I never said it was? My point is we don’t play with 1 pivot and 2 ahead or visa versa like some teams do. Our midfield 3 interchange just as much as out front 3, but really Keita is the link between midfield and attack. Only him and possibly ox or lallana to a lower quality can provide that on a constant basis. The other 2 midfielders who ever they are play more a supporting role, be that Hendo Milner or Gini. That’s not to say they are less important but the emphasis isn’t on them to provide that attacking intent like it is with Keita.
Milner is better in every aspect of the game than Hendo. Can't even use the excuse that Hendo's younger and can play more than a game a week as Milner's clearly the fittest guy in the squad. Only reason you'd drop Milner is if he was off form (he never is), injured (he never is), just to give him a rest (we've only played 1 game) or because Hendo's the captain and has to play (more likely). Gini maybe out for Henderson, but again, he played well last game too. I wouldn't change a thing. Make Hendo fight and up his game to get into this starting XI.
I still would prefer Fabinho in the middle with Gini/Milner and Keita. Midfield is going to be a real battle so we need a physical presence. Also if Benteke is playing, we’ll have Fabinho in front of him and VVD behind to help negate the long balls.
I don't think Fabinho gets a sniff in at the moment tbh. I'd go for a midfield 3 of Hendo, Milner and Keita for tonight. Hendo as the 6 and play a double 8 with a very high press.
having seen preseason I have to wonder about fabinho. he seems a decent player when things are in front of him but he just doesn't look like he can get around to chase stuff
I agree. Don't think he's up to speed yet. A few sub appearances in already-won games will do him good.
Yeah it'll take him a while. Obviously in the French league everything is slow and easy, he won't find it easy adjusting, especially in that position. From what I've seen he's nowhere near Hendo, Milner ad Gini's level so he might have a while to wait.
HEAD TO HEAD. Played 51 Crystal Palace wins 14 Liverpool wins 26 Draws 11 Both teams have scored in 11 of the last 12 meetings in all competitions- the exception Liverpool's 1:0 win last term.
'Crystanbul', Gerrard's farewell & cursing Klopp: Can Palace upset Liverpool again? Crystal Palace have been a thorn in Liverpool's side in recent years - from denting their title hopes to ruining Steven Gerrard's farewell - but can they upset the odds again on Monday https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45216154
It's not about respect. I really like Shaqiri but wouldn't play him ahead of Salah or Mane... I'm a fan of Henderson, never slagged him off. He had a brilliant world cup too. Milner is just better than him and playing very well right now.
I really don't think results against a team 4 years ago with a completely different manager against a completely different manager under completely different circumstances has any influence on the game. As mentioned earlier in the thread. CP has been a fixture with some of our highest ever victories. What might be relevant is last year's fixture as that is more recent. We beat them twice last year.
Milner is fantastic, Henderson is solid if not spectacular. I'd start Hendon ahead of Wijnaldum in midfield though. I think Henderson's biggest flaw is that he isn't Gerrard. Ideally we could improve upon him but he's not bad and I'm not worried about him on the field. Of our current squad only Moreno gives me the willies.
