Liverpool Fan View: Three reasons why Reds fans should stay positive

Key players returning

There was no shortage of pessimism on social media surrounding Liverpool’s top four (and title) prospects after Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Swansea City on Saturday. The shock result prompted some Liverpool fans (and Harry Redknapp) to tip Liverpool to finish in sixth place. It’s worth remembering that Liverpool are still in fourth place and only two points behind second-placed Arsenal. While Philippe Coutinho wasn’t at his best on Saturday, the Brazil international will be like a new signing after his two-month absence. Liverpool’s defence was again a talking point but Joel Matip will surely start against Premier League leaders Chelsea on Tuesday 31 January. And, of course, Sadio Mane will be done with his AFCON duties for the final 13 fixtures of the 2016-17 season.

Big game mentality

For Liverpool fans concerned about form and momentum ahead of the visit of Chelsea at the end of the month, they’d do well to glance over Jurgen Klopp’s record against the top five. Yes, Liverpool have struggled against Burnley, West Ham, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Swansea this season but if the Reds have a strength under Klopp, it’s their ability to get positive results against their biggest rivals. The visit of Chelsea could serve to rejeuvanate the Liverpool players – Klopp has collected seven points in three meetings with the west London side since taking over back in October 2015. Liverpool face Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Everton at Anfield in their next eight games. If Klopp can maintain his commanding record against the big clubs, Liverpool’s top-four outlook could be looking a lot brighter eight games to go.

Final eight fixtures…

Speaking of their final eight Premier League games in the 2016-17 season, it must be highlighted that Liverpool will only face teams in the bottom 12. While, as we’re so often told by the ex-professionals in the media, there is no such thing as a banker in the Premier League, you’d back Klopp and his players to see the season out on a high.