteta an early advantage of whats in store and get the stereos & speakers out on the training pitch

Yeah, we need to be cold and clinical. Ride the wave of the opening 20mins and give the hell. But if the game is 0-0 and settles into an arm wrestle, then its just 3 points thats the same as any other 3 points, and we need to eek them out. But give them loads of our energy when the crowd are buzzing between 0-20mins and then take it from there.

Thanks mate, if I do I'll pop it in here and you're right, haven't been doing much of it recently.