http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/147230-rodgers-quartet-to-return-at-newcastle [HR][/HR] Brendan Rodgers today declared that Liverpool will travel to Newcastle on Saturday bolstered by their 'strongest squad' of the season so far. Rodgers told his pre-match press conference at Melwood: "We'll arrive with our strongest squad of the season against Newcastle. "They haven't played games, but they've been training now for the last few weeks. "Glen Johnson will be back. Joe Allen will be back. Cissokho will be back. "As I said, this will be the strongest available squad we've had this season." Rodgers' squad is further enhanced by the return of Lucas Leiva following a one-match suspension against Crystal Palace last time out. The manager added: "Lucas will come back into the squad. He's another player who has shown his worth and he's got himself back into the Brazil squad. "We've got a number of players here who are developing and improving in their careers, and he's one of them. "The likes of Lucas will come back into the squad and, as I've said, it's the strongest squad I've had since the beginning of the season." One man who won't be making the journey to the north east is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian is still undergoing his recovery from shoulder surgery in September. "He's working with the physiologists on the field," said Rodgers. "He's looking very good, but still not strong enough yet to join the training group."
Johnson straight in and Hendo dropped for Lucas would be the best option, Lucas has always played well against the Newcastle midfield.
Assuming we are sticking with three at the back, I'd keep Henderson (Sunderland lad playing against Newcastle) and drop Moses.
Who said they like how Rodgers handles interviews Does he volunteer this stuff or is he too easily led, either way he needs to be more astute.
Rodgers biggest problem is which 11 will start. After that he has enough options from the bench to completely change the focus of the game in our favour.
as long as it's 4-3-3 i'm happy. mingolet johnson toure sahko cissohko lucas gerrard henderson suarez sturridge moses its really that simple. skertl, agger, enrique all need to do a little more in my view. Dissappointed the manager showed zero faith in wisdom but thats his choice after all. I cannot see any reason to drop henderson for skertl in this and really i've not seen a real outstanding game out of enrique so if he is carrying an injury he needs to step out and come back fully fit. for me this will be a big test but it's impossible to say what team will turn up for newkie..... finally watch gerrard, he'll be tired after the internationals. I'd kind of hope we take him off after 70mins this time round... pretty please? give him a change to recover over a couple of weeks.
Agreed it's bad for morale if players wait for their chance, play really well then get dropped anyway.
One of Sktel, Toure or Sakho would have to be dropped if we switched to a four. Harsh on any of them IMO but Skrtel is Skrtel so **** him #zingywould
I've only read the bit in the OP, but I don't see too much wrong with it, tbh. He's only said it's the strongest squad he's had available to him this so far this season. Statement of fact as he sees it, hardly sabre-rattling.
Well no it's not sabre rattling, I didn't mean that if that's how it came across, but like Gerrez said it's setting himself up for a fall. It's tantamount to tempting fate, You've got nowhere to hide once you've stated this is your strongest team so far and then lose! On the other hand when we win 4-0 ....
I know where you're coming from JB but he is just staing a fact here.I know he likes a waffle but this is our squad looking stronger so it's fair comment IMO (he hasn't predicted a second place finish yet ). If we lose it won't be because he said this put it that way.
I'd take it from the whole squad if they win on Saturday. I'm out with work so it's me and 20 geordies plus the pub attendance. I need to come out with some pride and dignity. #Iwould
