Horse-punchers v Arm-biters

So, it's all turning out to be a bit of an anti-climax of a run-in for us. Pretty much the only thing left to play for is beating Everton, hopefully both in the standings and in the derby next week - at least in the latter. Suarez suspended. All in all it's few Liverpool fans who are feeling too rejoiceful right now.

But a win over Newcastle this Saturday should put a bit of a smile on our faces! Mind you, it's easier said than done, especially without our talismanic striker. The curious stat going into this game is that Newcastle have drawn just one home match despite having a round zero goal-difference at home. We, on the other hand, have drawn our previous three games.

I suppose this is the most likely line-up:

Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson; Downing, Coutinho, Sturridge.

Yeah, that's pretty much the team. I think we still have a slim (outside) chance of making EL.

Nah, no chance of hell at EL.

This is 4th year in a row we're playing for absolutely zilch at the end of the season in the league. I remember in 10-11 we were still with a chance of getting that 5th spot for EL but we blew it in the last 2 games against our main competition.

iftikhar wrote:Yeah, that's pretty much the team. I think we still have a slim (outside) chance of making EL.

Actually (major jinx risk about to occur) we have a pretty decent chance. The best part (if you choose to describe it as such), is that we theoretically wouldn't have to win another match to get in. I'm of course speaking of the consolation prize known as the "fair play league". We're currently second (behind arsenal, who are likely to get Europe through more desirable means), meaning that we may very well be awarded European football through no real achievement other than not being booked. (Yes, I realize it's more complicated than that, but you get the gist.) I find it slightly ironic that a competition to reward fair play could be won by a team whose best player at the moment is banned for a biting offense. Moreover, it could very well be the only competition Suarez is available for Liverpool prior to October.

I'm sorry, but Football is dumb...

As for Newcastle, this will be an interesting match. Sissokho has to be considered the main threat. His combination of pace, power and technique could give us fits on the counterattack. Tiote may start, and he could be a useful tool against our build-up play. Sissoko should play through a rib injury, and he’s always capable of producing a moment of brilliance out of absolutely nothing. He’s is precisely the type of player that has haunted us this season. The worst news is that they have A LOT to play for. If they lose, they could potentially drop to within three points of the relegation zone having played one more game than Wigan.

I’m going to be really interested to see how we set up in this match without Suarez. I’m referring more to the roles, style and set-up than the team per se. I think the lineup picks itself. My one option is:

The problem here could be creativity. Our most creative player could be marginalized on the left wing if Newcastle come out with anything resembling an intelligent game-plan. Here's another option would be:

This set-up may just give us the combination of creativity and finishing in the forward line that we will need in Suarez's absence. Of course, it still has the issues of the 2-man midfield, but the inclusion of Downing and Henderson in the wide roles may do a little to keep Lucas and Gerrard from being overrun.

I will be interesting to see how Rodgers takes on the tactical challenge of loosing our best player for the rest of the season and the beginning of next. All I have to say is thank goodness we bought Sturridge in January. Shelvey may make it as a CM/CAM, but he's never going to be a true forward. I really don't want to see him as a false9 again.

Cisse was the one with a rib injury and it was dispelled by the moron in charge as rubbish anyway.

I doubt Sissoko will be much of a threat as the moron in charge in his infinite wisdom think its a good idea to play Perch/Tiote as a b2b CM, Cabaye basically as an extra CB and Sissoko as an SS and just hoof to him hoping for the best.

Our best available team is probably as follows....


What the idiot in charge will do.


Not to mention we will most likely hoof all game despite the fact it suits practically nobody and sit extremely deep so we can't counter either


So unless the idiot in charge takes a hard blow to the head between now and the game, you should win comfortably even if it turns out you are toothless without Suarez.

We are that bad.

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:Cisse was the one with a rib injury and it was dispelled by the moron in charge as rubbish anyway.

Typo. Meant to put Cisse, but accidentally typed Sissoko.

I wouldn't put Henderson in the wing as that will be an absolute waste and will out-weight creativity of Coutinho in the middle.

Coutinho will tend to drift in the middle while Enrique will provide the width. I would go with the first option.

The last time I checked we were second in the Premier League's own rankings and will probably be the highest fair-play ranking team in England that hasn't already qualified for Europe; but it remains to be seen whether England will rank in the top-3 in UEFA's Fair Play rankings (the top-3 countries get awarded an EL spot each). England were 4th by the end of twenty-twelve.

Tbh, I had lost all the interest in this remaining season, all those draws and all d stuff happening with LFC right now, was just trying to feel better by cursing our luck. The only reason I am going to watch matches with interest now onwards is 'loss of suarez' I am quite curious how BR manages to get some result in the remaining four matches.
I am sure the players will take the extra responsibility to finish off the job, at times which I felt was lacking in presence of suarez.

HEIL MEIN REDS wrote:Tbh, I had lost all the interest in this remaining season, all those draws and all d stuff happening with LFC right now, was just trying to feel better by cursing our luck. The only reason I am going to watch matches with interest now onwards is 'loss of suarez' I am quite curious how BR manages to get some result in the remaining four matches.
I am sure the players will take the extra responsibility to finish off the job, at times which I felt was lacking in presence of suarez.

My main man, I've missed you around this parts in the past couple of weeks. It almost seemed like you jumped ship and left us for Dortmund

Haha, hows that possible, but all in all I support all german teams in europe, I think it comes naturally.
But I always used to visit LFC section just that didnt want to comment anything.
Btw, Borini on the bench

Heil Mein, who are rooting for in the final, BVB or Bayern? Tell me it's Dortmund.

Also would be great if Borini got some game time and maybe got a goal.

3-0 so far pc having a great game same as ds. looking good and doing better then expected.

ds makes it 4-0

fb comes and geta the fifth

newcastle red card this coul do get ugly

hendo makes it six after free kick lol this is a joke

really want pc to score just came close . good save by the keeper.

ft 6-0 great game. motm pc for me. time for sleep now.

What a performance

BORINI Coutinho MOTM for me. Sturridge Henderson Agger

We pounded them. I can't believe Newcastle were this bad ffs.

Messiah "Aggerswagger" wrote:Heil Mein, who are rooting for in the final, BVB or Bayern? Tell me it's Dortmund.

Also would be great if Borini got some game time and maybe got a goal.

BURN THE WITCH!

Btw I called this on Monday. I said Borini was going to play

Borini

Time to keep the momentum, We were so much better in the air this time. Lucas Leiva

Next game pls.

NO JINX
Enrique is the best LB in the league.

Messiah "Aggerswagger" wrote:What a performance

BORINI Coutinho MOTM for me. Sturridge Henderson Agger

We pounded them. I can't believe Newcastle were this bad ffs.

I have been saying all season how shit we are seeing is believing though i suppose.

Nishank wrote:NO JINX
Enrique is the best LB in the league.

He was when he played for us, good to see him on form again.

I think Baines is the best though.