Topic: Southampton v Liverpool (St. Mary's) August 17th, 2019 3pm

[classycarra]

I agree with the guy you've quoted - I think they start, the front lads especially. Reason being that they have a full week of rest/recovery afterwards. Later in the season, if we had a midweek CL or domestic cup, then I think we'd rotate more in this weekends fixture. We can sub early if needed as well.

I reckon at least two of Mane, Firmino and Mo start. Gini is probably a sure thing as well. Would expect something like:

Trent, Matip/Gomez (maybe Lovren) Virg, Robbo
Gini, Henderson, Ox
Mo/Mane, Bobby, Origi.

Starting Gomez, whose concentration and proactivity gets worse as he tires, would be absolute madness after his 120 minutes (and poor defensive performance even before tiredness set in)

[JackWard33]

Because we need to win so we play our best side.

Obviously we make a couple of changes but would be disappointed if 2 of the front 3 didn’t start.

Our best side doesn’t include players that played 120 minutes in heat last night ... just impossible
for them to play to their level in this game

[wige]

Starting Gomez, whose concentration and proactivity gets worse as he tires, would be absolute madness after his 120 minutes (and poor defensive performance even before tiredness set in)

If the blocker is playing 120 minutes - then none of Gomez, Matip or Virg can start.

I think two of them will, but we might see Lovren instead.

[Sharado]

Why on earth would they... whats the point of having a squad and a massive wage bill if they do?

I absolutely guarantee you they will. Whether or not I would start them is a moot point. Klopp has shown previously that during this early season rustiness he's not all that arsed about rotation unless it's a competition he properly doesn't care about [league cup]. I'd be willing to bet money that 3/5 start, but I think there's a pretty decent shout it'll be 4/5.

[Nick110581]

Our best side doesn’t include players that played 120 minutes in heat last night ... just impossible
for them to play to their level in this game

It’s certainly not impossible. Some players recover quickly.

Mo played the full match but Bobby / Sadio didnt

[Trendisnotdestiny]

I'm certain Lallana is starting for this.

Here is my guess


Adrian
TAA Lovren VVD Robbo
Lallana Gini Henderson
Shaq  Firmino  Origi


Kloppo will sort it though.   

Fabinho was cramping at the end - not too cool
Mane played most of the game - intense
Milner has a knock - looked slow
Ox will be protected - not up to the pace yet
Keita is an unknown - ready to play or not?
Gomez looked shredded in parts of the game - recovery
Matip could start - but prefer the fresh legs of Degsy as Viva suggested

** have to watch Henderson (sub him at 65 min with our freshest middie)

[MNAA]

I absolutely guarantee you they will. Whether or not I would start them is a moot point. Klopp has shown previously that during this early season rustiness he's not all that arsed about rotation unless it's a competition he properly doesn't care about [league cup]. I'd be willing to bet money that 3/5 start, but I think there's a pretty decent shout it'll be 4/5.

Agree with your rationale. Salah and Mane will play. Hendo 75/25, Gomez 50/50. Fabinho will be rested

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Here is my guess


Adrian
TAA Lovren VVD Robbo
Lallana Gini Henderson
Shaq  Firmino  Origi


Kloppo will sort it though.   

Fabinho was cramping at the end - not too cool
Mane played most of the game - intense
Milner has a knock - looked slow
Ox will be protected - not up to the pace yet
Keita is an unknown - ready to play or not?
Gomez looked shredded in parts of the game - recovery
Matip could start - but prefer the fresh legs of Degsy as Viva suggested

** have to watch Henderson (sub him at 65 min with our freshest middie)

Can't see Hendo starting. he played a full 120 minutes, I think Wijnaldum takes his place who came in later on.

[Trendisnotdestiny]

Can't see Hendo starting. he played a full 120 minutes, I think Wijnaldum takes his place who came in later on.

Have Gini starting already mate.

I agree he played 120 minutes --- who comes in for hiim?

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Have Gini starting already mate.

I agree he played 120 minutes --- who comes in for hiim?

Ox. Even with his rustyness, he needs minutes. Lallana,Wijnaldum and Ox [if Milner can't make it]. Or a two man midfield with Shaqiri as the 10.

[Melbred]

From memory we were grinding out a lot of ugly wins at the beginning of last season. With the short time between games, I think it'll be scrappy 2-1 win.

[Sharado]

From memory we were grinding out a lot of ugly wins at the beginning of last season. With the short time between games, I think it'll be scrappy 2-1 win.

We did it brilliantly at the start of last year, was it the first 6 or so games we won including trips to spurs and leicester. We've just got to get over the line up to the international break - any old win will do here, you'd generally back us at home even against arsenal, and burnley will be a big test. I'd bite your hand off for 3 1-0's to be honest. After the break we can dust ourselves off a bit and start to turn it on.

[HeartAndSoul]

Adrian
Trent Matip Virgil Robertson
Gini Lallana Keita
Mane Bobby Origi

We've not got any cover for Robbo so he starts. If Keita isn't fit guess it'll be one Milner or Hendo.

Just hope we can grind out a result in this one. Squad depth being tested already.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

From memory we were grinding out a lot of ugly wins at the beginning of last season. With the short time between games, I think it'll be scrappy 2-1 win.

Pretty much. We had games with halves of good and average/poor performances, but found ways to win and that's the core strength of this side.

[Mighty_Red]

The killer was both Hendo and Fabinho playing the 120mins and it's likely that one of then will have to play on Sat.

After last night's excursions, I would take a 1 nil with no injuries any day.

[cheshiremike]

Adrian

trent
vvd
matip
robbo

fab
Ox
lallana

Mo
bobby
mane

[Scottish-Don]

Here is my guess

Adrian
TAA Lovren VVD Robbo
Lallana Gini Henderson
Shaq  Firmino  Origi

Glad you don't pick the team mate

[LallanaInPyjamas]

The killer was both Hendo and Fabinho playing the 120mins and it's likely that one of then will have to play on Sat.

Yeah, agreed. It's hard to envisage a line-up without one of them in it bringing steel to the party, particularly Fabinho.

Equally, I don't see a line-up with both Oxlade and Lallana in it.

Adrian

Trent
Matip
VVD
Robbo

Lallana
Fabinho
Gini

Salah
Bobby
Mané

[RogerTheRed]

Come on Redmen!!
It is clear that last night will have an impact and as Klopp says, our task is to overcome this. As others have said it seems likely Origi, Shaquiri, Gini, Bobby and Trent will start. Not sure how much more rotation we should expect. Those who played the full 120 can be on the bench and introduced as required alongside the other options such as Lallana and Ox.
Keita is a good option if he is fit again.

[GinKop]

Play Degsy, Lallana, VVD, Ox and Mane just for maximum fume. Get Clyne in off the treatment table just for this game.

Seriously though, I think we are already looking a bit leggy and especially after playing in those conditions, we could do with rotating a bit. I know there is time to recuperate after the game before the next one, but that won't help us during those 90 minutes. Plus it opens the door for muscle injuries that could be avoided.

Don't know what the side looks like but be nice to see Mane and Bobby in from the start.

[Bolrick]

This is the match to bring in origi and shaqiri from the start.


                                     Adriaaaannnnnnn
                            TAA     Matip  VVD   Milner
                                          Lallana
                                     Gini           Ox
                        Shaqiri          Firmino    Origi

If shaqiri still is not able to get into the team against southampton, then we should have sold him in the summer. Shaqiri does a decent job on the wing (more so than the OX), so hope he gets his chance now.

[classycarra]

If the blocker is playing 120 minutes - then none of Gomez, Matip or Virg can start.

I think two of them will, but we might see Lovren instead.

I would have though the other things I wrote about Gomez, differentiating him, were obviously the blocker

[Jack Barrels]

I absolutely guarantee you they will. Whether or not I would start them is a moot point. Klopp has shown previously that during this early season rustiness he's not all that arsed about rotation unless it's a competition he properly doesn't care about [league cup]. I'd be willing to bet money that 3/5 start, but I think there's a pretty decent shout it'll be 4/5.

I agree that most of those players will start, although not sure how you can be so certain of Gomez. Either him or Matip makes way for TAA. My bet is: TAA, Matip, VVD, Robbo - Gini, Lallana, Henderson - Origi, Bobby, Salah.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Shaqiri should absolutely play in this match, either out wide or as a 10.

[ConqueredAllOfEurope]

Well we saw Lallana as the 'number 6' in pre season, might see it in a competitive league game on Saturday now.

[JoeCole]

None of the below completed the full 120 minutes so you'd imagine they're all available to play (unknown injuries/knocks aside)

Robertson (90 mins)
Milner (64 mins)
Ox (45 mins)
Mane (103 mins)
Trent (30 mins)
Wijnaldum (56 mins)
Origi (17 mins)
Firmino (75 mins)

Adrian

Trent - x - x - Robertson

Ox - Wijnaldum - Milner

Mane - Firmino - Origi

[ConqueredAllOfEurope]

Honestly wouldn't surprise me if Mo started. He is a super athlete and he didn't get dropped much last season either.

[wige]

I would have though the other things I wrote about Gomez, differentiating him, were obviously the blocker

The way the post was written indicated not, but fine - going off the other parts - I don't think they're a consistent behaviour of him, in fact I see it it the opposite - he tends to grow into games. While I agree he wasn't defensively great I think the cause and far bigger issue were the acres of space ahead of him we were leaving exposed because of our failure to either a) pass the ball well from defense or b) make it stick once we did get it forwards. Most of this was rectified with the Firmino sub and his ability to hold, turn and bring the midfielders who'd vacated space or Mo/Mane into the game (how I saw it anyway).

Regardless of if you see it the same - we're gonna have to pick 2 CBs from a pool of Virg, Gomez, Matip, Lovren and Van Den Berg. You'd assume Virg is one, that VDB isn't a viable option and due to Lovrens 'illness' that the choice is down to either a) Gomez and his inadequacies as you saw them or b) Matip and his similarly sketchy performance in terms of distribution. Both of whom have played 120 midweek minutes

[Sharado]

Well we saw Lallana as the 'number 6' in pre season, might see it in a competitive league game on Saturday now.

Brace for impact if that happens. I'd be quite into it though.

[classycarra]

The way the post was written indicated not, but fine - going off the other parts - I don't think they're a consistent behaviour of him, in fact I see it it the opposite - he tends to grow into games. While I agree he wasn't defensively great I think the cause and far bigger issue were the acres of space ahead of him we were leaving exposed because of our failure to either a) pass the ball well from defense or b) make it stick once we did get it forwards. Most of this was rectified with the Firmino sub and his ability to hold, turn and bring the midfielders who'd vacated space or Mo/Mane into the game (how I saw it anyway).

Regardless of if you see it the same - we're gonna have to pick 2 CBs from a pool of Virg, Gomez, Matip, Lovren and Van Den Berg. You'd assume Virg is one, that VDB isn't a viable option and due to Lovrens 'illness' that the choice is down to either a) Gomez and his inadequacies as you saw them or b) Matip and his similarly sketchy performance in terms of distribution. Both of whom have played 120 midweek minutes

In simple terms, so taking out the trying too hard distribution, one of them defended well and the other defended badly. I'd say on merit Gomez has a way to go to earn a starting spot at centre half.

His attacking work at right back has been discussed enough but I think his awareness and defensive instincts do not extend well to playing right back (the goal is the most obvious error, but there were numerous - including trying to defending from the throw in line with chelsea players between him and Matip and some ballwatching late on).

The goal error shows him looking ahead of his right back position trying to find their left sided player so he can ready himself to track his run. Unfortunately one of the slowest players on the pitch was behind him and he hadn't spotted any of the movement behind him - it was entirely reactive.

I can't agree at all that he grows into games. You can spot on the pitch when he's tired, because it's demonstrated by mistakes and slow tracking back. Just look at the Barca away game Messi tap in for the perfect example. He got slack in possession, didn't get back into shape, didn't sprint at all and wasn't switched on to the first ball.

[classycarra]

Brace for impact if that happens. I'd be quite into it though.

There's zero chance it happens, in my opinion (so long as Gini starts). Why would we try that for the first time in a game with significant senior absences (Allison Fabinho Henderson and one of Salah/Mane is my guess), when we have played Wijnaldum there before?

[Trendisnotdestiny]

Glad you don't pick the team mate

Me too, considering I have not been to more than 1 practice in the last five years.

The issue, though has to do with recovery, pre-existing or recurring weaknesses/histories in our starters or players who played a large number of minutes.  Cannot really afford to run our players into the ground yet.

Shaq and Lallana have to play/start (imo) and unless Milner's knock is minor (then one of Fabinho or Henderson will have to start out).  We have to give Mane and Salah some time to recover --- which makes for a smart bench (last 10-15 minutes type of thing).

Again, this type of lineup predicting is pretty much an irrelevant past time considering our club pays people to help making those decisions --- so I'll stop here. But Soton is  not going to be a walk in the park.

[Trendisnotdestiny]

This is the match to bring in origi and shaqiri from the start.


                                     Adriaaaannnnnnn
                            TAA     Matip  VVD   Milner
                                          Lallana
                                     Gini           Ox
                        Shaqiri          Firmino    Origi

If shaqiri still is not able to get into the team against southampton, then we should have sold him in the summer. Shaqiri does a decent job on the wing (more so than the OX), so hope he gets his chance now.

Unfortunately, I think this lineup plays into Southampton's plans ---- Redmond is a slippery character and he brings pace to wide flanks (Ox is just getting back and Milner has no business subbing for Robbo as his play yesterday was sluggish - unless Robbo is shattered -- then at least I would go with Hoever or Larouci (as physically, they'd be up for it).

I am not so sure this game will be about tactics... as much as it will be about recovery, fighting through adversity/fatigue and finding fresh solutions for our three biggest issues at present:

1.  Solving the gaps in our back four between CB's/FB's
2.  Keeping possession of the ball in midfield (1st touch was poor from our middies against Chelsea) - fatigue/new ball/options
3.  Spaces conceded in the middle of the park (gaps in front of the back 4)

Solve a few problems going forward, do not concede anything silly --- and we will slog through (maybe even a Shaq attack on the coast).

[Mighty_Red]

Forgot to mention, thanks for the great read. Love the pics with the players alongside their Soton past. One thing I would have to say that whilst the Soton fans have (rightly) bemoaned all the player sales, the fact that they have not made any major sales since VVD is actually a negative for them as it's an indicator that their current players are not wanted by the big teams (maybe Redmond & Bertrand excepted) and therefore their player recruitment has not been as successful as it has been.

The key till now has been taking the money and investing it well, e.g. the Lovren & Lallana money led to VVD and Mane. Not sure if they have invested the VVD money well at all (apart from maybe Ings).

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Wouldn't mind seeing Hoever at LB in this match.

[Bob Sacamano]

Shaqiri should absolutely play in this match, either out wide or as a 10.

I don't think he'll start. He is a number 10. But Bobby is our 10 and he will start.

I'm fairly certain Origi will start...either for Mane or Mo. If they both sit, then I'd imagine Ox will be the other replacement.

[Morgana]

Starting Gomez, whose concentration and proactivity gets worse as he tires, would be absolute madness after his 120 minutes (and poor defensive performance even before tiredness set in)

To be fair to Gomez, Matip made some horrendous mistakes last night too. I reckon penalties were just "fated."

I'm fairly certain Origi will start...either for Mane or Mo. If they both sit, then I'd imagine Ox will be the other replacement.

The jury is out on whether Ox is still a top level player. Perhaps he just needs more time to find his rhythm. I would not start him in a must-win game. The pressure of the run-in with City will crush us if we start dropping points so soon. This game is a must-win. Mo-Bobby-Sadio please.

[JackWard33]

To be fair to Gomez, Matip made some horrendous mistakes last night too. I reckon penalties were just "fated."

The jury is out on whether Ox is still a top level player. Perhaps he just needs more time to find his rhythm. I would not start him in a must-win game. The pressure of the run-in with City will crush us if we start dropping points so soon. This game is a must-win. Mo-Bobby-Sadio please.

It’s not remotely must win... please someone stop the madness

[Bread]

Don't know what to make of Southampton. I thought a full season under Hassenhuttl would see them join the likes of Leicester and Wolves as a Top 10 team and a Europa League pretender. At the very least, they should be the "best of the rest" if you exclude the usual Top 6, Leicester, Wolves, Everton and potentially West Ham. But their performance at Burnley was horrendous, and I now wonder if Hassenhuttl will actually be able to reverse the damage done by Pellegrino and Hughes.

As for us, I'm not actually overly worried about our exerts in Istanbul. We've got the fittest squad in the Prem, and I would expect us to be able to overcome our exhaustion, especially with a more reasonable temperature. I can see Origi playing on the left since Mane has only just returned. My rogue shout is that we'll see Fabinho rested and Lallana having a go at the #6 role for the first time.

[Sharado]

To be fair to Gomez, Matip made some horrendous mistakes last night too. I reckon penalties were just "fated."

The jury is out on whether Ox is still a top level player. Perhaps he just needs more time to find his rhythm. I would not start him in a must-win game. The pressure of the run-in with City will crush us if we start dropping points so soon. This game is a must-win. Mo-Bobby-Sadio please.

Fucking relax. It's the second game of the season!