According to Reds legend John Aldridge, this is the line-up for tonight's Premier League game with Norwich City.
Aldo posted the team on his twitter feed, stating that 'I think it's correct'. (UPDATE: it is correct!)
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Flanagan, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling, Suarez
SUBS: Jones, Toure, Sakho, Moses, Alberto, Aspas, Lucas
NORWICH: Ruddy, Martin, R Bennett, Bassong, Olsson, Johnson, Fer, Howson, Hoolahan, Redmond, Elmander
If anyone is in a position to know then it's Aldo! If this is the team, though, it's both surprising and disappointing:
Surprising
* Sakho left out for the FOURTH game in a row. Given the fact he's trying to consolidate his place in the France national team, I doubt he's going to be happy about it. Plus, why the hell did Rodgers splurge €19m on Sakho if he never plays him?!
* Lucas not in the starting line-up? That's a first! Kudos to Rodgers for dropping the Brazilian, though it's probably more likely that he's got a slight niggle. Hopefully Allen will have a storming game and keep Lucas out of the team for next game. It will be good make him fight for his place.
Disappointing
* Yesterday, Rodgers challenged Alberto and Aspas to score goals for the club, and then he decides to bench the two of them for the next game?! How does that make any kind of sense. Poor man-management IMO. In an earlier post, I argued for Alberto and Aspas to start the game, but conceded that they probably wouldn't. In this case, I hate being right.
* With Sturridge out, this was a perfect opportunity to play to Aspas's strengths and start him alongside Suarez. Instead, it looks like Rodgers is sticking to his comfort zone and going 433, with one up-front.
* Sterling in the starting line-up again? Why not give Alberto a chance! We know what Sterling can do, and he did nothing in the last game. Alberto deserves a chance to show what he can do, and a comparatively easy game against Norwich at HOME is a great opportunity for him.
Probable Formation
----------- Mignolet
Johnson ----- Skrtel --- Agger ----- Flanagan
----------------- Allen
---------- Gerrard --- Hendo
Sterling -------------------- Coutinho
--------------- Suarez
After being annihilated by Suarez, Norwich will probably park the bus for the whole game, but the players selected are more than good enough to achieve a comfortable win.
My prediction: 5-0
FULL TIME: 5-1 (Almost got it right!)
Author: Jaimie K
Aldo posted the team on his twitter feed, stating that 'I think it's correct'. (UPDATE: it is correct!)
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Flanagan, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling, Suarez
SUBS: Jones, Toure, Sakho, Moses, Alberto, Aspas, Lucas
NORWICH: Ruddy, Martin, R Bennett, Bassong, Olsson, Johnson, Fer, Howson, Hoolahan, Redmond, Elmander
If anyone is in a position to know then it's Aldo! If this is the team, though, it's both surprising and disappointing:
Surprising
* Sakho left out for the FOURTH game in a row. Given the fact he's trying to consolidate his place in the France national team, I doubt he's going to be happy about it. Plus, why the hell did Rodgers splurge €19m on Sakho if he never plays him?!
* Lucas not in the starting line-up? That's a first! Kudos to Rodgers for dropping the Brazilian, though it's probably more likely that he's got a slight niggle. Hopefully Allen will have a storming game and keep Lucas out of the team for next game. It will be good make him fight for his place.
Disappointing
* Yesterday, Rodgers challenged Alberto and Aspas to score goals for the club, and then he decides to bench the two of them for the next game?! How does that make any kind of sense. Poor man-management IMO. In an earlier post, I argued for Alberto and Aspas to start the game, but conceded that they probably wouldn't. In this case, I hate being right.
* With Sturridge out, this was a perfect opportunity to play to Aspas's strengths and start him alongside Suarez. Instead, it looks like Rodgers is sticking to his comfort zone and going 433, with one up-front.
* Sterling in the starting line-up again? Why not give Alberto a chance! We know what Sterling can do, and he did nothing in the last game. Alberto deserves a chance to show what he can do, and a comparatively easy game against Norwich at HOME is a great opportunity for him.
Probable Formation
----------- Mignolet
Johnson ----- Skrtel --- Agger ----- Flanagan
----------------- Allen
---------- Gerrard --- Hendo
Sterling -------------------- Coutinho
--------------- Suarez
After being annihilated by Suarez, Norwich will probably park the bus for the whole game, but the players selected are more than good enough to achieve a comfortable win.
My prediction: 5-0
FULL TIME: 5-1 (Almost got it right!)
Author: Jaimie K
Where's Aspas? We need to play 2 strikers at home every time ......
ReplyDeleteThought Aspas and Alberto were playing, story on website seemed to suggest they were :(
ReplyDeleteAnd where's Sakho?
No Lucas is a good start.
ReplyDeleteallen NOOOOO well could of been worse could've been moses
ReplyDeleteLucas being dropped is the first sign of Rodgers having a big pair of balls. Finally!!!
ReplyDeleteSo what has sterling done to deserve another start? Obviously nothing, allen? Now im really worried, lucas aint better either but allen looks shocking everytime I see him, only suarez up front considering norwich will defend to death, hell difficult to score here, Im expecting any outcome tonight not even a loss would surprise me at all, just no confidence around this team and we miss sturridge as hell.
ReplyDeleteIts 433 so in effect there are 3 well 4 with Coutinho
ReplyDeleteSo much for the daring changes! At least coutinho is starting, Hopefully Allen does alright.
ReplyDeleteStill a team that should win comfortably, but Sterling again? Come on! Maybe Aspas and Alberto can get a whole half to show their stuff.
Methinks Rodgers is trying to showcase Sterling before the transfer window to increase his prospects for a loan, just a hunch.
ReplyDeleteWould rather Stevie was rested, as surely the team, without him, should be able to muster up a win at Anfield against Norwich....
ReplyDeleteWorth it? Game like this, must win ? I think rodgers is showing everyone every game he isnt the man for lfc.
ReplyDeleteLast time Lucas was out at New Castle, Gerrard played a more advanced role, and Henderson played further back - not necessarily a bad move, probably Allen playing further back though. Still wanted to see what some others might contribute - even if up by a big margin, see some impact subs to further pummel Norwich.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the loss at Hull, but I don't know how Sterling justifies his selection over the likes of Alberto, would like to see him get some games (Aspas as well, but not on the wing).
ReplyDeletewtf wrong with rodger's ...why the hell sterling is playing!!!! most unproven player...he just like a school kid in the field....jordan ibe is 100times better to be selected....i have no idea what had rogers in sterling.....
ReplyDeleteBad team. I predict a tough one.
ReplyDeleteRodgers again father figure to Sterling and I really hope he scores a goal today. Otherwise lfc should make half time substitution with Aspas and try it out. Allen has big chance. Bit disappointing to see Sakho off. Hendo is new Kuyt, hope he scores today.
ReplyDeleteAlberto looks 10X more confident and composed than Sterling. Given a whole game I'm positive he could be more productive, providing an assist or so, maybe a goal. He's 2 years older too! and bigger!
ReplyDeleteOh well, nothing we can do but hope twinkle toes does something right!
Just wondering, has Alberto played much on the wing during his career? If not, maybe Sterling and Alberto are not fighting for the same places in the team.
ReplyDeleteGood time to play Allen, so I think that is a good choice. Would have liked to see Alberto though, since neither Gerrard, Hendo or Allen make for a good no.10, In my opinion. Disappointing that Sakho is left out again. Would have liked to have seen Aspas, but I understand the inclusion of Sterling. His pace brings variety and balance to the side and give Norwich another thing to worry about.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - Alberto is more of a central midfielder, but push Hendo out wide in place of Sterling and put Alberto in the middle would be an option IMO (but I'm not the manager). I just think if Rodgers is trying to play his best 11, Alberto>Sterling at the moment based on the performances so far this season.
ReplyDeleteCome on lads, lets get back to winning ways. The old partnership back too. agger and skrtel. Never though I would see that after last season. Wishing Allen a good game, he could be everything we need, just needs a little more confidence and needs to get in the box and attack
ReplyDeletedont think you could really accuse Rodgers of lacking balls. getting rid of big andy, kicking jose hendo skrtel ect up the ar&e. but i agree lucas being dropped is a little overdue...come on for tonight
ReplyDeleteHendo can play wide but he may not offer the balance that Rodgers wants tonight, whereas Sterling with his pace and width offers something else that most others do not in the squad. I think its a case of balance as to why Sterling is picked. A wide player with pace in the PL will cause problems, even if his overall play is lacking. See the likes of Lennon, SWP, etc, over the years, average players whose pace has problems for opposition.
ReplyDeleteBased on what performances though? Alberto has done almost nothing in the first team, admittedly that isn't his fault. Although Sterling hasn't started many games either. I don't think either player has illustrated they deserve to be picked over the other. Yep, Alberto looks decent in reserves but that is the reserves.
Luis Suarez. You are fucking kidding me.
ReplyDeleteJust can seem to get enough of Luis Suarez
ReplyDeleteWow what a goal.....Pure genius!
ReplyDelete35 yards out...can't watch but am following on game track...must have been a screamer.
ReplyDeletei told everyone that Saurez had to be licking his chops about this game. 3 already
ReplyDeleteas soon as you can watch the goal do so :D
ReplyDeleteJK I know you hate superlatives...but for me sauté is the best striker in the prem at the moment!
ReplyDeleteI was talking shite here.
ReplyDeleteJust give the ball to Suarez.
Tactics done.
Your prediction sucked. Hurray!
ReplyDeleteMY OH MY LUIS SUAREZ!!!! I feel privileged to watch that. Surly a cheeky assist for Gerrard too for that duck.
ReplyDeleteListen, I think, and I know these are big words, of the 22 players out there tonight, Luis Suarez is in the top 3. If you include the subs from either side, I'd still say he's easily in the top 5.
ReplyDeleteHE'S JUST THAT GOOD.
Take away Suarez LFC looks average, rather worrisome! Allen faster but less physical than Lucas. Sterling not much, Coutinho some moments.Henderson 'kuyt' good work ethics.Defense Flanagan shaky a bit. Hope we get to see other substitutes now since game is almost done barring some curse!
ReplyDeleteSo Jaimie, Joe Allen does not fit in eh? Humble pie is going to be served in truck loads :-)
ReplyDeleteTypo should have been Saurez, although he's in hot form so maybe he is like something sautéed!
ReplyDeleteHumble pie?
ReplyDeleteWell it never looked like Rodgers was going to drop Lucas or Stevie. I am a huge fan of Rodgers by the way.
ReplyDeleteYes that is right.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if we stay 3 up at the 70 minute mark BR can throw Aspas in for Suarez to get him some game time...same for Alberto...and maybe Sakho too.
ReplyDeleteLove that band. LS surely don't need no doctor.
ReplyDeleteIs he on the pitch?
ReplyDeleteI think Allen has been our poorest player (admittedly from a good bunch). Looks of the pace. Understandable, but you can't go serving humble pie based on this performance (so far).
ReplyDeleteOur poorest players? In what sense?
ReplyDeleteGood ideas (though I wouldn't make an unprompted defensive sub). I'd take Gerrard off for Alberto at around 60 mins, because he is on a yellow and an auld fella. Bring Suarez off for Aspas around 70 mins.
ReplyDeleteNeed to quell any 2nd half rally for the first 15-20 mins and then think about the weekend.
He gets paid well less than Gerrard and Suarez.
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, he's just looked sloppy. Looks a bit like an accident waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteSymptomatic of not being match fit. That isn't his fault, but regardless of blame, he hasn't been sharp, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteTrue man, happy he did. Looking better today. ✌️
ReplyDeleteso we're up 4 now...shouldn't press the luck with the goal machine...he ought to come out.
ReplyDeleteWell done Raheem! Your still a kid. & still learning. Lets hope some fans remember that!
ReplyDeleteCan't believe up 4-0 and BR subsonly 1 guy in for game time. Seems like a terrible waste of an opportunity.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute rubbish. What made him look like an accident waiting to happen?
ReplyDeleteFor a change our midfield actually looked sure of itself.
aspas showed a little bite when he came on want him to start for west ham.... agger needs to be on the bench... SS (super suarez).... without lucas we looked better in terms of gerrard got up front much more often and was imo much more effective than in previous games keep it up BR only changes needed are sakho in for agger and aspas in for sterling (despite the goal yh was kinda non-existent moses v2.0 imo)
ReplyDeleteSakho needs to play.
ReplyDeleteYeah, he should have brought him on earlier.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Rodgers needs to manager the squad better IMO. With reduced number of games, he should take every opportunity to keep fringe players fresh and hungry. Would it have hurt to give Aspas 30 mins? Would it have made any difference to the result? No. It's an insult bringing him on right at the death.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, but he was on the pitch and he banged 4 in: that's all that matters, mate.
ReplyDeleteGave the ball a way a few times in our own half, had a few close calls in possession.
ReplyDeleteBetter second half. I'm not saying that he is shit or that he played shit, I'm just saying he wasn't sharp. I think that was evident.
Agger ended up being the poorest of the bunch, I think.
agreed agger can not win headers 1v1 and against west ham we'll need sakho always knew with the way norwich played we were going to concede crosses left right and center come on BR bring in sakho and stop making mingolet look subpar because of his defenders failings
ReplyDeleteWhat a joke! Allen looked 100 times more mobile and energetic than Lucas has been all season. He even took it upon himself to get forward!
ReplyDeleteexactly i was screaming for aspas sigh hopefully he'll play two up fron next game
ReplyDeletei am just so very very very happy. i cant remember when is the last time i couldnt stop smiling. Norwich wasnt anywhere as poor as Fulham IMO. Dissappointed in agger! I think i rather have Allen infront of the backfour than Lucas, he had one horror pass that resulted in scoring opportunite, but he closes the opposition down with the best of em, he doesnt win ball as much as lucas but neither does he give away silly fouls in dangerous positions.
ReplyDeleteSuarez, what can i say!? i still hate him for the summer, but i wish we give him the new contract that has been spoken about.
Tino was good, still couple more games to get going,
poor luck we didnt score more, Stevie and Joe A were both very close....
god what a good game. im going to sleep happy.... Oh and Manchester U lost home! what a fantastic Night!
And we actually saw some triangles for a change. This has been our best passing performance of the season.
ReplyDeletei have to agree. we made Norwich seem a much worse team than they actually are. we can build from defence much better when allen plays. far more mobile to find space and aid centrebacks when brining the ball out
ReplyDeleteAnd some people think Allen looked sloppy? I must have been watching a different match...
ReplyDeleteyeah but it still was a kinda classy move to give player a chance to get the standing ovation he duly earned
ReplyDeletehe had few misplaced passes, ill write that down for not playing. but he was very very tidy
ReplyDeleteAgree. Shocking call with Aspas. Give the lad a chance to get a goal
ReplyDeleteIn all his goals he provided a masterclass on striking the football. A must watch!
ReplyDeleteWould of subbed Gerrard and Suarez around 60-70min mark, maybe Coutinho too. 3 games in a week is not ideal for Gerrard and I can't understand why he has to play 90 minutes. Hendo can get through that, but he was subbed. It reminds of Kenny Dalglish in the way Rodgers has a squad but only wants to use 11 players.
ReplyDeleteBoth you Logan and Jamie K with his scary prediction skills vindicated on the same night!
ReplyDeleteHumble pie FOR EVERYONE!
While I agree that putting Alberto in from the start would have been good, would dropping Sterling not have been bad man management. Especially if he thinks he would have had some space and time to do something in that game, And with the goal that may have helped his confidence.
ReplyDeleteI thought Allen was okay today. I really wish that shot went in, would of given him so much confidence. I think he got a chance today and Lucas was rested rather than Allen being preferred.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly did himself no harm, unlike the last time he started. The shot he had in particular, the way he attacked the ball, is a very positive sign.
Keep your pie in the oven for now though, there's a lot more games to be played before it can be served.
I asl the question once again did Agger do anything that Sakho could have done? And did Agger fail where Sakho probably would have succeeded?
ReplyDeleteIt puzzles me for that as well. Why couldn't BR give Aspas game time of 20 mins when the team was leading 3-0 and Norwich not dominating the match? Is that some kind of mind game of the highest level in football to inspire positive motivation for a new player, I don't know. To me, simply, Aspas's LFC career was being certified 'dead' by BR, not tonight but some time ago. A cool addition to BR's LFC hit list. Also, I was wondering what will happen to the club if LS is being injured? What's the problem to protect your club's top scorer by giving him more rest time, especially during this hectic festive season schedule.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it was a good result for LFC. Let's hope this is where we stand in the league after the match with Hull City on the first day of 2014.
On the basis of one game? Do me a favour! :-)
ReplyDeleteAllen played well, but this is Norwich City we're talking about. Against top-tier midfields it will be a different story. NC gave Allen way too much space, and other midfielders will be much more combative/physical, something Allen will not be able to handle (IMO)
I'd still have him over Lucas at the moment, though.
You are absolutely right, my friend. BR is simply inviting fatique and injuries into the team.
ReplyDeleteYep, agree. Agger is finished as a top class centre-back for LFC (IMO). The number of times he's beaten to headers in the box is ridiculous, and tonight, again, it was costly.
ReplyDeleteLogan - please remain civil. Saying things like 'what a joke' and 'absolute rubbish' is not civil. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get to watch. How did Alberto do? Please...unemotional, objective responses only.
ReplyDeleteVery true, was thinking the same. ✌️
ReplyDeleteWhy all this hate for agger? Think he's one of the best in the league. Just my opinion tho.
ReplyDeleteAnd everyone moaned when rads rotated. There is something to be said for keeping a familiar team. We won 5-1 I think. He kept Luis on because he was on fire.
ReplyDeleteYou know we've progressed in the last few years when we're winning 5-1 at home, and still having a bitch about other things :')
ReplyDeleteHe played 20 minutes, had 20 touches, 16/17 accurate passes, and one really nice shot that half the time would have went in. Pretty good.
ReplyDeleteerm, you were saying?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely unimpressed by Agger's aerial duel weaknesses. He loses his man time and time again and has been lost by the scorer lots of times already this season. If he can't learn to do it properly, leave him out. Sakho would be better imo.
ReplyDeleteHe lost Altadore for a free header from 8 yards earlier in the game which he should have scored with, just muscled off the ball.
It's not hate for Dagger. He needs to seriously upgrade that part of his game to DESERVE his place ahead of Sakho who is much stronger defensively imo
ReplyDeleteThanks...that is good news
ReplyDeleteThis was one of the most beautiful football I have ever seen, purely due to individual brilliance of Luis Suarez. I haven't seen anything like that at Anfield since Stevie G hattrick against Napoli. I am so privileged to watch one the best talent to ever grace the Liverpool shirt. People are talking about how much he would cost now for potential buyers but I wish he is not for sale at all. It will be impossible to find a player like that again. Breathtaking, jaw dropping, awesome, fantabulous player....!!
ReplyDeleteObviously but this isn't 1 game a week now it's 3 in 7.
ReplyDeleteNo. Any good team would have crashed our back midfield and our defense line today. Allen got passed way to easily. Big matches coming up scares me.
ReplyDeleteAll Flanagan, Agger, Lucas, Allen are scary to have at defense.
4231 one is the way to go though. We need a whole lot more of defensive organization and discipline to get results out of Spurs, City, Chelsea.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the true big test, and the only one left cause i have no patience for him anymore, of Rodgers, is to put out a well coached and disciplined team at those matches who will always be in the picture of winning the game. If he fails that means he doesn't have the head to be LFC's manager.
It's almost obvious how we need to approach each one of these matches threw playing style etc.
Whan an absolutely stunning performance from Suarez. This is guy is world class! He does for Liverpool and he does it for Uruguay!
ReplyDeleteI only saw MOTD, how did the team play in general? Especially Allen, Hendo, Sterling?
I only saw the highlights too but what a highlight show. That was nothing short of incredible. I actually found it hard to fall asleep because I was giddy with excitement after watching it and that hasn't happened for a while. Thank you Luis Suarez. Apart from our game, it was an excellent MOTD last night. Some cracking goals.
ReplyDeleteHold mate, are you br got it wrong last night for the team he picked? Sterling had a good game and hopefully that will give him a lift, aspas ain't good enough and if br had played him and we had lost u would of been on his case strait away
ReplyDeleteWe already look worrisome without Sturridge. Suarez may be our best individual player, but Sturridge galvanises the team. Thank heavens it's Norwich! They must be Suarez's favourite opponent.
ReplyDeleteIf BR replaced Suarez before 82nd, he would have strangled him..
ReplyDeleteBecause 5 goals just aren't enough?
ReplyDeleteAlberto had a few cameos this season, the one against Newcastle sticks out in my mind. Sterling hasn't done much either, and his decision making in the final 3rd is wanting. Granted he scored a goal yesterday, I still believe that Alberto has earned his chance for a start, and Sterling has a few things to work on before he is a regular.
ReplyDeleteWhat Jonjo gave ius in the small amount of creativity and goals he lacke in a lot of other aspects of his game. Aspects both Henderson and Allen are better at.
ReplyDeleteKenny and Rodgers had comparble amounts of money but a weaker starting team (comparative to the rest of the league) as Rafa.I Iove Rafa but his mistakes, although far far less than the owner situation led to the poorer build up of players and thus worse league position leading to a harder situation regarding transfer acquisition. It is mainly the cowboys but Kenny and Rodgers took over harder jobs, Rodgers more so the n Kenny probably.
ReplyDeleteJay, Basically Allen, Lucas and Henderson all do the same job. S Gerrard(33) has lost his pace and mobility, but still has class, quality delivery from set pieces. Lucas gets stuck in and wins ball back but when we get better DM, he will struggle to get in team. And Allen and Henderson are both good passers of ball, both cautious, both mobile with a bit of pace to them, but both create very little and both do not score enough. Shelvey creates and scores goals, something our centre midfield is hugely lacking.
ReplyDeleteShelvey is a bit like charlie adam. Wants to create all the time but only does something on rare occasions. I feel there may be a bit of match of the day syndrome here rather than looking at Shelvey's whole game. Slow, careless a lot of the time, tactically quite weak. How many goals and assists did Shelvey actually get for us or Swansea now for that matter? I agree that Our current options are not doing it in that part of there game but Henderson got a few goals at then end of last season and could still get some more as the season goes on but he will track his player every time something you couldn't say about Shelvey. I agree the creativity is missing I just disagree that Shelvey was anything close to a solution to that particular conundrum.
ReplyDelete