Liverpool have been one of the most impressive sides in the English Premier League under their new charismatic manager, Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool have defeated teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea of late, but their form at home needs to improve, hence their clash against Swansea City at Anfield on Sunday will prove to be a stern test for the home side.
There is a sense of positive energy among Liverpool fans after Klopp took over the managerial role from Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool have only lost a single match under Klopp in all competitions, and the Reds have been gradually improving as players are understanding the former Dortmund manager's style of high-pressing game.
Liverpool players are working hard under Klopp, who pushes players to their limit, and their results are reflecting their hard work, which they put on the training ground.
Liverpool have a chance of climbing to the sixth position in the EPL table — depends on other results as well — if they manage to defeat Swansea. Klopp wants Liverpool, who lost to Crystal Palace in their last EPL home game, to play with high intensity from the first minute against Swansea.
"We have to be in the game from the first second. It's a big challenge, as we saw against Crystal Palace. But if we take Crystal Palace as the last warning, it was important for us.If everybody is prepared for a big fight, it will be a good game," EPL's official website quoted Klopp as saying.
It remains to be seen whether Klopp will start with Christian Benteke or Roberto Firmino up front, as the Brazilian started against big teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City. Benteke has put forward a claim to start against Swansea with a brilliant performance against Bordeaux in the Europa League during the week, and scored an impressive goal as well.
However, Liverpool fans are getting increasingly frustrated with Daniel Sturridge, who has been picking injuries way too frequently. Sturridge also missed the Europa League clash with a foot injury. The English striker is doubtful for today's game. Their key holding midfielder, Lucas Leiva, will also miss the match due to suspension.
Despite Liverpool not having dominated games at Anfield, Swansea manager Gary Monk is aware of Liverpool's progress under Klopp as a unit. On song, Liverpool are one of the most dangerous team in the EPL.
"He's done great, he's come in and seems a great character," Monk said. "I'm not sure how he's worked behind the scenes but in front of the cameras and the way he is, he's very personable.
"He speaks exceptionally well and obviously the team are doing very well. They're in a good run of form. But this week's been about concentrating the players on getting back to what they do best."
Monk will be missing one of his best players, Jonjo Shelvey, who is suspended for Sunday's game. Swansea will need their big players such as Bafétimbi Gomis and Gylfi Sigurdsson to shine and help the team climb higher in the standings table.
Where to watch live
Liverpool vs Swansea EPL clash is scheduled for 4:15 pm local time (9:45 pm IST, 12:15 pm ET) start. Indian TV viewers can watch the mega clash on Star Sports 4/HD with live streaming option and Starsports.com.
Unfortunately, there is no live TV coverage for Liverpool vs Swansea EPL clash in the UK.
Viewers in the US can watch Liverpool vs Swansea EPL match on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live streamed on NBC Live Extra.
Football fans in the African countries can watch the game live on Supersport 6 Africa.
Fans in Thailand and Indonesia can watch the game live on CTH Cable Thai Holdings and Orange Tv Indonesia respectively.
