Liverpool have got Norwich on Saturday but if anyone thinks it’s more than just a warm up for the Champions League they’re kidding themselves.
Yes the Canaries have got a good side, they can hurt anyone of their day, they’ve already beaten Manchester City and all of that jazz, but this game will be played with an eye on Atletico Madrid.
Everything will be analysed for how it could impact that fixture. From the team selection, to the substitutions Jurgen Klopp makes to the way the players carry themselves on the field.
Liverpool are building towards something much bigger than Norwich in the Premier League and we all know it. That 22 point lead is like gold dust and is an amazing cushion for a set of footballers who are trying to make a major final three years in a row.
Norwich will also help them get back in the swing of things after two weeks away from the game. For players like Fabinho, so important before his injury and struggling to get some rhythm and match fitness, it will be absolutely vital.
This isn’t to suggest that Liverpool will switch off or take it easy on Saturday. We know Klopp has drilled into them the importance of laser focus throughout the campaign, but it’ll just be interesting to see how they act with the shadow of Atletico upon them.
But first we need to collect three more Premier League points and get through a physical game without losing anyone to injury or ill fortune. The three day gap will throw up it’s own questions, especially considering the squad will need to fly to Spain, but that will all be planned for by the manager and his staff.
Lets all enjoy this welcome return of football but keep an eye on the other prize as well.