Life’s A Pitch: Where are Liverpool going wrong?

It’s been an odd season for Liverpool fans. Despite winning the club’s first silverware for six years, the Reds have really struggled in the league, and are currently on a run of form unlike anything most fans will have ever seen before.

An FA Cup win is not out of the question, of course, which could give the season a happy ending. But even if that happens, and it’s a big if, some Reds fans have found themselves in the uncomfortable situation of questioning Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish’s tactics, and more importantly his big-money signings. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, and Charlie Adam aren’t exactly challenging for player of the season.

So, what’s going wrong at Liverpool? Zonal Marking’s Michael Cox has put his analytical mind to it and come up with an interesting conclusion. Basically, in developing a range different styles for various situations, it is now unclear what Liverpool’s natural style is. Dalglish’s muddled tactics have confused Liverpool, he writes.

Almost a polar opposite to this situation is Alan Pardew’s Newcastle. Their style and formation, barring the odd tweak, is well defined. The players know their job and they’re doing it very well. Luke Moore has been particularly impressed with Pardew, but believes his toughest task will be to keep his terrific team intact when the suitors come calling.

And while Pardew’s stock has never been higher, Man City’s Roberto Mancini finds himself in danger of finishing this season trophyless. A situation most would have considered unthinkable earlier this season. Also a situation the Life’s A Pitch panel believes will be unpalatable to the club’s ambition owners. The name that keeps up as a possible replacement is Real Madrid’s José Mourinho. Find out why.

We look at the Premier League relegation battle and assess the survival prospects of Wolves, Wigan, Bolton and QPR. Who will escape? Who’s heading to Burnley and Peterborough next season?

We also examine the latest transfer rumours, look at the social hand grenade that is Preston boss Graham Westley, and the improvement of the once flapping Man Utd keeper David De Gea.

Expert video pundits

“I don’t think Mancini will survive this”

With more antics from Balotelli and the title looking out of Man City’s grasp, the Life’s A Pitch panel fear that Mancini’s job is increasingly under threat.
Time’s up? >

“I’d put my money on Wigan” over QPR in survival race

The Life’s A Pitch team takes a close look at the Premier League survival prospects of QPR and Wigan.
Survival stakes >

Modric to Man City, Man Utd chase Strootman, Agbonlahor to Sunderland?

The Life’s A Pitch team takes a good look at transfer rumours involving Man City, Tottenham, Man Utd, Aston Villa and Sunderland.
Transfer talk >

“Westley poured petrol on to the flames” at troubled Preston

The Life’s A Pitch team discusses the turmoil at Preston, where manager Graham Westley accused his players of leaking information to opponents.
Fire starter >

Lively opinion blogs

Dalglish’s muddled tactics have confused Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish’s constantly changing strategies are doing more harm than good to Liverpool, according to Zonal Marking’s Michael Cox.
Which way now? >

Pardew’s toughest task is to keep his splendid team intact

Alan Pardew has done a remarkable job in putting Newcastle back on their perch, but how does he keep them there, asks Luke Moore.
On their perch >

Is this the Premier League team of the year?

The PFA will shortly announce their end of season awards. Here, Mike Calvin picks the players he thinks have made the biggest impact in 2011/12.
The first XI? >

Messi, Ronaldo, a martial art, and the mystery British coach

Mike Calvin looks at an alternative football theory championed by British coach Roger Spry and used to devastating effect by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Roger’s theory >

Fanzone post of the week

Blues finally have a squad to bank on

Perhaps getting relegated wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to Birmingham, writes Sean Jones.
Rising from the ashes >

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