Liverpool

Caoimhín Kelleher is determined to seize his chance as he prepares to start in goal for Liverpool against Chelsea, filling in for the injured Alisson. The 25-year-old goalkeeper understands the challenges of being a backup, often waiting for his moment to prove he can match the Brazilian's caliber. This match will mark Kelleher's second Premier League start of the season, and he is keenly aware that to secure a permanent starting position, he may need to consider leaving Anfield, where he has often found himself on the sidelines. Last season, Kelleher made 26 appearances for Liverpool, including a memorable performance in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, where he played a crucial role in the victory. He has lifted the trophy twice, notably scoring a penalty in the shootout during a previous encounter with Chelsea, which put him in the spotlight. Despite being recognized as the best darts player at the club, Kelleher's true aspiration remains to claim the starting goalkeeper position, a title that has eluded him while Alisson is at the helm. As he prepares for this important match, Kelleher is focused on making the most of his opportunity.

**Contenders or Pretenders: Can Liverpool and Arne Slot Rise to the Challenge?** As Liverpool prepares to host Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, the match is being touted as a pivotal moment for Arne Slot's tenure as head coach. After a promising start to the season, Slot himself has acknowledged the significance of the upcoming fixtures, indicating that the next few weeks will be a true test of his team's capabilities. Liverpool currently sits atop the Premier League, but Slot remains cautious about labeling his squad as genuine title contenders just yet. The international break provided him with a chance to step back and reflect on an almost flawless beginning to his time at the club, allowing him to recharge before facing a grueling schedule. Over the next 21 days, Liverpool will face seven challenging matches, including encounters against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, and Aston Villa in the Premier League. Additionally, they will compete in the Champions League against RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, along with a Carabao Cup tie at the Amex Stadium. This demanding stretch is set to reveal the true character and resilience of a team that has embraced its transition under Slot's leadership. As the fixtures loom, the question remains: are Liverpool the real deal, or will they falter under pressure? Only time will tell.

**Ryan Gravenberch: ‘My brother toughened me up and I became stronger’** Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch reflects on his journey in football, highlighting the influence of his older brother, Danzell, during their formative years in Amsterdam. The Gravenberch brothers have shown a remarkable adaptability to change throughout their careers. While Ryan has made his mark at three of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, Danzell has experienced a more transient career, playing for 13 different teams. Ryan’s football journey has taken him from Ajax to Bayern Munich and now to Liverpool, where he has quickly established himself as a key player. In contrast, Danzell’s path began similarly but has since branched out to include stints at Universitatea Cluj, Reading, and Karmiotissa, among others. The eight-year age difference between the brothers has played a significant role in shaping Ryan’s development, pushing him to excel. This season, Ryan has become a vital part of Liverpool’s squad, contributing to their position at the top of the Premier League under head coach Arne Slot. He has taken on the crucial role of the team’s No. 6, a position that will face a significant test when Chelsea visits Anfield on Sunday.

Naby Keïta reflects on his time at Liverpool with a sense of regret, particularly as he finds himself sidelined with Bremen’s under-23 team. The midfielder, who was signed from RB Leipzig for a then club-record fee of £54 million, recalls the excitement of joining the club and being given the iconic No. 8 shirt previously worn by Steven Gerrard. Despite achieving significant success during his tenure, including winning the Champions League, the Club World Cup, and Liverpool's first Premier League title, Keïta often contemplates what could have been. Injuries plagued his time at Anfield, limiting him to just 49 league starts over five seasons. Even now, Keïta expresses gratitude for the support he receives from Liverpool fans, who continue to show him love whenever they meet. His journey at the club may have been marred by challenges, but the fond memories and achievements remain a significant part of his career.

The current state of women's football in England presents a stark contrast between the thriving top tier and the struggles faced by clubs lower down the pyramid. While the Women's Super League (WSL) enjoys significant attention, highlighted by high-profile matches like the recent Arsenal versus Chelsea game that drew a crowd of 45,860 and was broadcast live on BBC One, many clubs are grappling with serious challenges. Recent events at Solihull Moors serve as a sobering reminder of these issues. The entire coaching staff and several players from the women's team resigned due to alleged neglect of their program, underscoring the difficulties faced by teams outside the elite level. Liverpool Feds, a third-tier club situated just outside the top 30 women’s clubs in the country, exemplifies this struggle. Currently sixth in the Women’s National League Northern Premier Division, they compete against well-funded teams backed by Premier League clubs, such as Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Established in 1990, Liverpool Feds operates entirely on a volunteer basis and boasts nearly 200 players ranging from ages six to 60, including a walking football section. However, the women's first team is unable to cover even basic player expenses, let alone offer wages to players or staff. As the women's game continues to flourish at the highest levels, the plight of clubs like Liverpool Feds and Solihull Moors serves as a crucial reminder of the disparities that exist within the football pyramid.

**WSL Roundup: Shaw Shines as Manchester City Overcome Liverpool** Manchester City maintained their position at the top of the Women’s Super League with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Liverpool, thanks to a standout performance from Khadjia Shaw, who scored both goals for her team. Despite dominating the match at Anfield, City found themselves trailing after Olivia Smith netted for Liverpool in the first half. It wasn't until the 58th minute that Gareth Taylor's side managed to equalize. With time running out and the pressure mounting, Shaw delivered a stunning strike into the top corner during the second minute of stoppage time, securing the win and keeping City a point ahead of Chelsea, although they have played one more game. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Brighton also continued their strong starts to the season, further intensifying the competition at the top of the league.

**Jenna Clark: ‘Playing at Anfield is truly special – it means everything’** Liverpool defender Jenna Clark, a lifelong fan of the club, is living out her dream as she prepares to face in-form Manchester City this Sunday. Growing up in Glasgow, Jenna was raised in a family that idolized Kenny Dalglish, which fueled her passion for Liverpool from a young age. Despite her unwavering support, she never had the opportunity to experience the electric atmosphere of Anfield until recently. Her first encounter with the iconic stadium was during a tour, a Christmas gift that she cherished, but it wasn't until she signed with Liverpool from Glasgow City on a two-year contract in 2023 that she truly stepped onto the hallowed ground as a player. Now, as she gears up for a crucial match against Manchester City, Jenna reflects on the significance of playing at Anfield and the pride it brings her.

**Are Liverpool the Real Deal? Analyzing Arne Slot’s Impressive Start** Arne Slot has made a remarkable impact at Liverpool, leading the team to the top of the Premier League after just 10 games. But the question remains: can they maintain this momentum throughout the season? When Jürgen Klopp stepped down, many believed that Liverpool would face a challenging transition, similar to what Manchester United and Arsenal experienced after the departures of their legendary managers. However, Slot has quickly silenced the doubters. In his first 10 matches, Slot has guided Liverpool to an impressive record, securing a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and achieving maximum points in the Champions League group stage. Notably, he is the first manager in Liverpool's history to win nine of his first ten games in charge. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Slot can sustain this level of performance and lead Liverpool to further success.

Liverpool has been dealt a significant injury blow as scans have confirmed that Alisson will be sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the match against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Brazilian goalkeeper was substituted in the 79th minute of the 1-0 victory after experiencing a second hamstring issue this season. Medical tests have indicated that the severity of the injury will keep Liverpool's first-choice keeper out of action until after the international break in November. This setback means that Alisson will miss several crucial domestic and European fixtures in the coming weeks.

In a tightly contested match at Selhurst Park, Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, thanks to Diogo Jota's impressive first-time finish. However, the win came at a cost as their goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, sustained an injury late in the game. Vitezslav Jaros stepped in as his replacement, and Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the backup keeper. He remarked, "It's very pleasing to see that even our third goalkeeper can have an impact on our result." Slot also indicated that Alisson's recovery would take a few weeks, adding to the team's challenges moving forward.