#match-tactics

#match-tactics

Liverpool enter this clash under duress. The reigning champions have stumbled in recent weeks, with results falling short of the standard many expected under Arne Slot's stewardship. Their attacking ideas and press remain vivid, but defensive transitions and squad depth are increasingly exposed. The absences in goal and at the back, plus lingering questions in midfield, make their continuity fragile.

It wasn't good enough from us as a club. The first 15 minutes was the worst we have played all season. We struggled in the first half. Always difficult going to 10 men down. United were up for it, and they put us under pressure. We have played in the Premier League long enough now, so we just have to learn from this and move forward. Whether it is 10 men each, it is always difficult from 2-0 down.

The retired footballer-turned-radio pundit has tried his hand at management in recent years, initially taking the reins at phoenix club Macclesfield FC. Savage won 42 of his 51 games in charge of the Silkmen, earning promotion to the National League North and a move of his own to join recently-relegated National League club Forest Green. Since arriving at The New Lawn in July, Savage has won eight of his 11 games at the helm, including Rovers' National League Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers' Under-21 side on Tuesday night.

All going according to plan for Stephen Bradley's Hoops so far! It'll no doubt get tense after the break with no room for second chances. The Hoops have kept their Portuguese visitors shooting from distance with 5 in total, while Josh Honohan's effort on 37 minutes was the best chance of the half as he struck the bar. Dan McDonnell has his say at the interval in Dublin 24: