With Johnson injured and Kelly only just fit who would you prefer to start at right back Flanagan or Skrtel? Or another? Skrtel has done well in that position but I think we may need the full backs to attack in this game therefore I would go for Flanagan.
I think Kelly will still play on sunday, if not then of course it should be Flanagan. However their biggest threat is Bale and hopefully that wouldn't be too much for Flanagan to deal with. Maybe adopt the 3-5-2 again from last season against them? With Enrique and Flanagan as full backs, with the extra central defender as cover.
Kelly would be my choice if fit; unfortunately, this is a critical position in this game because of the threat of Bale. Going forward, I'm happy with the formation and personnel from the Stoke game.
I think Bale has been playing more on the right wing for them in the last few games. Wouldn't mind that too much as I think Enrique will be able to deal with it but if we do play Flannagan I can't see Redknapp being stupid enough not to put Bale against him.
I think that was more for Wales, but I stand to be corrected. Maybe 5 across the back would work, with Enrique LB, Agger LCB, Coates CB, Skrtel RCB and Carra RB. We'd be very defensive on that right side, but it's probably a good idea with Bale running down it. Think Kenny will probably stick with 4 though and if Kelly is fit and has done ok in training he'll start.
I would do that DDDDDD, Carra at RB, Coates at CB would be good I feel but it will probably be Skrtel.
Carra at RB? Rather have Skrtel. I think people overrate Bales threat. Sure he can be good, but the past few games he's been pretty anonymous. If you watch him for spurs he has been drifting inside recently which stops him being so effective as a fast paced winger. Skrtel has a good amount of pace, but also (when concentrating) has a good brain on him.
Defending Bale should be easy for Liverpools quality defenders, Back four of Enrique, Agger, Carra, Skirtel - If Bale plays on left then Skirtel offsers him th outside and tracks him to block cross, if he does cut in the Carra closes quickly, just means them keeping closer then usual. If Bale plays on the right then he will come across Enrique more, which means Agger will have to close quickly, with Carra and Skirtel drawing in to cover. For me the "workman" midfield and and forwards will be key, prevent the ball getting to Bale (and Adebayor) and the game is easier. Personally I would go 4-3-3 back four as mentioned, Lucas CM, Adam LM, Henderson RM (plenty of energy and bite in the tackle, and spare man to dominate) Suarez and Downing as wing forwards, Kyut up top, again tons of energy and chasing down defence and midfield, these three wont allow players to settle on ball
I'd say keep the same back 4 as we did against Stoke, because lets be painfully honest, Stoke did not deserve that victory, we just did not have the rub-of-the-green on the day. Any other day we'd have put our chances away and had that penalty given to us and probably won the game 4-1.
I'm just glad Konchesky's not in the back four any more. I still have nightmares about him losing Lennon last year.
