We can analyse it as much as we like, but we simply must win these games to have a decent chance of top four. As pointed out, we have the strike force, so we just need to keep the ball up at their end. And avoid giving away set-pieces.
Not looking forward to this one, to be honest. What with the form Sturridge and Suarez seem to be in (only seen highlights). Our strikers can't hit a barn door at the minute. We're still waiting for that one that comes off Danny Graham's arse and somehow goes in. In fact we're in a war with the Mackems- neither of us want him and we're both trying to fob him off to each other.
It will be a cracking game IMO. Games with us tend to be good or bad depending on the opposition. Crystal Palace for example, came and set up for a draw and because of our lack of firepower and creativity recently, it had 0-0 all over it. Obviously, one stupid lapse in the defence led to our demise that match, but we have proven we're a side that works together, works for each other and defends as a unit. Our League position is very respectable considering we've played Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Everton, Newcastle and Southampton away from home. Our defence (Southampton game excluded) is very solid and we're hard to score against (Bruce got his team selection entirely wrong at St. Mary's, many players out-of-position), but we lack any threat up front too. Huddlestone and Livermore are excellent in midfield, they compliment each other so well, I hope we sign Livermore permanently in January. Robbie Brady, when fit, is fully capable of dictating play and creating chances. He's looked right at home in the Premier League, but a recent Hernia operation has kept him sidelined (coincidentally corresponding with our recent slump in form). One of our best defenders are injured too, James Chester, but his replacements, usually Faye or McShane have been great so far. Sone Aluko is by far our best player, but is out until February and Sagbo has looked good so far. We can't seem to create chances anymore and it's becoming concerning. Especially since as in Sturridge and Suarez are coming to the KC! How daunting... I think we'll make a good account of ourselves, but Liverpool will come away with a 2-0 win. We usually play at our best against better oposition, and ****e against those around us, so with Hull City logic and tradition, we'll probably nick something from this match after a dismal result against Palace. We're easily under-estimated, and that can be at the opposition's peril. We've got a great team-ethic and they aren't scared of anybody. We matched, and probably should have beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, and unfortunately, the only defensive lapse in the game led to their goal (and nobody would have stopped Touré's free kick!).
Mcshane is out for 2 weeks apparently, how much of a miss is that going to be? Enrique isnt back in training until at least feb ffs.
A minor blow, but I think Faye will step in and he's always done a great job at the back whenever he steps in. He's a bloody unit, though I think Steve might go for his son, Alex, in defence instead because Faye being the age he is, he isn't the paciest of defenders and Suarez and Sturridge would easily take advantage.
--------------Ming Flanno-Sakho-Agger-Johnson -------------Lucas -----Henderson-Coutinho --Moses-Sturridge-Suarez Bring Gerrard on if drawing/Losing for Moses, put Coutinho on the wing.
You would not start Gerrard? I'd start him. With him, Coutinho, Sturridge and Suarez there a chance we could overwhelm them and score a couple. I'd then take him off around the 60 mark.
Matchday thread was up a little early if my opinion counts (I missed this poll that Lazyfatbaldbatard mentions earlier?) As everyones said, game we should be winning. Normally I'd be concerned about this type of game but so far it seems like these are the ones we have been winning which is a nice situation to be in. A big convincing win would be good, especially with a few of the other top teams playing each other this week (Chelsea v Saints, Spurs v United) so potentially dropping points.
Fair point. If we fluff it without him he's ending coming on and running flat out as has often been the case. We're a little better now though I suppose. Allen needs games.
