So, its Stoke City next. Last season we played Stoke 4 times. A draw and a defeat in the league, and a win in each cup competition. We all know how Stoke like to play. We also know that we have struggled to break then down time and time again in the league. Stoke play for draws. We need a win. So which team do we play to unlock that tight Stoke defense? I think we will need creativity, pace and players who can do things a bit different. Beat a defender by taking them by surprise. Wee also need to build on the momentum of last weeks win at Norwich. So I say... Unchainged side from last weekend. ------------------------------Reina------------------------------ ----Wisdom-----Skrtel--------------Agger-----Johnson---- ----------------Gerrard----------------Allen-------------------- ------------------------------Sahin------------------------------- ---------Suso------------------------------------Sterling-------- -----------------------------Suarez------------------------------ The 4 s'ed attack. Bench: Jones, Carragher, Robinson, Henderson, Assaidi, Downing, Borini. Agree or disagree?
Personally I would play Henderson instead of Gerrard. It will be interesting to see who are seen as the main midfield trio once Shelvy and Lucas are back.
It's a good team but I too would prefer Hendo instead of Gerrard as I feel it will give us more steel and energy in midfield.
In the short term it will be Gerrard, Lucas, Allen. Long term, any ones guess. Lucas and Allen will be in.
One thing is for sure - Sahin must play every game. We need that link between attack and midfield, and he is the man for the job. Suso should be playing more often because he adds the same qualities as Sahin (maybe in a more 'raw' way).
See on a form basis I would say Shelvy and Sahin are ahead of Gerrard at the moment I think they offer more to the team then Gerrard. Shelvy's downside is that he does fly into to many challenges needs to calm down a bit.
Unfairly so at times, really annoyed me last night for the 3rd goal I think it was. He lost the ball and didn't even attempt to win it back or track back and put pressure on the player. Gerrard of old would have sprinted and dived in with a fantastic tackle.
I think Borini will play. Dont think he should but I expect him to start instead of Suso. I'd drop Skrtel, I wouldn't mind seeing Robinson play left back with Johnson dropped aswell.
Exactly - this is why I would want a midfield trio of Lucas, Allen and Sahin (Suso could be used there if he's not on the wings).
If all are back I would rather see Lucas, Sahin, Gerrard in the trio and you could flip flop Gerrard however you see fit. If he is being ****, sub in Allen push Sahin or straight swap with Suso. That is just me though. I agree on the don't change the side that beat Norwich, show you put the work in and win the game you get just rewards.
Can't see the team being too different from that at Norwich, especially as players like Suso, Wisdom, Sterling didn't play in the Euopa meaning they should be fresh for tomorrows game. Gerrard has played well against United & Norwich and although he was a bit sloppy on Thursday, still think he deserves a start tomorrow. Is it me, or can anyone else see a Adam cross being coverted by a Crouch header tomorrow? Really hope it doesn't happen but can just see it!
Agreed. Pretty certain I said the exact same thing on another thread. That's almost certainly going to happen...
I'd have Coates over Carra I too would pick Hendo over Gerrard this week, and I would also drop Johnston after his poor display in Europe, I'd play Robinson and Wisdom as fullbacks/wingbacks/whatever you want to call them
+1 We know Rodgers has balls, he's proved that over the last few games. But his balls aren't that big. Gerrard needs a kick up the arse and someone telling him "You can't put in no effort and expect to walk into the next game, either step up or stay on the sidelines"
