Would rather see Suso ahead of Sterling today. Sterling has looked dejected in the last few games, tired even. Needs to know he isn't a guaranteed starter too. Suso has been fantastic when he's played, and always seems to be first to be taken off, unfairly most of the time. Not expecting anything more than a 1-1 today.
Anyone get the feeling we are treading on egg shells with Sterling? Keep him as happy as we can until he signs a contract...?
Thats our best 11 at present imo, so would be my first choice selection. Allen has been a bit off recently, but we know he can and will up his game soon enough. Some would drop Gerrard for perhaps Suso etc? But with so many Youngsters in midfield he is vital in a set up like that. Shelvey should be higher than Hendo in the pecking order, so deserves to start. I'd go -------------------------Pepe------------------------- Glen-------------Martin--Daniel----------------Jose -------------------Lucas----Joe---------------------- Stevie/Jonjo-------Stevie/Jonjo------------Raheem -----------------------Louis---------------------------- So if this it the starting 11 in a 4-2-3-1 formation - I'll be looking forward to it
Actually thats a good valid point. Forgot that Sterling seemed a bit sluggish and tired in the last couple of games.
Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis Louis
Another option is Shelvey as the F9 (he did well there v Anzhi), Gerrard Am and Suarez wide. I agree we are taking a hue risk with Sterling. He hasnt played three games in 7 days like this before. He needs to be rotated.
I want Lucas back as much as the next fan, but I just hope we don't expect too much too soon. He's come back after two long periods of injury, so he needs to be eased back into regular football. Heaven forfend he gets another injury and is out for the rest of the season! Knowing Lucas, he'll give it 100% however long, and if, he plays. I just sincerely hope his return isn't premature and his keenness to feature in games, and battle for our team, aren't two factors in an equation which leads to another injury. He really is a key part in Brendan's midfield jigsaw puzzle so BR needs to be strong and, despite the clamour of our fans, use Lucas with restraint.
I think Borini will improve. He just needs time to settle in and establish himself. He got quite a bit of camera time in Being Liverpool. From that I saw: It took him quite a while to find a house, and didnt have one when the season started. He did eventually get a house though. He moved to Liverpool alone. He lives alone. He has no family with him to help him settle. That is massive for a 21 year old. This injury will have provided him with more free time to settle, get to know his home, his team mates and the area. He should return with a more comfortable situation around him. Borini has shown some good potential. Good movement, energy and work rate. I have also seen signs to suggest he is a good finisher, but needs better confidence, better delivery and to go for it more. He has been judged by his price and by his goal tally (as he is a striker), but remember his age. Yes. Due back in January. It could be like having three new striker signings (if we get the two targets Rodgers has mentioned).
Makes no difference if Lucas starts the game or ends the game. If he's fit enough to be on the bench, he's fit enough to start. He'll just be taken off earlier. I doubt he'll play the full 90, but then again, he's an immense athlete so I wouldn't be surprised either. 4-2-3-1 looks good with this team. Agree about Suso though, he should be playing more for me, deserves the spot behind Suarez. Gerrard should play better with Lucas sitting deep doing the dirty work for him, he'll have more license to stay forward. Also hoping Allen can finally show what he can do with a proper DM on the pitch....
I hope we get more than 2 signings in January. Also, when Borini does come back from injury I hope he brings goals back with him!
I think 4231 is not the right numbers to describe it. It will be much more spread out, Lucas will play dead centre, Allen further forward, and Gerrard/Shelvey even more forward. When we attack the full backs get forward, the centre backs part and Lucas plays in between the centre backs. If we get hit by a counter attack Lucas will pretty much be in the middle of a back three. ------------------25-------------------- --------37------------------5----------- --2--------------------------------3----- ------------------21--------------------- --------------------------24------------- -----------33---------------------------- -------8-------------------------34------ -------------------7---------------------- Switching to. ---------------------25--------------------- ---------37----------------------5---------- ---------------------21--------------------- ---2----------------------24---------3------ ----------------33--------------------------- --------8---------------7-----------34-------
Borini has 2 new clubs in the previous 2 years. First Swansea on loan, where he played for the second half of the season, and then Roma. He was loaned to Swansea by Chelsea. At Chelsea he wasnt involved, but at Swansea he was an awesome goal machine. At Roma he was not so good for the first half of the season, but from January onwards was an awesome goal machine, scoring 9 goals in that period. To me that suggests the talent is there, but maybe it takes him a while to settle into a season and get going. Once he is going though he is awesome.
I hope you're right, JK. I'm reserving judgment on Borini. His movement has always been excellent but his finishing has been far from exemplar for us. If he starts putting away his chances then I agree he could become a good signing for us. It's still an if at the moment, though.
