Stoke v Liverpool build up thread

I did consider that but I thought since Henderson has started all of our 4 games so far, and may play against wales, it would be good to get some rotation in the squad. Also, he is more likely than Kuyt to fall into the trap of lumping balls up to Carroll. We can bring him on if everything is going well, as he tends to have a calming presence on the midfield.

I really think this might be Carroll's chance to get his first Premier League goal of the season (especially if he gets some balls onto that left foot) and get some confidence going into the game against spurs.

 

Why are you putting Downing so deep?
I think we may just go with the same XI that started against Bolton, aside from RB if Kelly is injured.
Kenny has said he picks the team on merit, not on names or prices.
Kuyt and Suarez provide better movement than Carroll, and Stoke will easily soak up the long ball.
We just need to pull them about a bit at the back, and go with low whipped crosses (like Suarez did for the goal, and Henderson did shortly after) rather than high ones. They'll beat Kuyt and Suarez in the air 9/10 times, but when the ball is low, it's anybody's.

 

I put Carroll in there for one simple reason....We can defend from the front. Apparently if we go with the Suarez/Kuyt combination ie moving at speed we may be susceptible to Stokes aerial ability. My formation can be a 4-3-3, it can be a 4-5-1 and it can also be a 4-4-2. Its up to Kenny to decide whether he wants to go with the same side that defeated Bolton, or does he tighten up slightly to combat Stokes height.

 

Looking forward to this game!

Stoke have brought well in this window and will be a threat to us. I'm going for a 2-1 victory to Liverpool but a late goal to win it.

 

Almost the same as me, I had Kuyt in for Henderson for his work rate.

 

Gonna be a tough game, but If we want to acheive well this season these are the kind of games we are going to have to win.

 

I also like this one, but again I'd maybe swap Henderson for Kuyt, at least or the start.
It would be 5-1-3-1 as above which would probably turn into a 5-2-3 when attacking, with Adam dropping back and Kuyt/Downing pushing on.

 

This is my thoughts, let carrol occupy the cbs to allow for all 3 attacking players to make space around him. Just because Carrols in the side does not mean we need to start humping balls upfront. Its a bad habit we have got into and needs to be broken as quickly as possible

 

I think based on last weeks performance it would be very hard to drop him, the lad did really well!

 

is it just me or is stoke one of the more interesting games to debate the lineup due to their tactics, theres much more variation in predicted lineups now than against arsenal or bolton for example

 

Hi guys i,ve been reading your posts with interest and i got to say this, you have the most respectable fans i have ever had the pleasure to talk to, thanks for all the good comments on stoke city, i feel we have come a long way in what as been a whirlwind 4 yrs in this fantastic league, pulis as made mistakes but by and large he as purchased well and i think palacios and crouch will add quite a bit to the potters also woodgate on a free transfer if kept fit must be the best business i have ever witnessed but If he stays fit and its a big if. Liverpool are a fantastic club and kenny as done brilliantly after hodgson, it will be a good game on saturday and i think it will be a close one but please let me say to all of you, have a fantastic season and you are always welcome to the brittania. Cheers....

 

Thanks for the kind comments!

Looking in from the outside, Stoke City have done some great business in this window! Woodgate and Upson are solid additions and despite his age, Crouch will do well for Stoke this season. The only signing I would question is Jerome from Birmingham. Don't really see what he brings to the team. Anyway, I think it's going to be a good game next weekend. It's always a tough game at Stoke and Liverpool will have to be at their best to pick up the three points. I predict a 2-1 win to Liverpool but a tough game.

Good luck for the season! (But not when we play you!)

 

Contrary to what some other fans may think, the majority of us are not biggoted, blinkered or arrogant. We really do welcome discussion about the match ahead and some friendly banter. Stoke fans are more than welcome to join in the dicussion and will recieve a friendly reception.

Obviously I want a liverpool win on Saturday but I also hope for a good game.

 

I agree about jerome i think he got him for the cup games and the europa league but still a bit of a odd one, but got to give the guy a chance.

 

dave,totally agree with all that,well said

 

I looked at Birmingham last season and they went down because they didn't score enough and Jerome didn't score enough. Maybe Stoke could be the club for him but at the moment, it looks like a strange deal.

Now i've said this, he will go and score loads this season!

 

Would I be right in thinking that Pullis wasn't a popular choice when he came in as manager? I may be wrong but something just sticks in my mind that Stoke fans were unhappy because of his style of play.

 

Crazyhorselegend...great name and a tribute to a fantastic player who was to Liverpool then what Stevie G is to us now.I remember his rampaging from defence or in midfield and only Kenny smile can get anywhere near the delight on his face when he scored. When he held up the European Cup in '77 I thought he would burst with delight.

 

Lol hope so mate but not so sure he will, when is gerrard back for you guys, please don't say next week lol...

 

Gerrard won't be playing against Stoke and he says he will be fit for our game against Spurs the week after.