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IT’S the eve of Sky’s shit-show ‘Friday Night Football’, though this time the Mighty Reds will be gracing our screens — and a pitch — as they do battle with Roman Abramovich’s purse strings.

After their feisty pre-season encounter, it will be interesting to see how tomorrow’s game compares, given that there is actually something tangible on the line now — and that snide Cesc Fabregas will most likely be warming the bench.

PASADENA, USA - Wednesday, July 27, 2016: Chelsea Cesc Fabregas reacts after being shown a red card during the International Champions Cup 2016 game against Liverpool on day seven of the club's USA Pre-season Tour at the Rose Bowl. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Conte Speaks

Antonio Conte has been speaking to the press at Chelsea’s training ground today and has had a couple of things to say, notably confirming that Sideshow Bob — David Luiz, for non-Simpsons fans — in the absence of the crocked John Terry.

The Italian also had some nice things to say about our boss: “Jürgen Klopp is a good manager, one of the best in the world. He’s showing his capacity to be a great manager.

“I know him but not much. We played against each other only once, in pre-season, but he’s a fantastic manager and I’ll be glad to see him tomorrow.”

Nice one, Antonio. We already knew all that, though.

No Coaching Role For Stevie

I’m not sure this is anything new, but a few people have been talking about it today. Steven Gerrard has insisted that, despite being in contact with the Liverpool manager, there is no job offer on the table.

The former skipper said: “Klopp’s his own man, he’s got his own team of people around him that he’s very happy and content with. Of course I’ve got a huge Liverpool connection and Liverpool is in my heart and always will be but there’s nothing to really comment on.

“There’s no future decision to work with Klopp, I get on very well with him, we’re in contact but there’s no job opportunity there at the moment.”

Would love to see him and Carra come and work at the club. If only for the latter to sort our defence.

Football - FA Premier League - Stoke City FC v Liverpool FC

Wijnaldum Hungry For Goals

Georginio Wijnaldum is keen to deliver on his promise from earlier this season, that he would score at least 10 goals in the 2016/17 campaign. The Dutchman bagged 11 times for relegated Newcastle last season, but has also emphasised the importance of helping out the team.

He said: “You get used to scoring goals. During the years I have scored a lot of goals as a midfielder and when you get that feeling, you always want to score.

“You’re going to have a hunger to score goals and you’re going to be greedy to score goals. That’s what I am right now.”

Is right, Gini. Up the greedy Reds.

Get Your Dirk Kuyt

Feyenoord captain, and Liverpool cult hero, Dirk Kuyt is starting for his team as they take on Manchester United in the Europa League tonight.

Kuyt scored four times against the Mancs, including a hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Anfield back in March 2011, and loads will be hoping he can do the same tonight.

Into these, Dirk.

Today’s Articles

Get on this, Reds. Firstly, I spoke to Scott from Chelsea HQ to get the latest on our upcoming opponents. Read that here.

Then we’ve got Rob Gutmann’s ‘Big Match Preview’ as he gives his views on “those Chelsea wankers”. So yeah. Read it here.

Adam Smith has written his weekly column, and this week he’s talking about Liverpool’s bench compared to the other top four contenders, which you can read here.

Finally, Joel Rabinowitz has been talking about how Klopp has been setting up this season, and how he can continue to get the best out of his side. Read that here.

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