There isn't a better site than seeing a fit Vic and Morgan together but even if Morgan gets the nod to start it will take him at 2 or 3 games to look match sharp.
Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Targett, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Davis, Mane, Elia, Pelle. Subs: K.Davis, Ward-Prowse, Yoshida, Djuricic, Reed, Tadic, Gallagher. Might just be our strongest 11 and bench that we've had in many months.
Some people are favouring Reed over Wanyama as Liverpool are a smallish, quick moving team. I can see the argument. But if we are worried about Wanyama, why not play Toby in that role. Then, arguably, you have the best of both worlds. Someone who is great on the floor but also in the air at set pieces. He has shown earlier in the season that he is more than capable.
A nice idea but I would like to see the Toby-Fonte partnership back as Liverpool have improved massively recently and our defence will have to be at the top of it's game to keep them out imo.
Or we play Vic in his best role, and Toby in his best role. Has worked for us all season, why **** around with it now?
I really don't understand the reluctance to play Vic from some people. His ability to break up the play is outstanding. His tackling is great and his sheer presence in the midfield gives us a boost. Him and Morgan have been the outstanding midfield partnership in the PL this season. I think he's been criminally underrated by some, I really do.
I agree Tom, and not by me. Morgan and Victor protecting the back 4 have been the defensive midfield partnership of the PL this season so far. Besides, I love it when when so-called hard players bounce off Victor and he doesn't even notice them.
Like Davis a lot but would definitely be very happy to see Djuricic start, Liverpool's weakness is their midfield (Without Lucas) and centre-backs when isolated and Djuricic is the kind of player who will commit people and challenge them more so than Davis. And also we just need more goal threat in the team with Pelle/Tadic out of form, Davis is an excellent player to keep things moving and bring more dangerous players into play, but when said players aren't being particularly dangerous it's less effective. And with Morgan and Vic back we should be able to offer Djuricic more freedom and it won't matter that he won't be doing the work off the ball that Davis does.
Actually, I thought our best line up was when we had 3 central defenders playing where, in reality, Toby was playing slightly ahead. I'm really not too bothered either way, we know we are strong defensively, its at the other end where things need to change either in personnel or tactics. That said we won't have a massed defence to play against.
Just to throw it out there, this is probably the first time since Toby was injured and Yoshida went to the Asia Cup that we've had the option of 3 at the back....that was working well when w used it PLUS the squad have had 10 days to work on the training field.....would also put slightly less defensive responsibility on Targett .....................Forster ............Fonte Toby Yoshida............ Clyne....................................Targett ..........Wanyama Schneiderlin......... .........................Davis....................... .................Pelle...... Mane................ Subs: KDavis, Gardos, JWP, Read, Elia, Tadic, Duricic
its really nice have a real selection dilemma! And a bench that doesn't just pick itself. For the first time I can remember as a saints fan there are more than 20 top quality players at saints and it's really difficult to pick, especially up front. Watched djuricic for the u21s and he had lovely touch, movement and skill, though didn't work that hard. Just don't know!
http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20150216-training-gallery-pre-liverpool-home-2275265.aspx Not much sign of Toby or Morgan, but Shane Long was training.
Reed has done a very good job of that though hasn't he. We've barely conceded with him on the park. He's played 450+ minutes and we've let in one goal in that time. Most of his minutes have been without Alderweireld.
Well, we played Swansea and West Ham at home in that time and to be honest, weren't very ambitious. Liverpool is a different matter completely and we will need Victor. Morgan and Victor barely gave Man United a sniff at Old Trafford. Oh and without Toby for all but the first 15-20 minutes.
I am more concerned about us missing Alderweireld than anyone else :s. I just have a nasty feeling that we are playing Liverpool at the wrong time.
I do appreciate what Harrison has done. I think he's an excellent player and I'd have him on the bench against Liverpool. It's one thing to play against indirect rivals, but Liverpool are trying to overtake us. That will simply not do.
