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Ray Houghton Believes Liverpool Can Finish Strong

The former midfielder doesn’t need to be turned into a believer, he’s already there.

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Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Captain Jordan Henderson cuddles a small child.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Tottenham Hotspur FC

It’s no secret that January was rough for the red side of Liverpool. We’ve all been over it, through it, and tried our best to get past it. No one needs any reminding. And after a two week break following a win, Liverpool FC is primed to make a comeback and hopefully reset for the rest of the season - however few games there may be. Reds legend Ray Houghton, who won two FA Cup titles and and two league titles with the team, spoke recently about needs to be done.

“After a really bad January we just have to look to the future now,” he told the club website.Jordan Henderson was so right when he said recently that it’s really important we finish the season on a high. We need to go into every game trying to win it and finish as high as we can.

“Because we have just the Premier League to focus on, Jürgen can put his best team out week in, week out - injuries permitting, of course - and make sure every game is like a cup final.”

Really, Liverpool have no excuse for giving anything less than a hundred percent tomorrow and going forward -- a sentiment recently shared by current midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum -- especially when faced by a so-called lesser team. While there have been no problems against top six teams, the Reds have had their losses handed to them by teams battling relegation, making tomorrow a particular challenge.

“I don’t think Jürgen needs to give a team-talk when he’s playing against the top six sides. Just look at Liverpool’s record - unbeaten against Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham, so their record is very good,” Houghton continued. “It’s when we play against, if you like, perceived lesser teams [that Liverpool struggle]. So we just have to make sure we keep that focus, drive and ambition, be responsible and be patient.

“Leicester have some huge games coming up, so Liverpool will know they are in for a tough match.

“I remember the game at Anfield in September when Liverpool tore Leicester apart. They were superb that day, and hopefully they can continue that on Monday night.”

The long drought finally ends tomorrow with a 3pm EST/8pm BST kick off from the King Power Stadium.

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