FA cup competition is different from league, Stoke City were finalist last season, their last visit to Anfield in the league they got a draw. Their primary intention on Sunday is not concede and possibly take the tie to a replay which is not going to be good for Liverpool. We need to win outright on Sunday taking care of Delap long throw. Comments:
We should play exactly the same side and stop changing the team all the time if we want to win consecutive games. Different formations and different setups each week really can't be helping them to gel as a unit.
This this this this. I hate when you adapt to what another team does. Now, with that being said Rafa was the king at that and it worked in Europe, but in the league, in the FA cup, **** it we should play how we want and impose our game on the other team.
One thing we SHOULDNT do is play 3 CBs against there ONE striker like we did last time we played them For me,same 11 as yesterday
Same 11 as yesterday (maybe swap the wingers) and play similar to how we did against them in the league cup. Not sure Carroll will be particularly effective due to the height in the Stoke defence however I have heard a rumour that they have conceded the most headed goals this season, so its worth a try. If not Bring on Maxi/Bellamy for Carroll, play it completely on the floor and hope we have learnt how to finish. One thing we definately learned from the Everton Game is that Gerrard needs to be getting in the box- and with Adam in the team that doesn't happen (as Gerrard plays deep). Never thought i'd say this but think spearing should start all games when Gerrard is starting while Lucas is out
Stoke are usually very, very defensive away from home, they DO park the bus,same 11 as yesterday, quick 1/2 touch passing as yesterday
After Stoke's red card last weekend, their attacking options are even more limited. The expectation appears to be that they will 'park the bus' and hope for a replay. However, I can see Pullis trying to gab the initiative for the first 15-20 minutes and then hang on. The long/high ball is a game that they are well versed in and we have to meet that challenge. If we had Agger and Skrtle in the middle I would be happier but that cannot be. So, should we play Carra or Coates?. I would like to see Coates play as he is more able in the air than Carra. Though more importatntly, I WANT to see the Suarez, Carroll and Gerrard attack play again.
Pass and move. Just like they've been doing for a while now. Take our chances and this could easily be another 6 goal game for us in the FA Cup.
Gerrard, Suarez and Carroll should all start. With Spearing in the middle. I saw we play our usual game, and use the momentum from tuesday. -----------Reina------------------ Kelly-Skrtel-Carragher-Enrique --------Spearing------------------ ---------------Gerrard------------ -Shelvey---------------Downing- ---------Carroll---Suarez-------- Would be nice to see SShelvey play. If not him, I'd select Kuyt.
We should approach this as a dodgy away tie. We've dropped so many points turning up as te favourite, thrashing ourselves silly for 60 minutes against 2 banks of 4 and get picked off at the end because we didn't have to really defend for 65 minutes and lose concentration. Solidity, Stoke can absorb and counter late on, tey are good at it. It is important to not let Stoke get the first goal as we'll have to break them down, not all teams will have a midfield cover like everton did last night, We play it right, tight, get a goal or two but most of all do not let stoke get the first goal on 60 70 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
simple... if stoke come to defend they take a big risk, their fans have been on not606 cross thread each game and complained baout pulis' terrible away track record and style. its really easy here, you go out and score a goal in the first half and keep passing it. jkielq91 has it nearly right here. kuyt will play not shelvey. I also not be shocked to see coates either but we'll see. I would hate for us to pick some rubbish 3-5-2 or soemthing to fit 3 cb on the field
