Topic: FA Cup 3rd Round - Wolverhampton Wanders v Liverpool FC, 7th Jan 2019 at 19:45

[M(oaning) B(ecomes) E(mbarrassing)]

It is not a worthless trinket

It is when compared with the Premier League or the Champions League. 

[dudleyred]

It is when compared with the Premier League or the Champions League. 

If we were guaranteed to win one of the big two then fine but at the moment we have to win five matches for a FA Cup final, play six for champions league final and play 17 for the league.

FA cup represents as good a chance for silverware as any at the moment so should be taken seriously enough. I’m not fussed about number of team changes as long as it’s a team that you can look at and think it’s capable of winning the match

[killer-heels]

If we were guaranteed to win one of the big two then fine but at the moment we have to win five matches for a FA Cup final, play six for champions league final and play 17 for the league.

FA cup represents as good a chance for silverware as any at the moment so should be taken seriously enough. I’m not fussed about number of team changes as long as it’s a team that you can look at and think it’s capable of winning the match

I think both sides of this debate agree really and its just outlandish own goal claims by people like me which is why this is even discussed. Of course we all want to win. That is an absolute standard belief and hope.

We have players that are very good (Sturridge, Moreno, Keita, Lallana, Origi etc. ) that need to play and are good enough to win the game if they do. There are also key players like Salah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mane and Firmino for whom we need to manage the minutes so that they dont risk getting injured.

Now if this was a league game, I would never want all them being rested at the same time so straight away thats me prioritising the league over the FA Cup.

[dudleyred]

For what it’s worth I think it’ll be along the lines of

Mignolet

Hoever/Camacho
Lovren
VVD
Moreno

Fabinho
Keita
Lallana

Sturridge
Origi
Shaqiri

[xbugawugax]

---------------------------------Mignolet

Hangover------------Lovren--------------VVD---------------Moreno

---------------------------------Fabinho

--------Lallana------------------------------------Keita

-------------------------------Shaq

-------------Origi-------------------------Sturridge

Summit like that?

pretty decent that.

Robbo, curtis, AA, bobby, Mane at least on the bench in case it goes tits up

How I wish Lord Klavan still with us. Perfect for moments like this. But hey, who would have thought 2 of our Centrebacks would get injured at the same time. Matip would have started beside Lovren at least if he was fit.

[So… Howard Philips]

For what it’s worth I think it’ll be along the lines of

Mignolet

Hoever/Camacho
Lovren
VVD
Moreno

Fabinho
Keita
Lallana

Sturridge
Origi
Shaqiri

So ten full internationals and one youngster. That team should be more than capable of getting a win.

[jepovic]

A team of highly motivated squad players might have a better chance of winning than a team of physically and mentally worn starters.
Priority for me is keeping as many players fit as possible,because injuries can make squad players starters in an instant. That includes Mignolet.

[PhaseOfPlay]

A team of highly motivated squad players might have a better chance of winning than a team of physically and mentally worn starters.
Priority for me is keeping as many players fit as possible,because injuries can make squad players starters in an instant. That includes Mignolet.

If they're physically and mentally worn in January, then we're in big trouble

[spider-neil]

If they're physically and mentally worn in January, then we're in big trouble

I'm hoping the opposite is true. And that Klopp's (relatively) pragmatic style of play with less running and pressing actions will mean he can let them off the leash in the run in.

[rawcusk8]

If they're physically and mentally worn in January, then we're in big trouble

Indeed. Mentally they should be in great shape. 1 defeat so far, clear by 4 points and a run of winnable fixtures. If after all the positives they are mentally drained then we definitely have something to worry about.

[jepovic]

If they're physically and mentally worn in January, then we're in big trouble

I could imagine that several of our best players could struggle with the motivation for a 3rd round FA cup match just after the city battle. Might actually get a better team with more motivated squad players.
It's not gonna be a problem in the league. Klopp and the team seem to be very focused on the league.

[PhaseOfPlay]

I could imagine that several of our best players could struggle with the motivation for a 3rd round FA cup match just after the city battle. Might actually get a better team with more motivated squad players.
It's not gonna be a problem in the league. Klopp and the team seem to be very focused on the league.

Motivation is different than "physically and mentally worn" though.

[newterp]

You can still be mentally worn but motivated - it's not mutually exclusive.

Additionally, we  played 8 games in december + the city game 3 days ago.

They can definitely be mentally and physically tired - they are allowed to be.

[PhaseOfPlay]

You can still be mentally worn but motivated - it's not mutually exclusive.

Additionally, we  played 8 games in december + the city game 3 days ago.

They can definitely be mentally and physically tired - they are allowed to be.

If they are mentally and physically tired in January, then it doesn't bode well for the rest of the season.

[Upinsmoke]

Sounds like we will be making quite a few changes.

In the grand scheme of things I'm not interested in this competition given what's at stake in the league and Europe. It's an opportunity to rest players and give those on the fringes an opportunity. I agree with dudleyred's team. I'd also give duncan a spot on the bench along with Curtis Jones

For what it’s worth I think it’ll be along the lines of

Mignolet

Hoever/Camacho
Lovren
VVD
Moreno

Fabinho
Keita
Lallana

Sturridge
Origi
Shaqiri

                 

[newterp]

If they are mentally and physically tired in January, then it doesn't bode well for the rest of the season.

I'm sure we can use this coming month with the long gaps and likely some warm weather training to recharge.

[mrantarctica]

For what it’s worth I think it’ll be along the lines of

Mignolet

Hoever/Camacho Milner
Lovren
VVD
Moreno

Fabinho
Keita
Lallana

Sturridge
Origi
Shaqiri

Milner was rusty for the Man City game and needs to get back up to speed. His experience will be worthwhile too. I would also have Origi on the right, cutting in with Moreno overlapping. Studge in the middle where his footwork and goal instinct is most dangerous

[Gus 1855]

Given the break until the Brighton game, I suspect a few may be surprised by how strong we line up. If anyone's not close to 100% then I'm sure they'll be rested, but we won't be privy to who that will be.

My guess would be that one of VVD and Lovren will be rested, but not both. I suspect VVD will be playing given Lovren's injury proneness. Robertson the other I'd suspect will be protected. Aside from that I think it'll be rotation rather than resting.

Something mentioned in the Anfield Wrap a week ago which I never really appreciated. Playing a game is often less stressful on your body than training, so in some cases I wonder if this will be treated like a training session as far as players fitness goes.

[redmark]

I would also have Origi on the right, cutting in with Moreno overlapping

That's a big overlap.

[mrantarctica]

That's a big overlap.

Hahah quite, I mean cutting in on his favoured Right foot.

[JackWard33]

If they are mentally and physically tired in January, then it doesn't bode well for the rest of the season.

How can they not be physically off peak after 9 games in 30 days ending with the hardest game of the season
There’s no other point in the rest of the season when they’ll be asked to complete a similarly tough schedule

[Tony19:6]

We have 3 competitions to compete in for the rest of the season, neither the PL or UCL are guarantees.

We haven't won a trophy for what nearly 7 years ?

It would be a big mistake to make wholesale changes in this game, hopefully we have learnt our lesson from the last time we fcuked up in the FA Cup against Wolves.

[peachybum]

Klopp confirming that Moreno and Mignolet play and that story that the young dutch lad might be involved suggests it'll be second string team. fortunately our second string these days isn't shabby man for man it's just whether they can put it together as a team on the night.

                      Mignolet

Camacho/Hoever  Fabinho  VVD/Lovren  Moreno

                  Milner   Keita

Shaqiri           Sturridge        Lallana

                        Origi


It's a shame Salah probably won't play. He's always good for a penalty when VAR is being used.

[Fordy]

We have 3 competitions to compete in for the rest of the season, neither the PL or UCL are guarantees.

We haven't won a trophy for what nearly 7 years ?

It would be a big mistake to make wholesale changes in this game, hopefully we have learnt our lesson from the last time we fcuked up in the FA Cup against Wolves.

It makes perfect sense to rest players in this game.

All the top teams have, even Championship & div 1 sides have rested players.

The league and CL is more important. If we get to the QF then we should start taking it seriously.

[TepidT2O]

Klopp confirming that Moreno and Mignolet play and that story that the young dutch lad might be involved suggests it'll be second string team. fortunately our second string these days isn't shabby man for man it's just whether they can put it together as a team on the night.

                      Mignolet

Camacho/Hoever  Fabinho  VVD/Lovren  Moreno

                  Milner   Keita

Shaqiri           Sturridge        Lallana

                        Origi


It's a shame Salah probably won't play. He's always good for a penalty when VAR is being used.

A very strong team that...

Without any cohesion of course

[CHOPPER]

Without any cohesion of course

When did we sign him?

[Tony19:6]

It makes perfect sense to rest players in this game.

All the top teams have, even Championship & div 1 sides have rested players.

The league and CL is more important. If we get to the QF then we should start taking it seriously.

It makes sense to use the squad true, but what I dont want is to jeopardise our place in the competition due to making wholesale changes (how often have teams come unstuck doing exactly that?)

3/4 maximum for me, we've already lost 4 games in cup competitions this year alone.

Rhythm and and the fact we've just lost our 1st league game should be taken into account.

[jillcwhomever]

We have 3 competitions to compete in for the rest of the season, neither the PL or UCL are guarantees.

We haven't won a trophy for what nearly 7 years ?

It would be a big mistake to make wholesale changes in this game, hopefully we have learnt our lesson from the last time we fcuked up in the FA Cup against Wolves.

When exactly do our squad players get to play a match if we're constantly picking the same team though? That would still be a good team we have to give the likes of Sturridge, Origi, Lallana game time. What happens if we have an injury and they've had no time on the pitch? City have made 8 changes today all the top teams have to manage their players, so that they last the entire season.

[Ravishing Rick Dude]

How can they not be physically off peak after 9 games in 30 days ending with the hardest game of the season
There’s no other point in the rest of the season when they’ll be asked to complete a similarly tough schedule

City's players aren't made of flesh? This stage isn't for the weak. If you can't handle it physically, mentally and emotionally, then you should change profession.

[Peabee]

When did we sign him?

That’s a sticky subject.

[Djimi Smicer34]

City's players aren't made of flesh? This stage isn't for the weak. If you can't handle it physically, mentally and emotionally, then you should change profession.

Do you think our players machines or something?

[Tony19:6]

When exactly do our squad players get to play a match if we're constantly picking the same team though? That would still be a good team we have to give the likes of Sturridge, Origi, Lallana game time. What happens if we have an injury and they've had no time on the pitch? City have made 8 changes today all the top teams have to manage their players, so that they last the entire season.

I've already explained in a previous post how I believe we should use the squad.

Re injuries: If we're so scared of knocks then maybe Salah, VVD, Mane, Bobby, Alisson, Robbo, Trent etc.. should only play against the top 6 

[Peabee]

City's players aren't made of flesh? This stage isn't for the weak. If you can't handle it physically, mentally and emotionally, then you should change profession.

Should they “man-up” ?

Every athlete, elite or not, gets tired during a season. Rotation can also prevent tiredness, or, even worse, fatigue before it happens.

[Ravishing Rick Dude]

Do you think our players machines or something?

Do you think City's players are machines? I'm asking because they have played the same number of games as us, and currently, pretty much, all their first eleven are on the pitch winning against Rotherham.

[Peabee]

Do you think City's players are machines? I'm asking because they have played the same number of games as us, and currently, pretty much, all their first eleven are on the pitch winning against Rotherham.

They made 8 changes... they just have a quality squad.

[El Lobo]

Do you think our players machines or something?

We should test their resolve

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/i-tested-daniel-sturridges-resolve-by-playing-him-unfit-admits-roy-hodgson-8978787.html%3famp

[jillcwhomever]

I've already explained in a previous post how I believe we should use the squad.

Re injuries: If we're so scared of knocks then maybe Salah, VVD, Mane, Bobby, Alisson, Robbo, Trent etc.. should only play against the top 6 

It's about the manager making decisions on individual players depending on how they are at any stage of the season. If he feels Salah or anyone else will benefit from a rest, that's what he'll do. The other players need to be ready to step in when they happens. A manager has to balance both his main eleven and the other players in his squad. That's been behind a lot of what we've already done, getting the right balance.

[Djimi Smicer34]

Do you think City's players are machines? I'm asking because they have played the same number of games as us, and currently, pretty much, all their first eleven are on the pitch winning against Rotherham.

They're not, which would explain why Guardiola has made eight changes from Thursday.

It's called rotation, a lot of managers do it in the domestic cups.  And it doesn't suggest physical and mental weakness, arguing that it does is the definition of stupidity.

[Ravishing Rick Dude]

They're not, which would explain why Guardiola has made eight changes from Thursday.

It's called rotation, a lot of managers do it in the domestic cups.  And it doesn't suggest physical and mental weakness, arguing that it does is the definition of stupidity.

If we follow Guardiola's example, we should start: Alisson, VVD, Fabinho, Shaqiri and Salah.

[Tony19:6]

It's about the manager making decisions on individual players depending on how they are at any stage of the season. If he feels Salah or anyone else will benefit from a rest, that's what he'll do. The other players need to be ready to step in when they happens. A manager has to balance both his main eleven and the other players in his squad. That's been behind a lot of what we've already done, getting the right balance.

I agree Jurgen knows far more than I ever will and will always take what he feels to be the best decision for the benefit of LFC. If he feels a player needs a rest then he will do it and rightly so

All I'm doing is offering an opinion (like everyone on here)....

Lets just hope those advocating risking our participation in the comp. won't be on the lookout for tickets if we advance to the QF and beyond