Topic: Match Preview: Watford vs. Liverpool [Saturday 12 August 2017, K.O. 12:30]

[10 years on]

Milner in MF ahead of Gini? Seriously? Surely it has to be Milner at LB

Just a guess, that's not the team I'd pick.

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Things to be excited about upcoming season.
1. Klopp : 2nd full season in the premier league. will have more experience in managing games based on prior year.
2. Salah : Looks boss! perfect signing for us. Hope pre-season and his last year's form continues into this season
3. Our attacking trio
4. Coutinho in midfield : This will excite anyone.
5. Hendo, Sturridge, Matip, Mane all fit and available for the start of the season.

Things that make some of us worried.
1. Our defense or I should say lack of QUALITY defensive signings
2. Minimum 8 added games. Just added one senior player. We can't expect us the be challenging for trophies on ALL fronts with the same squad. Will have to prioritize tournaments. We barely scraped thru 4th place with the existing squad. Abysmal in the cups. Now we have the best tournament with all top quality teams to play against. Do you genuinely believe injuries won't deplete some of our squad and make us unable to put forward a strong XI against likes of PSG, Barca, Atletico etc?

What we lack is consistency that's needed to win trophies. We had an amazing period between August and December and then last couple of months to end the season. However, absolute dogshit in January and Feb. Adding some quality players to this already boss team would just make us more boss. Simple. It is not people are being pessimistic. Stakes are higher and expectations are higher this season and rightly should be. It's just the inaction towards being absolutely prepared to our best abilities is frustrating.

All that said, excited for us to see build on last season! Let the madness begin!! Come you on fucking Reds! Let's twat them.

I'd say Robertson qualifies as a "senior" player too.

[JHova2427]

Henderson will be starting this game.  The front three seems pretty obvious to me.  Maybe Can in for Gini if Coutinho is in midfield, which seems the likely case.  I am guessing the question will be between Gini and Can starting in midfield. 

Hopefully Gini/Can on the bench along with Sturridge and Kent or Woodburn as impact subs if necessary will be available.  Not a bad bench, but with all our games we already look thin with pace/playmakers not among the subs. 

[fowlermagic]

Will be interesting to see how we handle Lallana injury as could allow us to bring Sturridge in as a starter supported by Salah, Mane & Firmino wih Couthino going back with a Henderosn Gini triangle. Would be very attack minded and actually something I like to see more often this season.

[newterp]

Mignolet

TAA - Matip - Lovren - Milner

Emre - Henderson - Coutinho

Salah - Firmino - Mane

Subs:
Karius, Klavan, Moreno, Grujic, Wijnaldum, Solanke, Sturridge

With Trent being RB, I'd rather go with the more solid and reliable Milner at LB I think. Although wouldn't have any gripes if Robertson or Moreno started either. I'd go Emre in midfield as well to make us more solid defensively and free up Phil a bit more than having Gini in there. Also Emre is better in the air which might be crucial against a tall team like Watford.

The defence is obviously the concern but hopefully the attack should be good enough to compensate. Think we'll nick this by a goal. Either 2-1 or 3-2.

That's the team most likely - unless Klopp wants to ease Mane back into the mix.  Then again he can also pull him after 60 mins.

Maybe Wij for Can - as Henderson and Can tend to be too similar.

[Roger Federer]

Will be interesting to see how we handle Lallana injury as could allow us to bring Sturridge in as a starter supported by Salah, Mane & Firmino wih Couthino going back with a Henderosn Gini triangle. Would be very attack minded and actually something I like to see more often this season.

Isn't that one midfielder/forward too many? Or do you suggest we play a back three behind all those players, something like a 3-3-3-1 formation?

[fowlermagic]

Isn't that one midfielder/forward too many? Or do you suggest we play a back three behind all those players, something like a 3-3-3-1 formation?

Feck me you are right as should have listed out the team formation thus would have spotted the 1 too many oops. Hmmm options then I guess as Sturridge may not start anyway due to his wee tight muscle. Cheers for the spot

[swoopy]

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: G Beswick, P Kirkup
Fourth official: P Tierney

[RogerTheRed]

Come on Redmen!!
We know that Watford are solid so we need pace and passing. So Mane, Slah, Firmino and Phil will be just the job. I would have Can and Hendo behind these to protect the back four.
Shame we get Taylor so early in the season the little prick.

[redalways]

AM or PM?

Depends where you are

[DanA]

For me the team should be:

                            Mignolet
A-Arnold         Matip            Lovren            Milner
                           Henderson
                  Wijnaldum      Coutinho
            Salah                               Mane
                            Firmino
Subs: Karius, Sturridge, Kent, Can, Woodburn, Klaven, Robertson
*Assumes Clyne and Lallana are unavailable.

Origi, Grujic, Ings and Solanke missing out. I'd be looking to bring on Woodburn for Coutinho to keep him fresh and if we're a couple of goals up Kent for one of our wingers.

[ThePeetmix]

Mignolet

TAA - Matip - Lovren - Moreno

Hendo

Wijnaldum - Coutinho

Salah - Firmino - Mane

Subs: Karius, Gomez, Klavan, Can, Woodburn, Sturridge, Kent

Solanke for Sturridge if he isn't ready.

We need to hit the ground running. Amongst all the transfer nonesense, a strong start will really give the fanbase a real boost.

Let's really look to kill this game off early and then I trust the likes of Can, Kent, Woodburn and Sturridge can come on and give our stars a bit of a rest.

It's the beginning of the season, so i don't think the few first games should be a big struggle. I think home to Palace will be the game you see more rotation rather than an away game.

I'd save Milner for midweek mind. Give him a bit of extra training time and have him ready for a Euro away game.

[ryatnalkar]

See a lot of teams with TAA as the starting RB. Wouldn't Gomez be a better bet for an away game? Surely he is a better defender? I think we are just as likely if not likelier to see him start over TAA.

[DanA]

See a lot of teams with TAA as the starting RB. Wouldn't Gomez be a better bet for an away game? Surely he is a better defender? I think we are just as likely if not likelier to see him start over TAA.

I was debating Gomez for Watford for his size but I do think the Champions League will have TAA in. I just think he's a much better player for the way we play with fullbacks

[tommy LFC]

I think the only question here will be who starts at left back.

For a tricky away game like this I think it would be best to go with Milner who is the solid option. If he does pick either Robertson or Moreno that's a huge show of faith.

[vinothmct]

I think the only question here will be who starts at left back.

For a tricky away game like this I think it would be best to go with Milner who is the solid option. If he does pick either Robertson or Moreno that's a huge show of faith.

If moreno or robertson starts then it means Milners time at LB is over.

I personally would be amazed if moreno didn't start. I ahve already drafted him into my fantasy Team 

[ryatnalkar]

I was debating Gomez for Watford for his size but I do think the Champions League will have TAA in. I just think he's a much better player for the way we play with fullbacks

Marco Silva is a coach with some good tactical knowledge. Play too much of an attacking team and we may be at a disadvantage at Watford if we concede a goal or two early on. I remember they had that Isaac guy who was pretty rapid. Imo it's either Gomez for RB OR if TAA starts, both ahendo and Can start to sit deep to to protect him.

[Bend It Like Aurelio]

I can see Klopp leaving Mane on the bench for this one, and starting either Solanke or Origi in his place. Personally I think Mane isn't there with his match fitness yet. Firmino though I can see starting at least the next 4 of 5 matches for us, with Sturridge coming in for the Hoffenheim reverse fixture.

[Jookie]

I personally would be amazed if moreno didn't start.

Great opening post E2K.

Just one thing I've picked up on from the replies is the amount of people picking Moreno at left back. Personally I'd be really surprised if Moreno starts. It'll be Milner or Robertson who plays left back. A player we were obviously looking to sell (and probably still are) isn't going play ahead of the vice captain and a new signing if all 3 are available, fit and ready to play.

[bravoco]

Yay,  the match previews are back, and a great start E2K, thanks.

Going for a 0-2 win for the Reds, Mane and Sturridge the scorers. 

Sent from my SM-G925I using Tapatalk

[Felch Aid]

Mane and Bobby for a 2 - 0.

Pace will cause this lot problems.

[disgraced cake]

Anthony fucking Taylor 

Anyways, hope everyone is fit and ready to start the season with 3 points. Any win would do really, just give us the momentum to carry into the palace match next week, god knows we're due a result at Anfield against them 

Robertson at left back, too, please.

[JackWard33]

I can see Klopp leaving Mane on the bench for this one, and starting either Solanke or Origi in his place. Personally I think Mane isn't there with his match fitness yet. Firmino though I can see starting at least the next 4 of 5 matches for us, with Sturridge coming in for the Hoffenheim reverse fixture.

I can see him leaving one of Mane or Salah on the bench and playing 3 out and out midfielders with Coutinho at LW

[Sir Psycho Sexy]

For me the team should be:

                            Mignolet
A-Arnold         Matip            Lovren            Milner
                           Henderson
                  Wijnaldum      Coutinho
            Salah                               Mane
                            Firmino
Subs: Karius, Sturridge, Kent, Can, Woodburn, Klaven, Robertson
*Assumes Clyne and Lallana are unavailable.

Origi, Grujic, Ings and Solanke missing out. I'd be looking to bring on Woodburn for Coutinho to keep him fresh and if we're a couple of goals up Kent for one of our wingers.

agreed (though would have one of Origi or Solanke on the bench for Kent)

[Crosby Nick]

Got a lot of options here for a supposedly threadbare squad. Can't wait for this, the danger is of course reading too much into the first couple of results in a season, whether good or bad. Hard not to though!

Think if we avoid any brainfarts we'll have enough quality at the other end to win this. Always hard to predict an opening day game though. Who even manages them these days, feels like Have I Got News For You presenters have more longevity than Watford managers.

[Suareznumber7]

This is what I would go with although I wouldn't be surprised to see Milner in for Moreno or Mane starting on the bench with Coutinho playing in the front 3 and Wijnaldum taking his place in midfield.

Mignolet

TAA - Matip - Lovren - Moreno

Hendo

Can - Coutinho

Salah - Firmino - Mane

Subs: Karius, Milner, Klavan, Wijnaldum, Woodburn, Sturridge, Origi

[Crosby Nick]

That team looks about right for me (and looks good). Biggest question mark/debate for me is who starts at Left Back. Could make a case for all three options and frankly I'll be ok with whoever Jurgen thinks is best to start there.

[Pistolero]

the worst thing about the close season is the lack of posters' formations....great to have them back

[na fir dearg]

Surprised at people listing Woodburn and Kent on the bench over Origi and Solanke

[RainbowFlick]

I wouldn't be particularly keen on a Can - Henderson midfield. All a bit one paced when they play together usually. Gini and Henderson would be ideal.

[nellyp]

I know pre-season games should not be a benchmark for players, but I would have Solanke on the bench instead of Origi. I think Solanke completely showed how Origi is lacking at the moment. It could be the kick up the arse he needs to get going again and show that you have to play well to be considered. I would also have Gomez at right back to help with the defense and rely on the attacking threat we already have to do their work, but use Gomez to steady the ship at the back

[JD.]

I wouldn't be particularly keen on a Can - Henderson midfield. All a bit one paced when they play together usually. Gini and Henderson would be ideal.

Emre and Henderson offers better defensive cover for Coutinho.

[wige]

Emre and Henderson offers better defensive cover for Coutinho.

It's the height of Can that I think will be the reason for him being selected over Gini. I expect Phil in Midfield, and a hybrid 4231/433 with Mane and Salah flanking Bobby. Milner and Trent at full backs. CBs are obvious and Migs in goal should be too.

Gini, Woodburn and Solanke or Kent for the subs if all goes to plan. Sturridge to be kept on ice for the first game.

[Mighty Zeus]

Post of the season before the season's even begun then, ha ha!

[Andy @ Allerton!]

I'd take the shittest game in the history of the world and a 1-0 victory right now.

[scalatore]

Marco Silva is an astute coach. He'll have some counterattacking pace ready for when we have them on the ropes, for sure.

We'll still win though. It's Watford.

[him_15]

A tough game, but very confident for a win.

[me76]

Brilliant, brilliant opening post!  The new season is upon us! 

Will be really interesting to see the starting line-up.  Could be surprises in each line of the formation other than perhaps GK where Migs looks a lock.  TAA at right-back for me, and Robertson at LB as well, although wouldn't be at all surprised if Milner lines up there.  I'd pick Hendo, Gini and Coutinho, but again Klopp may opt for more solidity and play Coutinho further forward and play with a midfield 3 of Hendo, Can and Gini. 

I'd also unleash Mane, Firmino and Salah - and hope that's what we'll see, with Coutinho deeper, but can see Mane coming on later in the game for Phil - or vice versa.  So many options!

The team I hope he picks:

Migs
TAA  Matip  Lovren  Robertson
Gini  Hendo  Phil
Salah  Firmino  Mane

Buzzing that the season is here after a frustrating transfer window, hoping like everyone that we get VVD over the line.

Come on you Reds, a brilliant season awaits!!!

[.adam]

Watford hoping to sign Andre Gray from Burnley in time for him to make his debut against us.

[SinceSixtyFive]

Brilliant OP really enjoyed reading that - thanks E2K!

Looking forward to getting the season started - hopefully with an away win.

I agree with some that the biggest threat to success this year is the negativity and pessimism of a substantial segment of our own fan base i.e. as Jurgen would put it a lack of believers.

Can't wait for kickoff - come on you mighty redmen!!!!