Topic: Liverpool 0-0 Spurs: Half time.....

[Pistolero]

One song we're bound to hear?
The brilliant slow version of 'When the Spurs'.

cant fuckin stand that contrived as fuck nouveau-anthem..and the gobshite finger waving that accompanies it...

im off for a pie when they start it up

[Roger Federer]

Makes me laugh also at those who want kuyt not starting. When will they ever realise!!

Don't mean to pick on your posts, but didn't you just say we should go for it and let Spurs worry about us? Even though it's close, I think Carroll is more of a threat up front, and surely Suarez and Bellamy are from out wide/in free roles? So what's wrong with leaving Kuyt out of the side?

[koolkamal]

No doubt Adam is more likely than Henderson to play the final ball, like he did against Wolves twice, (Henderson has shown he can do it to, the passes to Bellamy at Wolves, Downing at City, Suarez against Bolton for example, were brilliant), but if you want to pass the ball around, I'd definitely chose Henderson. He passes the ball quicker and more accurate, and is better at setting our tempo.

And like I said in the other post, Spurs will find it harder to impose their passing game on us, with Henderson rather than Adam. No matter how much we'll try and get on top of them, go for it, players like Modric, especially, Parker and Van der Vaart will get on the ball and Adam is, if I'm honest, a liability off the ball. He was last time we met, and I think he could be even more exposed without Lucas in the side. Seems like you disagree with that, and I don't think we'll find common ground on this, which is fair enough.

Whoever plays, will have a a very difficult task today though, as for some reason, both Parker and Modric are usually at their best against us.

If it was a choice between Henderson and Adam I'd go with Henderson, simply because Adam has struggled against teams that press and close him down quickly. Adam can be great when he has that little extra time on the ball but Henderson passing is much quicker and accurate. Think it's more a choice between Gerrard and Adam rather than Henderson and Adam.

[the_red_pill]

For me Adam plays. We need to win this game and your safety 1st midfield plays right in to spurs hands.

Who created most of the goals midweek? Adam.

We need to get at spurs and create. I would start Adam instead of Henderson and play Adam were you put henderson. Adam is better in a 3 man cm and will hurt other teams with his passing ability.

Not even convinced I would start luis as he won't be match fit.

Adam

Fordy's "Aquilani"


Anyway, there's a lot of ammunition fired in the boy's direction, including some saying Henderson is better than him. They offer different options to the team. Henderson is a "safer" option who you'd want if you wanted to have more control of the ball in midfield, however- however, you'd have to settle for less attacking threat.

Adam would provide you with less control, but more goals- either scoring himself, providing assists. For all his "woes" and the criticism he has, he scores and dissects(Henderson does that a bit as well, tbf)/stretches the oppo with his passes which is what counts most, in my mind. A flawed matchwinner- like King Luis, the patron saint of "Sangria" connossieurs.


Personally- in this game- I'd prefer Hendo starting and then have Adam come on later in the game when it's more settled and both teams are playing at an even pace. He'll contribute to ripping the piss out of 'em. This obviusly has to be balanced with Kuyt to maintain some kind of control.
I've a good feelin about this game. I don't proclaim that often, but the only time I did- Real at Anfield- we tore them a new one. Hopefully this will at least end in a win for us, which under normal circumstances- we ought to win anyway.

[lachesis]

I'd like to see this:



Bellamy and Suarez are both hard working enough to stifle midfield, making it five in there altogether when needed. I've left Andy out because I don't think this is going to be the kind of game we need him for. He's not a proper back to goal player yet but showing signs, whereas Kuyt can do this and for his limitations he's difficult to dispossess when shielding and holding up play. It's when he tries to beat a man or play an intricate pass it sometimes goes a bit askew.

The game in my opinion is going to be won by the team that harries a mistake from the others defence. Bellamy and Suarez are absolute nightmares in this respect and will also be the two best attacking options against Spurs fullbacks. Provided Gerrard can break from midfield when the time is right as well and he should be able to knock one in.

Think Spearing is a good harrier and the three midfield gives us a decent cover of tenacity, long range and short range passing as well. Bellamy out wide as I trust him more to work his defensive duties against Bale with Johnson and both have some recovery pace.

[nevoo36]

For me it's got to be:

                                    Reina

Johnson          Agger                  Skrtel                  Enrique

                                  Spearing

           Gerrard                               Adam

Suarez                          Carroll                       Bellamy

Carroll needs to start, he has some confidence now and his lat two performances against the Filth and Wolves have been the best since he's been here, he's now beginning to show that he can play well without actually putting the ball in the net. That front 3 would cause Spurs all sorts of problems and Gerrard could do a number on Bale.

Going for a 2-1 win, come on the red men keep the momentum going in our push for 4th 

[Anywhichwayicant]

Kuyt                                        Downing


                    Carroll


I think that'll be the front three.

[Pistolero]

I'd like to see this:



Bellamy and Suarez are both hard working enough to stifle midfield, making it five in there altogether when needed. I've left Andy out because I don't think this is going to be the kind of game we need him for. He's not a proper back to goal player yet but showing signs, whereas Kuyt can do this and for his limitations he's difficult to dispossess when shielding and holding up play. It's when he tries to beat a man or play an intricate pass it sometimes goes a bit askew.

The game in my opinion is going to be won by the team that harries a mistake from the others defence. Bellamy and Suarez are absolute nightmares in this respect and will also be the two best attacking options against Spurs fullbacks. Provided Gerrard can break from midfield when the time is right as well and he should be able to knock one in.

Think Spearing is a good harrier and the three midfield gives us a decent cover of tenacity, long range and short range passing as well. Bellamy out wide as I trust him more to work his defensive duties against Bale with Johnson and both have some recovery pace.

no Carroll?...you on da pipe?

[shawnk]

I'd like to see this:

Same for me. Would be harsh to leave Carroll on the bench but I prefer Kuyt due to his hard working nature and always position himself to pounce on loose balls or 5 yarders.

[thelinnen]

Carroll will start no doubt.

[Pistolero]

Same for me. Would be harsh to leave Carroll on the bench but I prefer Kuyt due to his hard working nature and always position himself to pounce on loose balls or 5 yarders.

Spend a year working with our record signing, building up his confidence, adapting him into the side...then as soon as it shows signs of bearing fruit - bench him for the biggest home game of the season.

Come back Andy Townsend's tactics truck...all is forgiven

[lachesis]

no Carroll?...you on da pipe?

You're making the decision with your heart not your head. Just because a player looks like he might have found some small bit of form doesn't mean he right for this type of game - in form or not.

[.Mike]

You're making the decision with your heart not your head. Just because a player looks like he might have found some small bit of form doesn't mean he right for this type of game - in form or not.

He's been great when he's had a run of games.

Why suddenly end that?

[nevoo36]

You're making the decision with your heart not your head. Just because a player looks like he might have found some small bit of form doesn't mean he right for this type of game - in form or not.

Wrong..........Heart and Head says Carroll should start this game, Spurs aren't exactly blessed with height at the back and with right deliveries from Gerrard and Adam Carroll will have a field day in there. Carroll is exactly the type of player who needs a continuing run of games he is very much a confidence player and continuing to start him will only build that confidence.

Am going to go out on a limb here and say Carroll will finish with 15 goals plus this season.

[Lebron]

I know Kenny likes to be unpredictable with his selections but no way does Carroll sit on the Bench for this one.  I myself think Suarez will start from the bench with Kuyt and Bellamy out wide, central three of Stevie Spearo and Henderson.

[lachesis]

He's been great when he's had a run of games.

Great? Really? I haven't said one word about Andy and his performances but 'great' is really stretching it there mate.

For me, Kuyt suits the way I think we should approach the game and I'd rather play as a unit than make space for one player. Also as I've said he's not really a back to goal player for me. What I'm expecting of someone in that role against Spurs is someone who will chase and harry the central defenders in conjunction with Suarez and Bellamy and hold up play with back to goal.

Andy isn't that type of player in my book, he's not an all out charge and pressure player and he struggles in my opinion to have balls fed to him and turn. Playing flick on against Spurs is too much in the 'hoping' category.

Wrong..........Heart and Head says Carroll should start this game, Spurs aren't exactly blessed with height at the back and with right deliveries from Gerrard and Adam Carroll will have a field day in there.

That's the issue right there - how many headers from open play have we scored this season?

[Barefoot Doctor]

Tough one this. I'd love Suarez to start, but I expect him to be on the bench. Lack of match fitness.

So based on that, I'd go Kuyt, Bellamy and Carroll up top, with Spearing, Gerrard and Henderson in midfield. Although I wouldn't be shocked if Gerrard was on the bench with Adam in his place.

Suarez and Gerrard on the bench would be disappointing, but bringing them both on with 30 minutes left would be fantastic.

[nevoo36]

Great? Really? I haven't said one word about Andy and his performances but 'great' is really stretching it there mate.

For me, Kuyt suits the way I think we should approach the game and I'd rather play as a unit than make space for one player. Also as I've said he's not really a back to goal player for me. What I'm expecting of someone in that role against Spurs is someone who will chase and harry the central defenders in conjunction with Suarez and Bellamy and hold up play with back to goal.

Andy isn't that type of player in my book, he's not an all out charge and pressure player and he struggles in my opinion to have balls fed to him and turn. Playing flick on against Spurs is too much in the 'hoping' category.

That's the issue right there - how many headers from open play have we scored this season?

How many times has Carroll got on the end of a cross from open play or set piece and either been thwarted by a worldie save from opposing goalkeepers or unluckily hit the woodwork?

[Cusamano]

Barring an injury carroll is almost guaranteed to start.

[lachesis]

How many times has Carroll got on the end of a cross from open play or set piece and either been thwarted by a worldie save from opposing goalkeepers or unluckily hit the woodwork?

Tell me. The header he hit the crossbar with was unlucky but it was an acute angle. Aside from that the one he should have buried with his foot from two yards out doesn't qualify for me.

I don't know why it's such a problem that I haven't picked him in what I'd play. Kenny might still pick him you know, I just don't think he is suited to this game at all, nor Adam.

[Gitsy606]

How many times has Carroll got on the end of a cross from open play or set piece and either been thwarted by a worldie save from opposing goalkeepers or unluckily hit the woodwork?

Anyone have the figures on that? Id say if even half them went in, people would be raving about him.

[Rob17]

If Carroll is ever going to be a success at this club, he has to start. 

[Pistolero]

You're making the decision with your heart not your head.

Ive consulted both...and they're in agreement that he's the first name on the sheet

[arnaldo]

Attack attack attack- best policy against spurs, their defence can be fragile when tested. I'm worried about central midfield, we def need spearing in there. Against the mancs our midfield was totally exposed for the first hr, nobody was holding it at all

[-HH-]

Then you have fucking morons in this thread hoping someone breaks his leg, why!? Fucking embarassing.

Maybe it's because he's a diving, overacting little prick who makes Nani look like the tough guy of the entire division. I can't say I actively want someone to break his leg but you'll say stuff like that if you're in a mood and I can't say I'd cry any tears for him if it did happen. Maybe if he experiences some real pain he'll tone down the writhing on the ground in agony whenever someone touches him (or sometimes when they don't.) Or maybe he'll use method acting and fake the pain better. I'm not sure if that's the same reason others want his leg snapped in half but I'll keep mentioning it until someone picks up on it and notices it.

P.S. He's worse at it than Suarez

P.P.S. No, really.

[lachesis]

Ive consulted both...and they're in agreement that he's the first name on the sheet

Fair play, we don't agree. Again though first name on the teamsheet? When we have players like Reina, Gerrard, Enrique etc. This kind of statement does the lad no favours. He's showing some signs of promise that he's settling in now, let's not immediately heap a shitload of weight on his shoulders.

[walshys_mullet]

7-0 and I reckon McDermott will grab one.

[Pistolero]

Fair play, we don't agree. Again though first name on the teamsheet? When we have players like Reina, Gerrard, Enrique etc. This kind of statement does the lad no favours. He's showing some signs of promise that he's settling in now, let's not immediately heap a shitload of weight on his shoulders.

he'll never meet me or you or anyone on here...or ever read anything thats ever written on this website....I think his shoulders can cope with that weight

[Packalacky]

Maybe it's because he's a diving, overacting little prick who makes Nani look like the tough guy of the entire division. I can't say I actively want someone to break his leg but you'll say stuff like that if you're in a mood and I can't say I'd cry any tears for him if it did happen. Maybe if he experiences some real pain he'll tone down the writhing on the ground in agony whenever someone touches him (or sometimes when they don't.) Or maybe he'll use method acting and fake the pain better. I'm not sure if that's the same reason others want his leg snapped in half but I'll keep mentioning it until someone picks up on it and notices it.

P.S. He's worse at it than Suarez

P.P.S. No, really.

So you want him to hurt himself because he dives a bit more than Suarez?

Odd...

[thelinnen]

Bale's main asset is his pace so a class right back should be able to keep him in check. Where are we going to get one of them? 

[-HH-]

So you want him to hurt himself because he dives a bit more than Suarez?

Odd...

No, I think you'll find I said I don't actively want him injured, just that I'd cry no tears for him.

[-HH-]

Bale's main asset is his pace so a class right back should be able to keep him in check. Where are we going to get one two of them? 

[lfcmaster]

Bale's main asset is his pace so a class right back should be able to keep him in check. Where are we going to get one of them? 

bellamy at right wing to help track bale aswell

[Snoopy29]

This is going to be tough >_<

[careful on these streets, I've heard stories]

For me Adam plays. We need to win this game and your safety 1st midfield plays right in to spurs hands.

Who created most of the goals midweek? Adam.

We need to get at spurs and create. I would start Adam instead of Henderson and play Adam were you put henderson. Adam is better in a 3 man cm and will hurt other teams with his passing ability.

Not even convinced I would start luis as he won't be match fit.

You are quite right he played well against Wolves but Spurs have a better midfield than we do atm with alot more creativity which is why we need to keep things tight in CM. Parker, Modric and VdV, will need to be well marshalled all game and I don't think Adam would be better for that role, Suarez and Bellamy and Even Carroll will create chances in attack plus we have two attacking full backs.

I have no doubt Suarez would be up for this, same as he did when he first came here after not playing for a while didn't take him long to get into the groove

[rocco]

I'd have no doubt Suarez willbe fit enought to start , It was 8 game ban not 9

[thelinnen]

I'd have no doubt Suarez willbe fit enought to start , It was 8 game ban not 9

He missed one for the middle finger to the Fulham fans.

[RK7]

               Reina
   Kelly    Skrtel      Agger     Enrique
                  Spearing
Johnson Gerrard Henderson Downing

                     Suarez

[JackWard33]

its really not the time to make Carroll's confidence the priority - or a priority at all to be honest.

the only question is what's the best side to win the game - personally I don't think it has him in it, King will dominate him; others may disagree but the discussion should be about how we win the game not whether not AC needs a run of games to fit in or whatever

[gorgepir]

Actually I think our chance to win against the Spurs will probably come from dead-ball situations. So Carroll should definitely be involved, because he will take away a marker or two, and he will probably score.