After weeks in the wilderness, summer signing Iago Aspas returns to the starting line-up for this afternoon's Premier League game with Hull City.
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Johnson, Cissokho, Skrtel, Agger, Lucas, Henderson, Coutinho, Aspas, Sterling, Suarez
SUB: Jones, Rossiter, Kelly, Toure, Moses, Alberto, Gerrard
HULL: McGregor, Figueroa, Bruce, Chester, Davies, Meyler, Huddlestone, Koren, Livermore, Sagbo, Elmohamady
* Aspas has a great chance to impose himself today, but it all depends on where he's playing. If he's used out wide, it will be a total waste of time; hopefully, he'll play high up the pitch alongside Suarez.
* Good to see Gerrard on the bench, but it's a little surprising to see him return so quickly. In my view, he should be used sparingly, as the last thing the club needs right now is another injury relapse.
* Cissokho didn't do too badly against Man City, and even though he's struggled to make an impact so far, he's arguably a better option than Brad Smith and Martin Kelly.
* Jordan Rossiter retains his place on the bench, so hopefully he'll get a brief spell on the pitch at some point in the game.
Possible Formations: A
---------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---- Skrtel --- Agger --- Cissokho
--------------- Lucas
--------- Hendo --- Coutinho
--- Sterling
----------- Aspas --- Suarez
Possible Formations: B
---------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---- Skrtel --- Agger --- Cissokho
----------- Lucas ------ Hendo
Sterling ---------------------- Coutinho
----------- Aspas
---------------- Suarez
Possible Formations: C
---------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---- Skrtel --- Agger --- Cissokho
----------- Lucas ------ Hendo
Sterling ------ Coutinho ---------- Aspas
---------------- Suarez
Predicting a 3-0 win for Liverpool, LFC Legend Mark Lawrenson believes that Reds will 'get their own back on Hull today for the 3-1 defeat earlier in the season. He told the BBC:
"I see Liverpool getting their own back here, however. They are back at Anfield, where they have blown away the majority of teams they have faced this season, and I see them getting back to winning ways"
Hull managed to stop Luis Suarez in the last game between the two teams, and if they manage to do the same again today, Liverpool could struggle. Given recent home form, however, that's highly unlikely, and I expect the Reds to win the game. One thing's for sure: if Liverpool are serious contenders for a Champions League place, nothing short of a win today is acceptable. My prediction: 2-0/2-1
It's amazing how quickly things change. A week ago, Liverpool were top of the league; now, the club is EIGHT points behind Man City...
Author: Jaimie K
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Johnson, Cissokho, Skrtel, Agger, Lucas, Henderson, Coutinho, Aspas, Sterling, Suarez
SUB: Jones, Rossiter, Kelly, Toure, Moses, Alberto, Gerrard
HULL: McGregor, Figueroa, Bruce, Chester, Davies, Meyler, Huddlestone, Koren, Livermore, Sagbo, Elmohamady
* Aspas has a great chance to impose himself today, but it all depends on where he's playing. If he's used out wide, it will be a total waste of time; hopefully, he'll play high up the pitch alongside Suarez.
* Good to see Gerrard on the bench, but it's a little surprising to see him return so quickly. In my view, he should be used sparingly, as the last thing the club needs right now is another injury relapse.
* Cissokho didn't do too badly against Man City, and even though he's struggled to make an impact so far, he's arguably a better option than Brad Smith and Martin Kelly.
* Jordan Rossiter retains his place on the bench, so hopefully he'll get a brief spell on the pitch at some point in the game.
Possible Formations: A
---------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---- Skrtel --- Agger --- Cissokho
--------------- Lucas
--------- Hendo --- Coutinho
--- Sterling
----------- Aspas --- Suarez
Possible Formations: B
---------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---- Skrtel --- Agger --- Cissokho
----------- Lucas ------ Hendo
Sterling ---------------------- Coutinho
----------- Aspas
---------------- Suarez
Possible Formations: C
---------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---- Skrtel --- Agger --- Cissokho
----------- Lucas ------ Hendo
Sterling ------ Coutinho ---------- Aspas
---------------- Suarez
Predicting a 3-0 win for Liverpool, LFC Legend Mark Lawrenson believes that Reds will 'get their own back on Hull today for the 3-1 defeat earlier in the season. He told the BBC:
"I see Liverpool getting their own back here, however. They are back at Anfield, where they have blown away the majority of teams they have faced this season, and I see them getting back to winning ways"
Hull managed to stop Luis Suarez in the last game between the two teams, and if they manage to do the same again today, Liverpool could struggle. Given recent home form, however, that's highly unlikely, and I expect the Reds to win the game. One thing's for sure: if Liverpool are serious contenders for a Champions League place, nothing short of a win today is acceptable. My prediction: 2-0/2-1
It's amazing how quickly things change. A week ago, Liverpool were top of the league; now, the club is EIGHT points behind Man City...
Author: Jaimie K
Hopefully Alberto gets more than ten mins if he can't play against hull he shouldn't be in squad is Jordan ibe injured?
ReplyDeleteWould love to see Cissokho be brave and move on up the pitch and not pass backwards and also, can we see some Alberto time please! Is this new combo the new SAS? Hope Aspas has the pace, guile and physicality for the match. What's your prediction Jamie & others? I go with 3-1 to LFC to exact revenge.
ReplyDeleteSteve Bruce & Sam Allardyce , the two hugest heads in world football.
ReplyDeleteDisappointed again not to see ilori and texeira, but why then they train with the first team its amazing, chance for aspas to impress dont think he will take it even if he does its too late now he can leave asap for me, hoping johnson wont screw it again hes been a shock lately, cissokho.. No other option I guess so gotta accept that, the whole squad is too thin and tired as hell, would take any win today, hull will make it difficult to score, hopefully we have some luck on the road, if we fail to win CL will stay a dream again.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see Agger in cb. I am betting a 1000 on a win.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, if Aspas is bad and he doesn't play Alberto, that's the worse scenario.
whats wrong with toure why the sudden snub?
ReplyDeleteOMW please can Skrtel for once not cost us a goal? Toure surely should be playing ahead of him by now...
ReplyDeleteHad a feeling Aspas would start today. Let's hope he knuckles down and puts in a performance worthy of a start in the next game too.
Aspas to score one, suarez too. I predict a 2:0 win
ReplyDeleteAspas needs to score really otherwise he'll probably be on the bench again next week.
ReplyDeleteMartin Kelly should be given a chance at the expense of Johnson. He has been too wasteful in the last encounters
ReplyDeleteI don't agree, although I do agree that Alberto should get more game time I really don't think against hull would be the best time. Hull have shown themselves to be a decent side for their first season back up. Their midfield is pretty strong and they are decent defensively. Alberto should be getting his game time in the FA cup and against the bottom 4 or so teams. If he can prove a point there then he should maybe get his chance against the mid table teams.
ReplyDeletePlayers have to be integrated into the team especially when switching from somewhere like La Liga to the EPL. He's young, he's shown he has skill. Just needs to bide his time show his class in training and take those opportunities given to him.
I would like to see him start against Oldham. We are in dire need of some proper rotation because most of are starting 11 has played every game since boxing day.
hopefully he is played upfront and not on the wing
ReplyDeleteThey are training with the first team because there was a midwinter break for the U21s with no game from December 9th to January 12th (I think). Don't read too much into it.
ReplyDeletehow is it too late for aspas? he played ok in his first few games getting an assist or two playing out of position and then got injured, since then he's come off from the bench so late in games he has no chance to make an impact.
ReplyDeleteGive him a fair chance, it's still exceedingly early in his liverpool career and lets face it he was always bought just to be the third choice striker.
Even though he has not proven himself yet and I doubt he will, today is Aspas´ day.
ReplyDeleteFinally, I think we should all wipe the slate clean and give Aspas a fresh chance to show us what he can do. Fingers crossed for him. Hope this isnt a Shop Window tactic.
ReplyDeleteDoesnt look like a bad squad in all honesty. But definitely room for improvements. Nice to see Stevie back. Lets send those kitties packing!
Do you see him being the new suarez even if he gets a hat trick today? Obviously not. Aspas is one of those buys whos destined to fail, he was not, he is not and wont be any special, so why wasting salaries on him, sell him and bring someone useful in.
ReplyDeleteWould rather have Toure in there instead of Agger or Skyrtel.
ReplyDeleteAnd what exactly has Teixeira to deserve a place in the starting eleven. Once Aspas has had a decent run in the team then let judge him. He has played 301
ReplyDeleteThe quiet start reminds me of a similar game a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteDreaded flag
ReplyDeleteDagger!!!
ReplyDeleteAggerrr.
ReplyDeleteThis referee is an abomination.
ReplyDeleteFather and son should be kicked out of Anfield
ReplyDeleteI do hate it when I hear Suarez scream after all the tackles on him, but Alex Bruce should definitely have had 2 yellow cards.
ReplyDeleteSummed up some of our troubles this season: Sterling, Coutinho and Henderson have had guilt edged chances to score but still no goals from midfield. A shame as aspas and henderson would have had good assists. Unfortunately spas has seemed to win the ball back for us but then immediately lose it a couple of times which wont help his confidence.
ReplyDeleteI love Coutinho but he just can't hit the target, it's becoming embarassing...
ReplyDeleteA lot better from Johnson today but the whole team is being sloppy in possession. So many attacks breaking down though poor passes. A big shame sterling hasnt had much of the ball this half.
ReplyDeleteAspas has been wasteful and frustrating to watch. Needs to be subbed off. I hope Alberto gets a chance, he seems to be solid on the ball.
ReplyDeleteWhat the hell is it about Hendo? He ran ON to that shot. NO WAY should he be putting it wide. Then Coutinho does the sameAGAIN from 12 yards out.
ReplyDeleteWe should be comfortably 3-0 up. Instaead 1 set piece could cost us 2 points
HIT THE BLOODY TARGET!!!
Bruce should be off. Then the useless ref books Suarez for a tackle which didn't even make contact which was his first one!
Unbelievable. Where do they get them from?
agree about the suarez booking! He pulled out of the tackle and got hacked. then bruce just kicked his kidneys from behind. Ridiculous!
ReplyDeletethe ref clearly told sagbo that it was the fourth thime he is fouling someone and reaches in to his pocket but still no card comes out.... magic!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that could be the difference at the end of the season. The likes of Hazard, Yaya Toure, Ozil etc just don't miss those
ReplyDeleteA goal might build some confidence for Aspas. Technically he is ok but a tad to lightweight.
ReplyDeletereally frustrates me that ultimate professionals can't hit the target from right in front of the goal. Henderson's shooting is unpredictable, whereas with Coutinho, unless it's a tap-in, he will never score.
ReplyDeleteMy fear is that City and Chelsea have shown the rest of the league how to kick lumps out of Suarez to keep him quiet. Especially as the Ref is willing to allow it to happen unpunished :-(
ReplyDeleteHe's done good things too. You're only seeing the bad. It's not realistic to expect a player to come in and do it straight away. Give him a run in the side and we'll see what he's made of.
ReplyDeleteYes they do! All players miss chances, even the very best. Hazard missed one against us the other day; Ozil finishes poorly all the time. Midfielders tend to be streaky in their scoring, and tend to get more goals with a few years of experience behind them. Henderson's time will come. He's already in the top 10 midfielders in the league for everything else.
ReplyDeleteThis is an issue with having too many young players in the team. A few experienced buyers in Jan will help and with sturridge coming back.
ReplyDeleteSuarezz... That's the wayy
ReplyDeleteBefore Suarez kicked that, I said, 'just watch, this is definitely going in'
ReplyDeleteHe did one good thing which was the chance he gave Henderson. Other than that he did nothing.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Kolo so loveable? Is it his face? His funny walk? What?
ReplyDeleteI love those red glow lights at the back of the Kop stand. The stadium needs a lot more red lights around it, in a kind of similar way to how Etihad had blue neon lights.
ReplyDeleteEnd of the road for aspas
ReplyDeleteYou're exaggerating, but fine, I saw his performance a little differently.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't have that telepathic undersanding with Suarez which exists with Sturridge.
ReplyDeleteso many shots!!
ReplyDeleteif gerrard can´t run yet, why bring him on? doesn´t make sense to me,
ReplyDeleteBR should bring in Alberto
ReplyDeletewell he already made 3 changes
ReplyDeleteBloody hell Moses, attempt to actually pass the ball...
ReplyDeletecoutinho needs a break IMO, alberto should start the next game... doubt this will ever happen
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen Oscar's dive today. This was a proper swimming pool dive, which should have scored a 10 for excellence and style.
ReplyDeleteWonder what Mourinho will have to say now :-)
Once Coutinho gets a goal from one of those many efforts he puts, you won't be able to stop him. He is just unlucky with all the saves and blocks. Next season he will be our hazard
ReplyDeletevery simple minded player
ReplyDeleteFair point, but we can't always be dreaming about next year. We need to get top 4 THIS YEAR.
ReplyDeleteI remember Suarez missing the target with regularity his first season. He hite the woodwork, what 13 times his first year? When PC finds his range he will put a huge exclamation point on his statement.
ReplyDeletePC is becoming more comfortable on the ball with every start. He will start scoring and when he does, the goals will come like the rain did today. Have faith.
ReplyDeleteback to winning ways finally let's go liverpool..... my gosh glen has been horrible though whats up with him and the refs have not improved why in the world was suarez booked well whatever scored a free kick haha take that
ReplyDeleteif it was suarez it would;ve come out but the color would've been red
ReplyDeleteMain take-away from today, apart from the win, was a clean sheet. The first we've have for a while. Maybe no co-incidence that it was Agger and Skrtel.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have been put better, world class dive.
ReplyDeleteWe honestly did not have the best game, 2 goals from 2 set pieces against a team like Hull is not enough. If that was against a mid-table team i.e. Newcastle or Everton who would have had more chances in goal, we would have walked away with a draw.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Assaidi will be able to come back next year and be a good squad player. Might turn out to be a good transfer after all!
ReplyDeleteI saw us miss a few virtual tap-ins: PC and Hendo were two. The steady rain has to count for something I think.
ReplyDeleteThat top 4 spot is ours as long as united keep being mediocre. They are our only threat to that 4th spot, not even Everton.
ReplyDeleteforgetting these players have been playing back to back to back games against two tough opposition they must be spent so however they score now until they get properly rested i'll take it
ReplyDeleteGood win - should have been 5-0!
ReplyDeleteBut there is a very disconcerting trend with the reffing bias against Suarez and more generally liverpool. Not just the last 3 games, but also Mirallas' foul etc. If not getting penalty calls was bad, now they are not even giving yellows for fouls that could injure him - and oddly he's gotten 2 yellows for harmless innocent fouls.
Glad he didn't get injured, kept his cool, and scored an amazing free kick, but it has to be said he wasn't his usual self in the second half - I think the possibility of getting mangled had a lot to do with that.
good win in what could of been a tricky game....
ReplyDeleteAny team managed by Bruce will always have a huge head start :)
ReplyDeleteits results against teams like hull which will define our season not how we play against Chelsea
ReplyDeleteYes if we want to finish outside top 4.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, we need to be picking up points (not necessarily wins) against the top teams.
Never thought I'd say I wanted ManU to score...but a draw with Spurs would have been best. Still I'd rather have Spurs closer to us than ManU...so not a bad result.
ReplyDeleteAgree - hence my earlier comment about City and Chelsea showing the league that the best way to "neutralise" Suarez seems to be to kick lumps out of him - since the Ref's have taken to a bias against him.
ReplyDeleteI know this would not be acceptable against Messi or Ronaldo.
Aspas again used out wide. Waste of time. Maybe BR is just shop windowing him for a sale. Better to end this debacle and get rid of him this summer. Put the money towards a Mata offer.
ReplyDeleteAspas is definitely ending up deeper than when he played for Celta and this is what he admitted he struggles with. I think he's having difficulty knowing how to express his talents in a Liverpool formation, things were surely much simpler for Celta. This is always going to be the case when you go from being the main man in attack to being probably the 4th most important attacking player on the pitch. But also the tactics seem to be strange for him. What's really indicative for me is that in this game he NEVER shows up on the left. Suarez, for example, drifts more often to the left, but he'll show up on both sides of the park at various times. For Aspas to never go wide left is really odd to me, even Sterling popped up there quite a bit. When a player who is clearly a right sided winger like Sterling is spending time on the left wing but Aspas never goes there, I think something strange is going on. Aspas seems to be struggling with combinations and maybe gets stuck on certain things from time to time, forgetting that he should be a free-roaming attacker with great ability. It's as if he can't get past the link up with Johnson and gets his head buried in whatever Rodgers is trying to get him to do. I would have to admit that after this long in the team with plenty of game time it's perhaps a sign he just doesn't have what it takes. If can't adjust to new tactics and continue to express his own unique talents as an attacking player then maybe he's not right for the club.
ReplyDelete