Kelleher shows fine form for Liverpool ahead of EPL showdown with Man City

Caoimhin Kelleher has played the role of unlikely Liverpool hero before when he helped his side win the Carabao Cup in 2022. He's back in that role this season, only with much bigger prizes at stake.

The Irish goalkeeper showed his worth in the first half against Sparta Prague, saving brilliant from Jan Kuchta and Lukas Haraslin when the odds looked against him.

In fact, the 25-year-old has saved eight out of the last 15 big chances faced, including big saves in this year's Carabao Cup final, and some smart stops in the slender 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Kelleher has won Liverpool a trophy and some important points in the title race since he stepped in for the injured Alisson last month. Up next, it's Manchester City and the best striker in world football in Erling Haaland. Can David keep out Goliath?
Sam Blitz

While it sometimes felt like there were forces conspiring against West Ham in their defeat to Freiburg, they cannot deny that they should have scored at least once with the chances they had.

Lucas Paqueta especially had two superb efforts, with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus also guilty of missing big chances.

And for much of the game, the Hammers were comfortable. It looked to be a professional away performance in a tough Europa League match, giving themselves the best chance of going through. And in a lot of ways, despite behind a goal behind, they still hold the tie in their hands.

Most likely, West Ham will be favourites at the London Stadium next Thursday. West Ham never really got out of second gear in Germany, a brief move into third after the break perhaps.

This tie is by no means over either and given the glimpses we saw of just how devastating West Ham can be on their day, there is still all to play for.

Wit