I don't care how we do it, I just want a win in this one. A scrappy, dis-jointed performance culminating in a 1-0 win, with the goal going in off Rooneys syrup would do me nicely. If we can get a result from this, then we move forward into a run of fixtures that look (without sounding complacent) winnable. This would be a good platform to progress from.
There does seem to be a good few people feeling (over) confident ahead of this one though and i'm not sure I completely share that view. We've looked far too open in midfield at times, which has contributed to a vulnerable looking defence. Couple that with a United side that are scoring for fun and personally, i'm a little nervous.
We saw what can happen when we come up against a fluid, direct, pacey attack when we went to the lane and if we're not careful we could find our midfield being by-passed in similar fashion. That's why, for me, I think we need to go for the extra body in midfield for this. That's where this game will be won or lost - the midfield. We need to make sure, first and foremost, that we're not overrun in there, which will then give us a platform to impose ourselves on the game.
With Stevie having had a few appearances off the bench now, along with another two weeks worth of full training, i'd be more than tempted to throw him in from the start for this. His experience, compsure and mobility could be key for us in that area. Kuyt is a definite as well, not least for his workrate and defensive capabilities.
Looking at the internationals, Suarez and Bellamy in particular could find themselves with little more than a couple of days preparation ahead of this game. I don't think we can afford to bench Suarez for this though, regardless. Bellamy is an option, but if he starts for Wales then it will be from the bench as an impact sub.
At the back it's a tough call. Carra performed much better against Everton, including seeing us holding a much higher line in the most part. He also excels in the big games and this is undoubtedly one of those. That said, depending on fitness I would still opt for a central defensive pairing of Skrtel and Agger. Mobility and composure on the ball would be maximised (as far as our current options go) with these two and that would provide us with a platform on which to build. Carragher will undoubtedly start though.
My lineup would be something like:
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger* Enrique
Lucas
Gerrard Adam
Kuyt Downing
Suarez
Subs:
Doni
Johnson**
Carra
Spearing
Henderson/Maxi
Bellamy
Carroll
* If fit. If not then revert to Carra & Skrtel in the centre.
** Again, if fit. If not then Flanagan in his place on the bench.
