Less than six months ago, Brendan Rodgers was the toast of his peers.

Voted the manager of the year by the League Managers’ Association, the Northern Irishman was on a seemingly-unstoppable ascent.

Even his over-analytical interviews were mildly endearing — never has a top-level coach been so eager to explain the intricacies of his formations.

Now, with his team playing with little direction and even less belief, he sounds, sadly, like a bit of a chump. Such are the extremes of football.

The truth is, having been deprived of his three best players from last season — Luis Suárez, now at Barcelona, Steven Gerrard, getting old, and Daniel Sturridge, injured — he has struggled to move the team on under the weight of extra Champions League games and with a raft of underwhelming signings.

But here is Liverpool’s dilemma: do you discard a man whose vision the majority of fans seemed happy to buy into when Suárez was winning games for you last season?

Or do you, after a few months of mediocrity, start afresh and get rid?

One poor spell should not ruin Rodgers, who last campaign had the respect of most.

Unless he has “lost the dressing room” in record time, a show of faith, starting at home to Stoke tomorrow, may well do Liverpool the world of good in the long run.

All kick offs 11am

Bermuda unless stated

Tomorrow’s games

West Brom v Arsenal

8.45am

Arsène Wenger’s team will be lifted after their midweek win, albeit over an ailing Dortmund, but they take on a West Bromwich Albion side with just one win in six.

Plus, away fans will still be buzzing from a sight even rarer than a fit Jack Wilshere: a Yaya Sanogo goal. Sanogo is injured (as, naturally, is Wilshere) so away win.

Prediction: 1-2

Burnley v Aston Villa

With Paul Lambert, the Villa manager, seemingly happy with low-scoring, winless performances right now, this game is ripe for Burnley’s third win on the bounce.

The home side can boast Danny Ings, whose three goals represent half of Villa’s goal tally for the whole season.

Prediction: 2-0

Liverpool v Stoke City

Liverpool can at least point to a good record against Stoke at home — unbeaten in seven — but they’ll need some improved individual performances to end their horrible league run. Ricky Lambert, a striker with the club running through his veins, has two in two. He’s the type of player the club need right now.

Prediction: 2-1

Man United v Hull City

If you listen carefully, you’ll still hear the Manchester United dressing room laughing their over-sized headphones off at the away win over Arsenal. United’s strike force should have too much for Hull here.

Prediction: 3-1

QPR v Leicester City

Look closer and you’ll see Harry Redknapp’s twitch resemble less of a tasered cat and more of a soothing metronome these days.

That’s probably because his team are playing alright at present and appear closer to picking up some precious points. A Charlie Austin-inspired home win.

Prediction: 2-0

Swansea v Crystal Palace

A tub-thumping Neil Warnock was rightly proud of his team after the 3-1 win over Liverpool. The test now is whether he can inspire his side again without any critics to get one over and mouth off to.

Prediction: 3-1

West Ham v Newcastle

Ever since Sam Allardyce was ripped apart and sacked by Newcastle, it’s not hard to sense the simmering injustice he feels over that episode. This should be a good game, though, with West Ham resurgent this season and Newcastle, against all odds, on a five-match winning streak.

Prediction: 2-2

Sunderland v Chelsea

1.30pm

Mmmm ... tough one this ... a Sunderland win is as unlikely as Branislav Ivanovic losing a fist fight. But then I’m sure everyone thought that last time these two sides met — and the time before that!

Prediction: 0-3

Sunday’s games

Southampton v Man City

9.30am

Breaching the home side’s defence would seem to be City’s biggest concern on the South Coast, with Southampton chalking up five clean sheets in their past six home games. However, Sergio Agüero, you may have heard, is in top form and can spearhead an away win.

Prediction: 0-1

Spurs v Everton

12pm

Tottenham’s inability to shake the Europa League out of their legs has been one of their main problems this season.

Everton were also involved in European action yesterday so this could be one to snooze off to after your Sunday brunch.

Prediction: 1-1