Liverpool v Sunderland build up multi thread

First game of the season and first chance to try the cross forum match thread, not meant for wums but for genuine fans who are genuinely interested in banter, views and build up.

The first game is always a big one, one you want to perform well in but one that leaves you with that unknown feeling, this one more than most.

Lots of new players and a certain Mr Henderson who will have extra pressure on him because he is a Sunderland lad.

Add in the x Man U players in our team and lots of new players in both teams who will be out to impress.

Sunderland could still have a new player to bring in so lots to think about.

Liverpool at home should be a three point odds on bet. Give me a point now and I would snap your hand off.

From a Sunderland point of view I think we can name most of our starting 11 with the back 4 formation to decide and Brown and Bardsley the only two I would say to be certain starters.

Midfield will have Larssen and Cattermole and I would guess Gardner, left wing, well that’s a problem.

Up front should be Gyan with Sessegon behind him.

For Liverpool, will Hendo start is my big question.

 

Is the beach ball fit?

 

Due to Gerrard being injured there is a strong chance Henderson will start. If not, i can definitely see him coming on in the second half.

Should be a great game as both sides have a very different outfit to last season. In my opinion Sunderland have had a very good summer, bringing in some excellent additions.

Obviously, i want a Liverpool win and i believe we have enough in the tank to take 3 points. However, no way will that be an easy task.

Hoping for a good game and best of luck to everyone involved

 

I also can see Hendo starting, Lucas will be a definite. Gerrard is out, is Meireles out too? If so then Adam or Aquilani could cover that role too. Don't rule out Spearing either. I don't know.

 

6-0, at least.

 

Its a little deflated, one good game then sort of fizzled out. We do however have our pass to keeper specialist available.

 

TBH I cant see us scoring 6, 2 or 3 maybe.

 

To be honest, you guys are playing us at the ideal time. Suarez probably won't play and Gerrard is out.

With them two in our team you would seriously be in the ****!

 

3-2 or 2-3 .... There my bets.

Don't know why, don't know where the goals are coming from. Just a hunch. Either way, sell out crowd, cracking atmosphere, good way to start the season! Ha'way lads!!! Can't wait!

 

I don't think that Henderson will start. Kenny is more likely to have him on the bench and only bring him on if the game is going our way. That's not putting the lad down but I believe that he will turn to his 'proven' players at this point in the season PLUS the lack of Suarez and Gerrard.

I have no real idea about Sunderland but would be interested in hearing more comments from them about their squad and likely team.

 

Team for me, dont think O'Shea will be fit.

MIG
ANTON..TURNER..BROWN..BARDSLEY
LARSSEN..CATTERMOLE..GARDNER..RICHARDSON
SESS
GYAN

Not ideal and question marks over Anton/Turner/Richardson and thats my concern, we should not be having question marks the week of the big kick off.

 

I just saw that John O'Shea isn't fit, so you might be right

 

So if Henderson does play, will he play c/m?

Hope so from our point of view cos he's absolute ****e there, now if he's on the wing, that's different.

Glad Suarez might not play, cos he's awesome, and will be top scorer this season.

What's happening with Kuyt? is he likely to play.

As for us, well i think Bruce has to have a real go, sit back and we'll get slaughtered, seems Bruce is gonna persist with the Gyan up front with Sess behind him, enough said.

I'm expecting big things from Larsson and Gardner, and hope that the Liverpool target named Wickham gets some game time, sure he'd be up for it.

O and lads go easy on Brown O'Shea, (if he plays)

 

Henderson will more than likely play on the right, if he starts.

Kuyt may play either on the right, or up front with Carroll. It is so hard to say what Kenny has planned due to the amount of players that are capable to play in various positions - and the fact our midfield is packed!

 

Personally I think our team will look something along the lines of:

-----------------Reina-------------------
Kelly------Carra--------Agger---Aurelio--- (or Enrique if we actually buy him)
-------------Lucas---Adam---------------
----Henderson---Aquilani---Downing-------
----------------Carroll--------------------

Subs: Doni, Kuyt, Meireles, Wisdom, Spearing.

There is a possibility Suarez will play, but I doubt it. I don't think Johnson will play, just in case he aggravates a calf injury.

Honestly, if we play that team then I can see some very nice football and a hopeful win. I fully expect Sunderland will put up a big fight, especially with so many new names ready to put up a fight, but with so many new faces will it affect the team unity?

I think it'll be a high intensity game, and possibly the best game for a neutral to watch on the first day of the season bar maybe Newcastle vs Arsenal.

 

------------Reina
Kelly--Carra---Agger--Aurelio
------Lucas---Adam
Kuyt-----Aquilani-----Downing
----------Carroll

Bench: Doni, Robinson, Flanagan, Henderson, Spearing, Maxi, Suarez

Thats my guess at our team after the Valencia match. I think Kuyt will be chosen ahead of Henderson with having far greater experience and is 1st choice in that position, Henderson will of course feature at some point. Put Lucas back in the starting 11 as he's back and ready to play. Johnson went off injured, so I'm not sure if he will feature at all, otherwise add him to the mix. Suarez will be ready to play I'm sure, but only on the bench for the 1st game to also feature during the game.
Aquilani must keep his place surely!!!!!
Injuries of Skrtel, Meireles, Johnson and Gerrard all to add to that team and bench, so it looks good for the season ahead.

About as tough as a start of the season match as it can get for both teams, but being at Anfield I think a close 1-0 or 2-0 to Liverpool.

 

Agree with that Ze

Possibly Kuyt instead of Henderson - but who knows!

 

I'll say straight off i'm delighted that Luis Suarez isn't playing, he's a phenomenal player, i know me and Commachio both think he's the best in the league.

I don't know what to make of Liverpool without him & Gerrard, Meireles ended the season magnificently, but seems to have been squeezed a bit, Aquilani is still to prove himself in the Premier League.

I do recall Spearing being outstanding at the SOL last season, and Kuyt is always a handful.

That said i see some joy for us going forward, Carragher has been an outstanding player for Liverpool, and i love hearing the man talk, a true class act of a character, but i think Sess will cause him massive problems, especially if he can get one-on-one with him, Gyan is always capable of magic, and Gardner pushing on from midfield should stretch the game and create space for both sides in the middle.

Interested to see who Liverpool start with across the back 4.

Heart says a draw, but head says a narrow defeat.

 

After far to many roll overs last season I want to see some fight. Add in some skill and I will be happy. Add a point and I feel orgasmic. Make it a win and its hand me the tissues.

 

The back 4 will definitely (100%) be -

Kelly - Carra - Agger - Aurelio

Even if we sign Enrique i can't see him starting instead of Aurelio before settling in. Agger being fit is a huge boost as he is currently our best defender

Meireles is just back from injury, so Aqua should get the heads up.

Glad someone from another team can appreciate Suarez - as the majority of the Man Utd fans that come on our board don't rate him