By 
Woke up early buzzing for matchday – proper derby atmosphere already brewing outside my window. Grabbed a quick brew, flicked the telly on to Sky Sports News immediately. My old fella’s text came through same time: “Think Klopp starts Gakpo?” Proper debate starting already, felt like the whole city was buzzing.
The Anfield Trek
Trudged through that usual matchday drizzle around Stanley Park, scarf pulled up. Could hear the choir belts from the pub near the Albert already – “Fields of Anfield Road” bouncing off the bricks. Phone buzzing nonstop in me pocket: mates group chat exploding with lineup guesses. One lad swore Jones would start over Szoboszlai after last week’s knock.
Pushed through the turnstile with about an hour to kick-off. Heart pounding a bit honestly – Palace always park the bus here. Grabbed a scalding tea, squeezed past blokes in half-and-half scarves toward me usual spot in The Kop. Sticky floor, smell of stale ale, pure anticipation. Could see the teamsheets being handed out below.
That Lineup Sheet Drop
Spotter in the row ahead snatched one first. Whole section leaned in – proper domino effect. He spun around, eyes wide: “Quansah starts!” Absolute chaos erupted behind me. Bloke spilled his tea everywhere shouting “Who?!” Gotta admit, even I was gobsmacked. Virgil’s partner was meant to be Konate!
- Keeper: Alisson (no shock there)
- Defence: Trent at right-back (obvs), HUGE Quansah beside Big Virg, Robbo flying down the left.
- Midfield: Endo sitting deep (thank god), Mac Allister buzzing, and Szoboszlai running himself ragged.
- Attack: Mo right, Darwin central (again?!), Diogo bloody Jota left! Gakpo on bench? Madness.
Whole stand just dissecting it immediately. Why Quansah? Where’s Gravenberch? Felt risky, proper roll of the dice from Klopp. Saw Quansah warming up later, looked nervous – lotta responsibility for the young lad.
Kickoff & Pure Relief
Game started frantic. Darwin hit the post inside 10 mins – Kop groaned like one massive beast. Jota’s work rate saved our bacon early on though, tracking back. Halftime whistle blew 0-0. Felt cagey. Around me: “Need Nunez off!” “Bring Diaz!” “Klopp’s lost it with Quansah!” Proper meltdown stuff.
Second half magic: Mac Allister pinged one perfect to Mo, who buried it bottom corner. Kop absolutely ERUPTED. Limbs everywhere, soaking in spilled beer – glorious chaos. Quansah grew into it too, solid after a shaky start. Finished 1-0, nervy but job done. Limped out buzzing, throat shredded from shouting.
Reflecting now over a cold one. Quansah gamble paid off, Darwin still frustrates but Jota was a machine. Klopp’s lineup chaos somehow works… again. But that defence still gives me the jitters. Proper Anfield rollercoaster.