Topic: Southampton vs Liverpool. March 1st 2014. 17.30 KO

[Red_Irishman]

Fan sentiment don't really translate to player performance on the pitch though - they could just up their game against us to play spoilers against a team on the ascendancy.

To be honest I never really said it did. Was just saying as a fan base I expected a bit more confidence from them considering their previous record.

I myself think it will be a big task to come away with the win, won't chance the outcome if the game though.

[Gifted Right Foot]

The last time we played Southampton our starting lineup was Mignolet, Toure, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Moses, Aspas, Sturridge.  It's going to be a difficult game and even though it is at their ground i feel a lot more confident getting something out of this game with the starting lineup we will have this time. 

[Melbred]

The last time we played Southampton our starting lineup was Mignolet, Toure, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Moses, Aspas, Sturridge.  It's going to be a difficult game and even though it is at their ground i feel a lot more confident getting something out of this game with the starting lineup we will have this time.

4 CB's, 2 in midfield and Aspas in for Suarez.

I think you'd be right to feel a lot more confident.

[PhaseOfPlay]

All of this speculation is pointless


Now let's all just wait for John M to come in with the tea-leaves reading.

They predicted a Liverpool win and 7 goals (although he got the scoreline wrong) for the Swansea game - look what happened there

So if the tea leaves say we're winning, we're winning

[Melbred]

All of this speculation is pointless


Now let's all just wait for John M to come in with the tea-leaves reading.

They predicted a Liverpool win and 7 goals (although he got the scoreline wrong) for the Swansea game - look what happened there

So if the tea leaves say we're winning, we're winning

If I recall correctly the leaves have spoken, and he's said that it's going to be a tight game, 2-1 to us.

Nothing to worry about then 

[Noelle]

4 CB's, 2 in midfield and Aspas in for Suarez.

Jesus, it's no wonder that one went tits up.

[Lolo]

The last time we played Southampton our starting lineup was Mignolet, Toure, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Moses, Aspas, Sturridge.  It's going to be a difficult game and even though it is at their ground i feel a lot more confident getting something out of this game with the starting lineup we will have this time. 

1/2 the team will almost certainly be different for this game. I don't think we need to compare the 2 fixtures too much.
Yes..it will be difficult, but I believe we are a much better outfit now.
I would keep Sterling in the line up definitely. As well as his obvious ability and speed, he's developed into one tough little guy (see Gerrard's interview about avoiding him in training for confirmation about this); he can slot into the attacking right back role later in the game should we want to sub a full back and bring on additional firepower if we end up chasing the game.
They may be expecting us to have Allen in the starting line-up, so for that reason I wouldn't....keep Coutinho there to feed SAS. He can always come on later as and when required.

[Avens]

If I recall correctly the leaves have spoken, and he's said that it's going to be a tight game, 2-1 to us.

Nothing to worry about then 

Weirdly I now feel more confident. 

[Number 7]

Fan sentiment don't really translate to player performance on the pitch though - they could just up their game against us to play spoilers against a team on the ascendancy.

Which the last 2 teams that we've played in the PL have done.

Swansea played far far better than us than they have done basically for the entire season. And Fulham also raised their game.

Just need to be prepared for everything. Southampton though, after their good start seem to be caught in the middle of playing for something (european place) and playing for nothing. Not enough conviction to force their way in to their equation to play for something, and not disastrous to the point of playing for nothing. I think if they were stuck at the bottom end of the table trying to stave off relegation this would be a much harder game.

Just to need to focus and do what we do, and we'll be OK.

[woof]

We're top in the form guide so I'm hoping long may it continue to be this way. If we have aspirations of finishing top 4 or heaven forbid, premiers, we need to win EVERY game

[Mamadou]

should we play counter against them? because counter attacking football seems to work against teams who play  pressing football... pressing football seems to work against defensive football and possession football...or should we go with pressing against pressing?

but what is they surprise us and dont play pressing?

ahh so many questions...

[random22]

The problem this season has been that you can’t really predict with Liverpool.

We may turn an easily winnable game into a thrilling contest. Or mock a top side by absolutely smashing four or five goals past them, thereby winning the match with ease, which earlier would have looked a difficult match to win or even draw.

This game will be no different. Regardless of all the predictions being made, I am certain it will be no less than a thriller full of surprises and shocks. 

[Ken-Obi]

Let's beat them 6 - 5, our winner coming in the 89th minute, 5 minutes after Southampton draw level.

[tacklemyballs]

Let's beat them 6 - 5, our winner coming in the 89th minute, 5 minutes after Southampton draw level.

After Fulham, my heart cannot take that kind of shit.

[Mr Dilkington]

1/2 the team will almost certainly be different for this game. I don't think we need to compare the 2 fixtures too much.
Yes..it will be difficult, but I believe we are a much better outfit now.
I would keep Sterling in the line up definitely. As well as his obvious ability and speed, he's developed into one tough little guy (see Gerrard's interview about avoiding him in training for confirmation about this); he can slot into the attacking right back role later in the game should we want to sub a full back and bring on additional firepower if we end up chasing the game.
They may be expecting us to have Allen in the starting line-up, so for that reason I wouldn't....keep Coutinho there to feed SAS. He can always come on later as and when required.

Good post. Agree with everything there.

[the_red_pill]

The last time we played Southampton our starting lineup was Mignolet, Toure, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Moses, Aspas, Sturridge.  It's going to be a difficult game and even though it is at their ground i feel a lot more confident getting something out of this game with the starting lineup we will have this time. 

Jeez- forgot how inadequate that selection was!

[the_red_pill]

All of this speculation is pointless


Now let's all just wait for John M to come in with the tea-leaves reading.

They predicted a Liverpool win and 7 goals (although he got the scoreline wrong) for the Swansea game - look what happened there

So if the tea leaves say we're winning, we're winning

Tea Leaves already had their say mate.

Shababs.

The Tea leaves have been inconsistent of late, predicting the right outcome but indifferent score's. The wife seem's to think its murkier waters. 

The Tea leaves are predicting a very narrow margin and close game. The moon is showing a crescent that also indicates a close game.

Southampton 1-2 Liverpool   Away win

That's how they rolled.  Inshallah.

[spider-neil]

Jeez- forgot how inadequate that selection was!

Bad selection but the game turned when we were turned down a clear penalty on Sturridge.

[the_red_pill]

Bad selection but the game turned when we were turned down a clear penalty on Sturridge.

Been the story of our season mate. Hope we can get on the good end of some favorable calls- but would like to see it in the big games.

[random22]

Been the story of our season mate. Hope we can get on the good end of some favorable calls- but would like to see it in the big games.

The fact we could get nothing from the matches against Man City and Chelsea can be attributed to bad refereeing against us. Even a draw in those games would have cut the gap between us and either team by two points, which would have been massive at this stage given we are in the title chasing mix.

[Cattive Maniere]

their form is not impressive, we are shite visitors, should be another thriller

[nico 8]

Absolutely agree.

In fact, out of all the remaining games, it's actually the one I'm least optimistic about.

If we win it, I'll start to believe that the title is on.

I believe we will win this game. More worried about the West Ham and Crystal Palace game.(not necessarily losing the game but dropping points)

[lebowski25]

I think we will keep a clean sheet, our defence know they have been garbage and need to step up, hopefully they respond and put in a solid performance

[didi]

Lawro has predicted a 2-0 win we are fucked 

then why post it

[didi]

change the front 4 with the form they are all in? I can see the temptation to drop Coutinho but this is a game where we need players confident on the ball in tight spaces as our player will no doubt be pressed, Coutinho is one of the best at receiving the ball with back to goal and creating space

[stevied]

Who is the man in the middle, we have been royally fucked over lately

[xerxes]

My spidey senses are getting nothing. We'll be fine

[rocco]

Out of curiosity , how many predictions has the tea leaves lady made and how many correct ?

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Who is the man in the middle, we have been royally fucked over lately

Lee Probert

[Redshadow]

If Fulham beat or hold Chelsea, I don't think I have the nerve to watch this game

[Kelvinlfc]

I am absolutely bricking myself for tomorrow, I'm more confident for United away the week after then for this!

[ScouserAtHeart]

If Fulham beat or hold Chelsea, I don't think I have the nerve to watch this game

Don't do that to yourself. Chelsea are far too clinical. This isn't the week they drop points. Arsenal on the other hand...

[peachybum]

This is such a difficult game for us usually. If somehow we can win this i think i might finally be confident about holding off Spurs and capturing 4th place.

[Jamie_G]

For anybody who doesn't have Sky Sports there is a deal on Money Saving Expert to get a FREE one day pass (usually £9.99) which can be used to watch the game for nowt via Now TV. You dont need a NOW TV box - you can watch it via their website.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/now-tv#deal31509

[Bonaqua]

Let's beat them 6 - 5, our winner coming in the 89th minute, 5 minutes after Southampton draw level.

No. Please. Think of all the clogged veins.

[goalspaytherent]

For anybody who doesn't have Sky Sports there is a deal on Money Saving Expert to get a FREE one day pass (usually £9.99) which can be used to watch the game for nowt via Now TV. You dont need a NOW TV box - you can watch it via their website.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/now-tv#deal31509

Cheers for that ......you need to download the Now tv app as well , thanks again

[Jamie_G]

Cheers for that ......you need to download the Now tv app as well , thanks again

No problem - great deal for anybody who doesnt have Sky Sports! Always nice to get something for free!

[Ken-Obi]

After Fulham, my heart cannot take that kind of shit.

No. Please. Think of all the clogged veins.

Let me add to that - 2 shots blocked Agger and Simon, 1 hitting the post - all in the last 10 minutes.

[I-was-watching-it-on-Sky]

Our away form is piss poor, Won 5, Lost 4 and Drawn 4...

We're on course for our away form to finish about 8W 6D 5L = 30pts.

That's 2pts above the ten year average for 4th place. 

[Adamski LFC]

should we play counter against them? because counter attacking football seems to work against teams who play  pressing football... pressing football seems to work against defensive football and possession football...or should we go with pressing against pressing?

but what is they surprise us and dont play pressing?

ahh so many questions...

Valid but I hope with Rogers in Charge the players can recognise the setups that Southampton will use, be it the Press or Counter, and react accordingly.  Rogers on the sidelines will also be directing his charges. 

I think barring refereeing and cock ups, we really can win this.  Skrtel will no longer be wrestling in the box after that penalty I hope, Gerrard will have Allen and Henderson ahead of him, so he is not so vulnerable, with one going (Henderson) and one staying (Allen) to help Gerrard cover.  The front 3 will take care of itself.