Author Topic: Liverpool 2 v 0 Stoke (Raul Meireles, Luis Alberto Suarez) (Read 13882 times)

BabuYagu · « **on:** February 2, 2011, 01:08:15 pm »

Liverpool F.C. v Stoke City F.C.

Date: 2 February 2011
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Team News:-
A Carroll Thigh Strain unavailable
J Carragher Dislocated Shoulder doubtful

Let the Luis Alberto Suarez era begin. I'm VERY excited about seeing him in action, I must admit. This boy can score any type of goal from seemingly any angle. He also has that little bit of arrogance that all top players have. He can also hit a free-kick, if Gerrard lets him. However he hasn't played in over a month due to suspension so he may be quite rusty. Don't expect fireworks right away people!!! It is possible Kenny will start with Ngog as starting your first EPL game against an overly physical Stoke when you are not match fit might be a tad harsh. Maybe he would have a greater impact coming on after 60 mins when they are feeling a little leggy.

Lucas (Thigh Strain) is available for selection again. I'm expecting (hoping) he takes over from the improved Poulsen. He wasn't bad in the last 2 games but he wasn't good either and still doesn't offer what Lucas does to the team. I'd also like to see the Lucas+Meireles partnership resume in central midfield but Kenny seems to prefer playing Gerrard in there with Raul in front. I bow to his greater knowledge.

Despite Carragher returning to training, I don't expect him to be fit enough to play today, especially with it being a physical battle against Stoke.

Stoke City are without Higginbotham (Injury) and Shawcross (Suspension).

Lineups to follow in due course.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #1 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:08:06 pm »

Liverpool F.C. v Stoke City F.C.
Reina Begovic
Kyrgiakos Wilkinson
Skrtel Faye
Agger Huth
Kelly Higginbotham
Johnson Pennant
Aurelio Wilson
Lucas Diao
Meireles Whitehead
Gerrard Walters
Kuyt Carew

Subs
Gulacsi Sorensen
Carragher Collins
Poulsen Whelan
Suarez Jones
Maxi Fuller
Ngog Delap
Shelvey Etherington

No space for Joe Cole, Jovanovic, Pacheco or Wilson on the bench.

Rory Delap on the bench for them so the long throws won't be the living nightmares that Srktel expected. Maybe he can keep his head this game then!

That looks like a 3-6-1 formation to me.

Reina
Skrtel Krygiakos Agger

Kelly Lucas Johnson
Meireles Aurelio
Gerrard

Kuyt

Have to be honest, if Rafa put that lineup out he would be murdered. Could be a tall order winning 3 points with that XI. The positive is we have lots of talent including Suarez on the bench to rescue us if needed.

Refo · « **Reply #2 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:16:08 pm »

That is one strange lineup! Don't like it, but maybe:

Reina

Kelly Kyrgiakos Skrtel Agger

Lucas Gerrard

Johnson Mereiles Aurelio

Kuyt

I will try to comment as much as I can, but the rolling blackouts will make it hard

BabuYagu · « **Reply #3 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:24:50 pm »

Quote from: Refo on February 2, 2011, 07:16:08 pm

I will try to comment as much as I can, but the rolling blackouts will make it hard

Rolling blackouts... that doesn't sound like any fun. I'm expecting a massive storm to hit us shortly. Can see clouds in the distance and it's been over 40 for 5 straight days now..... so flash flooding is long overdue here!

Refo · « **Reply #4 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:29:40 pm »

Quote from: BabuYagu on February 2, 2011, 07:24:50 pm

Rolling blackouts... that doesn't sound like any fun. I'm expecting a massive storm to hit us shortly. Can see clouds in the distance and it's been over 40 for 5 straight days now..... so flash flooding is long overdue here!

Coldest day in Texas for 15 years. Its like 25 outside right now, was about 15 last night. Everybody is going nuts with power (pun intended).

Edit: Fahrenheit

Aristotle · « **Reply #5 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:35:20 pm »

I'm out for this one. Have a few lads over and try and enjoy the football, at least while I can.

Reminds me of that bizarre team Rafa put up against Pompey a few years ago. Think Babu got it right with regards to formation, going by the official site's information.

Soto is obviously our anti-air cannon and wouldn't surprise me if he was set out to take out Carew with Dagger and Skrtel as the de facto centre backs. I think Meireles will be *Mick McCarthey .gif* and Gerrard will have a free role in the 2007/8 mould with Kelly staying back and Lucas covering for him. Will certainly be interesting, but I think we'll grab a 2-0 win here, both goals in the final 20 minutes of the game. *by Luis Suarez!

* EDITED by Babuyagu:-

BabuYagu · « **Reply #6 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:37:08 pm »

I'm hoping for Mazuu's sake it isn't 3 at the back tonight as it appears.

Quote from: Mazuu on February 2, 2011, 06:42:08 pm

If we're going 3 at the back I will eat my own dick.

Do you like dicks well done or medium-rare? MUM.... prepare the BBQ!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #7 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:40:53 pm »

Quote from: Refo on February 2, 2011, 07:29:40 pm

Coldest day in Texas for 15 years. Its like 25 outside right now, was about 15 last night. Everybody is going nuts with power (pun intended).

Edit: Fahrenheit

Would you mind nipping round to Tom Hick's house, stealing his log supply and then putting itching powder in his blankets for me?

Refo · « **Reply #8 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:48:47 pm »

Quote from: BabuYagu on February 2, 2011, 07:40:53 pm

Would you mind nipping round to Tom Hick's house, stealing his log supply and then putting itching powder in his blankets for me?

Maybe at some point. I think I'll stay sheltered in Austin today though, besides, disabling his air conditioner would be much more effective, he probably doesn't feel cold, the fat fuck.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #9 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:49:34 pm »

BREAKING NEWS PEOPLE!!!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #10 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:57:00 pm »

Quote from: tdonline on February 2, 2011, 07:53:54 pm

Wow, poor Ngog. Torres is gone and he still can't get a start.

Yep, I thought he would have started this one if I am honest. Really not sure about the formation, could work and I should really learn to trust Kenny a tad more. He usually gets things right. As Aristotle said.... brings memories of that Portsmouth game with Aurelio as CM

BabuYagu · « **Reply #11 on:** February 2, 2011, 07:59:08 pm »

Just 2 minutes to KO guys.... and my Liverpool v Stoke stream still hasn't indicated in any way shape or form that I will soon be watching Liverpool v Stoke.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #12 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:02:13 pm »

1 minute

We are under way here at Anfield. Liverpool kick off, passing the ball about midfield only for Kelly to conceed a throw in Stokes Half.

Still unsure of our formation. If anybody with a keener eye than me works out out let us know.

Please direct personal messages about the game to both myself and Refo.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #13 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:04:13 pm »

3 mins

Some nice passing from Liverpool. Lucas plays a crisp through pass to Raul, who tries to play in Kuyt in turn.... but the pass has too much weight and is picked up by the Stoke keeper.

First shot of Carroll in the stands tonight. How many times will the director do THAT tonight?

BabuYagu · « **Reply #14 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:06:02 pm »

5 mins

A nice through ball by Aurelio this time to Gerrard. His heavy first touch puts it some 10 yards ahead of him, Huth steps across to block his run. Gerrard appeals for a peno but no chance.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #15 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:09:15 pm »

Sorry guys, back shortly. 2 streams in a row just fell.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #16 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:13:39 pm »

Quote from: farawayred on February 2, 2011, 08:11:42 pm

Goalline clearance from Soto's header

Cheers Farawayred. Good to see one of us is on the ball

I'm back now.

Liverpool also had a penalty turned down for a handball.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #17 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:16:05 pm »

Definately 3 at the back tonight with Kyrgiakos central of the 3. Kelly (R) and Johnson (L) as wing backs. Lucas and Aurelio as CM's and Raul and Gerrard playing almost as attacking midfielders who drift wide to whatever flank we attack down.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #18 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:17:18 pm »

17 mins

Liverpool passing the ball around well but finding it tough going once they get to the Stoke box and our attacks are breaking down there.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #19 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:19:15 pm »

19 mins

Liverpool work well down the left with Gerrard (I think) playing Johnson in beautfiully. He fires a cross in first time, left footed, but's it's cleared for a corner. Carroll would have scored

Corner to Liverpool is poor. GK to Stoke

Quote from: Jellies on February 2, 2011, 08:15:35 pm

While you lost the stream, Skrtel took the ball very high upfield, very very nice tackle, then shot towards the goal - absolutely awful shot, long long wide goal.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #20 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:20:55 pm »

20 mins

Skrtel now resorting to lifting the ball into the box from the half way line, and it's cleared.

In that last attack I counted 7 players in their 6 yard box and 3 more in the 18 yard box. THAT is how to park the bus. Take note Roy!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #21 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:22:44 pm »

21 mins

Liverpool with a nice passing move. Kuyt's brilliant movement creates a pocket of space in the box. Gerrard tries to dash into it with the ball but is tackled by another Liverpool player (maybe Aurelio) going for the same ball. Sorry guys, low pixels!

At the other end, a pennant cross headed straight at Reina by Carew.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #22 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:24:35 pm »

23 mins Lucas with a nice cross field pass to Johnson.... who fails to control and it's a throw in.

Very scrappy ame this. Stoke playing very deep and proving a tough nut to crack. Despite Kuyt being lone striker I've seen Aurelio, Raul, Gerrard all getting into the box to support him.

Reina now fluffs a clearance for a throw in.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #23 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:25:37 pm »

Quote from: Ycuzz on February 2, 2011, 08:19:20 pm

Hmm

I think Kenny wanted two things with this formation. 1) Better cover in central defense, especially aerial. 2) Width.

So far 1. is working, 2 is non-existant.

Stoke packs the center of the park, we need to go out and round.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #24 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:28:03 pm »

28 mins

Gerrard with a nice 1 - 2 bursts into the box. Again his run is blocked off and he wants a peno. Ref gives a corner

BabuYagu · « **Reply #25 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:32:19 pm »

The fucking internet police are in top form tonight. I'm now searchin for stream number 5!

Some PM's for you while you wait.

Quote from: The Repeated Meme on February 2, 2011, 08:28:07 pm

Just got in after a horrible drive. Thanks lads, for commenting on the game.

Has Suarez eaten anybody yet?

He finished off the last remains of Degen just now.... from the bench. Expecting better canabalism in the second half.

Quote from: Mikeebee on February 2, 2011, 08:26:29 pm

Stoke have had some driving lessons, with particular emphasis on parking large vehicles.

Liking Dirk's hold up play.

Quote from: SRAWL on February 2, 2011, 08:25:23 pm

Woop no wasting 10 minutes of each throw wiping the ball down like a $2 whore.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #26 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:33:40 pm »

33 mins

Diao with a terrible, falling over, half volley from 30 yards to remind Gerard Houillier why he was never worth £6m!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #27 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:35:13 pm »

I'm assuming Refo his having one of those blackouts he was talking about earlier. I'll update more once the FBI stop their stream hunting!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #28 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:36:13 pm »

36 mins

Biggest cheer so far as Suarez starts his warm up!

Brilliant cross from Kelly to Johnson (what?) in the 6 yard box who heads straight at the keeper. Great save in fairness.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #29 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:37:20 pm »

37 mins

Kelly with another terrific cross, Kuyt this time with a brilliant header which spin just wide.

Who has been Kelly to cross the ball? Whoever it is, give them a fucking pay hike!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #30 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:39:57 pm »

38 mins

Both teams defending better than they are attacking at the moment. Reina hardly been bothered at all and the few chances we have created the Stoke defence or Bergovic look equal to it.

Bit of a scramble now here in the box. Gerrard tees up Raul. Cushions it to Kuyt who can't shoot first time so tries to lift it over the defender and then volley. But it's wide or saved.... who knows with this stream. Either way it wasn't a goal.

Btw - Kuyt has been immense so far as lone striker IMO.

Refo · « **Reply #31 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:40:22 pm »

Brilliant by KK having Suarez warm up.

Kuyt the best I've seen him this year!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #32 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:41:49 pm »

40 mins

A Very hard tackle by Huth right on the edge of the box. Free kick to Liverpool in a dangerous area. Yellow card Huth.

Looking at the replay.... it was 2 footed, off the floor on Gerrard. Far worse than Gerrards red card tackle v Man Utd! Again we get no favours from the ref!

BabuYagu · « **Reply #33 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:44:42 pm »

44 mins

Brilliant by Liverpool. Lucas plays a brilliant one two with Aurelio. They a one touch through ball to Kuyt who fires the shot in low and hard. Saved again by the keeper.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #34 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:46:27 pm »

45 mins

Half Time!

Refo · « **Reply #35 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:48:41 pm »

Good half, especially towards the end. Keep it up in the second half and we should win this.

Refo · « **Reply #36 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:50:20 pm »

Quote from: montysmum on February 2, 2011, 08:42:05 pm

How was the Huth challenge - two footed lunge, not worth the same punishment as Gerrards 4 match ban>

I have no idea. I'm just relieved Kelly's fine.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #37 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:52:12 pm »

Quite an uninspiring first half in my opinion. Created a few good chances but with Stoke packing the box and Bergovic in fine form, Stoke look good for their 0-0... which is clearly what they came for.

Biggest cheer so far was Luis Suarez warming up.

I noticed Adam scored again for Blackpool tonight. Feeling a pang of regret we didn't finalise that before the transfer window.

Quote from: jeffiner1892 on February 2, 2011, 08:46:18 pm

What is it with keepers playing blinders against us?!

Yep. I remember Friedel in particular used to regularly be MOM against us, until we spanked Villa for 5

I guess we keep them active so they feel more involved in the game and get a lift from it. Likewise Reina's best games in terms of saves were playing under Roy when we were under seige every week.

Quote from: RedBlade on February 2, 2011, 08:46:04 pm

The passing and movement is looking very good tonight

The passing has been sexulent at times. I've seen Lucas and Aurelio at times playing some very nice forward passes.

Quote from: stoa on February 2, 2011, 08:38:03 pm

Good seeing that he (Suarez) got a big cheer. Someone needs to give him some proper boots though...

Clever doing that when the crowd had gone flat. I'd give him the next 45 minutes as Kuyt looks like he could do with a partner up there. Didn't see the boots though, my 12 pixel screen doesn't allow for those kinda levels of detail. I did notice he had a head though.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #38 on:** February 2, 2011, 08:57:58 pm »

Quote from: SRAWL on February 2, 2011, 08:46:42 pm

Hmm and why have we consistently played Kuyt out of position?!?!

Kuyt has been excellent first half. Don't know if he is thriving on being a lone striker or would be even better with Suarez working alongside/off him.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #39 on:** February 2, 2011, 09:04:37 pm »

45 mins

Second half underway and immediately my stream is offline. Awesome! BRB guys