Team v Liverpool

[Spursidol]

I was thinking that we may have to start with Bale out wide too but if this is the case, I think we'll see Defoe and Adebayor, which I don't mind greatly, I just don't want to see Adebayor on his own. Although I don't agree with Ade offering more in holding the ball up, not going on the Arsenal game anyway, I didn't see the West Ham game so I don't know what he was like then.

Not sure I like the idea of Defoe and Ade as a double strike force against Liverpool, simply because we have one less in midfield. IMO its a better idea to have a solid midfield of 5 players who can defend (maybe oin a 4231), but also join the attack to aid a single striker.

 

[davidmatzdorf]

Dude, you just compared, on some level, Eric Cantona to Daniel Sturridge.

I thought someone might say that. Now go back and read my post again. There is no "comparison" between Sturridge and Cantona. There is an analogy about the way the introduction of a single player can have a drastic effect on a team's performance level.

 

[ajspurs]

Not sure I like the idea of Defoe and Ade as a double strike force against Liverpool, simply because we have one less in midfield. IMO its a better idea to have a solid midfield of 5 players who can defend (maybe oin a 4231), but also join the attack to aid a single striker.

Yea you may be right, I think I'll just judge AVB's judgement on the day with whatever he goes with. We've surprisingly looked pretty solid when using a 4-4-2 this season though.

 

[dn013]

I thought someone might say that. Now go back and read my post again. There is no "comparison" between Sturridge and Cantona. There is an analogy about the way the introduction of a single player can have a drastic effect on a team's performance level.

I think Cantona was the French Sturridge.

 

[RussJames]

Yea you may be right, I think I'll just judge AVB's judgement on the day with whatever he goes with. We've surprisingly looked pretty solid when using a 4-4-2 this season though.

Adebayor starting as lone striker: 3W 1L 2D = 1.83 points per game
Defoe starting as lone striker: 10W 3L 7D = 1.85 points per game
Both starting in a 442(4411): 6W 2L 2D = 2 points per game

Even though we've had a better record playing both striker in a 442, I don't think this is the match to bring it back... Siggs and Holtby are both well known for their work rate and are equally capable of breaking up play and moving the ball forward, and that might be just what we need against this resurgent Liverpool side. If it were up to me I'd have Siggs, Bale, and Holtby in the 3 of a 4231, Parker and Dembele in the holding role, and Manu up front...

 

[paige09]

Lloris
Walker Dawson Verts Ekotto
Parker Dembele
Holtby Bale
Ade Defoe

Friedel Gallas Hudd Siggy Naughton Livermore Carroll

i'd like Defoe on the bench and play Siggy and leave a solid offensive option on the bench but Parker's been decent on the attack lately this could work.

 

[Snarfalicious]

Lloris
Walker Dawson Verts Ekotto
Parker Dembele
Holtby Bale
Ade Defoe

Friedel Gallas Hudd Siggy Naughton Livermore Carroll

i'd like Defoe on the bench and play Siggy and leave a solid offensive option on the bench but Parker's been decent on the attack lately this could work.

Yeah, I don't think there's any way that Holtby would start over Siggy if it came down to a decision between the two. I would like to see both Holtby and Siggy on the pitch to start as I think there will be goals scored by both sides.

 

[paige09]

that's true, Siggy is playing great right now but I think Defoe will start and I don't know if Adebayor can contribute as a late minute option. We don't have another look to throw out there if we look complacent offensively.

 

[alpha]

If no Lennon I think we may go with something like this;

..............Lloris
Walker Dawson Verts Ekotto
........Parker Dembele
.......Ade Bale Sig
.............Defoe

 

[double0]

This will be a fascinating game to watch. Liverpool are in form scoring goals and well rested playing in front of a baying Anfield crowd, we've got a colossus battle ahead. depending on the fitness of Lennon and Adebayor I'm not sure which way AVB will go.

I see us playing a pressing game on the counter with the high line which will be a dangerous strategy because of the pace of Sturridge and vision of Gerrard. Sturridge has the sort of pace that is a worry and with their supply line being Gerrard our midfield two will have to be dominate not allowing time on the ball.

Its a hard one to call a score draw looks good, a win at Anfield with Pool playing so well would be brilliant.

 

[ajspurs]

Adebayor starting as lone striker: 3W 1L 2D = 1.83 points per game
Defoe starting as lone striker: 10W 3L 7D = 1.85 points per game
Both starting in a 442(4411): 6W 2L 2D = 2 points per game

Even though we've had a better record playing both striker in a 442, I don't think this is the match to bring it back... Siggs and Holtby are both well known for their work rate and are equally capable of breaking up play and moving the ball forward, and that might be just what we need against this resurgent Liverpool side. If it were up to me I'd have Siggs, Bale, and Holtby in the 3 of a 4231, Parker and Dembele in the holding role, and Manu up front...

I would probably go for the same mate (just with Defoe instead of Adebayor) but I don't think I'll be displeased if I see both Defoe and Adebayor, my view could easily change after the game though, of course!

 

[EastLondonYid]

An alternative viewpoint:

------------------------- Lloris ------------------------
Walker ------- Dawons --- Vertonghen ------- BAE
-- Holtby/Carroll ----- Parker ---------- Dembele --
------ Sigurdsson ----------------- Bale -------------
------------------------- Defoe -----------------------

Siggy and Bale to work the channels and Holtby/Carroll added in a deep-lying position to give more tenacity/passing ability in midfield against their midfield heavy side. Having a more centralized attack would benefit us more as I believe their weakness in defense is right up the middle.

That will probably be the team if azza is out, with Holtby getting the nod over carroll for sure, and JD will keep Ade out even if he is fit imo, Ade has been a little off lately and Avb could use the excuse of his injury too 'drop' him,i would be suprised if he was in a hurry to bring him back though i do acknowledge his role in our good run.Dawson rested midweek was a massive clue and Vert is a cert...rhymes nicely that.
Cant see Avb shifting Bale to LM, i would be amazed as he is playing like superman where he plays now and Andre would get absolutely slautered if we lost with Bale being moved.

I dont agree with the formation though..it will probably be a 4-2-3-1 with sig and holtby either side of bale behind JD.

 

[spurious1]

So there is a thread already, but after the game yesterday things could have changed a bit. With Lennon is a big doubt our alternatives up front are very rare. And with all the offensive young prospects on loan I doubt we can line up anything more offensiv than Carroll on the bench.

My team given Huddle, Dempsey, Lennon, Adebayor, Sandro and Kaboul (is he in training?) are out:

-----------------------Lloris---------------------
Walker--_Dawson-----------VErts-----BAE---
-------------Dembele------Parker-------------
Holtby <------------> Bale <---> Sigurdsson
----------------------Defoe-----------------------

Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Caulker, Gallas, Livermore, Carroll, Parrett/ Ceballos/ Coulthirst

Given our injuries, there is not really much to debate about. Perhaps some permutations at CB - although Dawson/Verts is the best pairing might be an idea to rotate Caulker for Verts for resting purposes, but I wouldn't do it. The fluid Holtby-Bale-Siggy line could be very nice if they are all at the top of their games.

On Thursday, if our injury situation stays the same, and given Bale's suspension, we will have to start either Livermore or Carroll at the San Siro !

 

[idontgetit]

Looking at Rawk they genuinely think they are better than us. Not that I think there's anything wrong with self confidence but it makes me well up for this one. I think they are going to get properly schooled.

 

[kcmei]

if we can contain suarez we will win, but it will be tough

 

[JerryGarcia]

Liverpool's website says Carragher is in line to make his 500th appearance in the game tomorrow. He could be our 12th man if he can chip in with another goal or two, I'm feeling more confident now at least.

 

[BringBack_leGin]

Liverpool's website says Carragher is in line to make his 500th appearance in the game tomorrow. He could be our 12th man if he can chip in with another goal or two, I'm feeling more confident now at least.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Has he scored more league goals for us or them?