Liverpool set the bar so high with their high energy attacking football last season and several fans and observers were expecting them to build on that this season, but it hasn’t been the same story, at least not yet. However, what they lack in sharp attacking football they have been making up for it with solid defensive displays.
The Reds beat Red Star Belgrade 4-0 in midweek to keep themselves in the running for the Champions League next round. They have now won their last two games after a tough run of games that saw them fail to win any of four games, although those were fixtures against the likes of Napoli, Chelsea (twice), and Manchester City.
Liverpool have won 7 of their 9 league games this season and they have only dropped points against Manchester City and Chelsea who are fellow title contenders. They have impressively conceded just 3 goals in the league so far and many would think that their new-found defensive stability might just help them win a trophy this season.
Cardiff City received a confidence booster last weekend as they secured their first win of the season after beating fellow newly promoted side, Fulham 4-2. However, this game would be a different ball game for the Welsh side who had lost 5 league games on the trot prior to last weekend’s win.
To make matters worse, they have not scored a goal in 3 of their last 4 away days in the Premier League and they face a Liverpool team that hasn’t conceded a goal at home in the league since February.