Team vs. Liverpool

[felmani26]

Appreciate we have a mid week match against Anzhi but let's face it, it's a dead rubber game and it will be a completely changed side that will face one of our biggest tests at the Lane thus far this season.

Question marks over the fitness of Messrs Vertonghen, Kaboul, Chiriches, Dembele and Rose but the expectation is that all will be fit or at least able to participate.

On the flip side, it'll be interesting if Gerrard is fit after limping off today so that might make a big difference to how 'pool approach this but it goes without saying, we will have a hard time keeping Suarez quiet who is proving what a fantastic footballer he is this season.

I think we need to have centre backs who can cope with the movement of Suarez and play smart to combat him which is why I'd look to operate a Verts-Chiri partnership as I fear Luis could make an absolute fool of Dawson.

Lloris

Walker Chiriches Vertonghen Rose

Capoue Dembele
Paulinho

Lennon Soldado Townsend
​

I'm not a huge fan of Lennon's but it's these type of games he does seem to do well in and is starting to get a bit of form so you ride it for as long as it lasts. Chadli is another one whereby he could do with a nice run although eventually, I'd like to see Lamela there.

Holtby is an unfortunate casualty but you need to have a runner in midfield to help our defence out with Suarez and I'd rather have Capoue tracking back, starting our attacks allowing Dembele and Paulinho to push further forward in what should be similar to the Utd game making it a more open affair.

I do think our line ups will change quite a bit depending on fitness news and new rationale but currently speaking, I'd be confident going into this match with that line up.

 

[Macspur261]

Not bothered what lineup AVB puts out, keep Suarez quiet and we win the game.

COYS

 

[hughy]

Doubt Rose will come straight back in unless he plays a few minutes against Anzhi. So Verts back at LB for me, with Chriches and Daws at the back. There is no way AVB will be dropping Daws.

 

[WiganSpur]

Lloris
Walker Chiriches Vertonghen Rose
Sandro--Dembele
Lennon--Lamela--Chadli
Soldado
​

Gomes, Naughton, Capoue, Paulinho, Holtby, Townsend, Adebayor

If Rose still isn't back:

Lloris
Walker Capoue Chiriches Vertonghen
Sandro--Dembele
Lennon--Lamela--Townsend
Soldado​

 

[Mr Pink]

I will be staggered if Rose comes straight back into the side if he doesn't get a run out on Thursday. Staggered, particularly with AVB's form for reintroducing players back.

Dembele had a clear problem with that hip again - so it looked. Would say he's a real doubt and I'm not expecting Vertonghen to make it either. Will Vlad be ok...hard to predict as we have quite a few who will be touch and go. But I'll be positive, but no way can I see Rose starting it. Townsend on the left I'm dying to see more of, particularly with Soldado up front.

On that basis:

Lloris

Walker
Dawson
Vlad
Vertonghen

Sandro
Dembele

Lennon
Paulinho
Townsend

Soldado

Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Capoue, Holtby, Lamela, Chadli, Defoe

Its really, really harsh on Holtby. Was desperately trying to find a place for him but Sandro has to start to keep tabs on Suarez - that could be a crucial dual in the game. If Dembele isn't fit, I'd drop Paulinho in beside Sandro and put Holtby in the number ten role.

Couldn't even find a space on the bench for Sig.

 

[ItsBoris]

They'll be missing Gerrard which means their midfield will be weak, so we should try to dominate that area as much as we can.

------------------Lloris------------
Walker---Chiriches--Vertonghen--Rose
----------Capoue-----Dembele---------
--Lennon------Paulinho----Townsend-- <-----Maybe Lamela for Townsend
----------------Soldado---------------

 

[murichej]

Can't believe you aren't putting Sandro in. He'll be playing 100%. AVB rested him today as much as possible and saved him for scousers.

 

[felmani26]

I will be staggered if Rose comes straight back into the side if he doesn't get a run out on Thursday. Staggered, particularly with AVB's form for reintroducing players back.

Dembele had a clear problem with that hip again - so it looked. Would say he's a real doubt and I'm not expecting Vertonghen to make it either. Will Vlad be ok...hard to predict as we have quite a few who will be touch and go. But I'll be positive, but no way can I see Rose starting it. Townsend on the left I'm dying to see more of, particularly with Soldado up front.

On that basis:

Lloris

Walker
Dawson
Vlad
Vertonghen

Sandro
Dembele

Lennon
Paulinho
Townsend

Soldado

Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Capoue, Holtby, Lamela, Chadli, Defoe

Its really, really harsh on Holtby. Was desperately trying to find a place for him but Sandro has to start to keep tabs on Suarez - that could be a crucial dual in the game. If Dembele isn't fit, I'd drop Paulinho in beside Sandro and put Holtby in the number ten role.

Couldn't even find a space on the bench for Sig.

It's optimistic of me granted but not outside the realms of possibility - especially considering how fast tracked Capoue was it seemed.

Totally feel the same on Holtby though but needs must and we absolutely have to have one of Capoue or Sandro to track Suarez - I went for Capoue due to better distribution and we are home but certainly wouldn't be unhappy with Sandro.

 

[felmani26]

Can't believe you aren't putting Sandro in. He'll be playing 100%. AVB rested him today as much as possible and saved him for scousers.

See my response to Pinky - better distribution at home for me but can totally see why people would pick Sandro though.

 

[Mr Pink]

It's optimistic of me granted but not outside the realms of possibility - especially considering how fast tracked Capoue was it seemed.

Totally feel the same on Holtby though but needs must and we absolutely have to have one of Capoue or Sandro to track Suarez - I went for Capoue due to better distribution and we are home but certainly wouldn't be unhappy with Sandro.

Yes I was pretty certain that was your reasoning for Capoue. His distribution is better, but Sandro is better at owning someone. Stop Suarez and you stop Liverpool, you really do. For me you put someone on him pretty much, and Sandro's the man for it

That's my reasoning, and we'll dominate the middle regardless of who we pick.

Gerrard being out is a huge blow for them though because Suarez won't see as much as ball without him, you can guarantee it. If indeed he misses the game.

 

[am_yisrael_chai]

Lloris
Walker
Vlad
Verts
Naughton
Sandro
Dembele
Lennon
Paulinho
Townsend
Defoe

I'm sure AVB will stick with Dawson and we will pay the price when Suarez tears him apart. I think both Naughton and Defoe deserve to keep their places after today's performance.

 

[We'llWinThePrem]

Lloris
Walker Dawson Chiriches Vertonghen
Paulinho Sandro
Lennon Holtby Lamela
Soldado

Friedel Rose Capoue Dembele Townsend Chadli Defoe​

 

[ajspurs]

To be fair I can't remember Suarez ever having that good a game at WHL, other than scoring a disallowed goal I can't remember him doing much and Dawson probably played in all those games. I didn't watch the 2-1 win last season mind. I don't want to tempt fate and Dawson vs Suarez doesn't fill me with confidence but it's not like the 2 will be in a sprint race all match. Any team who leaves one of their centre backs exposed to Suarez would most likely be punished.

Making sure we have general control of the midfield and a DM sticking to Suarez is more important than the match up between Dawson and Suarez.

 

[Mr Pink]

Its a huge game really. 4 o'clock kick off, so will be under the lights...hoping for a cracking atmosphere. We beat them and we'll go past them pretty soon with their fixture list. I know we'd go even on points, but their GD would seem them staying above us.

Hope we bloody win, put them back in their place.

 

[Fig Newton]

Here’s what I expect (with healthy Vlad and Vert, fingers crossed) :

Lloris
Walker, Vlad, Dawson, Verts
Sandro, Paulinho
Lennon, Holtby, Townsend
Soldado

Subs: Friedel, Lamela, Capoue, Chadli, Naughton, Dembele, Defoe


Hope Gerrard is too hurt to play. Plus, it helps that Sturridge is still out with an injury too.

I really fancy our chances running up against Flanagan at LB. And then Johnson is on the other side, so that should help us on the offensive side too.

I'm pretty sure Suarez will be monitoring the team sheet next Sunday though.

If Dawson is in the lineup:

If Dawson isn't in the lineup:

Either way, I think we can get these three points if we play up to our potential. I'd prefer we don't give up a goal before we start scoring in this game though.

 

[SEANSPURS1975]

Lloris; Walker, Capoue, Chiriches, Vertonghen; Sandro, Dembele, Paulinho; Lennon, Soldado, Townsend.

 

[Mr Pink]

Lennon should terrorise young Flanagan.

 

[Mr Pink]

Here's a question for everybody. Not who you'd start but what do we think AVB will do in terms of Soldado or Defoe for this one? I really don't have a clue what he'll do.

 

[bobbof]

Sandro to man mark Suarez the first half hour? Suarez would be blowing steam out of his ears by then, and hopefully we'll nick a goal and take the three points!

 

[Mr Pink]

From RAWK:

They got completely bossed by Sunderland today and was lucky to get a 1-2 win away from home. They got away with a blatant handball