Two key Liverpool players are at the risk of being suspended for two Premier League matches. However, they can avoid this outcome by refraining from receiving two yellow cards in the next three matches.
With only nine games remaining in their Premier League season, Liverpool find themselves in a favourable position with more points than both Arsenal and Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp, the manager, is relieved as the injury list is gradually diminishing. He aims to maintain a full squad for the crucial remaining matches, highlighting the importance of Wataru Endo and Darwin Nunez to exercise caution.
Endo and Nunez have accumulated eight yellow cards each in the league so far this season, leaving them just two cards away from facing suspension, which would entail missing two games.
According to Premier League regulations, a player will be suspended for two matches upon reaching 10 yellow cards within the first 32 games of the season. Liverpool have played 29 games to date.
Endo and Nunez face a critical task in navigating their upcoming matches against Sheffield United, Man United, and Crystal Palace without accumulating two yellow cards, which would result in a detrimental two-game ban.
Managing to stay clear of infractions for three games seems feasible, yet they must remain vigilant of their behavior until matchweek 32 concludes and provides an opportunity for a clean slate.
However, recent performance data suggests uncertainty regarding their success in this endeavour.
While the Uruguayan has avoided punishment in his last four league appearances, he previously received yellow cards in four consecutive matches. Similarly, Endo has accumulated three yellow cards in his last six outings.
As integral members of Klopp’s starting lineup, Endo and Nunez will be under constant scrutiny, with little room to escape attention.
Hopefully, officiating standards will not mirror the overly aggressive approach witnessed in David Coote’s handling of the Brighton match.
Upcoming fixtures against Sheffield United and Man United will be overseen by Stuart Atwell and Anthony Taylor, respectively.
Notably, Taylor leads the Premier League in yellow cards issued this season, with 106 to his name.
In addition to Endo and Nunez, other players at risk of suspension include City’s Rodri, who has accumulated eight yellow cards, as well as Bernardo Silva and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, each with seven yellow cards to their names.
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