Right, so, the situation is exactly like in the Tottenham game, a top-4 rival that's four points ahead of us. It was a tight game against the Spurs and promises to be a tight game against the Saints, who have the best defensive record in the league. Splash £20m on Fonte and next season that record will be ours, eh?

Anyway, the good news is that Southampton have scored just one goal in their last three games, that was an injury time winner against QPR. We, on the other hand, had four clean sheets in a row (in the Prem) before Tottenham scored twice. On paper the recent signs don't look too bad for us!

What I do worry about is our fatigue after a Thursday night match while Southampton have had 10 days without a game. They'll be fresh and have had a lot of time to prepare for this one.


Bertrand is suspended for them, which is good news since their other LB choices aren't as good. Pelle hasn't scored in his last eight PL games.

We'll see are there going to be any changes for us. Ibe should keep his place after MOTM performance against Besiktas. Gerrard should not start and I hope Rodgers doesn't considered him fit to start. Sterling is back after his knock, theoretically you could start him in Coutinho's place (whose been tired as we all know) or Lallana's (whose been a bit average). Balotelli has looked good lately and I wouldn't mind starting him (with Sturridge), but I suppose it will be another substitute appearance for him.

A huge, huge game and a difficult game. A defeat would all but end our top-4 hopes, a draw would not really help them and a win would be massive. I feel we can totally do it, as long as we have the legs, my biggest worry about this game isn't their skill but that their fresh squad could simply run us tired.

Just a couple of days and we'll see

We just can't put games to bed this season. Hoping something clicks and we nick a 1-0 win as usual. Huge game for us both for the top 4 as well as banter.

Markovic or Sterling probably come back in for Lallana.

BR needs to tweak again to see if Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli and Sturridge can work in the same line up imo.

Nishy wrote:
BR needs to tweak again to see if Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli and Sturridge can work in the same line up imo.

I don't think we're going to see that in the 3-4-3, not starting anyway.


One thing Rodgers should try is put Moreno on the right and Ibe on the left. Both seem to have a decent shot in them, but on their stronger foot, which is the left for Moreno(?) and the right for Ibe. We are not dangerous from crosses, so it might be more beneficial if these guys could cut in and shoot with their stronger feet.

Just get the goddamn win.

Art Morte wrote:

Nishy wrote:
BR needs to tweak again to see if Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli and Sturridge can work in the same line up imo.

I don't think we're going to see that in the 3-4-3, not starting anyway.


One thing Rodgers should try is put Moreno on the right and Ibe on the left. Both seem to have a decent shot in them, but on their stronger foot, which is the left for Moreno(?) and the right for Ibe. We are not dangerous from crosses, so it might be more beneficial if these guys could cut in and shoot with their stronger feet.

i dont think we should do that in the current 3-4-3, the formation is already so narrow. We need width so it is difficult for the oppostion to defend.

Also, I would start Markovic in place of Moreno and sterling in place of Coutinho. Balotelli in place of Lallana would be ideal but we all know BR wont do that. Lallana is starting for sure.

Another 1-0 WC performance and we are set for top 4

Mig
Lovern skertel sahko
ibe hendo Can Moreno
sterling balo
Sturridge

Ibe won't start, I'm sure of it.

Markovic can't play on Thursday, and he didn't play this Thursday so he'll definitely start.

Sterling should start as he's had plenty of rest with the slight niggle he's had. Sturridge has barely played this season. Fatigue is not an issue with him.

I would rest Coutinho and start him in Turkey. Play Lallana for this and have him on the bench for Turkey.

Mario off the bench as he's been very productive from there in the last 3 matches.

Their center of midfield is very strong and powerful. Probably best moving Can into midfield instead of having little Joe there. Give Lovren a chance at St. Mary's.

They have Morgan back for this, The game will be decided in the midfield. We need to be vary of set pieces.

There has been no game where Allen has been dominated physically, He always hold out on his own. He's good enough to start this match.

Rodgers won't bench Coutinho in such an important game IMO. He'll probably end up subbing him if he looks tired though. I also think he will be hard pressed to replace Ibe. Maybe something like this:


Allen has been very steady, even good, since being reintroduced. With confidence he can play very well next to Henderson. I think he will play an important role this weekend.

El Cujo wrote:Rodgers won't bench Coutinho in such an important game IMO. He'll probably end up subbing him if he looks tired though. I also think he will be hard pressed to replace Ibe. Maybe something like this:

Can - Skrtel - Sakho
Ibe - Henderson - Allen - Markovic
Coutinho - Sterling
Sturridge

Allen has been very steady, even good, since being reintroduced. With confidence he can play very well next to Henderson. I think he will play an important role this weekend.

Yes, I too think Rodgers will not change his preferred XI. Balotelli, Lallana & Lovern will come as substitutes.

Must win

Moreno has to play, A defensive wing back provides much needed balance to the defense.

This has to be the biggest game of the season so far.

We absolutely MUST win this.

Each game after the last from now until the end of the season pretty much will be the biggest game. They're all really important now especially because of our stumbles at the beginning of the term when the squad and Rodgers were still adapting to life without Sturridge and Suarez.

I get super nervous every time aha. We don't have room to make mistakes anymore. We've used them all up.

That said I also wouldn't mind Balotelli starting to be honest. He's looking in good form and it might be a good idea to take advantage of it (though I have no problem with him as a sub).


**assuming Sterling is still not 100% fit.

Also as far as Moreno goes being a defensive wing back...I'm not sure he puts more effort in defensively than Markovic does. Watch the Besiktas game again and see how many times even Coutinho had to cover for him pushing up. I don't think that there's much of a difference if any between Moreno and Markovic defensively TBH. Markovic has a terrific workrate. Plus Allen and Sakho can insulate whoever is on that side nicely.

If there is one game guaranteed to be a 0-0 or 1-0 either way, this is this.

Saints can't score lately, but their defense is still top notch.

I think we will be happy to let them have the ball and looking to counter.

We'll score against them. I don't buy this defense top notch stuff. The only sort of defense we'll struggle against is park the bus. Soton won't park the bus (specially at St. Mary's). they'll come to play and press us. But we'll get opportunities on the break and elsewise.

My biggest concern with these is the midfield with Wanyama-Morgan who will harass the shit out of us. It's them two that makes their defense look this good. Need Hendo and whoever partners him to rise to the challenge.

will our 3-4-3 be exposed badly for the first time in the league I am shit scared that it will be difficult game for us. For Gods sake, rest Coutinho pls.

^ If Chelsea couldn't expose it in two games, you may be well sure Southampton won't.

Well the funny thing is, McY is worried about their midfield where as that is where 3-4-3 will come into play. 3-4-3 if played with right pressing can surely undo their midfield strength. It is just that one small scary thought that i still cant believe the mini run we are having so you know....

No it wont, Southampton dont have any wing play. They'll be crossing a lot.

Im just scared of Mane.

The only reason I'm a nervous wreck about this match is because it's a huge game that will define our league season. It's a must win, no other ways about. Not afraid of Soton per se but because the pressure cooker is on anything can happen. If this game was in December, I wouldn't be having these nerves.

Deep down I think we'll win and be comfortable about it. Hope it come to fruition.

They are a big game team.

OMFG THE STAKES JUST WENT UP THE ROOF

That just means that we are getting max a draw

It seems Rodgers might actually rest Coutinho for this game.

I'm getting excited and nervous, big time... Would be simply amazing to win tonight!!