Lallana anticipates twists and turns
Adam Lallana expects plenty of drama ahead in the race for Champions League qualification, with Manchester United's visit to Anfield this Sunday the next chapter of an enthralling story.
The Reds have launched themselves back into contention for a top-four place by producing a 13-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League since losing at Old Trafford in December.
A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Swansea City on Monday night was their fifth in a row and means Brendan Rodgers' side could leapfrog United with a win on home soil at the weekend.
Ahead of the crunch clash, Lallana spoke at length to talkSPORT about what he expects from the remaining nine games, the manager's astute tactics and Jordan Henderson's stature.
Read on for the highlights from the midfielder's chat.
On Sunday's meeting with United...
Psychologically, it's massive for us, because if we win we go above United and we get a foot in the top four. But it's not all decisive on this game, there are still another eight games after. There are constantly going to be twists and turns, I'm sure. Tottenham and Southampton are still in and around the fight as well, so they are going to want to be picking up points to make it almost three teams out of six getting into the top four.
On how the Reds turned around their form...
A combination of all of the players settling in and the manager finding the system that seems to have suited us. We have got vital players back fit and we have just turned the corner. We have not looked back since, but we have got another tough game coming up at the weekend. I'm sure it's going to go down to the wire. We're in a good place at the minute and are just going to look to keep building on what we've achieved, and hopefully we'll squeeze into the top four come the end of the season.
On Brendan Rodgers...
He is a very good manager and great to work with. Tactically, he's very clever. He changes things; at half-time against Swansea, we changed a couple of things and it seemed to have an immediate impact on the game, because we didn't see much of the ball in the first half. That was a big call from him and it proved to be a success because we went on and got the win. He has done that on a few occasions this year. It's a team effort - everyone has combined, everyone is pulling their weight and it is showing with the success we're having on the pitch.
On playing in different positions...
Once you're in the thick of the game and up to the pace, it's not that difficult changing position. It's probably more difficult if you start in a different position; the pace of the game in the first half an hour is probably where the game is at its highest speed. But I've enjoyed the experience of different positions. It's a system that allows players to be versatile. It is the same with Raheem, he has played four or five different positions in it as well. That's one of the strengths of the formation we have been playing.
On Jordan Henderson...
He's still only 24. Having worked with him closely at Liverpool, he has definitely got the attributes to be a successful captain. He has proved when Stevie has not been fit or not playing that he has got the qualities and attributes to lead the team. It is quite natural; I wouldn't say it is something he works on in being a captain, it's something that you just kind of grow into. We all look up to him because he is a very respectable player and lad.