Everton vs Liverpool | Merseyside Derby Round 1

I hear what Ifty's saying, but I'd start Bellamy. Sub him off soon after HT if needed, but I'd like him in all his nastyness get a start here.

Art Morte wrote:I hear what Ifty's saying, but I'd start Bellamy. Sub him off soon after HT if needed, but I'd like him in all his nastyness get a start here.

Ok, then I want Bellamy & Suarez behind Kuyt with Adam as AM and Lucas & Jay in CM.

Replacing Bellamy with Carroll & Adam with Gerrard after HT.

I really liked Bellamy. How was he in last match!!! Did he look fit!!!

I'd start Carroll in this match, his physicality will help us on set pieces and give us more options up against what is likely to be a determined and rough 5-man defense (with either 3 CBs, Rodwell man-marking Suarez or a very, VERY deep DM). A derby like this is the perfect stage for Carroll to play the hero and get things rolling for himself.

Tim Cahill has been declared fit for the match.So i think Saha might be their only doubt fitness.

BeautifulGame wrote:Tim Cahill has been declared fit for the match.So i think Saha might be their only doubt fitness.

If Saha is out, that will be immense for us as he usually is quite good against the Liverpool backline.

Cahill? Despite his recent decline, I still feel he is a threat to us. His aerial threat MUST be suppressed.

So gutteddddd..


Agger out for both the most important fixtures in the season.

If Cahill is fit does that change anyone's starting XI? Would Coates be a better option to negate the aerially threat Cahill creates?

I'm going to be honest. I'm all for Jamie getting benched, as he is a liability in the backline but we DO need him in this game.

Oh, and have Carroll play. He's the only one that can match Fellaini in defensive set pieces.

Cahill on the other hand, believe it or not, I'll probably just go with Skrtel in outfield play. Kuyt for set pieces maybe?

And please, no Henderson and Downing. We need Bellamy's and Kuyt's passion in this game.

Downing would be able to add the type of supply from wide, and the partnership with Enrique, that could be necessary for unlocking a stubborn Everton defense. Also, I think Downing could have a go at Baines and keep him pinned back. Bellamy would likely cut inside, giving Baines freedom to get forward.

When did Baines turn right back?

Serious question, I hardly ever watch Everton.

And, Bellamy may cut in from time to time, but he links up so well with Suarez. He's fight for the club would also be influencial to the guys that are playing in their first derby for the club. I see a lot of dirty tackles happening, and Bellamy will be able to fight them off. I don't know why but I could just see Downing struggle after foul after foul after foul.

And Craig is awesome. Has a lot of fire in him. ;D

Bellamy has played one game with Suarez... hardly enough to be making such a claim on. We don't want players fighting as that leads to red cards. Given Bellamy's injury record in the past few seasons I really do not see him as the ideal player to field from the start in a game where we're expecting a great deal of hard tackles.

Also, Downing has played at RW a fair amount for us so far this season.

Lot of people are thinking or implying that Downing isn't the kind of guy for such games. It's really sad because he along with Enrique has been our best performers thus far this season.

RedOranje wrote:Bellamy has played one game with Suarez... hardly enough to be making such a claim on. We don't want players fighting as that leads to red cards. Given Bellamy's injury record in the past few seasons I really do not see him as the ideal player to field from the start in a game where we're expecting a great deal of hard tackles.

Also, Downing has played at RW a fair amount for us so far this season.

He hasn't been that effective on the right wing though. Sure he's had some moments, but he is best played on the left. Kuyt should play on the right. He'd close down Baines way more efficient than Downing and/or Henderson.

And, it may have been one game with the Bellamy and Suarez, but they looked very well suited to each other. They also had a great set of play against Stoke. They both have the winning mentality, and have the ability to produce up front.

The injury record may be true, but he is built enough to push off a tackle etc.

That'd be my starting XI against Everton. Bring on Bellamy and Gerrard in the second half as necessary.

Ifthikar; well said, while downing hasn't exactly wowed us with tricks, flicks and goals, his consistency, intelligence and versatility on field has discreetly improved our flow of play. I'm glad you pointed this out.

OH BABY!

Agger is back and available!!

Nishank wrote:OH BABY!

Agger is back and available!!

Nish, you always bring the good news. Thats why your the man.

Nishank wrote:OH BABY!

Agger is back and available!!

i thought they were saying up to a month???

stevieg8 wrote:

i thought they were saying up to a month???

Kenny Dalglish today confirmed Daniel Agger has resumed training following injury.

The Denmark centre-back sustained a fractured rib in the defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on September 18, but trained alongside his teammates at Melwood on Thursday ahead of the weekend clash with Everton.

Dalglish also revealed Glen Johnson is edging closer to a first-team return after a hamstring problem.

The boss told his pre-match press conference: "Daniel Agger is back training today and Glen Johnson is on his way as well.

"Everybody else has trained fully."

Maybe not totally fit, But at least we won't play United without this guy. <3

For this week let us all remember the words of our greatest Manager Bill Shankly. . .

“This city has two great teams - Liverpool and Liverpool reserves.”

LEGEND

A derby. Should be great to watch
Prediciton Line up: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Adam, Lucas, Drowning, Kuyt, Surarez.
Carroll and Gerrard will come on some time in the second half.
3-1, Liverpools way. Good luck Liverpool!

Don't think we'll start with 10... no reason to give them a man advantage before the cards even start coming.

It looks likely that it will be Skrtel and Carra starting as this combination is definitely not one of my favorites.

Cahill is deemed fit as he along with Fellaini are the players I fear most within this particular match

RedOranje wrote:

Reina
Kelly - Carra - Skrtel - Enrique
Lucas - Spearing
Kuyt - Suarez - Downing
Carroll

That'd be my starting XI against Everton. Bring on Bellamy and Gerrard in the second half as necessary.

I'd like to see that, with Bellamy for Downing but I do see Adam starting. :S

Arquitecto wrote:It looks likely that it will be Skrtel and Carra starting as this combination is definitely not one of my favorites.

Cahill is deemed fit as he along with Fellaini are the players I fear most within this particular match

Carra's been the main reason of our defensive issues. Skrtel has only had one bad game against Spurs this season, where he had to play the fastest man in the league in an unnatural position. He's REALLY underrated... Saying that, Jamie always performs against Everton, so I don't see it too much of an issue.

I'm just scared Adam is going to do something stupid and let Lucas do it all in the middle.

RedOranje wrote:

Reina
Kelly - Carra - Skrtel - Enrique
Lucas - Spearing
Kuyt - Suarez - Downing
Carroll

That'd be my starting XI against Everton. Bring on Bellamy and Gerrard in the second half as necessary.

Totally agree.

This match will most likely be won in the midfield. We need players who are willing to battle and work their hearts out for the club, while also maintaining some composure and an even temper. Kuyt, Lucas, Spearing and Downing give us that core to build off of. Moreover, Lucas and Spearing have shown a great understanding to police the midfield and distribute the ball forward. Kuyt and Suarez have also shown a great chemistry, while Downing has been playing balls to Carroll that he really should be finishing. (If he can build upon his performance against Wolves, I believe he WILL finish.) To have Bellamy, Gerrard and even Adam providing the spark off the bench will be an incredible advantage.