Author Topic: Boro v Liverpool, team news, pre- and in-game comments and analysis (Read 6391 times)

Rushian · « **on:** November 20, 2004, 12:51:11 pm »

Liverpool - Kirkland, Traore, Josemi, Hyypia, Carragher, Hamann, Alonso, Finnan, Riise, Kewell, Garcia. Subs, Dudek, Pongolle, Mellor, Biscan, Gerrard.

Baros, Smicer and Cisse out with long term injuries, Gerrard expected to return on bench for first game since Man Utd away.

Live chat commentary in the RAWK chatroom from 2.45pm

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/chat

Pheeny · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2004, 12:56:20 pm »

Can I just add that if you do go to the chatroom some of you will no doubt be ahead of the typed commentary(due to the time delay) .Could I ask you to please refrain from typing updates as this can and does spoil it for those without any other form of commentary.

BPB · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2004, 01:16:44 pm »

Here's an idea for how we could line up... (taken from another post)I reckon this situation calls for formation experiementation....

How about...

--------------Kirkland------------
-------Carra-Hyypia-Traore--------
Finnan--------------------------Riise
-------Alonso--Biscan--Didi-----------
----------Mellor--Kewell/Garcia-----

scottishRED · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2004, 01:25:43 pm »

i think we'll play:

-----------------------------------------Kirkland-----------------------------------------

Josemi------------------Hyypia---------------------Carragher----------------Traore

Finnan------------------Alonso--------------------Hamann---------------------Riise

---------------------------Garcia------------------Kewell-------------------------------

Red Lozza · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2004, 01:31:46 pm »

No, I think one of Mellor or Flo will start, and I expect it to be Mellor after his goals against Boro last week.

mikeb58 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2004, 01:54:23 pm »

Surely Mellor deserves a chance today, if he can't get a game today I think his future at the club must be in doubt.

Tarpaulin · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2004, 01:57:23 pm »

We will win, and Kewell will score.

Thats my prediction.

wellsie82 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2004, 01:58:45 pm »

Quote from: Alloy on November 20, 2004, 01:54:23 pm

Surely Mellor deserves a chance today, if he can't get a game today I think his future at the club must be in doubt.

exactly mate

also he's got 3 goals in his last 2 starts is it? (i know one was in a reserve match)

not having a dig at flo but for me he's never shown much of a goal-scoring threat. think it should be mellor being the out and out striker with kewell and/or garica just off of him, think that could work well

Graeme · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:01:23 pm »

I would play....

Finnan Carra Hyypia Traore

Garcia Gerrard Alonso Riise

Flo/Mellor Kewell

Don't think a couple of games on the bench would do Josemi any harm.

mikeb58 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:05:16 pm »

Like the look of that team ( Graemes ) if Stevies starts that is , and Mellor over Flo.

Drobs · « **Reply #10 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:05:29 pm »

Agree with your set up there Graeme except Stevie on the bench, Didi and Alonso starting and Kewell playing just off Flo or Mellor - i'll go for Flo.

---------------Kirkland-----------------
-Finnan-----Carra----Sami-----Traore-
-Garcia-----Didi-------Xabi-------Riise-
--------------Kewell--------------------
-----------------------Flo------------

Come on you ~~red~~ yellow men!

Graeme · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:06:49 pm »

I think Mellor should play too, but the lack of pace with Kewell and Mellor is a bit worrying, but I suppose if you start with Mellor and things aren't working out in the 2nd half his pace can be put to better use against tired defenders.

somebody · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:10:22 pm »

id like to see mellor get a good 70 min go today, pongolle looks like a headless chicken to me at times, hes quick but his football brain is way off at the moment.
i quite fancy riise on the left mid spot and finnan on the right with louie g playing behind mellor.

mikeb58 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:13:01 pm »

Yellow kit, yellow ball, could be an advantage

. Didn't do Arsenal any harm last week !

Hamstrung · « **Reply #14 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:17:32 pm »

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N146798041120-1416.htm

Rafa Benitez has resisted the temptation to recall fit again Steven Gerrard to his starting eleven as the Reds' Captain will start today's Premiership clash with Middlesbrough on the bench.
Benitez makes just one change to his side, that being enforced
by Milan Baros' injury, with Steve Finnan filling in.

It's expected Luis Garcia will play in attack with Harry Kewell
as the Reds seek only their second away win in the league this
season.

Neil Mellor, goal hero of the Carling Cup win over Boro, is
also on the bench with Florent Sinanma Pongolle.

Liverpool - Kirkland, Traore, Josemi, Hyypia, Carragher, Hamann, Alonso, Finnan, Riise, Kewell, Garcia. Subs, Dudek, Pongolle, Mellor, Biscan, Gerrard.

--------------------------------

Evidently, Rafa doesn't see Pongolle or Mellor as being good enough. Fair enough really, because they probably aren't. Need Kewell and Garcia to find the goals.

Graeme · « **Reply #15 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:19:02 pm »

Would have preferred to see a striker on the pitch $:-\$

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #16 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:21:08 pm »

I'd have preferred Mellor to start, but our front two look very skillful, and our midfield has skill - but perhaps the two best goalscoring midfielders (in theory) are today playing up front, so we might lose a little from the middle. Alonso, Finnan and Hamann may not get many goals.

Makes sense for Gerrard (another scoring midfielder) to be only on the bench, as he's clearly not match fit.

Andy. · « **Reply #17 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:23:51 pm »

Surprised to see neither Mellor or Pongo start today, but I'm hopeful Harry will link up with Luis and do some damage.
I think Mellor deserved to start and he certainly would've added some weight to a very light strikeforce, but there ya go.

Kewell's gotta start producing, right now. Simple as. Last week against Palace, he showed signs of a return to form. He really needs to keep that going, as he's got a vital role in today's team.

Expecting to see Mellor/ Pongo & Gerrard on after about an hour if they're needed and I'm also expecting another hard-working performance by the lads.

2 main concerns for me: Josemi, whose had a poor last few games, is up against the impressive Downing. The other main worry is Hasselbaink, whose got a great record against us.

Still think we can win by the odd goal, though. C'mon, you Redmen!

mikeb58 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:25:09 pm »

Well as usual I'll trust Rafa's choice, but Kewell and Garcia deffo owe him a good away performance. Good strong bench, which is good to see, but still would like to have seen Mellor start.

Rashid · « **Reply #19 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:25:28 pm »

Rafa reverts to Houllier's 4-6-0 formation?

This gives out the wrong signals to Mellor and FSP to be honest - whats the point in having 3rd and 4th choice players?

Drobs · « **Reply #20 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:25:34 pm »

Oh i didnt fancy Josemi up against Downing so ................poop $:-\$

Holiara · « **Reply #21 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:28:11 pm »

Quote from: Paul Tomkins on November 20, 2004, 02:21:08 pm

I'd have preferred Mellor to start, ...
Makes sense for Gerrard (another scoring midfielder) to be only on the bench, as he's clearly not match fit.

Agreed. Milan's early return to the game proved rather costly and Rafa won't risk to overplay Stevie after his long absence.

Alonso, Finnan, Kewell, Riise and Carra all had international games this week and I'm sure Rafa will change things around in the second half. I wish Mellor/ Igor would get a chance to play though. I kind of like them both.

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #22 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:35:49 pm »

Quote from: Rashid on November 20, 2004, 02:25:28 pm

Rafa reverts to Houllier's 4-6-0 formation?

This gives out the wrong signals to Mellor and FSP to be honest - whats the point in having 3rd and 4th choice players?

In their case, so that can be on the bench and come on to influence the game, instead of in the stands. Neither is a 'proven' option, so if more senior attacking players are shifted up front, it's nothing radical.

Being on the bench for Mellor and FSP isn't bad at this stage of their careers. Let's not forget, Kewell has played entire seasons in the PL as a striker.

It's a very solid looking midfield, with some good passing options; up front, we have two very creative players. I expect us to create a few chances - we just need to tuck a couple away.

SkyBlueRed · « **Reply #23 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:41:28 pm »

Same team I probably would have picked, maybe trade Josemi for Mellor (play Garcia on the right, Finnan RB and Mellor upfront with Kewell) but Rafas team aint much different, I think theres going to be a real creative edge to us today, just going to depend on whether we can finish the chances, a goal for Kewell today would be outstanding but an assist to make it 2 in 2 would be fine

zigackly · « **Reply #24 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:45:44 pm »

No defenders on the bench? Not that I don't trust Rafa to juggle it round, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of scope. Still think we can win it

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #25 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:48:22 pm »

Quote from: zigackly on November 20, 2004, 02:45:44 pm

No defenders on the bench? Not that I don't trust Rafa to juggle it round, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of scope. Still think we can win it

Both Riise and Finnan can move back into the defence, if Igor or Stevie G are needed in midfield.

As you say, plenty of scope to juggle.

zigackly · « **Reply #26 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:50:54 pm »

You're right Paul. It was more central defence I was thinking about, but I suppose Igor could do a job there at a pinch with his confidence sky high at the moment.

(or bring Riise back and push Traore inside)

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #27 on:** November 20, 2004, 02:55:21 pm »

Quote from: zigackly on November 20, 2004, 02:50:54 pm

You're right Paul. It was more central defence I was thinking about, but I suppose Igor could do a job there at a pinch with his confidence sky high at the moment.

(or bring Riise back and push Traore inside)

The comment in brackets is the answer.

hoonin · « **Reply #28 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:03:04 pm »

Surprised to see Mellor on the bench. Kewell and Garcia are more link players than out and out, backs to goal strikers. Obviously a reason for it, but wouldn't be suprised if this lineup struggles to have an impact up front.

C'mon redmen

CanAdrian · « **Reply #29 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:06:06 pm »

Very sloppy start. Lots of turnovers thus far, two minutes in. Reds playing wide, and not sitting back, though. Come on!

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #30 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:13:51 pm »

Quote from: CanAdrian on November 20, 2004, 03:06:06 pm

Very sloppy start. Lots of turnovers thus far, two minutes in. Reds playing wide, and not sitting back, though. Come on!

Any updates?

Red Lozza · « **Reply #31 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:15:09 pm »

Listening on www.todayfm.com

Waddle is summarising and he's raving about Xabi's passing but lamenting Harry's lack of confidence. Pretty even so far, apparently.

CanAdrian · « **Reply #32 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:16:57 pm »

Plenty of long balls from the back at the moment. Not clicking yet, and Boro starting to get a hold of the game, I feel. They're closing down on Alonso. 12 minutes in. No shots/chances for either side.

LiamG · « **Reply #33 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:18:07 pm »

garcia on the run but no support.

Red Lozza · « **Reply #34 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:19:49 pm »

Waddle keeps guffing on about our lack of strikers. Yes we know, Chris, we know!

And he keeps pronouncing Cisse as Sissy (when going on about our lack of strikers).

Holiara · « **Reply #35 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:22:17 pm »

Carra saved us after Djimi let Parlour go.

CanAdrian · « **Reply #36 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:22:24 pm »

Parlour just in on goal, but CK challenged and he wilted/scuffed. Finnan with a shot (20 yards) at the other end. Starting to open up now, after 17 minutes...

Hinesy · « **Reply #37 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:23:39 pm »

can't even get in on EST stream today...

Red Lozza · « **Reply #38 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:24:49 pm »

Quote from: hinesy on November 20, 2004, 03:23:39 pm

can't even get in on EST stream today...

Have you tried www.todayfm.com?

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #39 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:25:46 pm »

From BBC:

Possession:
Middlesbrough 50%
Liverpool 50%

Shots:
Middlesbrough 0
Liverpool 2

Corners:
Middlesbrough 0
Liverpool 0

Fouls:
Middlesbrough 1
Liverpool 1

Bookings:
Middlesbrough 0
Liverpool 0

It doesn't say much!

Author Topic: Boro v Liverpool, team news, pre- and in-game comments and analysis (Read 6391 times)

Pheeny

hoonin