17 Aug 2013

LFC 1-0 Stoke City: Video highlights and post-match discussion

It's back! Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the Premier League finally returns, and Liverpool kick of the new season with potentially tricky home game against Stoke City. The prevailing view seems to be that the Reds are too 'lightweight', and that certain players will get bullied out of the game, but I fully expect Liverpool to come away with all three points today.

In his press conference on Thursday, Rodgers confirmed that both Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel would be 'okay for the weekend', which means that the Reds boss has a fully-fit squad from which to choose his first starting XI of the season.

Luis Suarez is, of course, (deservedly) banned, but Liverpool have a ready-made replacement in Daniel Sturridge, and I'm sure he'll be desperate to prove he can fill the Uruguayan's boots.

Given Stoke's physical approach, it seems likely that Rodgers will err on the side of caution and play Lucas and Joe Allen together in midfield, and for me, that would be a sign of fear on LFC's part. When playing at home against inferior (on paper) opposition, Liverpool should put out the strongest, most attacking line-up available and let the visiting team worry about how to stop it.

Start as you mean to go on. If all out attack isn't working, then make a change. Rodgers made several first-half substitutions last season, so it shouldn't be a problem. Start positive and then go cautious if the situation demands it.

If Rodgers has total confidence in his players (as he constantly asserts), then surely there should be no kowtowing to lower-league opposition? As such, I hope to see the following line-up:

----------------- Mignolet

Johnson -- Toure -------- Agger ---- Enrique

----------------- Lucas

---------- Gerrard --- Coutinho

----- Aspas ---------------- Alberto

---------------- Sturridge

I doubt we'll see this, though. The following is far more likely:

----------------- Mignolet

Johnson -- Toure -------- Agger ---- Enrique

----------------- Lucas

---------- Gerrard --- Allen

----- Aspas ---------------- Coutinho

---------------- Sturridge

If Coutinho is to play out wide, then Jordan Henderson deserves a starting role more than Joe Allen (IMO), but I'd be surprised if Hendo made the cut ahead of the Welsh international.

Liverpool legend Jan Molby believes that the Reds have a 'great chance' to get off to a good start against Stoke, and he's convinced that the three points are there for the taking. He told the Liverpool Echo:

"Liverpool have a great chance to get off to a good start this weekend. Stoke at home has traditionally been a tricky fixture, but Brendan Rodgers has to fancy his side’s chances of picking up a much-needed three points.

"Liverpool have to start well. They will be aware that there is some caution amongst supporters, and some apprehension about the team and the squad. Three points against Stoke will just douse that a little bit, and give them a little more time".


Predicting a 1-0 win for Liverpool, Mark Lawrenson told the BBC:

"Under Pulis, Stoke's problem was going forward. That side of things needs tinkering with, but Hughes has a group of players with a great mentality, and quality too. I have a feeling the first Premier League game of the season will be a bit dour. Liverpool are at home so I am going to go for a narrow win for them"

Anything other than an emphatic win for Liverpool will inevitably lead to the usual hysterical armageddon of doom and gloom, but that's only to be expected. Personally, I am massively optimistic for the new season, and I think Liverpool will surprise a lot of people this year.

EDIT: Actual Line-Up

----------------- Mignolet

Johnson -- Toure -------- Agger ---- Enrique

----------------- Lucas

---------- Gerrard --- Henderson

----- Aspas ---------------- Coutinho

---------------- Sturridge

Post Match Discussion: http://www.liverpool-kop.com/2013/08/video-lfc-1-0-stoke-sturridge-goal.html



NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)


221 comments:

  1. BR's Allen Baby might start ahead of Henderson and will probably struggle with physical presence and keep hold onto the ball..Lucas ,allen and gerrad in the same team doesn't make any sense if BR decide to start ..

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  2. I can't share your optimism. The squad looks dependent on certain individuals again, as it stands now. Although the young back up players look promising its a bit of an ask, to expect them to consistently deliver throughout the season.

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  3. Personally, i think your 2nd line up is more likely, i don't feel this is the game to introduce Alberto (he may come off the bench), i agree with you and would like to see Hendo in the middle with Stevie G. I just feel this has more balance than the Allen option. We shall see, can't wait to get into my seat in just a few hrs, COME ON THE RED MEN....YNWA

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  4. I'd really like to see Henderson start. In his first season he seemed to have lost some self belief, but that isn't an issue anymore. He's fit, strong, skillful and can put the ball in the net. I'm very glad we didn't swap him for Dempsey!!!


    id be really surprised if he picked Alberto - Why not Sterling?

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  5. Fingers crossed its a win today though. It will make a nice change to win the opening fixture.

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  6. if stoke plays like stoke.... Liverpool 1 - 2 Stoke but if stoke plays like Mark Hughes want them to play..... Liverpool 3 - 0 Stoke. Mark Hughes is such an overrated arse.

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  7. The 1st lineup you posted would be a sign on intent from us this season but like you said I fully expect to see something closer to your second lineup. Either way I feel we have enough quality to get the job done tonight.

    I'm also rather optimistic for the upcoming season and I think we will silence a lot of our doubters. However I do believe we are one or two injuries away from having some serious problems in a few key areas so hopefully we can get a few more signings banged out before the close of the window. I know its only a pipe dream but getting Willian and maybe Papa would instil so much more confidence in myself and many other fans I'm sure.

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  8. Final score Liverpool 2 (Sturridge, Coutinho) Stoke 1 (Crouch)

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  9. I'd also like to see Henderson start. Despite the fact that Allen, IMO, has had a reasonably good pre-season I much prefer the look of our midfield with Hendo in it.

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  10. We won't go in for Papa, they want to much for him, and considering he is recovering from a serious injury i don't blame us for not paying the asking price, Sako is more likely to happen than Papa.

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  11. Happy to see Skrtel is still about, I feel he will work his way back into starting 11. Jamie, any inside info on Willian, what's the chances of it happening?

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  12. Yeah I agree. The kind of money they want for him is far too much off the back of that type of injury. Especially with the transfer model we seem to be following these days signing him doesnt seem realistic. Sakho would be a good alternative though I agree. We definitely need a starting quality centre back though.

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  13. 100% agree, Defender, and solid DM are priority in my view.

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  14. Allen is going to wipe the smirk of many of the faces this season who keep on taking a stab at him.


    Wait and see.

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  15. Yeah I'd like to see a DM come in also but I'm really not sure who. We need someone mobile and powerful like Diame but I cant see that happening now.

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  16. Not going to happen this season (IMO) but i would really like us to go in for Moussa Sissoko at Newcastle, i really like him..powerful, can tackle, and pops up with a goal or 2.

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  17. Signing Willian and Sakho (and keeping Suarez) would show real intent from FSG

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  18. Hope so. the club needs players throughout the squad to have an outstanding season. Its a long shot, but If that happens, anything is possible.

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  19. I'm a fan of FSG but after 3 years of massive cuts (even kenny got rid of loads of players) we need to spend on quality. We have got to, only days to act.

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  20. if Lucas has benefited from having a decent pre-season and can return to the form he showed 2 years ago, maybe we'll be ok. He seemed to give away so many free kicks last season which was maybe a sign he was off the pace a little bit

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  21. Henderson went through exactly the same thing Allen is going through and now those who were ripping Henderson apart changed their tune last season when clearly Henderson needed a season to settle.


    Just shows how pathetic most fans are.

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  22. Lucas is crucial to the team. Any player will make mistakes but he manages to sniff out danger most of the time. You do not always need a brick wall protecting your back four. You need a player who can read the game and Lucas is very good at that.

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  23. i agree, but I'd be happy if we get these two in. Both our starting 11 and squad would be a match for most. As our squad is young, we should also see a number of players making big steps forward this year.

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  24. I don't see how we can justify spending £30m on a single player in a position where we don't really need to strengthen. That monies could be spent elsewhere with the same desired effect, don't get me wrong if he came in and performed i would be greatfull. But i just came see this one happening IMO.

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  25. I agree depending on which Lucas we get this season. I think the reason people want a big lad in there is more to do with the view we lack a bit of height and power in the team.

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  26. Mr. Point Of View9:07 am, August 17, 2013

    2-2 draw
    I guess BR will put in 3 cb included Sktel. Stoke may playing atk football at 1st half then only park the bus at 2nd half...a point also satisfy for them. Stoke will try physically bully us, so 1st half is their best chance to surprise us. We will still concede thru counter atk or corner bcoz overall defensive duty in our system/player no change. So a 5-3-1-1 make sense for me BR against stoke..


    22
    2-37-5-4-3
    8-21-24
    10
    9/15


    ps: those is my prediction were not necessary represent my fav tactic...my personally think 442 will do the job

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  27. Mark Hughes = Overly physical dirty long ball football
    Stoke = ditto

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  28. I think we need just a bit more quality and that will cost £££.

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  29. Toure will provide plenty of height and power.

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  30. I completely agree with you Phil, but look at what we have that can play in his position, signing him will make Sterling/Ibe/Alberto pointless we may as well sell them 3 now! ohh and Suso who we sent on loan. we need quality in other areas also but not this area.

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  31. No, that was during his Blackburn days. Stoke hired Hughes so that they can change the way they play. More expansive football, possession, et al. Bad choice of manager though.

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  32. We Suarez is back here is the complete list of what we have that can play in the front 3 - Suarez, Sturridge, Coutinho, Sterling,Ibe,Alberto,Aspa, Suso(on loan), looking at that can you justify spending £30m on another player to play in one of the front 3 positions? if so who do we sell???

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  33. depends on weather these guys are ready yet? Injuries will take their toll as the season goes on.

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  34. i am going with Jaimie's second line-up with Allen being the advanced midfielder like he was in preseason.


    Can't wait for the match to kick off!

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  35. imagine an attacking front 4 of Sturridge Suarez Willian and Coutinho who needs pornhub! :-)

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  36. LOL - BR doesn't play a front 4, never has never will, don't get me wrong it does look sexy!

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  37. Toure is short for a CB i think.

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  38. Allen hasn't convinced me yet- he's still giving the ball away in dangerous positions. I'd like to see Alberto break into the team

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  39. Both Allen and Henderson, have shown the attitude required. They both work their socks off to better themselves. The big question is can they play in the same team?

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  40. He might not be the tallest but showed in preseason that he is a threat in the air.

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  41. What i don't want to see is us given away cheap free kicks and them swinging the ball in the box...

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  42. Well Gerrard and Lucas will always make the team so it will be either Allen or Henderson for the third spot in our midfield. We could always have Henderson occupying a wide role on the left which he is capable of and Allen supporting the attack so yes, playing in the same team should not be a problem.

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  43. Stoke might not be that team with physical presence like they were under Pulis although I would like



    Mignolet
    Enrique Agger Toure Johnson
    --------Gerrard Lucas---------
    Coutinho--- Aspas-----Sterling
    --------------Sturridge-----------


    I wouldn't mind playing Henderson over Aspas but I suppose they could rotate for the next few matches.

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  44. Nice line up, but i think Sterling will sit this one out due to his on-going personal issues..would be nice to see that line up for future games though.

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  45. just checked - he's 1.78m which is about 5'10. cant imagine at 32 he's got much spring left in his legs..

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  46. With a squad, low on numbers, its inevitable, they will have to at some point.

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  47. Don't let his age fool you. There is a reason why the scouts we stole from City decided to bring him to Anfield.

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  48. Hi Jaimie.
    Thanks for the article, however i feel like diagreeing a little bit :)
    First I think from what we've seen in preseason the second eleven posted looks the most likely, and I would actually prefer this.
    The main reason for this is that even though I used to be a 442 fan, I've come to realize in the last couple of season that to get a hold of the game it's important to control the midfield, and even though Allan has his critics, keeping hold of the ball is something he's really good at.
    I do agree that we need to be positive at home, and I would love to see Coutinho play most of his games behind the striker, but I'm not sure if starting Alberto in the first game is wise (although he could do a Coutinho and hit the ground running).
    As a second note I saw some of the guys commenting on our strenght in the 3 attacking posistions, and that we don't really need more attacking/ wide options, I'm sorry but I have to disagree again. but mostly just because of their age; we must remember that Ibe, Sterling, Alberto and Suso are just kids still and even though I love seeing them come through, I feel like we should be cautious, and not be overly reliant on very young players.
    Just my 2 cents my fellow fans, good luck today and let's get of to a flying to start! :)

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  49. Don't let his age you. There is a reason why the scouts we got from City decided to bring him to Anfield.

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  50. i dont care about the style or entertainment value of todays game. if we need to scratch and crawl i want the 3 points today! we have had such lousy starts of seasons few last years, would be nice to start on high for once

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  51. I hope you're right, but i think his best days are long behind him. i would like to see him as back up to sako and agger, or maybe even try him in Lucas' role if required at any stage.

    I think he was brought in for his experience - Rodgers kind of said that in his press conference.

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  52. We have no European football this season so we should be ok plus there is a good chance that at least two more players will be added before the window closes.

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  53. sterling is on the bench just not in footballing terms

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  54. why on earth should stoke chance anything? they exell in what they do. they start to play nicely in the ground and they will tumble down to championship. then again, isnt hughes famous for making midtable teams dropout favourites?

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  55. i agree for the first 3 or 4 games im not bothered how we play as long as we collect points.....we play well today and lose the pressures on already...rogers style doesn't do well from a goal behind.....its vital we start with a high tempo and score first then stoke may crack

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  56. Interesting idea. 3-5-2 has had a certain Renaissance the last couple of season, and I feel it could be useful against teams that are narrow; playing long balls, and lacks width in the frontline. I seem to remember Evans used it a bit in the 90s, and it is often fun and flamboyant football to watch because of the winback/ wide players utilized :)

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  57. Who is going to the match today? It's a new start. Good luck lfc

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  58. didn't we play 3-5-2 against someone to good effect last year? Chelsea maybe?

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  59. the evans liverpool team was one of the most exciting teams to watch...i also think it was the best british team to have not won the leauge

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  60. Mr. Point Of View10:11 am, August 17, 2013

    only toure alone got pace as a cb, so 3 CB without any WB cover a bit risky.As we all know sktel or agger is slow (on BPL standard) If we still had mascherano then no problem at all.

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  61. i think most managers have also worked this out too, although I think the signing Coutinho has changed that a bit

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  62. Mr. Point Of View10:12 am, August 17, 2013

    im still remember Evans fav word...."FANTASTIC" hahahaa

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  63. i think rafa's 08/09 team might have been that

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  64. Mr. Point Of View10:16 am, August 17, 2013

    i prefer houlier when we won 5cup

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  65. its strange i was reading about that team in an article the other day and forgot that it was more or less an entire british team bar one or two players..how times have changed in football

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  66. great season, but if we're talking about the best team never to win the league we came 4th

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  67. oh yes! some great players too, who wouldn't look out of place in any top 4 side today, although was that the year some one said (phil thompson i think) we came 4th in a two horse race?

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  68. id prefer tino in the middle underorders to run at shawcross at every opportunity

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  69. there are some classic football quotes out there along these lines

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  70. id even be tempted to play sterling as well...there is no point trying to out muscle huth and shawcross they will lap it up...but if the pitch is dry and the rain eases off i don't think they fancy being ran at on the edge of the area

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  71. i'm surprised he didn't seem to make anyone's proposed line ups earlier in the thread - i guess it's Sterling or Aspas?

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  72. Our midfield needs size and pace. I like Lucas a lot but who he and Allen are on the pitch we are vulnerable to getting trampled upon. Lucas is supposed to be defensive but Allen's possession skill is illusory. Constant lateral and back passing slows us to a crawl and eventually to a bad pass and a loss of possession. Everyone knows his gig and eventually his passes get jumped on by the opposition. I just think we need to turn elsewhere if we want to be better than 7th. Henderson is way better and his size and pace brings more to the party. He is a better choice than Alberto in this game against the physicality of Stoke.

    I pray we get three points today. We have thrown away so many points in the last three years by losing or tying games we should have won. Stoke is one of those teams we have been Either complacent or careless against. Hopefully, not today, not this year!

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  73. liverpool4life56511:10 am, August 17, 2013

    I'm hearing hendo is starting!:-)

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  74. Could then be Henderson wide left with Coutinho behind Sturridge and Aspas down the right.

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  75. It's not about Allen's ability as I have no doubt he will get better. It's about BR's unfair preferences of players. Most suited to the game ahead of the best performer should play, simple. That's what works people up, not Allen as an individual player.

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  76. I am sure that Liverpool were looking to loan Papa with a view to buy because of his injury.

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  77. liverpool4life56511:47 am, August 17, 2013

    Mignolet,Johnson,Toure,Agger,Erinque,Lucas,Gerrard,Hendo,Coutinho,Aspas,Sturridge is the line up

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  78. im happy with this line up..i actually think it is the best team with our correct available squad

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  79. Ahem


    Henderson in the team?

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  80. Explain the sacking of Tony Pulis. I thought this was well publicized. The Chairperson/Owner of the Stoke City club wants to change the way Stoke play. I dont know whether they need to change or not but they want to change it. Google why Tony Pulis was sacked. .

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  81. I dont really like coutinho in front of gerrard and lucas. remember the loss against southampton last year?

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  82. If that was the end of our transfer business this (ignoring other outgoings like Skrtel, Coates etc) then I'd be very optimistic about our chances this season of breaking the 80 point barrier and potentially challenging the top 3

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  83. i like him there i just think as a pair gerrard and lucas are not mobile enough or defensively minded to cover for him....

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  84. Alright bud, 1 selection justifies shunnjng Hendo for half a season? I gave a criteria any manager will select his players by, Rodgers has done that tonight.

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  85. Aspas has totally been bullied off the ball! note the irony. his movement is poison to defence. i dont think our attack has ever been this fluent and beautifull, all we need is goals. we should be 3/4 ahead by now. so glad for Sturridge=)

    btw that save mignolet made, reina wouldnt

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  86. Theycallmemrburt1:40 pm, August 17, 2013

    You have to keep in mind Skrtel had an absolute nightmare in that game coming in for Carra. For me he is easily at his best in the middle.

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  87. Theycallmemrburt1:42 pm, August 17, 2013

    he's been quality hasn't he :) good to see. touch technique and a few turns that have left the stoke defenders looking like they took a hit on a bong.

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  88. @ the game, watch on...........get in there...any win will do!

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  89. Theycallmemrburt1:47 pm, August 17, 2013

    we've been fluent if a little shaky caused by Mignolets nerves OR maybe worse an inablity to take a cross. It is always difficult for keepers when they move to top clubs. Hope he gets a grip and settles himself down............inf front of 45,000 expectant fans :) good luck kid, rather you than me.

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  90. ok i'll rephrase that, i LOVE coutinho as CAM, his through balls are majestic. but i meant what gilstrap is saying, i worry about the team. I think we need better players behind him

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  91. its a shame with him that he seems to always hit the keeper with his first shot. luckily he scores with his second, just needs that chance

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  92. Theycallmemrburt1:54 pm, August 17, 2013

    I take your point BUT Lucas didn't start in our loss to southampton it was a very tepid Allen. When Lucas came on in the second half and we dominated. I think this is our best midfield. But we'll agree to disagree :)

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  93. Theycallmemrburt1:56 pm, August 17, 2013

    yeah I'm noticing that too. I'd like to see him place his shots in the corner rather than going for power. He has the techinque to.

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  94. Thecsquad has not looked this poor since Houlliers final season

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  95. Theycallmemrburt1:58 pm, August 17, 2013

    Saying that, I wouldn't mind having someone like Diame as an option.

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  96. Theycallmemrburt2:00 pm, August 17, 2013

    beautiful passage of play from Johnson in a tight area. one twos in his own defensive third.

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  97. Theycallmemrburt2:32 pm, August 17, 2013

    he got a grip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  98. i love coutinho so much! he just about reaches Nzonzi's chest but still never blinked.

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  99. end to end stuff it could have been 4 all...maybe we wll get the rub of the green this year ...top of the prem hahah

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  100. SIMON MINGOLET!!!!!! CLASSSSSSSS also to add love aspas did u see when hughes kicked the ball back to aspas he flung it back to hughes wonderful... we beat stoke rugby fc only sour note atkinson was mess

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  101. loved that to did not step down love that passion

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  102. Yeah haha slightly towering above him!!

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  103. liverpool4life5652:40 pm, August 17, 2013

    Entertaining game, Sturridge is carrying on from last season, and little coutinho showing he isn't scared of people quiet literally. Mignolet was nervous at the start but what a double save.

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  104. spoke to soon

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  105. Theycallmemrburt2:40 pm, August 17, 2013

    NOW the big question. Are we constantly coming up against top class keepers OR is our finishing not quite there? I'm going with the latter.

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  106. I've missed this over the summer :) Mignolet...well he's already become a fan favourite.

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  107. three points woo hoo its all that matters

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  108. First Place!!! woooo!

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  109. We could have scored more than five today but as usual the GK has the game of his life.

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  110. Enjoyed every minute of that. Don't think anyone looked average! Johnson, Coutinho, Sturridge, Hendo and of course the newest kop hero, Mignolet, all looking good. Toure assured at the back. Silly pen to give away, but we could have had 4, had their keeper not had the game of his life.
    Very happy all round - imagine Suarez on top...

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  111. WOW....................what a game.........i will take that all day long. 1 - 0 v Stoke off to the best of starts, JK may come up with negatives but 3 points brother!!

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  112. Great penalty and rebound save by MIGNOLET.We've seen BRUCE GROBBELAARS's spaghetti legs.Now we've got SM jumping up and down shaking the crossbar.LFC keepers are the best at putting penalty takers off.

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  113. Theycallmemrburt2:43 pm, August 17, 2013

    I second that. Ran the show from right back. He really looks the part under BR

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  114. You say that yet how could have Hendo's shot in any way a 'better finish'? Begovic is a quality keeper who was on top form.But you'll have to look for the negatives no doubt.

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  115. hahahaha for a couple of hours albeit, i just couldn't help myself :)

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  116. Aspas was awesome! you failed to mention him!

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  117. how often do we get this all players celebrating the pen save i really like how passionate our players are so far (pre season till now)

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  118. Theycallmemrburt2:45 pm, August 17, 2013

    This is what football is all about. Top 4 or not I'm with BR till the wheels fall off. After so many years of drab football I'm finally excited to watch us again. Great stuff.

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  119. He gets a bit of grief, but I thought he was great today

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  120. our finishing actually wasn't that bad. The goal keeper was in mighty fine form, and sometimes we just fiddle around with the ball too much, when all they really have to do is F**KING HIT IT SON!!!!!!

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  121. i really like how mignolet saved it and saved the rebound shot also. fantastic lad

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  122. He was a little unlucky not to get at least a goal or another assist - made some great passes, and was in good position to score.

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  123. Where is carr71? Maybe he is a bit angry because Aspas got the assist for the winning goal?

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  124. when we play smaller teams he will always be among the best, let us hope he will be as good vs united for instance, when under much more pressure and with more defensive duties. Whole team looked superb, and we finally got some well deserved luck...

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  125. He actually didn't jump too far - it was more of a big stretch - the guy is a giant!

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  126. we play GREAT football, we looked GREAT today the keeper to the forward like looked great...i look forward to a negative JK point of view!

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  127. Takes me back to the days under Roy Evans.


    Exciting football is back again!

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  128. wonderful right he had me worried earlier on but i am reassured

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  129. JK - tell me please, what are YOU'R ambisions for "our" club this season i see you posting a loT OF "THIS"

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  130. What.... a...match..Min you ledge!

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  131. My bad - too many great performances to mention! He was great, and I have huge respect for BR for picking him up. Scouting system seems to have come on a bit in the last year or so :-)

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  132. He was excellent, absolutely

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  133. LFF looked great today, JK tell please PLEASE do a positive post!

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  134. Theycallmemrburt2:52 pm, August 17, 2013

    If CHelsea or Man Utd get so many chances....they take em. We have some growing to do.....its not a bad thing, we all know we need to improve. That penalty at the end shouldn't have mattered either way.
    LIke I mention in a later post I'm with BR till the wheels fall off. Loving watching us!!

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  135. Theycallmemrburt2:54 pm, August 17, 2013

    Entertainment.........FINALLY!!

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  136. Agreed; however the difference today seemed to be that although we fart-arsed around with the ball, more often than not we held on to it.
    Think Enrique needs some shooting practice though :-)

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  137. Henderson played many matched last season?

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  138. are you beginning to diss the No1 of Belgium off?

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  139. Theycallmemrburt2:55 pm, August 17, 2013

    Agreed. That pen save could escalate Mignolet to another stratosphere. Just what we needed!

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  140. WATCH the Arsenal game - these feks are gonna loose!!!1 you watch

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  141. he was immense in defence, without him we would have been 0-1 within 20 min (open your eyes)

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  142. sturridge was the pick of the attack..hendo was our best midfielder and i thought johnson had a great game in defence..

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  143. Top of the league! Might as well give us the Prem trophy now

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  144. That would be Courtois. Mignolet had a great game though, despite his early jitters.

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  145. 100% agree with Billy Joe

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  146. STILL - we looked good! 1-0 i get it, but ffs we looked GOOD!

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  147. Re-read Steven - SHOOTING practice - and it was obviously tongue-in-cheek.
    Also re-read my previous post - I thought everyone was great; no poor performances at all. Don't try to pick a fight pal; we just won a tough game with a great all round display.

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  148. Agreed he started kinda dodgy, but didn't he come good?

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  149. The Ross Kemp of football!

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  150. Theycallmemrburt3:05 pm, August 17, 2013

    yeah I was gona mention that but you beat me to it. He had a shaky start but its all about how you finish.

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  151. Enrique is the new johnson! wasnt sobad got into some good positions.

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  152. Hendo had a decent game today, "we" made 1 sub, even Sturridge (and i thought he would) didnt come off, a WIN is a WIN.........3 points!!!!! YNWA

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  153. Theycallmemrburt3:06 pm, August 17, 2013

    He came GREAT!!!

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  154. Just to say, if we keep this type of football up, keeping Suarez and adding Willian (maybe) ...Good times ahead

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  155. Get in there lads!! Beautiful football just need to be a bit more ruthless at times. Lucas man of the match for me, broke everything up and bullied there midfield to say he's a little dude (back to his best). Coutinho nearly was man of match as he keeps the opposition on their toes, they hadn't got a clue what he was going to do even tho a few times he lost it but that's just because he has the ball more than anyone else. MIn you ledge nervy start but soon settled (Riena wouldn't have saved that first shot). Everyone played well very good start to the season it's going to be tough but we have one hell of a chance to make the top 4. Just like to say how can Stoke call themselves a football team? Only time they where in the game was when they had a set piece. Horrid team just like Nzonzi, he makes Suarez look like an angel :-) YNWA

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  156. I know, he did really well, very impressed with him and indeed the rest of the team. God knows we needed a display like that to lift our spirits, with all the negativity flying around recently.

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  157. Spot on - he's the right man for the job.

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  158. Re-read and apologies Sir, no offence meant! YNWA

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  159. None taken! We are all singing from the same hymn sheet - and long may it continue :-)

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  160. AGREE'D 100% BR is what LFC need!!

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  161. Hendo was quite in the first half but stepped up in the second. If he could think a bit quicker he would be awesome! Getting better every game i must say and he was unlucky not to score.

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  162. that did have a good 2-3 min just before half time, it got a bit nervy!

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  163. I don't understand why he was subbed out for Sterling - he was doing well, not being bullied too bad (stoke can bully just about any team). Sterling doesn't do well with the bigger players, and didn't add much. Would have left him on.

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  164. wrong place - was in response to an Aspas comment.

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  165. ahh now i get the comment!, he was subbed because we needed a little more pace and Sturrage needed the minutes

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  166. Vital 3 points, hopefully the result encourages the team to continue playing with the tempo of the first half... Gerrard is yet to get back to full fitness, Enrique was the weak link in the team all day long

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  167. I got that. Yeah, it was curious; I wouldn't have put Sterling on either; in fact I thought Borini would have been the better choice (shock horror)

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  168. ARSENIL 1 - Villa 1 COME on the Villa, turn their season into a nightmare!

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  169. Great game--3 points and lots of offensive energy! First half was awesome. I thought we went a long way to fixing problems I saw way too much of last year, namely: too loose (or no) mid-field marking, not winning free balls, and not being close or tough enough on defensive set pieces. Toure was a beast. I thought we should have been up 3-1 at half if we were even a tiny bit woodwork lucky (Huth was unlucky too).
    Second half was less awesome as we started to yield free balls and mark too loosely again...but should have scored a couple in the second half too. Agger didn't need the hand help but he couldn't really have known that. But Mignolet saved the game! Awesome save and another awesome save just a few minutes later! No disrespect to DS, but MOTM to Mignolet!

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  170. Guess we'll have to wait another week for that. Hendo actually played a good game.

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  171. Agreed 100% and whole heartedly

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  172. he didn't have a good game, it was average at best, he was asked to hinder the opposition not attack, in essence, he was given a negative role...he was average but it wasn't his fault, he didn't get many opportunities to get forward!

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  173. Villa are gonna win this game...............you watch!

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  174. One aspect where Kolo is an improvement is that he's not afraid to get in there and help offensively - even trying to score, this is good.

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  175. Disagree...passes were good and he was unlucky to not score...that was a well and intelligently struck ball. I saw him intercept in our half more than a few times and he is never shy in harrassment. I'm usually the first to jump on Hendo about his lack of field vision and poor passes (and passing decisions) but I could find nothing to really fault him for.

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  176. Benteke is very strong...fun to watch.

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  177. He was caught out of position once or twice in the game for his runs, didn't you see?

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  178. Agreed would love that bloke in a LFC shirt!

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  179. every time he shoots, it goes to china.

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  180. you therefore agree with me, he was asked to harass, i saw him it is not his natural position i have seen first hand what hendo is capable of and this was defro i hinderance game more than a creative game, WE won at the end of the day so i guess is worked!

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  181. it wont be next weekend!!

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  182. No, but I was probably wrangling my children at the time.

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  183. NOTICE - not a single NEGATIVE post, thus there is not Carr71 nor JK, don't get me wrong there comments are appreciated but at time OVER negative i must say!

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  184. i am not saying he isn't a good signing, i personally think he will be on par with the types of Mcallister, but time will tell, he was good but at time he got to excited and go to far forward.

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  185. JK/Cart71 (IMO) are both negative in the view of LFC, 1 game 1 win i ask you show me the negatives Sir! no doubt you will come up with some tosh but hay i look forward to it :)

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  186. Didn't really notice - but agree, not good if it continues. Today there were some nerves all around - Mignolet at the beginning, Sturridge also, wouldn't be surprised if that might have got to Kolo too - the intent is good though, these can help contribute to the 20+ goals the team is seeking.

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  187. agree about DS...his first touch seems a bit nervy too often. Hopefully it is just rust, but there are others with a lighter touch in traffic, Coutinho, Aspas, and Suarez.

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  188. No real big negatives, but some criticisms. 1) Sterling - even tired, Aspas is better, contributes more 2) No big deal, but Sturridge a tad too Selfish - seems to always want to go for goal - would be nice to see him try to be more creative like the rest of the forward line up.

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  189. That's harsh mate. Their entitled to have an opinion like you :-) Do you really think they want us to fail? Until we are challenging for top honors we are always going to have negative views because that's the standard we as a club should be striving for. I agree that Jason (Carr71) should be more positive towards Rodgers and certain player he clearly doesn't like but it's his opinion. Jamie seems to be more positive than every before and always gives a view from both sides so maybe you need to be more positive about their views or understand every fan has the right to criticize or praise the club.

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  190. True, I was nervous for the last 20 mins. At 1-0 Stoke where always in the game and it would have been a disgrace if they stole a point off us but Mignolet got the justice we deserved from today's game.

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