Topic: Manchester Utd vs Liverpool Prematch thread (Sun Jan 15, 4pm)

[Chris~]

Pretty much this. Will Utd be happy to sit back and hit us on the break at home?

Yes, it's Mourinho. He might come out and press to start the game, like he has done against attacking sides like Barca in the past, but most of it will be spent deep in their own half through choice.

[Souness1]

Honestly I'd play Milner right side on Sunday, we have no right sided player in Mane's absence and yeah that means moving Moreno to full back then so be it. At least we can push Firmino into the middle and Coutinho can play from the left, I never wanna see origi ir sturridge playing outwide again or Firmino for that matter.

Milner into the front 3 isnt a bad shout to be fair, reckon he would do a decent job as he proved multiple times last season. But by doing that it means Moreno starts and this surely isn't the game to try that.

[Klippity Klopp]

Milner in the front three is an option, but not one I'd do -  as I think he's a much better left back than Moreno.

Big boost Henderson is back.

I think Klopp will do one of two things (assuming Matip isn't ready to start):

4-3-3:

Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Firmino (right), Origi (central) & Coutinho.

or

4-3-3:

Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Can, Lallana, Firmino (central) & Coutinho.


I personally rather he didn't do either.  As I want to see Lallana in CM & I don't want to see either of Origi or Firmino wide.  My preference of the two would be the first formation though, as Lallana for me has to be in CM.  I think if it is 4-3-3 and both Origi and Firmino do start, then Firmno will be the wide player, not Origi - based on what we've seen this season.


I'd like to see:

4-4-2 (diamond)

Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino & Origi.

[Chris~]

He tried Wijnaldum wide for a bit against watford didn't he? Could be another option instead of moving Lallana there.

[theMilkman]

Can not, must not, betterfuckingnot lose this.

Mignolet
Clyne Matip/Klavan Lovren Milner
Lallana Henderson Wijnaldum
Firmino Sturridge Coutinho

Problem is if Coutinho or Henderson isn't fit enough to play, in which case I'd play stewart or lucas instead of Can and Origi on the right, bobby on the left. Lallana absolutely has to play in midfield because without him there we look desperately short on creativity.

[JackWard33]

He tried Wijnaldum wide for a bit against watford didn't he? Could be another option instead of moving Lallana there.

He doesn't seem to do it which is odd as Wijnaldam has played a lot more of his career higher up the pitch
There's a lot to be said for putting our best players in their best positions (Firmino at the '9' and Lallana at the '8') then fitting others around them

[Stand Free]

Id personally be going

               Migs
Clyne Matip(if fit) Lovren Milner
Lallana Henderson Wijnaldum
Origi     Firmino     Coutinho


I feel we need to have the three in midfield meaning someone other than Lallana or Gini out wide, origi brings pace and power, but would have Firmino central for sure.

[Nick110581]

3-5-2 a possibility?

[phil236849]

3-5-2 a possibility?

I think so, it adds up to 10 ...

[Nick110581]

I think so, it adds up to 10 ...

Think we could make it work but unsure on their tactics.

If they don't press then Sturridge is better option than Firmino.

[Red_Mist]

Will they be expansive ? Unlikely

Best guess would be quite a cagey affair.

Just got this feeling they MIGHT come at us from the start, Everton in the derby style. A later k.o. than usual for these games will probably see a hostile atmosphere, like at Goodison. We might need that 30 minute rope-a-dope tactic, hopefully with a similar late knock out.

I know this wouldn't fit Jose's normal game. Just feel he might spring a surprise. Need to be ready for anything the first 10/15, and adapt. Confident we can and will.

[RogerTheRed]

Come on Redmen!!
Feels massive this all of a sudden. Guess we will go with the fluid front 3 of Firmino, Coutinho and Origi as he was the one not started last night?
Hope Matip is fit to start, will be influential upgrade on past match if so.

[Souness1]

He doesn't seem to do it which is odd as Wijnaldam has played a lot more of his career higher up the pitch
There's a lot to be said for putting our best players in their best positions (Firmino at the '9' and Lallana at the '8') then fitting others around them

That's what I would do. Firmino and Lallana need to be in their best postions, they're wasted anywhere else and that for me means Origi and Sturridge to start on the bench.

                  Hendo
            Can            Lallana
Wijnaldum   Firmino   Coutinho

Can needs to step up, he hasn't been great recently but that doesn't mean he is incapable. He had a great game against city just 2 weeks ago.
Thats my opinion for whats its worth 

[Sir Psycho Sexy]

Hopefully we go with something like this. Firmino should never play in the wings ever again. Studge should also be an impact sub. This might be also an ideal game for Woodburn to announce his arrival. If we are losing in the last 20 minutes and Firmino is still having a stinker, give the young lad a chance. He might do something special as he plays the game without any fear.

                        Mignolet

Clyne    Matip(If not fit Lovren)    Klavan     Milner

                      Hendo (Emre if not Fit)

                 Gini              Lallana

         Origi         Firmino        Coutinho

agree with this ... though maybe Lovren for Klavan.

[wige]

Like others, i see the major issue as replacing Mane, and I'm not entirely sure of who to choose myself or which way Klopp will go.

I'm essentially in agreement with the below, though I reckon we'll see Matip come in for Klavan:

Milner in the front three is an option, but not one I'd do -  as I think he's a much better left back than Moreno.

Big boost Henderson is back.

I think Klopp will do one of two things (assuming Matip isn't ready to start):

4-3-3:

Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Firmino (right), Origi (central) & Coutinho.

or

4-3-3:

Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Can, Lallana, Firmino (central) & Coutinho.

I've been flip flopping between the two and before last night I'd have been leaning towards the second choice but Can had a shocker and, imo, hasn't been playing well enough this season to command a starting spot. Added to that, taking Lallana out of the midfield weakens our press, limits our deeper creativity and will force him further from the Brazilians who he links with and fills the gaps they leave so well.

I think the first line-up is the way to go then, and expect Klopp to go with the same. If Henderson isn't fit then Can is probably the direct replacement.

From a Utd perspective, I'd be surprised if it wasn't Carrick/Herrera behind Pogba, though I'm not sure who else will play in that 3 behind Ibrahimovic. I hope Martial doesn't play. I know he's been out of form, but I don't think I've seen Clyne have a tougher game than against him in the EL 2nd leg last season. Mata always seems to love a game against us as well.

I wouldn't take a draw if offered, I think we can go there and win. However, if we can't perform at, or close to, our maximum then we're going to struggle. They're playing well, and will be desperate to close the gap to 2 points. I don't see us dogging out a win or draw, we're going to have to earn it.

No prediction, just a mighty "COME ON YOU FUCKING REDS. INTO EM".

[Omygoditsomar]

If rojo is CB we should play false 9 so he can't mark or injure anyone 

[Roarin-red]

This is the one. It's bigger than ever this time (though it always feels like that) 

We have a chance to land a killer blow and put them 8 points behind us, this opportunity cannot be missed. I know Klopp knows this also.

The only team they have beat on their "run" is Spurs who were not the same spurs as recent weeks, that's not their fault but still a shite team when they played them.

They have beat other teams around the bottom of the table by one goal margins and needed offside decisions and red cards ignored.

I will be furious if we don't get a win. Now's the time. No excuses and all the "we can still catch Chelsea" bla bla bla ........

A win from our players knowing they are better and standing up on the big occasion.

is it too much to ask???

[phil236849]

Think we could make it work but unsure on their tactics.

If they don't press then Sturridge is better option than Firmino.

I don't think JK will go for it.  I think he likes the dynamics of the 4-3-3 and a lot of work has gone into the team workings, offence and defence, of that system, so the system is likely to prevail.

It will be very interesting to see what Jose does.  Sitting back should not be open to him and in any event they have got lucky in finding us at our lowest ebb of the season.

He has even copied JK's trick of calling for passion from the crowd.  I am expecting them to go for it.

[newterp]

We need to get our act together sharpish.

We will possibly be starting two semi or not match fit players in Henderson and Coutinho. Really need Firmino, Sturridge, Lallana and Wij to step up.

[cornelius]

Id personally be going

               Migs
Clyne Matip(if fit) Lovren Milner
Lallana Henderson Wijnaldum
Origi     Firmino     Coutinho


I feel we need to have the three in midfield meaning someone other than Lallana or Gini out wide, origi brings pace and power, but would have Firmino central for sure.

Yep.

[penga]

I reckon we might need Can and go a bit more defensive like against Man City because Man Utd are in better form now. They are notoriously good at set pieces/crosses due to their squad's superior height and physicality as well as good deliverers like Mata, Blind, Valencia so we kinda need an extra tall body in there just like last time. Think of Ibra, Pogba, possibly Fellaini and their 2 CBs vs our 2 CBs is basically it then you drop down to the likes of Firmino who is ok and Hendo who isn't great in the air, while the rest of the team is really quite short unless we play Origi who I would actually suggest because he is a more direct player which might suit this game for us like he has been used in the past for some big games last season.

[joezydudek]

Yep.

+2, while he's not a natural out there, I definitely feel Origi's the closest we have to replicating Mane's qualities. Plus, a return to the centre for Firmino, flanked by Coutinho, would be most welcome.

[redk84]

They are the form team and at home...

If mourinho still sits back on us he’s some new kind of pussy. dont think their crowd will take to those tactics either, especially after his ‘rallying’ call.

Time to bounce back....and who better than against these

At them reds!!

[the good half]

to many saying you would take a draw.

Grow a pair

Apart from Sunderland away and last night (not counting fa cup) we have been sensational.

We go there and smash them.

Believe it

Why can't posters be football fans as well as Liverpool fans.
There is room to say legitinatekly, this is a tough one'.
Point is there is never ever easy especially not when your Liverpool and they get up for it more.

Grow a pair?
Can we not discuss the fopotball aspect and THEN get into circling the wagons?

[CaseRed]

Listening to 5 live this morning and the whole line is in form Utd vs out of sorts Liverpool. Roy Evans on being asked what needs to change to turn things around for Liverpool!

2nd in the league and still in both cups and we are all of a sudden in crisis after 3 games of 2017.

Takes the pressure off us and firmly puts it on them. Mourinho cant set them up at home with the bus across the line against Liverpool. The natives would have his head. If they come out and attack us, we will pick them off and it could get ugly for them.

Hope its the latter or dry January could take a hit if the game gets tense!

[JG6]

Despite his recent absence I think, if fit, Matip has to start, as does Henderson.

I'd go;

Mignolet
Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner
Lallana, Henderson, Winaldum
Origi, Firmino, Coutinho

I don't particularly like Origi out wide but he's our quickest player and I think we might need to play on the counter attack a bit here, United won't just sit deep like they did at Anfield. They've won 9 in a row and they are actually playing some decent stuff, so they won't change all that on Sunday, I think they'll come at us early and try to overwhelm us.

Defend well early on, keep it tight, silence the crowd a bit and then make sure we are sharp as fuck when we do get into good areas. I'd really like to see us put in the type of performance that championship winning teams do - use a solid defence as the foundation and be as clinical as we can be going forwards. Massive, massive game.

[newterp]

Listening to 5 live this morning and the whole line is in form Utd vs out of sorts Liverpool. Roy Evans on being asked what needs to change to turn things around for Liverpool!

2nd in the league and still in both cups and we are all of a sudden in crisis after 3 games of 2017.

Takes the pressure off us and firmly puts it on them. Mourinho cant set them up at home with the bus across the line against Liverpool. The natives would have his head. If they come out and attack us, we will pick them off and it could get ugly for them.

Hope its the latter or dry January could take a hit if the game gets tense!

Haha I do dry January as well - which for a variety of reasons this year starts tomorrow - I feel like I should wait til Monday and then go into February

[hide5seek]

Listening to 5 live this morning and the whole line is in form Utd vs out of sorts Liverpool. Roy Evans on being asked what needs to change to turn things around for Liverpool!

2nd in the league and still in both cups and we are all of a sudden in crisis after 3 games of 2017.

Takes the pressure off us and firmly puts it on them. Mourinho cant set them up at home with the bus across the line against Liverpool. The natives would have his head. If they come out and attack us, we will pick them off and it could get ugly for them.

Hope its the latter or dry January could take a hit if the game gets tense!

Yes he can and probably will. I expect Utd to sit back and hit us on the counter, the way we should be playing them.

[DonkeyWan]

There's a chance Liverpool could go from 2nd to 5th this weekend

*depressed*

[CHOPPER]

PMT kicking in.


I hate all big games, specially these one that basically, are like a derby.




CUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNTS. *venting of PMT*

[scalatore]

I hope this isn't too controversial an opinion, but I'd quite like us to win this one.

[pyroparty]

There's a chance Liverpool could go from 2nd to 5th this weekend

*depressed*

Or we win well, Chelsea drop points and we are suddenly loads of peoples favs for the title again!

(Apart from among our fanbase as generally we shit ourselves and look down rather than having faith in the team)

[scalatore]

Or we win well, Chelsea drop points and we are suddenly loads of peoples favs for the title again!

(Apart from among our fanbase as generally we shit ourselves and look down rather than having faith in the team)

Saw some United fans getting bullish about the game at the weekend. But even if we lost and results pushed us to fifth, we'd still be ahead of those lot. How are their fans more optimistic about their prospects than we are about ours, FFS.

Let's win, kill United's chances, and get another three points on the board.

[Red_Irishman]

Can really needs to be benched for this if it's at all possible. He's been atrocious lately. Go8ng through a very bad patch and needs to be taken out, he won't turn his form around in 4 days.

[Red_Irishman]

PMT kicking in.


I hate all big games, specially these one that basically, are like a derby.




CUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNTS. *venting of PMT*

I absolutely hate them as well, massively.

I've a bad feeling about this one.

[Greyfox]

Pearce in his article seems to think Matip starting is unlikely...he been in full training, so why not?
 

[pezzzer]

Apart from last night and a cpl of league performances were still in amazing form, no way would I take a draw.
Shitcoat won't get away with the same tactics he did at Anfield,  the Dothraki faithful at Old Trafford wouldn't stand for that.
They will come at us and lose

[CHOPPER]

I absolutely hate them as well, massively.

I've a bad feeling about this one.

If we show up and deliver the same levels of intensity and tempo as we did last night, then ye, deffo a bad feeling and that's not me getting all knee jerky like some will jump on - our tempo/fitness/intensity, call it what you want, has been dropping for the last 4 or so games. Is it burn out? I don't know, but we really need to put some zip into our game, or, as the dreaded shadow of PMT creeps in, the worry kicks in. I think this is why many would settle for a draw right now.

[scouse neapolitan]

and because we're not playing brilliantly, we've just played arguably our worst match in 12 months, we're without players through injury and the African Cup, the Mancs are on a bit of a roll and Maureen is  geeing up the Pwawn Cocktail brigade with a"rallying call" (ha ha ha) .............. , we all know that they're so fucking cocksure about how this one's going to go just like their mates in the pressbox-

but we know what's going to happen don't we!!

[Purple Red]

Don't really understand the zero sum mentality of people in here regarding this game - "We can't fucking lose this." "Just fucking win." etc. It's a very difficult fixture in the context of our exhausting Christmas schedule and demoralising form lately. Of course I want nothing more than the thump the bastards on their own turf but if we have to be prepared for any result. We haven't been great there in recent seasons and at this moment in time I would happily take a draw. On our game we are a much better team than them but considering the fact they are riding the crest of a wave of good form and we're struggling. Coutinho will be a breath of fresh air for our currently stale team and Matip should add much needed class and steel at the back. Can should be nowhere near the team if reports of his performance last night are to be believed. If he can be exposed against teams like Sunderland and Southampton he has little chance of putting in a performance against United. I would keep faith with Sturridge - it is likely this game will be a cagey affair and if we are to have any hope of winning it'll be a moment of class from the likes of him or Coutinho. I expect some improvement on what we have witnessed over the past fortnight - Klopp needs to get us back to what we were playing in the early to mid stage of the season so far. Come on Reds!