Topic: MATCH PREVIEW: Swansea v Liverpool - Saturday October 1st, 12:30

[RogerTheRed]

Come on Redmen!!
Suspect we will se the same team unless Lovren replaces Klavan. Think they will struggle to keep us out and expecting a happy trip back from Wales for the travelling Kop.

[the_red_pill]

They always given us a bit of a game these. We've never really dominated there since they came up.
I think it will be back to work for us, this match.

I can still see us forcing the win though. We just have too much confidence in winning.
Few nervy moments, but 2-1 Liverpool.

[NaivetyinBlack]

They press like we do, except that their midfielders don't compress the space. We'll have tons of space in between the lines against this lot. An ideal team for the 4-1-4-1 we play. The attacking 5 will have a nice little picnic for 90 mins is my prediction.

0-3 to the Reds.

[jjasonuk]

I expect to see Sturridge or Origi up front, partially to keep it fresh (I know we only play one game a week on average) but also to surprise them a little and shake it up - I have a strong feeling this will happen.

[SwordInYourGut]

1. Is Adam Lallana the most improved player since last season?

Yes. He isn't doing anything drastically different, but looks ruthlessly efficient in front of goal. 

2. Is Matip the best defender that we have had for several years?

He is the real deal. He played in some seriously ill-coached Schalke teams and looked one of the best CBs in the Bundesliga. I don't even think he is at 100% yet. We've heard this full-blown media narrative about how Stones is a fantastic ball-playing CB and how that makes him worth £40m, £50m, £60m or whatever. Well, Matip happens to be better at it. Oh, and watchout for his occasional box to box sprints, when he gets going few can keep up with him. And he also happens to be 6'5" with a great spring on him. Jackpot. 

3. Is Mane our best signing since Suarez?

Roberto Firmino for me. He isn't as important against teams like Hull, but when the big boys come around, he is usually our best player. I was watching a Klopp interview and he almost seemed surprised that we were able to beat Chelsea without Firmino. We were beginning to be seen as something of a soft touch against the top teams, especially away from home. Klopp has changed all that, and so much of it is down to Firmino. His pressing has gotten all the recognition it deserves but his hold up play is incredible too. Everything that gets played into him, he seems to make it stick. Almost Suarez-esque. (Runs for cover as the anti-comparison brigade stirs fervently)

4. Is James Milner a revelation at full back?

No. Milner has played fullback many times in his career, and to very good effect. We saw it first hand during the 13/14 run in. He isn't a CM and I don't know why he thought he should be playing there. He doesn't have the pace or the acceleration to play wide in a 4-3-3 either. Fullback is his best position and I think he'd be even better at RB.

5. Has Simon Mignolet looked much better this season or is Karius now going to be our No. 1?

Both? Mignolet has ironed out some of his flaws, and looks closer to a perfect version of himself. But he can't 'play' like Karius. An aggressively high starting position, his speed across the ground, and top class distribution mean that Karius was always going to be first choice for us, no matter what sound bites Klopp gave out to the press about competition for places. Convincing him to skip the Olympics should tell you what Klopp actually thinks about the GK's position.

[Lone Star Red]

We're going to get Guidolin fired.

[scalatore]

Hard not to feel confident going into this. They've been pretty awful so far, and we might be playing the best team football I've ever seen us play. Really hoping for another strong performance here.

[MerseysideBrum]

Hard not to feel confident going into this. They've been pretty awful so far, and we might be playing the best team football I've ever seen us play. Really hoping for another strong performance here.

they gave city a pretty good test

[TheSpionKopNC]

Hopefully the boys keep firing and continue to improve as a team.

It's not so much the big games I worry about, it's these matches that they've got to prove themselves in.

Would love to see us put in another performance and leave with all 3 points.

[Redinho]

Must win.





 

[WhingingMoaningUpstart]

Both? Mignolet has ironed out some of his flaws, and looks closer to a perfect version of himself. But he can't 'play' like Karius. An aggressively high starting position, his speed across the ground, and top class distribution mean that Karius was always going to be first choice for us, no matter what sound bites Klopp gave out to the press about competition for places. Convincing him to skip the Olympics should tell you what Klopp actually thinks about the GK's position.

Good point about the Olympics.

I hope Loris settles down quickly. I am genuinely looking forward to see our sweeper keeper in action. He might need a few more games to build his confidence.
Been fantasizing about having a sweeper keeper since watching Manuel Neuer in action in the 2014 World Cup (https://twitter.com/Squawka/statuses/483743712380723200).

[Alonso_The_Assassin]

1. Is Adam Lallana the most improved player since last season?

Probably, however I think people fail to understand just how good he’s been since he’s joined us. He has shown the same energy since day one. There are two facets which have changed. 1 – he is now playing in a system that rewards the fruits of his labour. 2. He’s added goals to his game. Based on these two facets - particularly number 1 - his effectiveness within the system has increased tenfold, which would put him up there as one of our most improved players.

2. Is Matip the best defender that we have had for several years?

Yes. His composure on the ball really is something. He has the composure of Sami Hyypia and the technical ability of Daniel Agger. His height will be a major factor this year. Along with Lovren, we’ll see our goals spread even further throughout the squad which is what will put us in good stead for the top four/perhaps even a title tilt.

3. Is Mane our best signing since Suarez?

Agree with Sword. I think Bob is our best signing since Suarez, but Mane will be a close second, along with Matip who I think is a player we’ve been crying out for since the Carragher/Hyypia days.

4. Is James Milner a revelation at full back?

Absolutely. What more can you say. Yet another position where we are scoring goals from. A very shrewd player and probably one of the best free transfers we’ve procured for many years (think we’ll be saying the same thing about Matip, too).

5. Has Simon Mignolet looked much better this season or is Karius now going to be our No. 1?

Si has improved, but it’s Karius’ to lose now in my opinion. Our centre half pairing can play a further ten yards up the pitch with Karius in goal due to his sweeping abilities. He may make a few errors early doors, but I believe Karius is the future for us.

As for the game, think Lovren in for Klavan may be the only alteration, but that too maybe harsh on big Ragner, who was great against Hull.

[RedKenWah]

Looking forward to this game! Don't know how Jurgen is going to play it, do you keep the same side or do you mix it up a bit.

His comments about Moreno were interesting though, makes me think that he could be in line for a return as a means of a reward for his hard graft during training and not being a numpty and speaking out like Sakho... probably wrong though and Milner will most likely keep the spot, which to be fair is absolutely fine as he's done nothing wrong at left back.

I think it's safe to say confidence is at an all time high and i think we'll see a swagger to our play come Saturday. I don't expect a massive score line though, i probably expect either a 2 - 0 or 3 - 1 victory or something just to banish our bad form at Swansea's ground.

1. Is Adam Lallana the most improved player since last season?

I think he is, and considering he's been operating from a different position to that of last year, it's been a master stroke from Jurgen Klopp in getting the best from Adam Lallana.

2. Is Matip the best defender that we have had for several years?

Don't know about the best, but I think he's come into the side and settled in very well. I believe its also a combination of how well the team has played that has allowed Joel Matip to come through well. We've not been in a game whereby we have been under the cosh on a constant basis.

3. Is Mane our best signing since Suarez?

He's been quality since joining us and is almost like a player that we have not had for absolutely ages. I think he compliments the team very well and importantly gives us another way of playing. I would like to agree that yeah he's been one of our best signings since Suarez.

4. Is James Milner a revelation at full back?

Can't say anything other than yes he has been. He's been so good that the talk of buying a left back has been made redundant.

5. Has Simon Mignolet looked much better this season or is Karius now going to be our No. 1?

I think with the added competition for the position, Mignolet has had to up his game some what. I would like to think that there will be that fight for that position and i think only time will tell on whether Karious or Mignolet is the no 1 goalkeeper. I'll be happy with Karius remaining it though.

[riismeister]

1. Is Adam Lallana the most improved player since last season?
Definitely. Lovren and Hendo have both improved significantly too in my view (although Lovren started improving last season and Hendo's lack of form last season was due to injury)

2. Is Matip the best defender that we have had for several years?
Too early to tell. (Has he been better than Lovren this season even? I'm not sure, but both have been doing good so far and seem to be building a top defensive partnership).

3. Is Mane our best signing since Suarez?
Also a bit early to conclude. (Sturridge and Coutinho in January of 2013 were bargains and I'd probably pick the Coutinho transfer as our #1 since Suarez for now).

4. Is James Milner a revelation at full back?
He's definitely performing well. I will expect us to be in the market for a left back next summer anyways though.

5. Has Simon Mignolet looked much better this season or is Karius now going to be our No. 1?
Simon has played well I think, and the #1 spot isn't cemented in any direction yet. If I had to bet I'd bet on Karius though.

[Dench57]

Can't say I've watched much of Swansea recently but they still try to actually play right? Fairly open and attacking? If so I think we could twat them. It might be tough though, they've given Chelsea and City good games. Still think we're best against teams that try to play. Happy with the same line-up as Hull but we've got the luxury of great alternatives so it hardly matters.

How does Can get back in the team? I can only see it happening through injuries. Last season I would've said he was an essential part of the midfield. Hendo/Lallana/Wini are untouchable on the evidence of the last few games.

[the_red_pill]

they gave city a pretty good test

Correct.
Swansea's not an opponent to be taken lightly. Their pressing is intelligent- different to most other teams who press and they always give a big team a game. City got out of there with a good examination- escaping with 3 points and they gave Chelsea a good game too. Chelsea had to dig deep.

Like I said- I think this will be a stern test for us since Chelsea. Swansea normally sprint out of the blocks and score first. I can still see us win though- just not with a clean sheet and not more than a 1 or 2 goal difference, BUT all the while enduring some nervy moments.

[Funky_Gibbons]

From what I saw of them against City, Swansea were trying to pass the ball out from the back on a number of occasions. If our pressing is good it could help us to win the ball back high up the pitch, if they beat our press with some quick passing they could make it uncomfortable for us.

[redk84]

Fans and players will be confident going into this

And rightly so! We've been very good for the most part so far....

Keep working hard, do not get complacent and we'll get the 3 points. It's all on us cos we're much better than these

2-0 redmen

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Swansea still have a few good players but these will end up bottom five at best this season in my opinion so anything but a win would be a big disappointment heading into the international break. Lovren in for Klavan if possible and we go again.

----

1. Is Adam Lallana the most improved player since last season?

No, that would be Jordan Henderson by a country mile as he was playing at a low level last season, probably mostly due to his injury but also playing in a midfield two has never got the best out of him. The way he is shielding that back four and setting the tempo is surprising and impressive in equal measure. Lallana has consistently been our best player along with Milner and Firmino under Klopp and that has continued into this season with him finding another gear (and more goals) in his new role.

2. Is Matip the best defender that we have had for several years?

Early days but so far, so good. Seems to have everything to succeed including the touch of class we love our defenders to have. If he starts heading in these chances from corners as we know he can from his record at Schalke, we'll be laughing. I'll say it again, him and Milner on free transfers in back to back summers is incredible business.

3. Is Mane our best signing since Suarez?

Yes, and I always thought he would be simply because he injects something into the team we have sorely been lacking. He'll never be on Suarez's level - very few are - but he doesn't need to be. If he scores 15 league goals and continues to be our main outlet and threat in behind, it's job done. I do think we should be looking at bringing someone in January who can deputise for him, however, unless Klopp feels Ojo can be that man.

4. Is James Milner a revelation at full back?

Yes, definitely. I thought he would be an attacking option for us there at times this season but I have to say I thought he would be found out defensively more than he has been thus far. I do think we have to accept he will be beaten by wingers more than Clyne for example but going forward he is such a good option for us with his incisive inside passing and the ability to beat a man on the outside or inside. A massive upgrade on Moreno in every way except his pace and probably his first touch.

I just hope he enjoys playing there enough to continue playing well as he has the composure to be an asset for us both there in midfield for a few years yet.

5. Has Simon Mignolet looked much better this season or is Karius now going to be our No. 1?

Mignolet has looked better in my opinion and I felt a bit sorry for him getting dropped without having made any real mistakes as that is never a nice feeling. However if Klopp believes Karius' better use of the ball is integral to our playing style and winning football matches I won't argue with him as it is increasingly important in modern football.

However. I don't really expect an upgrade from Karius on Mignolet in terms of the traditional goalkeeping attributes as he is still young and looks equally - if not more so - suspect from crosses. We'll see how his shot stopping is as that could make or break Klopp's decision on who our main number one will be this season.

[Funky_Gibbons]

1.   Is Adam Lallana the most improved player since last season?

I have to agree with what others have written here and say no, because he was never as bad as people tried to make him out to be. Last season he was third behind Coutinho and Firmino on chances created and only one behind on clear cut chances created. Unfortunately there are some people who only look in the goals and assists columns to judge how a player is doing rather than using their own eyes and judgement. He’s always been a graceful player who has never hid from the ball and  has excellent technique, the fact he’s adding goals and assists this season is merely a bonus.

I agree with Curtis above who said Henderson has been our most improved player. I had doubts at the beginning of the season whether he could adjust to the deeper midfield position but there has been a noticeable difference in how we’re playing this season. We’re playing with the ball in front of Henderson more often so when he receives the ball he has options ahead of him to pass the ball to. Under Rodgers that deeper role would require him to receive the ball from the centre backs, facing his own goal and then turn but he’s hardly ever having to do that now. He’s receiving passes back to him and is able to switch the play quickly because he has so many options available in front of him.

2.   Is Matip the best defender that we have had for several years?

Too early to be handing those kind of accolades. He didn’t have much to do at the weekend because we were so impressive with our pressing from the front, but I watched the games against Chelsea back the other day and him and Lovren were really impressive. Watch how many times Costa is about to receive the ball and Matip hits him which makes him miscontrol or lose the ball.

3.   Is Mane our best signing since Suarez?

Cetainly our most direct signing since Suarez. Love the understanding him and Lallana have got going, they play little triangles and one-two’s on the edge of the box (I think Lallana has assisted both his goals too?). He’s added some pace and directness to the front three that has been missing since Suarez and Sterling left and Sturridge has been perma-injured. He looks a threat all the time either on the break with his pace or when shooting from the edge of the box.

4.   Is James Milner a revelation at full back?

Like Henderson you had doubts about his suitability to the role but like Henderson he’s benefiting from the play being in front of him and not needing to defend that often. There are still question marks about his defending, it was his mistake that lead to the corner that Hull scored from, but that’s nit-picking really.

5.   Has Simon Mignolet looked much better this season or is Karius now going to be our No. 1?

Mignolet has looked better this season, particularly his distribution which seemed to have gone up a notch, but there was still doubts whether it was good enough or whether his shot stopping was of a good enough level. The problem is we’ve seen 3-4 years of Mignolet with no real improvement and it’s time to see whether someone else is better. So far Karius has done OK, one flapped cross against Derby and one goal conceded to Hull (the question should be asked whether Karius should come for the corner, I was always told the keeper should own the six yard box and anything in there should be theirs) with their first shot on target which is one of the biggest criticism’s levelled at Mignolet (poor shot to goal ratio).

[CLOCKSPEED]

they gave city a pretty good test

They were good against city no doubt however I think it was an example to the rest of the league how to play against city i.e the major gap between back four and midfield that to be fair Swansea exploited in ok fashion. As for beating Swansea one word pace. We have it in abundance and subs bench so I confidently predict a harder game what supporters are expecting but ultimately we will take them out by the root.

[SnookerStick]

Still slight trepidation to be honest, few more results like the one against Hull and a positive result here will make my life a lot easier. Let's smash these twats! If we go on the kind of run that I think we can between now and Christmas then it’s fucking on!

[Qston]

Everything would suggest a comfortable victory. That said, despite their results, they are no pushovers - they pushed city hard certainly in the first half at the weekend - and do have the ability within the side to knock the odd pass or 2 beyond our high backline. I still think we will win and I can see Firmino starting again. A victory will set us up nicely for the 2 fixtures that follow

[vallapureddy]

only change might be Lovern for Ragnar that is it.

[AshLFC]

I think we'll have too much for them at the moment. Even if they scored first, you'd still fancy us to come back.

I would love a clean sheet though for even more confidence.

[MNAA]

It's only Monday yet the feeling is that Saturday lunch time cannot come soon enough. Our appetites have been truly whetted ...

[Dpt1983]

Correct.
Swansea's not an opponent to be taken lightly. Their pressing is intelligent- different to most other teams who press and they always give a big team a game. City got out of there with a good examination- escaping with 3 points and they gave Chelsea a good game too. Chelsea had to dig deep.

Like I said- I think this will be a stern test for us since Chelsea. Swansea normally sprint out of the blocks and score first. I can still see us win though- just not with a clean sheet and not more than a 1 or 2 goal difference, BUT all the while enduring some nervy moments.

Swansea are terrible we will win this

[lamonti]

We're going to get Guidolin fired.

"Give it t' Giggseh 'til the end of the season"

[Angelius]

It's all about keeping the intensity up and not getting complacent and over-confident. Do that and we should have more than enough to beat them. It's all about consistency now.

[stockdam]

I agree with most here that Swansea away will be a tough game but if we are going to sustain a decent challenge then we really must win these games. We will win if we keep up the intensity and pressing game.

We don't have any midweek European matches so we should be fresh and ready for each game. We have no big injury worries so the manager can select his strongest team for the match.

[JCB]

1. Is Adam Lallana the most improved player since last season?

No. Lallana has been playing well for a while now and has been much maligned solely due to his lack of goals and assists. What has improved is the system around him which has been able to bring the best out of his qualities. I think playing further back has enabled him to concentrate on being more creative and to his best abilities as he is now not carrying the weight of having to be the end product. Agree with others here that that accolade probably belongs to Henderson but that is only because he had a poor season last year. He is starting to return to his best again.

2. Is Matip the best defender that we have had for several years?

Too early to call, but I love the comparison to Sami Hyypia's composure and Agger's technical ability. Nail. Head. I think the signs are there for him to be that player but we need to sit back and see.

3. Is Mane our best signing since Suarez?

No. Our best signing since Suarez has to be Herr Klopp himself. From here on the only way the signings interest me is how they fit into Klopp's machine. Mane has become valuable due to the different assets he can bring to the team (something we've been crying out for a while now) but it's the machine that is king now. I could be wrong here, and I don't mind being corrected on it, but he seems to be playing better (and more consistently) than I remember him at Southampton.

4. Is James Milner a revelation at full back?

I remember watching his first game in LB position during the pre-season and thinking that it wasn't ideal. It wasn't bad but it didn't seem to bring the best out of him and the team and I even said at the time that I hope he doesn't play there again. I am now eating my slice of humble pie as he seems to be getting better in that position with each passing game. Not only has he been contributing to the attack superbly (which is to be expected) but his defending seems to be getting better. I can categorically state that he has surpassed my expectations so far.

5. Has Simon Mignolet looked much better this season or is Karius now going to be our No. 1?

He's definitely improved. He's obviously benefited from the added competition but also from a pre-season where he has been drilled in playing on the front foot more. He's always been a great shot stopper but he was always rooted to his goal line which comprimised him and the team sometimes. Also it helps to have a more organised defense in front of him and hardly any danger nowadays due to our dominance. He is still prone to a few moments of indecision but every goalkeeper will do that. Karius will more than likely be our number 1 by the end of the season due to the fact that he is a more natural sweeper keeper, but it's his to loose. I think it's a good position for us to be in. It will be interesting to see who comes out top.

[Suareznumber7]

Would play the exact same team again with the possible exception of Lovren for Klavon. 

[exiledintheUSA]

For some reason I think this will be a trickiest game of the next 3 or 4; I still expect us to win though.  1-2 Sturridge and Firminho.

[Lasardine]

Think we'll absolutely batter them, or lose 1-0.

Karius
Clyne Matip Lovren Milner
Lallana Henderson Wijnaldum
Mane Firmino Coutinho

Mignolet, Klavan, Moreno, Can, Grujic, Origi, Sturridge

[ThePeetmix]

I hope we can Get a result in this game that'll really put the shit up United, Mourinho and their fans. Another strong result and we'll be seeing all through the international break about how much we're flying, looking a serious force and dumping all the pressure on to United.

Add to the fact that they're coming to Anfield that'll be in top, top form, and it'll put massive nerves in their fans.

Let's lay down the marker.

[KingOfStrongStyle]

I can't see anything but another win, I can't imagine us not winning this game in current form and Swansea seem to be in disarray with their manager on the verge of the sack.

I'm predicting us to win this convincingly, if I was to predict a scoreline as things stand I would say were going to win 4-1.     

[Ken-Obi]

1 - 0 win with another 30-yard shot winner from Phil would do it for me.

Everything else can take a backseat.

I can't see anything but another win, I can't imagine us not winning this game in current form and Swansea seem to be in disarray with their manager on the verge of the sack.

I'm predicting us to win this convincingly, if I was to predict a scoreline as things stand I would say were going to win 4-1.     

Did you also see anything but a win for us vs Burnley

[Number 7]

I don't normally do this, but I think we'll beat them comfortably. They've had a bad start, and we've seen when teams get off to a bad start (West Ham), everything just becomes that much harder. Your passes seem like they have the weight of lead on them, and every shot that goes off the boot has a bit more tightness in it. They have lost 4 out of their 6 games and are under a lot of pressure at home. I think we will thrive on that and force them in to mistakes. They've lost to Hull and Leicester, 2 teams who we dispatched quite easily. Chelsea really outplayed them too and they were very fortunate to come away with a draw in that game. But of course, every game is different and they have some decent players. But so have every team we have played so far. Play with the same hunger, intensity and anger as we have been and I really can't see anything other than a win.

[Fiasco]

Guidolin is on the verge of the sack by the sound of things. If we go a goal or two up in the first half their players could well down tools. There's an international break after this game and that's often a time when a team will make a managerial change to allow the new boss a bit more time to settle in (we replaced Rodgers with Klopp at the same international break almost a year ago). The Swansea players won't be ignorant to what is happening and I think we should try and put the game to bed as early as possible. If we go a goal or two up will the Swansea team really be inclined to bust a gut for a manager who will probably be sacked afterwards?

Swansea aren't a bad team and they have a couple of players who can cause problems but if we play near our best then I can't see anything but a win.

[vinothmct]

When was the last time we won 4 on the Trot ?

Nervous for this. I just want 3 points especially with city likely to drop points