It is now nine home matches since Liverpool last conceded a Premier League (PL) goal at ‘Fort Anfield’ (W7, D2), and face a Cardiff side with just one goal to their name in four away matches so far.
Fresh from a 4-0 Champions League victory in midweek, Liverpool’s relief will surely be bigger than their fatigue, as it was the first time in five matches (in all competitions) that the team scored more than one goal.
Liverpool’s goal rate is down from 2.21 last season (second highest in the league) to 1.78 – but is more than offset by the improvement at the other end. Just 0.33 goals conceded on average per game after nine PL rounds is the joint-best record in the league, down from 1.0 on average last season.
Cardiff, meanwhile, are second-worst defensively in the league with 2.11 goals shipped per match. Worse, they’ve conceded 3.0 goals on average against teams currently in the top-half (five matches).
Recent memory will not soothe the Welshmen either, as Liverpool won both matches when the visitors were last in the PL – with an aggregate score of 9-3!
Players to watch: Mohamed Salah might finally be back in form, with four goals in his last three matches for club and country. Josh Murphy, meanwhile, seems to have finally settled into PL football, with two goals in the last three matches.
Stat attack: In terms of discipline, Liverpool have been squeaky clean at home this season, averaging just 0.67 yellow cards after six matches (in all competitions).
Liverpool have a combined score of 10-1 in the first halves of matches so far, compared to 6-3 in the second, from seven home matches (in all competitions).
LIVE STREAMING LIVERPOOL VS CARDIFF CITY 27.10.2018
Cardiff have been behind at half-time in all three of their PL away defeats.
Will not play
Oxlade-Chamberlain A.
(Knee Injury)
Mendez-Laing N.
(Knee Injury)
Peltier L.
(Shoulder Injury)
Ralls J.
(Red Card)
Ward D.
(Knock)
Questionable
Henderson J.
(Thigh Injury)
Arter H.
(Knock)
Keita N.
(Thigh Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Attwell S. (Eng),
Venue: Anfield (Liverpool)