Arsenal v Liverpool

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/lucas-leiva-set-recalled-liverpool-9910564

We haven’t been good in the first two games which were arguably easier than facing Arsenal at Emirates at London. The defense was shredded by Bournemouth. And if the midfield fulcrum provided some steel it certainly didn’t offer any guile. The wide attackers ran, but not into positions to trouble the opponents. And our towering strikers looked more like a lonely light-house for most part.

But strangely, as the game approaches, I’m increasingly being filled with exuberance rather than dread. Probably because even though the pieces haven’t slotted-in yet, the pieces are pretty good this time around.

Joe Gomez continues the tradition of young-unknown-player-bought-for-peanuts- turning out-real-quality while Clyne has slotted-in without any fuss. Milner, a player whom I doubted to be lacking much hunger, is showing energy and drive while instead of a stationary, musing, and perhaps sulking striker; Bently is ramming around to make his weight (literally) count.

So, like I said, all that is needed is the pieces to fall into places.

To be honest, I don't see us taking 3 points from this match. I think Arsenal simply cause too many problems for us to realistically expect a win.

With that said, I don't think it is necessarily an issue for us. We're not going to make top-four in the "headline" fixtures. We're going to get top four by being consistent and taking the results we "should" take. The important fixtures for us will be the Stoke's and Bournemouth's, not the Arsenal's and the Chelsea's. So, whatever we take from tomorrow's game will be a bonus. The important aspect is to remain consistent against the 14-15 teams that will not be in the hunt for top-four.

Apparently this is going to be the team.


Ibe and Lallana dropped due to poor form (Deservedly I might add). Hendo out injured. So Lucas, Can, and Bobby coming in.

I like it personally. Would have liked Sakho to start as well and would be exactly the line up I would choose given the circumstances. And I would give Markovic minutes as well.

If that is the line-up it's about as good as we could put out to face Arsenal. Clog up the midfield and press the shit out of them up high with Firmino/Coutinho and Benteke will do his thing. Hopefully the backline keeps up its early season form and we could be looking at a nice result here.

Too bad Henderson is out though.

Don't call me James wrote:Apparently this is going to be the team.

Mignolet
Clyne - Skrtel - Lovren - Gomez
Lucas
Can - Milner
Firmino -------- Coutinho
Benteke

Ibe and Lallana dropped due to poor form (Deservedly I might add). Hendo out injured. So Lucas, Can, and Bobby coming in.

I like it personally. Would have liked Sakho to start as well and would be exactly the line up I would choose given the circumstances. And I would give Markovic minutes as well.

But I hope we don't operate like 433. Coutinho needs to be in the central channel specially with the added mobility of Firmino. Anyway, good news, if it's true.

I was going to come and put that as my team, i'd like to see it happen.

I think Brendan Rodgers is completely wrong about allowing Arsenal possession at their own stadium. This is the kind of tactic that can work for West Ham and other bottom table teams but not for Liverpool, a team which the Arsenal players will be very motivated to beat. Allowing possession to a motivated Arsenal team, at the Emirates is suicidal. You need to press the Arsenal players and not allow them any kind of freedom.

It goes without saying that Henderson, if he misses out, is a huge miss for Liverpool as Henderson/Milner's is the exact kind of duo which causes the Arsenal midfield problems. Can and Lucas I feel just won't have the same impact.

Lallana and Henderson apparently miss this.

My worries about this match (assuming it's the rumoured line-up) :

- Our left-hand side will be too easy to pressurize. All of Lovren, Gomez and Lucas lack either the mobility or technical skills - or both - to keep hold of the ball and play it in controlled fashion against high pressing team.

- Midfield that's never played together before (Lucas, Can, Milner) won't click.

- Too tough a game for Firmino's first start.

- Benteke will be isolated.

- Coutinho will have too much to do on his own.

- Rodgers will be completely owned by Wenger tactically.

My optimism:

- Arsenal can bottle it when you least expect them to.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CNMJay5WcAAQZbs.jpg

https://2img.net/u/3313/22/97/24/smiles/2997653223.gif

If you include his whole tenure with us, it's even worse

Arsenal's CB pairing are Gabriel and Chambers, I wish we have strike force to disrupt them.

Benteke should hopefully have fun with that. I'm starting to think maybe we should have started someone pacy in this match. Arsenal really struggle with pacy players. And if Firmino and Coutinho play the wide roles, there isn't much pace to worry the inexperienced Arsenal back line.

Just look at Arsenal's bench

We need to create chances before we can trouble the CBs and I have my doubts about that.

Can-Lucas-Milner midfield so far

Meh, second half we looked uninspiring. Should have scored one of those golden chances in the first half.

Mignolet did well in the second. Some amazing saves.

Great point.
YNWA

Rossiter is not ready. He's got a boys physique. Shouldn't be part of the squad until he fills up his frame. We needed someone like Teixeira off the bench so much more than Rossiter to help us create chances in the second. It was a almost like a pointless substitution other than Jordan getting experience. Give him experience in the *bleep* cups not against Arsenal.

cant complain about the result at all. Brenda hopefully has learned about how to set up his team hopefully.

Hopefully Brendon realizes Lucas's importance and waits until January at least.

Lucas being substituted for Rossiter tells me he's being sold. Sad really. Lucas is really good. One of the best in the world at his job. Sad that he's being pushed out.

Not surprising. Happened to legends like Agger and Reina. Will happen to Lucas as well. Rodgers is a *bleep*.

Don't call me James wrote:Rossiter is not ready. He's got a boys physique. Shouldn't be part of the squad until he fills up his frame. We needed someone like Teixeira off the bench so much more than Rossiter to help us create chances in the second. It was a almost like a pointless substitution other than Jordan getting experience. Give him experience in the *bleep* cups not against Arsenal.

agreed, Tex should be ahead of Rossiter if any midfielder is injured. I am wondering where is Rodgers Love Allen

Allen is injured Heil

Benteke must bury chances imo

Clyne and Milner are the best signings in ages.