Picture the scene: Raheem Sterling jinks past Dejan Lovren — who hasn’t — and fires the ball home before running, Adebayor-esque, to the away end.

He then launches into an overly animated fist-pumping routine that involves pulling a bank statement from his sock and waving it in front of the travelling Koppites, who are foaming at the mouth in rage.

All a little unsavoury perhaps but, to be frank, it would be better than the classic non-celebration celebration that has grown so tiresome.

In Sterling’s case, in particular, this would be laughable given the rancour around his, and his unappealing agent’s, successful efforts to engineer a move out of Anfield.

Sterling said he wanted trophies and history may well prove him right in that regard — although he must have a tinge of regret at the timing of Jürgen Klopp’s appointment?

But Sterling’s case is one of cold ambition both in terms of silverware and finances, and it will probably make him a more decorated footballer, albeit one it remains hard to like.

So if he scores on Sunday, let’s see a proper celebration with his own fans, please. A non-celebration would just add insult to insult for Liverpool fans.

Tomorrow’s games

11am kick off unless stated

Watford v Manchester United

8.45am

A goal fest does not appear on the cards at Vicarage Road, which has witnessed only seven goals in six matches this season. United’s last two away matches have both ended goalless.

Louis van Gaal, never shy of a microphone, said he has become adept at delegating and gets paid for doing nothing. His tongue was firmly in cheek (probably) but, with Anthony Martial injured, this might be an occasion for him to earn his corn.

Prediction: 0-1

Chelsea v Norwich City

José Mourinho will surely see this game as the potential turning point for Chelsea’s unexpectedly dire season.

Lose, however, and it may be a fatal wound. Four defeats in five do not bode well despite marginally improved performances.

Norwich have been criticised for a shaky defence but they have conceded — and scored — the same as Chelsea. They couldn’t, could they?

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Aston Villa

A chance for Remi Garde to build on his point against Man City, which showed fortune but also, vitally, fortitude. This will be no easy task, however, as Everton have at times hit impressive heights with creativity in good supply from the likes of Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu, Arouna Koné and Romelu Lukaku.

Prediction: 2-1

Newcastle United v Leicester

Leicester are just a point off the top — a remarkable achievement at this stage of the season. Jamie Vardy is expected to overcome injury to start and go for a record-breaking ten straight games on the scoresheet.

He must be licking his lips given Newcastle’s struggles. How they managed to beat Bournemouth last time out remains a mystery.

Prediction: 2-2

Southampton v Stoke City

Two of the most in-form teams in the league. Southampton have not tasted defeat since September while Stoke have won four of their past six league matches, including victory over Chelsea.

Graziano Pellè and Sadio Mané are potent, especially at home, and the South Coast side have the edge.

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea City v Bournemouth

Speculation continues to swirl around Garry Monk’s head. He claims talk of his potential sacking is down to an “agenda” but the more pragmatic onlooker may simply put it down to one win in nine in all competitions.

In truth, Monk appears a victim of his own success, creating higher and higher expectations, which do not include defeat to Bournemouth.

Prediction: 2-1

West Brom v Arsenal

Arsenal have dropped just one point in their past six games and appear Manchester City’s main challenger to the title at this stage.

Mesut Özil has been spellbinding and his influence should help break down an Albion defence that does not have an impressive recent record against the Londoners.

Prediction: 0-2

Manchester City v Liverpool

1.30pm

So far, Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool have merely highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the Brendan Rodgers era — some bright sparks in an average squad that lacks conviction.

That said, the defeat to Crystal Palace arrived after a round-trip to Russia in the Europa League so the clinical defeat of Chelsea may be a better marker of their abilities as Klopp starts to stamp his style over the team.

City, however, are streets ahead of Chelsea and will attack Liverpool with pace and confidence from all sides of the pitch. It will be fascinating to see how Klopp combats this but City’s pace and speed of thought from the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Sterling and Sergio Agüero, if fit, could prove too much.

Prediction: 2-1

Sunday’s game

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United

Noon

England, I mean Tottenham, may be leg weary and, in the case of keeper Hugo Lloris, emotionally drained after the international fixtures, but they should still have enough for West Ham, who have key player Dimitri Payet out injured.

Prediction: 2-0

Monday’s game

Crystal Palace v Sunderland

4pm

Palace are far more adept at life on the road and counter-attacking football, while Sam Allardyce will likely set his team up with defence the priority.

The result: a bore draw.

Prediction: 1-1