Brendan Rodgers took his Liverpool side to former club Swansea City on Sunday looking to secure the three points that would have moved them into the top half of the Premier League table.
Both sides had chances in an open first half of action, but it remained goalless with Raheem Sterling and Pablo Hernandez passing up opportunities for either side.
Chances continued to fall for both sides in the second period, but to no avail as the points were shared.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary below.
Afternoon all! Well what a way to get Sunday's Premier League coverage underway. The two teams have already met this season in the Capital One Cup and it was Swansea who came away with a 3-1 win at Anfield. However, there have been signs of improvement from Liverpool in recent weeks.
We are expecting the team news in around five minutes or so. We will bring you up-to-date when it filters through. Meanwhile, the Liberty Stadium has emerged as one of the toughest places to play in the Premier League, but Swansea have managed just one win from their last five home fixtures. Although just one defeat came in that period with the remaining three drawn.
Liverpool's away record is hardly inspiring, however, having won only two of their last seven away matches in the Premier League dating back to last season. Strangely both of those wins came against Norwich City. That said, they have lost just once away from home in the Premier League this season.
Recent history threatens to produce a goal-fest, meanwhile, with the previous seven meetings between the two averaging two goals a game. Both sides like to play expansive football and therefore it is difficult to imagine this match bringing a 0-0 draw. Unless I have just cursed it? You can blame me later!
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Wayne Routledge and Michu both start for the home side. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing have been handed starting berths for Liverpool. Full teams to follow.
Teams:
Swansea: Tremmel; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies; Britton, De Guzman, Routledge, Hernandez; Michu, Shechter
Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Allen, Gerrard, Henderson; Sterling, Suarez, Downing
So there we have it. Swansea are able to call upon the returning Leon Britton in midfield. Couple of surprises for Liverpool, however, with Jose Enrique dropping back to defence to make room for Downing.
Both sides also boast in-form forward men. Spanish export Michu - one of the signings of the season - has struck seven goals in the league for Swansea. Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has 10 league games to his name, just one shy of his entire total for the whole of last season.
Despite Swansea's recent success against Liverpool, they had failed to score in their previous five games against the Reds before beating them at the end of the season. However, Liverpool have lost four of their last five trips to Wales and have kept just one clean sheet in their previous 12 away matches in the league.
Swansea recorded the three points in their last Premier League match against Newcastle United and therefore will enter the match full of confidence. Possession will undoubtedly be the key factor in this match, with the ability to pass the football so important in a game that is bound to be full of emotion.
The likes of Michu and Pablo Hernandez have inspired the home side in recent weeks, while Nathan Dyer has also taken his performances to another level. But Brendan Rodgers will not want to be embarrassed in his former home and will therefore set his side up to press high and counter with pace.
Liverpool picked up a morale-boosting three points against Wigan Athletic last time out but you just worry whether they would cope without Luis Suarez. They have not had to cross that bridge thus far, but if Swansea can keep the Uruguayan quiet then they will feel that they can secure at least a point from the match.
Swansea also recorded the three points against Chelsea in their last fixture on their home turf and have lost only one of their last seven - a narrow defeat to Manchester City. But you just get the feeling that this is the type of match where form goes out of the window. It has that type of aura surrounding it.
There could also be fireworks between Swansea skipper Ashley Williams and Liverpool’s Suarez this afternoon. Williams called the striker a “cheat” in his new book. That has lit the flame ahead of the clash. Which one will pick up a booking first?!
Right we are just about 15 minutes from kickoff. I am backing a 2-2 draw this afternoon. I cannot see Swansea suffering defeat, especially on their own patch. Be sure to remain with us for the action. You will not want to miss it.
This afternoon also sees Joe Allen return to his former club. The Welshman has struggled for Liverpool thus far this season, but will be keen to put on a show at the Liberty Stadium. He lines up in a three-man Reds midfield alongside Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.
You just get the feeling that this is Liverpool's biggest league match of the season. Victory would move them into the top half of the table and hand the players such confidence ahead of the festive period. But Swansea will be in no mood to hand out favours.
It is understood that Stewart Downing will start at left-back this afternoon. Meanwhile, here's a word from Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports News: "It is fantastic to be back. Great people, wonderful club and it is good to see so many friendly faces."
Here we go then. Both sets of players emerge from the tunnel and join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. It looks to be a sunny afternoon in Wales but do not be fooled, the wind is bitter. I would be out there in my snood and gloves.
Good grief. The match ball has just been delivered by marine commandos abseiling from the top of the stadium. Quite a strange situation. But nice nonetheless. Full house at the Liberty as expected.
Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. Passionate crowd? Check. Brendan Rodgers receives a mixed reception as he is announced to the home supporters. Right, let's get this Premier League fixture underway.
Here we go then. Liverpool get us underway on a mild afternoon in Wales. Both sides will be keen to gain early control of the possession in this match.
All-action start to proceedings as Swansea close the Liverpool midfield at the first opportunity. The home side attempt to launch the first attack as Wayne Routledge searches out Itay Shechter, but the danger is cleared.
It has been a strong start from Liverpool with Gerrard, Allen and Henderson all enjoying early touches of the ball. Meanwhile, Jose Enrique's long-range attempt is blocked by Chico. Slightly sloppy start from Swansea.
Just as I say "sloppy" and "Swansea" they launch their first attack as Michu finds the run of Pablo Hernandez, but Stewart Downing is on hand to make the challenge. Meanwhile, Pepe Reina punches the resulting corner clear of the danger zone. Really is end-to-end stuff at the moment.
Again it's smart work from Hernandez as he wins a throw deep in the Liverpool half, but the Welsh outfit are forced back by high pressing from the away side's midfield. Hernandez has been the star of the show thus far as he attempts to find Ben Davies with a searching pass.
Half-chance for the home side as Chico strikes an effort from outside the box, but Glen Johnson was on hand to make the clearance. Swansea really have taken control of this match in the past few minutes.
First chance for Liverpool comes the way of Sterling as he pounces on a loose ball inside the penalty area after good work from Suarez, but his effort was straight at Gerhard Tremmel. It has been a high tempo start from both sides.
Again Liverpool threaten as Suarez links with Johnson down the right, but Davies comes across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, the resulting corner is headed over by Johnson. Both sides have threatened in the early stages.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match comes to the home side as Routledge strikes an effort from inside the box, but Reina beats the ball behind for a corner. Meanwhile, desperate Liverpool defending clears the resulting corner.
Another half-chance comes the way of Liverpool as Sterling strikes an effort from outside the box, but Tremmel was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. It is such an open match with 15 minutes on the clock.
Again Liverpool threaten as Enrique drives into the Swansea box, but the Spaniard just delayed his pass to Suarez and the striker was ruled offside. The away side are just dictating the tempo at the moment as Enrique bundles wide from close range.
It's really smart football from the home side and it results in Hernandez searching out the run of Michu, but Reina just comes to collect. Swansea are so impressive on the ball. They have shaded the possession thus far.
Another half-chances comes the way of Swansea as Shechter advanced into the box, but he just cannot pick out a teammate and it deflects behind for a goal kick. Slightly sloppy defending from Liverpool in the past few minutes.
Swansea continue to impress with an extended period of possession, but their final ball is wayward and Reina restarts the play. The attacking threat from Liverpool has just disappeared in the past few minutes.
CHANCE! Just as I say that Johnson bursts into the Swansea penalty area, but Tremmel is out quickly to make a fine save at the defender's feet. Meanwhile, a free kick is awarded to Swansea from the resulting corner. Great entertainment in Wales thus far.
Gerrard has been disappointing for the away side thus far as he hands possession back to Swansea twice in quick succession. However, the home side are struggling to find that elusive final pass as we approach the 30-minute mark.
CHANCE! It's really tidy feet from Hernandez as he picks up possession outside the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it is just wide of the post. The Spaniard has been the standout player in this match thus far.
CHANCE! Another chance comes the way of the home side as De Guzman picks up possession outside the box, but he can only fire wide of the target. Swansea are certainly getting closer as we enter the latter stages of the half.
Half-chance for Liverpool this time as Sterling whips a low cross into the penalty area, but Angel Rangel just beats Suarez to the ball and makes the block. Meanwhile, Sterling smashes the crossbar from the resulting corner.
Liverpool have the ball in the back of the net as Enrique converts from close range, but the linesman raises his flag. Replays have shown that the decision was indeed correct. It must be said that it was a stunning move from the away side.
Swansea raise their tempo once more as Routledge drives into the penalty area, but his cross is cleared by Skrtel. Meanwhile, the Liverpool blocks a long-range effort from Michu moments later.
CHANCE! Hernandez continues to impress for Swansea as he strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but it just moved high of the crossbar. He really has been the game's shining light thus far.
Decent spell of possession for Liverpool as we enter the latter stages of the half. Both sides have certainly had chances to open their rally, but the score remains level at 0-0.
Again it's smart work from Liverpool as they counter with pace and power, but Sterling's low cross is cleared by Williams. Meanwhile, Johnson heads the resulting corner over the crossbar.
There looks to be a problem for Swansea defender Chico as he hits the deck under the challenge of Enrique. However, the defender rises to his feet after treatment and should be fine to continue.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play just one additional minute at the end of the half.
Swansea 0-0 Liverpool
So there we have it. An enthralling half of football draws to a close with Swansea and Liverpool level at 0-0. But the score does not tell the whole story with both sides having chances to open the scoring.
Sterling and Suarez have looked the main threat for Liverpool and have both come close to opening the scoring. Meanwhile, Hernandez has been the spark for Swansea and has curled a couple of efforts just wide of the post.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Swansea have shaded the possession with 53%, but they have managed just four shots to Liverpool's eight.
Swansea have enjoyed large periods of possession, but have thus far failed to get the likes of Michu into the match. I would not be surprised to see Schechter withdrawn for Nathan Dyer, allowing Michu to push into the striking role he favours.
Just a reminder that we have a host of live commentaries on offer this afternoon. We will be at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea vs. Manchester City as well as live coverage from three back-to-back La Liga matches from 4pm. You will not want to miss it.
Here we go then. Swansea get us underway in the second period. I said before the match that it would certainly not be a 0-0 draw. Blame me if it indeed happens. But the way the opening half went it does seem unlikely.
Swansea do indeed make a change at the interval as Ki Sung-yueng replaces Shechter. I almost got it right! Swansea immediately begin their possession football at the start of the half.
Fairly low-key start to the second period with Swansea knocking the ball around in midfield. Liverpool have had a couple of recent counter attacks, but their final ball was failed to reach the target.
End-to-end football at the moment as Michu is dispossessed by Johnson before the Liverpool defender loses possession at the other end. For all the good play in this match, the final ball has been lacking for both sides.
Again it's tidy football from the home side as they switch the play from left to right. Angel attempts to find Michu in the penalty area, but the danger is cleared. However, Hernandez gains a free kick just outside the penalty area.
Hernandez strikes the free kick, but his effort is over the wall and over the crossbar. Nothing much from Liverpool as an attacking threat in this half thus far.
Liverpool are just struggling to keep possession at the moment as Enrique is twice dispossessed in quick succession. Meanwhile, they have not been able to find Sterling in the opening 10 minutes of the half.
Half-chance comes the way of Liverpool as Suarez finds Gerrard on the outside of the box, but the Reds skipper can only fire his effort straight at Tremmel. You just get the feeling that this match could be won by a singular goal.
Liverpool have just raised the tempo in the past few moments as Suarez collects possession inside the box before firing at goal, but Tremmel makes a fine save to his left. Someone has just flicked the switch and the supporters have come alive.
CHANCE! Again Hernandez is involved for Swansea as he searches out the head of Michu in the penalty area, but his effort is straight at Reina. Real end-to-end football as we surpass the hour mark.
Swansea continue to attack with pace as Britton finds Hernandez out wide, but his cross is headed clear by Daniel Agger. Meanwhile, Angel's effort is blocked by Downing moments later.
Big penalty shout for the home side as Routledge is felled on the edge of the penalty area by Agger, but the referee shakes his head. The away side are just looking slightly shaky in defence at the moment.
Meanwhile, change for the home side as Routledge is replaced by Nathan Dyer. Can the speedy winger inspire his side in the remaining 20 minutes or so of action? Swansea force their second corner in quick succession.
Swansea have another penalty shout as Dyer strikes an effort from outside the box, it appears to strike Downing's hand but the referee waves play on. Meanwhile, Williams' header from the resulting corner is straight at Reina.
Swansea defender Chico picks up a yellow card for tugging Suarez outside the box, but Agger's effort from the resulting free kick is collected by Tremmel. Meanwhile, Jonjo Shelvey will soon join us for the away side.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for Liverpool as Suarez has two bites at the cherry inside the Swansea box, but he cannot find the back of the net. Surely a goal now would be enough to win the match.
Swansea advance immediately down the other end as Dyer attempts to round Reina in the penalty area, but the Spanish goalkeeper is first to the ball. However, both players have been injured in the sickening collision.
Double change for Liverpool as Shelvey and Cole are introduced in place of Henderson and Downing. Meanwhile, the away side are currently enjoying their best spell of the second period.
Big penalty shout for the home side as Michu is felled in the penalty area by Agger, but once more the referee shakes his head. Right, we have little over 10 minutes remaining and Swansea have possession in the Liverpool half.
We are just approaching that nervy stage of the match where both sides know that one mistake could cost them the match. It will be interesting to see whether someone takes the initiative.
Liverpool begin to pass and probe outside the Swansea box, but the home side are just so well organised and break up each attack with ease. Swansea are playing on the counter attack at the moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Suarez and Sterling break against Williams, but the latter’s pass is just too long for the striker and he can only fires straight at the goalkeeper. That was the match right there.
Meanwhile, change for Swansea as Kemy Agustien replaces De Guzman. The home side come close once more as Hernandez strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Reina makes the save.
Another half-chance comes the way of the home side as Williams meets another corner, but his header is wide of the target. Little over two minutes of football remaining and the score remains level.
Liverpool press for the winner in the latter stages with Suarez and Gerrard probing outside the box. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football.
Swansea have possession with little over two minutes of football remaining. Both sides will probably settle for a point here based on how the match has fared.
Another Liverpool effort moves past the post as we enter the final minute of normal time. It would be harsh on either side if they were to suffer defeat in the remaining seconds.
Swansea City 0-0 Liverpool
So there we have it. A pulsating 90 minutes of football is brought to a close with both sides sharing the points in a 0-0 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for an enthralling afternoon of football!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
