Topic: Liverpool (0-1) Braga: Second Leg pre-match thread

[Raoul Duke]

Alonso was better than Meireles.
Mascherano was better than Lucas.

Different types of players.

[AnnieRoad(Un)Faithful]

Different types of players.

So what?

We had a better standard of player playing in a better system before. That is the point.

[Lan Dees]

Would be really pleased to see this. Joe Cole playing in his favored role, and linking up with Carroll. If Carroll does start, I think Kuyt would be more effective out wide, if not, then I'd put Kuyt up front.

[AnnieRoad(Un)Faithful]

Would be really pleased to see this. Joe Cole playing in his favored role, and linking up with Carroll. If Carroll does start, I think Kuyt would be more effective out wide, if not, then I'd put Kuyt up front.

I'd rather Cole didn't play at all. He's been utter shite wherever he's played for us.

I can't see him doing much tonight either. I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it.

[mbyx6cg2]

BBC seem to think that Carroll will be on the bench

[Raoul Duke]

So what?

We had a better standard of player playing in a better system before. That is the point.

Alonso and Mascherano are a perfect midfield combination against the top teams in Europe and in the league, but against a small side that will put players behind the ball, they don't offer very much going forwards.

[No666]

I think people need to realise that our slide down the table can also be attributed to some of the sub-standard players we're relying on at the moment and not just Hicks and Gillett.

With a couple of exceptions, the blame for that should still be directed at Hicks and Gillett. Eg It may have been Rafa's decision to sell Alonso but it was Hicks and Gillett who decided to pocket half the money. etc.

[Lan Dees]

I'd rather Cole didn't play at all. He's been utter shite wherever he's played for us.

I can't see him doing much tonight either. I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it.

OK, so suppose he doesn't play, maybe meireles in cole's position, and spearing in midfield with lucas. I can't see a stronger team otherwise.

[HiroProtagonist]

Is it?

I think people need to realise that our slide down the table can also be attributed to some of the sub-standard players we're relying on at the moment and not just Hicks and Gillett.

Hyypia was better than Kyrgiakos.
Benayoun was better than Maxi.
Riera was better than Cole.
Alonso was better than Meireles.
Mascherano was better than Lucas.

We've suffered a lot of drops in quality in this side over the last year or two.

Did you just seriously call Meireles and Lucas substandard? Tell me this, name me a better DM than Masch in the PL right now, and a better CM than Alonso.

[Upinsmoke]

I'll be alot more confident if Carroll starts tonight, think he'll be a right handfull for them.

[MushyP15]

Am now going to the game (see previous posts where I thought I couldn't). However am a Billy No Mates with a spare ticket. I'll be heading up early (OOT) and will be around the Kop at 7pm. If you'd like the ticket (it's row 70 odd) for ฃ15 - ฃ20 PM me and I'll arrange to meet you.
As long as you don't mind standing/sitting next to a loud southerner who sings all the songs and tends to swear at the ref you'll be fine.
Cheers.

[TheRedMonarch8]

The team is most likely to be

Reina
Carra  Kyrgiakos  Skrtel  Johnson
Spearing  Poulsen
Lucas
Meireles  Cole
Kuyt

Sorry about the lazy typing but it roughly translates to a 4-2-1-2-1  - Raul and Cole supporting Kuyt.

This wouldn't be my choice of line up as it seems a bit more negative when we are at home and some of the personnel i.e. Poulsen and Cole aren't really up to the task.

[dr.dracco]

This is the team for today ( good source):

Reina; Johsnon, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Carragher;Lucas,Spearing,Meireles;Maxi,Kuyt,Ngog

[kopblooded]

Dont see why Poulsen should fit in even if Lucas is away..

Spearing for me.. and Maxi in ..

I am in Block MB, first time away from the Kop !!  but will keep that side singin !!

Getting a first timer along,  currently a neutral... so Come on You Reds !  Let us the 12th man,  show what Anfield is all about !

[GrkStav]

Would be really pleased to see this. Joe Cole playing in his favored role, and linking up with Carroll. If Carroll does start, I think Kuyt would be more effective out wide, if not, then I'd put Kuyt up front.

Is this your formation when we're defending or what?

Otherwise, I can't for the life of me figure out why we would go out like that when we need to win by 2.

4-4-1-1 on offense not exactly attack-minded.

[Number 7]

This is the team for today ( good source):

Reina; Johsnon, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Carragher;Lucas,Spearing,Meireles;Maxi,Kuyt,Ngog

I'd be surprised if one of Agger, Cole and Carroll doesn't start. In fact Lucas probably won't start because of his situation.

We need goals and we need them quickly. No messing about.

[the_red_pill]

Only this team can win us something tonight

to be honest, Cole's been utter wank and he's had loads of chances while Jovanovic hasn't really gotten a look-in. I'd like to sub between them 2. Start Cole, sub him and bring on Jovanovic. Let them duke it out and see who proves themself useful.

[Carlito Roberto]

This is the team for today ( good source):

Reina; Johsnon, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Carragher;Lucas,Spearing,Meireles;Maxi,Kuyt,Ngog

Posted in good faith no doubt, but it seems accurate team leaks are a thing of the past.

[the_red_pill]

...
Either way, Cole needs a good game. 

As had been said now since time began. The guy's wasting a look-in for Pacheco and Jovanovic?

[AnnieRoad(Un)Faithful]

Alonso and Mascherano are a perfect midfield combination against the top teams in Europe and in the league, but against a small side that will put players behind the ball, they don't offer very much going forwards.

Have you got splinters from scraping the barrel looking for a criticism of them..?

Alonso and Mascherano are markedly superior.

Did you just seriously call Meireles and Lucas substandard? Tell me this, name me a better DM than Masch in the PL right now, and a better CM than Alonso.

Lucas and Meireles are below the standard of their predecessors in midfield, yes. I don't think there's much, if any, debate to that.

As I said, we have dropped from the previous standard in a lot of positions in the squad and we're suffering for that. We have, however, got ourselves the best manager possible right now and he needs to stay to continue making signings of the calibre of Suarez and Carroll. Kenny knows that this squad needs a lot of work and money spent to improve it. It's clear to anyone with an iota of a clue about football.

Michael Essien is a better defensive midfielder than Mascherano. He may not play the same exact role as Masch did for us, but he's a better all-round player.

And there is no better pass of the ball in the game than Alonso.

I'm not blaming Lucas or Meireles for being a step down in class from their predecessors, I am just pointing out that our drop in quality goes hand in hand with our slide down the table.

[AnnieRoad(Un)Faithful]

As had been said now since time began. The guy's wasting a look-in for Pacheco and Jovanovic?

Jovanovic is just as bad as Cole.

[Barneylfc]

BBC seem to think that Carroll will be on the bench

The BBC seem to think its acceptable to charge people ฃ140 a year for pure shite and to employ cnuts like Mackenzie

[Carlito Roberto]

And there is no better pass of the ball in the game than Alonso.

Sorry to interrupt but Xavi is the best passer of the ball in the game.

[GrkStav]

Jovanovic is just as bad as Cole.

Whatever you say.

And, btw, as an overall midfielder, Lucas is already better than Mascherano.

[RedBlakey]

This is the team for today ( good source):

Reina; Johsnon, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Carragher;Lucas,Spearing,Meireles;Maxi,Kuyt,Ngog

Will be interesting to see how good your source really is then, as the rumour going round is that Lucas won't play tonight cos his missus is popping one out !

[Walk On]

As had been said now since time began. The guy's wasting a look-in for Pacheco and Jovanovic?

Hey ho, completely forgot about those two lads...
You're right!  What's gone on with them?

Not the ideal situation to get a run out tonight though.

[the_red_pill]

Jovanovic is just as bad as Cole.

As if I didn't allude to that. We HAVE options apart from him- Pacheco and Jovanovic. Let's USE them.

[tommyLFC]

And, btw, as an overall midfielder, Lucas is already better than Mascherano.

As an overall midfielder, yes. But he is currently playing the defensive role which Mascherano is much better at.

[the_red_pill]

And there is no better pass of the ball in the game than Alonso.

That Fa..., uhh, Fabrrr... hmmm.. whatsisface again?

Fabr, Fabreg. Oh yes - Fabregas! That lad's not too bad himself. There were some others as well...
Can't remember that well, but I think they're calld Modrix or somesuch and a certain descendant of Eve's. Adam, I think, is his surname?

There you have some good shouts- in the PL. See this is some easy stuff! I think we should get together and do this everyday!

[WraithXx]

BBC seem to think that Carroll will be on the bench

glad to see we paid 35m for a super-sub then 

[Barneylfc]

That Fa..., uhh, Fabrrr... hmmm.. whatsisface again?

Fabr, Fabreg. Oh yes - Fabregas! That lad's not too bad himself. There were some others as well...
Can't remember that well, but I think they're calld Modrix or somesuch and a certain descendant of Eve's. Adam, I think, is his surname?

There you have some good shouts- in the PL.

Personally think Alonso is in a different league when it comes to Modric and Adam. Fabregas is good, but not as good as Alonso

[main-stand-molby]

glad to see we paid 35m for a super-sub then 

i'm not sure what to make of that, is it a criticism of the transfer?

[Rednigeri@n]

This is the team for today ( good source):

Reina; Johsnon, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Carragher;Lucas,Spearing,Meireles;Maxi,Kuyt,Ngog

If that's the team we're not going through tonight.  Carroll must start this game. 

[JoeCole is for life, not just Christmas!]

Tonight I'd go with:
 
                                      Reina

             Carragher   Agger/Skrtel   Soto/Skrtel


Johnson                                                            Wilson

                           Lucas/Spearing            Meireles

      Kuyt                                                           Maxi
                                     Carroll



Skrtel in for Agger if Agger isn't fit enough, if Agger is then Skrtel in for Soto. Spearing in for Lucas if he can't be there because of his wife being in labour

Hopefully get at least 1 goal before half time

[WraithXx]

i'm not sure what to make of that, is it a criticism of the transfer?

no not at all mate, sorry... rather sarcasm regarding BBC's expertise or lack thereof

but I could be wrong, we'll see 

[tommyLFC]

That Fa..., uhh, Fabrrr... hmmm.. whatsisface again?

Fabr, Fabreg. Oh yes - Fabregas! That lad's not too bad himself. There were some others as well...
Can't remember that well, but I think they're calld Modrix or somesuch and a certain descendant of Eve's. Adam, I think, is his surname?

There you have some good shouts- in the PL. See this is some easy stuff! I think we should get together and do this everyday!

Charlie Adam a better passer than Alonso? Christ.

[Heighwayondawing]

BBC seem to think   wish that Carroll will be on the bench

[main-stand-molby]

Personally think Alonso is in a different league when it comes to Modric and Adam. Fabregas is good, but not as good as Alonso

depends what the fella means by "passer" as well.  For range of pass I dont think anybody can touch Alonso, including Xavi.  Although Xavi can pick the long pass, his close control, awareness and short game are obviously where he excels above all others.  I just think Alonso has more types of pass, all controlled, under his belt.

[Kop Yank]

I think Cole's future at Anfield hinges on these next two games.

[Heighwayondawing]

I think Cole's future at Anfield hinges on these next two games.

I don't think he has a future with us.