Just realised the Champions League quarters take place either side of the Man city game. Depending who both team gets could make a big difference to the league game. Also as to what days both play.
we could draw City so within 18 days or so (every 3 days) it could be City City (a) City Villa (a) Utd (h) Everton (h) a game every 3 days. I’d expect the full squad being used and frankly, dropped points…but that applies to City too….the deeper in the CL that either team goes, the more points will be dropped imo. Max 5 games left in CL Max 3 games in FA cup 10 games left in league Max 18 games from greatness. (Or disappointment). You couldn’t ask for more at this stage really…other than perhaps a couple more points.
Just win the next one. None of the rest can be predicted when we could have 3 acls and 2 3 game red cards tonight for all we know.
I used to say our squad didn't have the depth of City's. But honestly now, besides midfield, I think we've got the depth to challenge City now, and with us both having heavy congestion ahead, it might actually tip the balance slightly in our favour. I don't want Mane starting in the middle, but I have faith in any three of Salah, Mane, Diaz, Firmino, Jota... We've got good depth in defence too... Only TAA doesn't have an ideal replacement.
Yup agreed. Konate and Diaz added real quality in areas where we had great players but missing that back up. Elliott coming in has also helped in that case. This years recruitment has been top notch, adding to last year with Jota and Thiago. We’ve added 4 quality players there without losing any which has really improved the standard of first 11 which subsequently improved the squad by moving players like Keita Gomez ox even firmino down the pecking order.
So if everyone is fit which I think they all are at the moment and on current form what would the starting front 3 be for a big game like against city in a few weeks time? Personally Salah and Diaz make it not sure on the third at the moment.
Based on form you’d prob say diaz Jota Salah? Tbh it’s a nice problem to have as you easily argue for firmino for his link up or mane to have 3 quick players to interchange and run in behind, especislly with Diaz probably being out, stones and Laporte aren’t the quickest and could open up space behind them to run into
On form I am thinking Jota thats mainly because I feel Mane and Bobby have been quite poor this season but not sure Jota, Diaz and Salah would work well together.
Firmino might be past his best (though I hope his dip in form is temporary and we can get a couple more years out of him), but we don't really have anyone else to play his role effectively - and that link-up play was vital to the way our front 3 have performed over the last few years. The others are all more individual players, so if he can't do it any more we need to find someone who can.
At the moment, I think you can argue any version of the front 3 tbh. They all have different pros and cons and I’m sure klopp and the analysis team will be looking 3/4 games in advanced jn terms of X will suit this team and this team so we’ll rest him in this game where Y would be better suited against this defence etc. First time we’ve really had that luxury of being able to play the front 3 tactically. I think more important to what front 3 play is more which midfield play. Hendo Fabinho Thiago is obviously the strongest and be trying to get that 3 to play most of the games if possible with the hope of getting games won and then resting them final 30 mins or so.
Another thing to consider is that Firmino is unselfish and selfishness has been keeping our goal tally lower of late. As well as providing that link up play which as you say, we have nobody else who can do it, he has moments of utter brilliance (especially in big games) that result in someone scoring, including himself. He has a great instinctive understanding with Salah. Also, I want to see him with Diaz.
is he fit? Agree that he’s the best option in the middle…and while he doesn’t offer the same goal threat as Jota, he brings so much more to the table. We have options, which is a great position to be in.
I'd say Firmino against defensive teams and Jota against free-playing teams. Firm more likely to unlock a defense. Jota more likely to rush in and score a goal if given equal opportunities. Haven't watched enough of Arsenal this year to determine which they are.
Last few games xhaka and odengaard are pushed right up pressing so I don't know if they are going to change for us. There should be bags of space for our forwards to run into
