Match Day Thread Pre-season

Coates really is starting to change my opinion of him. Calm on the ball eye for the pass and strong at the back. He could be like a new signing next season.
Looking forward to the United game.

What's everyone's opinions on team and formation V's the 352 United will play?

 

I'd think it'll be another mix.

Mig
Flanno Skrtel Sakho Robinson
Coutinho Gerrard Allen
Sterling Lambert Ibe

something like that. Quite strong but a lot of players who didn't start the game v Milan.

 

Still not convinced by Coates.

When the pace quickens he could be in trouble.

Who knows.

 

That's the only thing. When the pace is slow, he seems fine and during the pre-season games the pace hasn't been Prem speed. Nice to see him get lots of game time though to show what he can do. Hasn't done much wrong to be fair to him.

Maybe a short term loan to a Prem/upper Champ club?

 

Agreed.

This is the sort of situation where BR and co earn their money.

Stick or twist.

 

With it being a friendly, it is the perfect opportunity to dint the others prospects; tell Agger, Skrtel and Flanno to target Mata, Rooney and RvP #targetanddestroy

 

Coates was fantastic before he came here, that's why we signed him. I hope he can show what he can do now and turn out to be a great CB option, but like others said, perhaps the English game is too fast him. He does have the talent though.

 

It's a pity that the game is on so late, I can't see me staying up for this with work the next day.

 

I'd like to see us give this a decent shot and play a strong team.

Yeah- it's only a friendly- but it's a friendly with bragging rights- and a plastic trophy awarded. Overall though... more important than any of that is momentum.

There are pretty thin margins between clubs at the top of the league table. 50% of the difference between 1st and 7th is tactics/ability- the other 50% is confidence/momentum/morale and motivation. Entering the Premier League off beating Manchester United in a *ahem* cup final and a 4 match unbeaten run against big European clubs (granted in friendlies) will be a big morale boost.

Conversely, losing will give United that extra early season boost- coupled with "New Manager" syndrome where players play extra well for first few games to impress new manager.

Beating United tonight will give us an advantage in PL and block a rival gaining an advantage... it's important.

 

Nah United are in cloud la-la land at the moment, they think they've turned a corner, but at the end of the day they still have the same ****e bunch of players. If we win tonight LVG might actually think his team is as **** as we all know it is and bring in some quality

 

How many rubbish promoted teams start the season up near the top of the table for 4 or 5 months?

Happens almost every year... eventually they get found out... but United will have that same "we just got promoted" feeling from having a new manager instead of Moyes... sure... they won't last the season- but they could be a worry before Xmas... and who knows... if they're doing well in the league- they won't be snubbed by everyone in January like they're being snubbed now.

Spirit, confidence, and motivation will go a long way to boost a team.


Worked for us during that 14 match winning streak... We came within a stones-throw of the title when in reality we were squadwise a 3rd or 4th best team in the league.

 

Just booked tomorrow morning off

 

Couldn't give a **** about the competition or it being Man Utd. I want to see us play a strong team because we only have this and one more friendly left before the season starts!

 

Apparently Van Gaal applied for the job to clean Rodgers boots but was rejected in the early days of Rodger's management of Liverpool.

 

Pansy! Stay up m watch it like me then get up 4 hours later to get ready for work

 

I also have a four year old with a broken collar bone to nurse tonight since the mrs (nm) did it last night

 

Yeah... I'm going to stay up to watch the game!


I'm not even going to bat an eye about the time it's on.

 

#twat

 

One of the rare occasions it's actually advantageous to be in the States.

 

Hmmm... staying up til four in the morning sounds a bit hardcore, may video it instead.