It's a pity that Brendan didn't come in earlier, before King Kenny came in. Liverpool would have been challenging for the title by now, had he got the financial support that he got.
I think their starting defence is alright actually. Problem for them has been a horrific injury list affecting mainly that part of the team. You're right, they can be upgraded but it's hard to judge or be too critical until they get a decent run together. Look at the difference to us since we've had a settled back four (bar occasional LB rotation!). Meh, boll*cks to 'em. May their defensive woes continue for one more match!
Agreed they have had a lot of injury problems at the back and a settled defence makes a big difference, but i think some of them are justn ot good enough. Their midfield is the particular area where they fall short compared to the current title chasers though.
I expect Liverpool to dominate the start of the game, we need to get through the first 20 minutes or so without conceding
I agree as do most, a top midfielder is essential in the Summer, we have options at the back and players coming through and as you say our forwards are fine.
Liverpool love to counter attack like we do so (maybe more so) im guessing its going to be an entertaining game. Im hoping our superior defensive record will be the deciding factor.
Going to be a good match, hope we hammer you obv but then afterwards if we cant hope you win the league Who is missing for you that weakens you? bar Theo We have Enrique, Lucas (these 2 biggest misses for us), Agger, Johnson and Sakho All of those 5 would be in our 11 bar one of Agger or Sakho
I hope Wilshere plays as he runs out of legs faster than Couthino, get's nowty and then runs the line of getting sent off.
Eh? Since when? Don't even know what that means. He's been sent off once in 44 prem games since the beginning of last season. You've obviously done your research there
Our best player of the season Ramsey will also be missing for this one, Flamini is out too, Wilshere still 50-50.
How is his record in games against you lot? I remember he scored a screamer of a goal a few seasons back, when he was still playing for Everton in a 2-0 win at Goodison Park, I think.
He struggles when he has to play the "other" pivot position with Arteta, which is where he will probably play, so you may get your wish. That said, he improves every time we see him, so he may surprise you, as you probably don't see him much except in the games against you. He may not play there. We may try the "death by midfield" approach with - Giroud - Cazorla, Wilshere, Ozil - Arteta, Ox up front, but I think that would be very attacking for us, and would require Ozil and Cazorla to demonstrate their, ahem, defensive skills. We are stretched for this one, our injury crisis might not be as obvious but it is there. Flamini needs to be flayed with wet leather for his sins! I just wonder though if Wenger might play Gibbs in midfield here, with Monreal left back, and play Cazorla through the middle?
Arteta had some iffy games this season, but for me, he seems to do better when not playing with Flamini.
God knows I cant remember who's scored for the bitters, all I know is we beat them majority of the time
