Liverpool have done brilliantly to get themselves within 90 minutes of a sixth Champions League/European Cup crown.
And it would be understandable if they ran out of steam somewhat in the Premier League with the distraction waiting around the corner against Real Madrid.
The Reds lost 1-0 at Chelsea at the weekend and for ex-Chelsea, Everton and Scotland wing Pat Nevin, a few signs of worry were noticeable that Real will certainly pick up on - whether they act on it is another matter entirely. But fatigue caused by a small squad and coupled with their high tempo style could be an issue that catches up with them at such a key point in the season.
"The fact is, even if they blow up now, I will applaud them because I felt they would blow up months ago. Because we've said it time and time again, that's not a deep enough squad," Pat told Joe and Kevin, adding that they've done well to keep their front three in good form.
Pat also pointed out that Chelsea tactically and quite deliberately did not engage Liverpool in direct confrontation.
"Liverpool had absolutely no answer to it," he said of the way Chelsea sat back, before highlighting other issues about Liverpool.
"Real Madrid will notice that: A) there's a little bit of tiredness, B) maybe they slightly sat off against Chelsea but I'm not sure that's the case. But C) and more worryingly that's how you stop Liverpool."
