Next weekend we play Newcastle United at home. Last season Newcastle were very impressive and surprised a lot of people by finishing 5th. This season, after a very strong start they now sit right next to us in mid table. But come the end of the season I expect them to be very close rivals in our battle for a top 6 finish. Getting three points in this game could prove very significant come the end of the season. So, we will really go for it in this game. We have a couple of players (Henderson and Downing) who grew up seeing a game against Newcastle as a big local derby. With Newcastle of course being the enemy. This could be a game for them to really shine in with some added passion behind them. Newcastle are very big and strong up front, and our back three from yesterdays second half could actually be a very good move. With Downing and Henderson coming into the team. -----------------GK------------------ -------Skrtel--Coates--Agger--------- -Johnson-----Henderson----Downing-- ---------Gerrard-------Allen---------- --------Suarez---------Assaidi-------- The extra centre back will mean less reliance on a DM, so the midfield can be a bit more free. It is about time Assaidi got to start a league game. Johnson and Downing can add width and shape to the team.
For me, especially with it being at home, we need the 3 points and start to really pull up the table. Helps that we can pull a rival team down a bit as well. Hopefully we are starting to gain some confidence but would love for us to get our defense sorted again.
Reina please! I know Reina has had his mares recently but I still feel far more comfortable with him in the team. His distribution is far better also.
I think rodgers was just showing to him that he does have the balls to drop him for the in form player. Hopefully that is seen by Reina and he knows he needs to be better/we get the Reina of old.
Interesting team from the OP but I don't see Rodgers changing the formation that often so I think it will be back to 4-3-3 I would like us to rest Sterling so Assaidi in for him would make sense.
Neither do I. But I do like our 4,3,3. It would be good to see Henderson start and Gerrard play AM. He links up with Suarez better than every one else, and is our best finisher.
The danger will come from Ba and HBA. Unfortunate for us that Colo is fit - their best defender by some distance. They have more firepower than us but I believe (if we turn up) that our defence is good enough for anyone. Hopefully Glen will be back, his pace will be crucial to stopping HBA depending which flank either play on. Still galling that they took the Carroll money and bought a whole new ****ing team.
I'm willing to sacrifice my right testical that we play 433 against Newcastle. Any takers? (any takers have to nominate a valuable part of themselves too)
Need the 3 points, but can't help feeling that Newcastle are due one against us! Should be a cracking game.
Newcastles key players are Ba, Cisse and Ben Arfa, but they aren't that strong at the back. We're going to have to go for the jugular, along with keeping an eye on Ba and Cisse.
We're missing Tiote which is a big blow (although not given his form of late) and you guys are missing Lucas, should make for an entertaining game. For me Pardew has a chance to show some tactical nous in this game, he normally favours 4-4-2 but that will see us concede too much possession and ultimately the game in my opinion. If we go 4-3-3 it should even out in the middle of the park, with both teams capable of playing decent football. I reckon we'll see a five goal thriller, but don't know which team will be celebrating come the end. On a side note Ba is currently doubtful for the game, so Cisse's goal against WBA becomes even more important to us (I'm praying his confidence returns even if it was a complete fluke of a goal)!
Their **** and our team is much better. We'll batter them like we always do. Them and their fans will talk the big bollocks in the build up, and then they'll get to Anfield, **** themselves, remember that their Newcastle and were Liverpool, and then hand over the 3 points like every other game at Anfield.
If truth be told both teams are very close when it comes to ability. We finished comfortably above you last year (for the first time in many a year admittedly). Our keepers are of similar ability (you can w*nk Reina off all you want, he can no longer be classed among the leagues best after nearly two inconsistent years on the bounce). You have the better back four, midfield is very similar in terms of ability and we have more fire power. Should make for a decent game, no need to be disrespectful towards us fella
Focus is on Newcastle now. Assaidi has been awesome lately. When Suarez plays we play every thing through Suarez. When Assaidi plays we play every thing through Assaidi. So playing both could expand us and make us less predictable. We also is a good attacking threat. Gerrard and Suarez are best when close together. I am fed up of seeing Gerrard covering the deeper midfield roles when we have others who can play there. --------------------Reina------------------- ---Johnson----Skrtel----Agger----Enrique--- ------------------Henderson---------------- --------------------------Allen------------- ---------------Gerrard---------------------- --Sterling-----------Suarez---------Assaidi-- Enrique against his former club. Henderson, from Sunderland, faces his childhood derby rivals. The front three has width and pace. I can see those players linking up well.
If you truly believe that, then you should take up tiddly winks or crochet, as football is obviously not for you.
Loving how your using previous experiences for Enrique and Henderson as reasons why they should play but Downing is no where to be seen I agree with you mind, both with omitting Downing and the points you've made
You said something similar about Swansea in the cup, underestimating teams is always dangerous and arrogant we have always shown respect to other teams and need to keep that in mind.
