Stoke City v Liverpool

Right, I think it's time to get this going.

Our opening fixture of the new Premier League season is a little bit special in the light of recent developments. This is the same fixture we finished last season with, that embarassing 6 - 1 defeat and slump to a 6th place finish putting the cruel icing on a disappointing season. Secondly, it will be a little weird seeing our long-time full-back Glen Johnson possibly play against us right in the first match of the season - especially since there's no guarantee any of our remaining full-backs are actually better players than Johnson, in my honest opinion.

That's the gloomy stuff done with; we have reason to be excited. In best case scenario our new signings like Benteke, Firmino, Milner, Clyne and even Ings will fulfill or even surpass expectations. They all have certainly had some very good individual seasons during their careers. At least my own expectations about this season have been modest, but that start-of-the-season excitement is certainly beginning to settle in. If Rodgers for once hasn't purchased a bag full of turds, we could yet surprise everyone, including ourselves!

The big questions are how is the much new-looking team going to gel together - and can Brendan Rodgers get the best out of the squad. Pressure will be on him very quickly after last season's disappointment if things don't start off well.

Stoke will undoubtedly be difficult opponents to start the season off with, but on the other hand a win would immediately send the signal that we mean business and have moved on from last season's shambles. It's really hard to predict what's going to happen in this game, but IT'S GOING TO BE OUR SEASON! I'm feeling optimistic.

As for starting line-ups, I'm not going to bother guessing.

Just get in.

They lost Nzonzi to Sevilla. get in

I'm thinking a starting line-up of...


Or


But it doesn't matter. We're going to go out there and get some revenge for last season. A big win on the cards here lads.

EDIT: My preferred formation.

It feels really weird this time around. Normally, no matter how we end the last season, I am always excited for the new season. But this season, I am not so excited Well at least now. I think the only way I will get that enthusiasm back is, we get good results.

Henderson and Milner in a 4-2-3-1 will be suicide imo.

My preferred formation:

Henderson and Milner in the 4-2-3-1 were great against HJK. It wasn't against full strength but they were doing all the right things and providing a lot of cover for the defence. I think them with a rotation of Allen and Can with the option of adding Lucas or Allen as a holder will allow us to best utilise our roster with a plethora of attacking options (Tekkers, Ings, Origi, Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana, Ibe, Markovic, Teixeira and Sturridge when he returns).

IMO a 4-3-3 is a waste of our strengths. Henderson, Milner, Can and Allen have all the right stuff to play double pivots.

Playing Milner/Hendo in a double pivot kills their most effective games.

Both players are amazing at running all game and popping up in opposition box and providing runs. By playing them in pivot, we restrict their movement and kills their most efficiency.

Also, starting Lovren ahead of Sakho ...Cujo is Rodgers, no doubt

Natalie Portman wrote:Playing Milner/Hendo in a double pivot kills their most effective games.

Both players are amazing at running all game and popping up in opposition box and providing runs. By playing them in pivot, we restrict their movement and kills their most efficiency.

I don't necessarily agree, but even if that were true they also have great attributes in terms of their pressing, quick passing and reading of the game. They will be most effective playing for the team in a role that has the team playing at its best. To me that will be a 4-1-2-1-2 or a 4-2-3-1, but ultimately the latter formation plays best to our personnel. I'm sure we will rotate through those two and a 4-3-3. I really think that Henderson/Milner as a double pivot could really make this team tick -- not only would they provide great cover for the defence, but they are both tireless and both like to push the play forward. The main thing is that it incorporates our strong points in terms of creating a lot of movement up front, having our striker less isolated and not wasting talents like Ibe, Markovic, Lallana, Ings and Origi on the bench nearly as much, IMO.

Curtinho wrote:

Natalie Portman wrote:Playing Milner/Hendo in a double pivot kills their most effective games.

Both players are amazing at running all game and popping up in opposition box and providing runs. By playing them in pivot, we restrict their movement and kills their most efficiency.

I don't necessarily agree, but even if that were true they also have great attributes in terms of their pressing, quick passing and reading of the game. They will be most effective playing for the team in a role that has the team playing at its best. To me that will be a 4-1-2-1-2 or a 4-2-3-1, but ultimately the latter formation plays best to our personnel. I'm sure we will rotate through those two and a 4-3-3. I really think that Henderson/Milner as a double pivot could really make this team tick -- not only would they provide great cover for the defence, but they are both tireless and both like to push the play forward. The main thing is that it incorporates our strong points in terms of creating a lot of movement up front, having our striker less isolated and not wasting talents like Ibe, Markovic, Lallana, Ings and Origi on the bench nearly as much, IMO.

Skrtel's main defensive instinct IS, WAS, and HAS ALWAYS BEEN to drop deep and back. He's never been a front foot Ramos/Varane-esque defender. He's been more of a Vidic type.

Lovren is the opposite. He's like a yard dog without a leash. He wants to pop in and wins the ball early near the half way line (Almost always mistimes it though), so there ALWAYS appears a gap between them which is taken advantage of by decent sides.

See Man City's second goal vs. us at Etihad last year.

On Milner-Hendo, I'll disagree. I think we'll have a lot more draws this season before Milner-Hendo midfield won't protect the defense adequately, but won't maximize both players potential either.

It's a very 7/10 duo.

Lovren defending you say



Top class mate, should start over Sakho

#1. I think we will start a bit cautious and field three CM
#2. Don't think Firmino will start


I think the tactic/formation will alternate between 433 and 442

Bit of an interesting read.

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/2549356/liverpool-risky-to-play-lovren-against-stoke?

Lovren, Sakho, Varane, prime Hyypia / prime whoever, we're going to concede. Our defensive issues come from coaching. With that said, Lovren is shit.

.................mig..............
clyne..skittles...sakho..Gomez
.................can................
..Henderson........milner
firmino.....big ben...coutinho

................mig..............
clyne..skittles...sakho..Gomez
........Henderson....milner....
firmino......coutinho...lallana
.................ben..................

f*** I am excited for tomos game...till now I really tried to avoid the thoughts that again the same manager, same thing and blah blah...but as the day comes near, I cant wait GET IN LADS !!

Helmer wrote:f*** I am excited for tomos game...till now I really tried to avoid the thoughts that again the same manager, same thing and blah blah...but as the day comes near, I cant wait GET IN LADS !!

we play sunday.

shit...didnt even know that

Helmer wrote:shit...didnt even know that

Helmer wrote:f*** I am excited for tomos game...till now I really tried to avoid the thoughts that again the same manager, same thing and blah blah...but as the day comes near, I cant wait GET IN LADS !!

If you're in Slovakia () and posted that 7 mins past midnight, like it says you did, then the game is indeed tomo

Don't call me James wrote:My preferred formation:

Mignolet
Clyne - Ilori - Sakho - Gomez
Lucas/Can
Hendo - Milner
Firmino --------- Coutinho
Benteke

Still hoping it's this

srigooner wrote:

Helmer wrote:f*** I am excited for tomos game...till now I really tried to avoid the thoughts that again the same manager, same thing and blah blah...but as the day comes near, I cant wait GET IN LADS !!

If you're in Slovakia () and posted that 7 mins past midnight, like it says you did, then the game is indeed tomo

and if you are really a german as you sig says you are I can see why your german efficiency would spot that

Don't call me James wrote:

Don't call me James wrote:My preferred formation:

Mignolet
Clyne - Ilori - Sakho - Gomez
Lucas/Can
Hendo - Milner
Firmino --------- Coutinho
Benteke

Still hoping it's this

At least eight of them will be there

Last season for us was one of the most horrible since Hodgson, and a meaty portion of the blame goes to brendan, and considering he is still in charge, my enthusiasm going into this season is seriously dampened. But be that as it may, I'm hoping if the new players turn out well for the club, we just might make top four.
As for this match, call me a pessimist or realist, but I don't see us doing much better than last season; same defence, unproven attack and many new players that will be trying to blend in. Nevertheless, I expect a win.

Rumoured line-up; Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez, Henderson, Milner, Ibe, Coutinho, Lallana, Benteke