View from City: BR has proved me wrong
For today's view from the opposition, Cardiff City fanatic Nicholas Merri talks about the impact of former Swansea favourites Joe Allen and Brendan Rodgers ahead of the afternoon's Barclays Premier League clash in the Welsh capital.
Firstly Nicholas, can you bring us up to date on Cardiff City's season so far?
A few precious wins, many more losses and decisions unsurprisingly not going our way. Although our squad isn't the strongest, the Bluebirds have almost entirely given their best amidst difficult circumstances, as it is off the pitch and with the spectre of Vincent Tan where the real story lies.
Sturridge and Suarez always get credit when we do these interviews. Tell us two other players in the Liverpool squad that you would like to see at Cardiff?
As we are desperately short of creativity and a goal threat from central midfield. Coutinho would be the obvious choice, and having seen a lot of him for Wales I like the simple ball retention of Joe Allen, but I can't imagine he'd much want to come here even if we were the only club calling!
Who's the dangerman that we need to guard against from a Cardiff perspective?
Whilst you will not need to defend against him, the greatest impediment to a positive result for your club will be the outstanding goalkeeper of the Premier League season so far, David Marshall. Without his countless saves, many of which have been of the highest quality, City would undoubtedly be in even deeper water than we already are, if not cut adrift completely.
Brendan Rodgers will never be a fan-favourite amongst the Cardiff supporters - but what's your honest assessment of his time at Liverpool?
I am surprised that he has proven to be as much of a success as he has. He has proven me wrong though, and appears to be a genuine tactician and a motivator too.
We're keen to know what the neutral has made of Liverpool this season... How would you sum up our campaign?
It has been very impressive and to the neutral very entertaining, as wherever you have gone goals have invariably followed. I can't see any reason why you cannot win the league from this position, as long as the goals for keep flowing then you have as good a chance as any.
What does it mean to the Cardiff fans to host Liverpool for the first time in 55 years?
Personally, it's never about the opposition. I am, as ever, looking forward to seeing the Bluebirds.
Prediction?
City 1-3 Liverpool