Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has unceremoniously dropped in-form Raheem Sterling for today's Premier League game with Southampton.
Despite three goals/assists in the last four games - including a stunning assist for Daniel Sturridge in last week's 4-3 victory over Swansea City - Sterling is cast aside in favour of Joe Allen, who played well after replacing the young winger last week.
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Johnson, Flanagan, Agger, Skrtel, Gerrard, Allen, Henderson, Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez
SUBS: Jones, Toure, Cissokho, Moses, Aspas, Sterling, Teixeira
SOUTHAMPTON: Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Cork, Schneiderlin, Davis, Lallana, Rodriguez, Lambert
* Brendan Rodgers recently described Sterling's form as 'outstanding', but clearly, he's not 'outstanding' enough to stay in the team, despite his assist in the last game.
* Given Southampton's high-intensity pressing game (which is similar to Liverpool's approach), the Sterling/Allen change is, admittedly, understandable, and hopefully the Welsh midfielder will do the business.
* Having said that, given £15m-rated Sterling's excellent form, it seems strange that Rodgers chooses to disrupt his momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
* Southampton will probably now breathe a huge sigh of relief. Allen poses comparatively zero attacking threat, and the removal of one of LFC's fastest players means Saints' defence will not be under as much pressure.
* Sterling is a good option to have later in the game, though, and his pace will be an asset against Southampton's tiring players.
* Good to see Joao Teixeira on the bench again. Luis Alberto is once again missing from the match-day squad.
Liverpool's away form this season is not the greatest, and Reds legend John Aldridge admits that he's expecting another middling performance:
"Not confident today after our recent away performances. Tough place to go. I'm going Sturridge first goal and 2-2"
My view is that LFC should always start with the most attacking team available, and then shore things up later if needed. Swapping out Allen for Sterling is (arguably) a negative, defensive-minded move, but the Reds should still have enough fire-power to score the goals needed to win the game.
Ultimately, though, why change a winning team? None of the goals conceded against Swansea came about as a result of Sterling, and bringing Allen into the team is not going to stop the stupid defensive mistakes that have plagued LFC all season.
Author: Jaimie K
Despite three goals/assists in the last four games - including a stunning assist for Daniel Sturridge in last week's 4-3 victory over Swansea City - Sterling is cast aside in favour of Joe Allen, who played well after replacing the young winger last week.
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Johnson, Flanagan, Agger, Skrtel, Gerrard, Allen, Henderson, Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez
SUBS: Jones, Toure, Cissokho, Moses, Aspas, Sterling, Teixeira
SOUTHAMPTON: Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Cork, Schneiderlin, Davis, Lallana, Rodriguez, Lambert
* Brendan Rodgers recently described Sterling's form as 'outstanding', but clearly, he's not 'outstanding' enough to stay in the team, despite his assist in the last game.
* Given Southampton's high-intensity pressing game (which is similar to Liverpool's approach), the Sterling/Allen change is, admittedly, understandable, and hopefully the Welsh midfielder will do the business.
* Having said that, given £15m-rated Sterling's excellent form, it seems strange that Rodgers chooses to disrupt his momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
* Southampton will probably now breathe a huge sigh of relief. Allen poses comparatively zero attacking threat, and the removal of one of LFC's fastest players means Saints' defence will not be under as much pressure.
* Sterling is a good option to have later in the game, though, and his pace will be an asset against Southampton's tiring players.
* Good to see Joao Teixeira on the bench again. Luis Alberto is once again missing from the match-day squad.
Liverpool's away form this season is not the greatest, and Reds legend John Aldridge admits that he's expecting another middling performance:
"Not confident today after our recent away performances. Tough place to go. I'm going Sturridge first goal and 2-2"
My view is that LFC should always start with the most attacking team available, and then shore things up later if needed. Swapping out Allen for Sterling is (arguably) a negative, defensive-minded move, but the Reds should still have enough fire-power to score the goals needed to win the game.
Ultimately, though, why change a winning team? None of the goals conceded against Swansea came about as a result of Sterling, and bringing Allen into the team is not going to stop the stupid defensive mistakes that have plagued LFC all season.
survey service
Author: Jaimie K
IMO it's the right decision as the key to winning this game will be in the midfield. Southampton have a great midfield, very technical and play with number and that is what BR is doing here. If this tactic doesn't work then he can later play Sterling but if you watch our previous games against Southampton they have dominated our midfield and ended up losing so I think BR is trying to counter that by adding more players in the midfield who can move the ball around well. If we lose then BR got it wrong then fair enough. This shows courage in BR IMO as he is showing he is prepared to drop an inform player for the sake of the team and tactics.
ReplyDeleteNot at all sure about this ...... Stirling is in form and we could get at em from the off . Come on lads we need this one !
ReplyDeleteVery clever move by BR if you ask me!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all i have to say that after his brilliant performance last week, allen deserves a start. Soton are a strong pressing team so putting allen on the pitch relaxes our midfield a bit, allows us to have more dominance in the middle of the park, which ultimately can only be a good thing. IMO it also shows that BR is willing to make us the team in possesion, take controll of the game. While sterling is more a counter attacking footballer allen offers a lot of qualities in possesion, something BR will want us to have against a team below us on the table!
Sterling has been fantastic in recent weeks, but theres also a lot of pressure around him at the moment because people get easily spoiled because of his performances. after all hes still a 19 year old who deserves a rest at some part and i personally think its the perfect moment to give him one! If the game isn't going in our favour we still have a hungry winger on the bench who's able to make an instant impact on our team, something we havent really had for the entire season!
I agree. Top move by BR. I think this will work. Lets see
ReplyDeleteLets dominate this possession. Get a goal or 2 in front. Bring Sterling on in the last half hour if we are controlling the game. Lets do this!
ReplyDeletewe need that early goal I just hope our defence holds out
ReplyDeleteYes, a golden opportunity to take advantage of a Gunner slip-up. Chelski looked bad except for 20 minutes in the second half. Fulham are terrible and made Chelski look better than they played. Must win match today.
ReplyDeletei think "dump" is a bit harsh on both of them, left out for tactical reasons, rested, benched. Or have i just fell into the trap and took the bait.
ReplyDeletejaimie i dont think it's a defensive move by rodgers - not at all! sterling is a pacy guy who's best in counter attacking, while allen gives us more control of the game, against an intense-pressing team!
ReplyDeleteI'm not Raheems biggest fan but He has years ahead of him. We killed Owens hamstrings and plucked Torres' hamstrings too. It's right to give the kid a break even if this probably wasn't meant as a 'break'.
ReplyDeleteCompact midfield selection by Rodgers. Could be mean a lot at St. Mary's. Sterling can come on as an impact sub and run them ragged after they tire.
ReplyDeleteI cant believe BR put his hat on Agger! this article in my opinion should have been based the sanity of keeping an slow, immobile player in our side who gets bullied by anyone physical. Good thing Lambert isnt playing then............ Oh he is smh.
ReplyDeletethink it was vital to get another body in the middle, but it would be allen for coutinho 4 me, sterling,s pace is crucial away from home and coutinho while world class go's missing at times, id bring in cissoko for flanno aswell, i know hes muck but id rather johnsen at right back and the natural balance of a left footer at the back, flanno offers little going forward and looks a bit jaded to me, have to say i feel SOOO negative bout today!!! hate to say it but 2-1 southampton if i was thinking with my head, however im a liverpool fan therefore my head is somewhere to rest my hat and my heart does the thinking, talking, etc so 3-1 the pool, come on you red men!!! ynwa
ReplyDeleteIt's all about Stevie G today. If he is disciplined, avoids ball watching and breaks up the play well we'll do well. If Stevie has a sloppy one our system will fall apart.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to reinforce the midfield for greater stability you can only really "rest" an attacker and if he'd left out Suarez or Sturridge he'd be criticised even more. I do agree though he should not have been cast aside unceremoniously. A dumping ceremony and parade was the least he deserved for such good service........
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling to see how Allen is helping to tighten up LFC's midfield. Southampton are repeatedly cutting through the middle with ease. Gerrard and Hendo not having much impact either.
ReplyDeleteflanno and Johnson getting found out also
ReplyDeleteSouthampton getting far too much joy in the wide areas here. Concerning.
ReplyDeleteYeah losing midfield and having to defend deep again - not good . Lets hope we can catch em on the break . Stirling on at half time !
ReplyDeleteThey're dominating the game at the moment.
ReplyDeleteGood save Migno - got to get to half time to sort this !
ReplyDeleteoh my we have totally lost the midfield again we are getting outplayed
ReplyDeleteReally worrying.can't stitch 3 passes together
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we can try passing the ball to our own guys in the second half...it would be a nice change.
ReplyDeleteIf he were the only one passing the ball away, you would be right. However most of our passes are going to the touch line.
ReplyDeleteWhy do So'tons defensive volleys go to their guys and our defensive volleys also go to their guys?
ReplyDeletejheeze, we're so lucky to be leading at half-time - have we really got 3 central midfielders (AND a playmaker) on the pitch!?
ReplyDeleteGrade so far? I make it a C- at best. Kinda hard to tell though since he is usually trailing the ball.
ReplyDeleteAny of those 4 central midfielders have very good reason to be rotated off of the pitch atm
ReplyDeleteNeed sterling on that right wing to help keep shaw quiet, not enough width and giving their fullbacks far too much space
ReplyDeleteTrue. can't argue there.
ReplyDeleteI'd chock up the goal kick losses more to lack of mid-field hustle than SM's punts.
ReplyDeleteCissokho on for Flanagan and Sterling/Moses on for Coutinho asap - we've got no natural width or pace to open the pitch up and create space for SAS atm
ReplyDeleteDon't underestimate how well Southampton have played. They've been excellent and they're a good team. I'd pick Chambers, Shaw, Lallana and Schneiderlin over our players in their respective positions for sure.
ReplyDeleteThe theory was to stop Southampton building through the middle by screening, obviously, which has worked really well, they haven't gone through the middle really -- rather round the sides, as you say. Allen, Gerrard and Henderson are too close together and seem to be struggling to make up ground when the ball goes wide. The midfield shape has been good but has ended up looking static. This is only partly down to our tactics.
The main reason for this is that Saints are being amazingly cavalier in sending their full backs forward and are being amazingly accurate with their passing out wide. Shaw and Chambers were effectively running the game.The answer to that would be to hit them on the break repeatedly to get the fullbacks tired and nervous. But our execution on the break has been poor, even more than our defending. I'd have sacrificed some of the screen to press a bit higher, probably, to compensate... and we'd probably be 3-1 down as a result!
Something needs to happen asap as a Soton goal is coming very very soon. Sterling looks like he's coming on shortly.
ReplyDeleteThat;s what impact sub means
ReplyDeleteFill your boots Raheem !
ReplyDeleteGo on son. Take a bow.
ReplyDeletepraise where praise is due, well done Brendon Rodgers
ReplyDeleteLets park the bus n sneak another on break
ReplyDeleteSo...much...better with Sterling on the pitch
ReplyDeleteC mon lets have the clean sheet !
ReplyDeleteWoys there to give Raheem his plane ticket ;-)
ReplyDeleteHe wanks Waheem highly!
ReplyDeleteB loody Hell Luis 's got a penalty ......... !
ReplyDeleteOk, great result, but if I'm honest I'm slightly embarrassed by the scoreline. But very good second half performance overall.
ReplyDeleteGREAT RESULT Sleep well tonight guys Dare we start to dream ?
ReplyDeleteWell done gents...didn't play great, but gutted out a convincing win. Suarez MoM for me....1 goal 2 two assists. The defense stiffened in the second half which was nice to see. Great away win.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the replay and the discussion of whether Suarez was truly tripped or he 'managed' to find the defenders foot. I think he was truly tripped because if he's through he scores...which he would love. And if he gets the PK, then SG is taking it and he won't get the goal.
ReplyDeleteThink this time 2 years ago we were talking about how we'd have to fight for the Europa League and now we're talking about winning the league without the money of Chelsea and City. If we can win the league, this season would be a historic season without a doubt. Little engine that could?
ReplyDeleteAlso why dive? We had already won.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the united game now, we can actually win at old trafford.
ReplyDeleteYeah, also that.
ReplyDeleteTHANK GOD!!!! we defeated our bogey team YES... only real plight with the game was the inconsistency of the referreeing but then again can't have it all good to see mingolet coming out for crosses and such now (best save too)
ReplyDeleteAwesome save...deflated Soton completely when it looked like they would draw the match.
ReplyDeleteI like that Lallana kid. Joe Allen needs to hit the weight room a la RS.
ReplyDeleteYeah bad calf ;)
ReplyDeleteLuis Suarez. The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be.
ReplyDeleteFrom now on everybody(including myself) BE QUIET and let BR do his job!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy reaction if we go on to win the league http://assets.diylol.com/hfs/f90/8c4/86a/resized/daniel-bryan-meme-generator-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-e8b984.jpg?1366817761.jpg
ReplyDeleteWell that was mostly another butt-clencher. But at least I'll be able to enjoy the highlights and watery analysis on MOTM tonight. Also looking forward to seeing the reaction to Pardew nutting David Meyler at Hull.
ReplyDeleteHe'd be a good signing, no?
ReplyDeleteIt's slightly disappointing to be honest. But clearly lost the plot.
ReplyDeleteHe would be, but every match that goes by highlights again how we need a good DM..like that Matic guy at Chelski. He ruled the pitch in front of the Chelski's back line. I hate Chelski, but they sure have good players.
ReplyDeleteAnd so many of them! If we could get Chalobah from them at a discount, would be good. Really rate that kid and it doesn't look like he's got a future at Chelsea.
ReplyDeleteWill Gerrard miss the Trafford game for his 5th yellow? Or do the stats get reset on 1st January?
ReplyDeleteI think what happens now is after 31 December, you get one more warning YC before you get a 1 match ban...so essentially if you can make it to the new year you get 6 before you get a ban.
ReplyDeletePardew should hire a big dude to stand next to him to keep him from doing stupid stuff.
ReplyDeletePardew should see the head doctor. Maybe he can right the loose screws.
ReplyDeleteSo I dare dream? With City and Chelsea having to come to Anfield...
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine him squaring up to Wenger? They could mud wrestle on the touch line. Wenger is like the glass man; he'd be snapped to pieces
ReplyDeleteI didn't doubt his decision to foul. I was just worried whether SG will be allowed to play against Utd or not...
ReplyDeleteWE dare to dream my friend. 24 years
ReplyDeleteWow dare I say it but this has been the first title winning performance from liverpool in a long time. How many times have we seen Man U over the years produce these kind of results. I feel like this is a watershed moment for Rodgers as I has finally got one over the manager who has been a thorn in his side over the past year. 4 wins out of ten will bring us a top 4 spot any thin more then who knows ? This liverpool team looks like they are ready to reach for the stars.
ReplyDeleteThey both tried to help each other in when they should have shot. You're right...they'll be plenty of opportunities for assists without having to unnecessarily manufacture them. Each should have gone to the net and it would have been 5-0.
ReplyDeletewhy?? :-/
ReplyDeleteIt must have been you then. I think most of us were a bit queasy before the match. They play very well against us and it was starting out like a day of upsets.
ReplyDeleteHave you realized something, whenever JK talks about a jynx it just stops. When he spoke about gerrard not scoring a goal from open play in over a year before the Mersey derby, he scored. Before the Swansea game he mentioned Hendo hasn't scored for 13 games, he scored TWICE. The there was the Soton 'Bogey' aaaaaaand it's gone. JK, the un-jinxer.
ReplyDeleteIt's gone already so lets rest well and go to the mancs and perform!!!............ :-)
ReplyDeleteWhats good is the intent is there. I agree both probably should have shot, but at the speed they are going ect. Might not have seemed like the best choice. Either way good result
ReplyDeleteI'd play Allen in front of Hendo on present form.
ReplyDeleteWow can't believe we are still in with a chance of winning the title. Fantastic season so far, if spurs fail to win tomorrow I think that's CL in the bag. We can then play without pressure and play to win every game. Exciting times ahead
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree, apart from the Johnson praise. I thought he gave the ball away far too often today. In his defence, he is still coming off a long injury, so hope he improves.
ReplyDeleteHendo scored two goals in his last game. When did Allen last score a goal. Or make an assist. Henderson has to be ahead of Allen (IMO) because he's a goal threat.
ReplyDeleteOh my god Jamie.... You ended an article on Liverpool on a positive.... Don't know about Liverpool winning a premiership ,but that's definetly a first ynwa blindstde
ReplyDeleteNo, it's not a first. I'm positive in lots of articles; you just clearly haven't read them.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to make sense...
ReplyDeleteJK, WRITE AN ARTICLE ABOUT HOW WE HAVEN'T WON THE TITLE IN AGES!!
Four points behind Chelski, Four points behind Manc City (if they win their games in hand), possible, but I honestly think it will need 10 wins out of ten. But, hey, third (which is clearly achievable) or forth, (let's hope the scum don't win the CL) is still a huge achievement for the team and BR has to be given a huge pat on the back. Get the transfer side of the job sorted and he is a potential great for LFC.
ReplyDeleteAllen DID make a difference in first half....blindsyde
ReplyDeleteBecause JK predicted a bad result I knew we'd win.
ReplyDeleteIntent intent intent! Come on you reds! Now let's finish off the mancs!
ReplyDeleteConvincing result, but rather unconvincing performance before Sterling scored. We were very lucky with them hitting the post and Mignolet made a great stop in the first half as well.
ReplyDeleteHaving a look at the remaining fixtures of the current top4, Chelsea argubaly has a very easy run-in. Us away will be difficult for them hopefully, but apart from that I can only see them dropping points away at Swansea and at home against Spurs and Arsenal. I think they send out a strong message today, winning so convincingly after playing a midweek CL game away in Istanbul.
City and Arsenal have very difficult run-ins. Away games at Everton, Manchester United, Tottenham, us and against each other.
On current form, I back us to finish at least third (ahead of Arsenal). And that would be absolutely vital. If we finish 4th, CL status would only be confirmed late in August, with potential signings hanging in the balance until then and it could be quite tricky too, because we'd play a team from one of the bigger leagues ...
Eh? I predicted a 3-1 win (!)
ReplyDeleteYep not far away. Dunno what youve against allen, if we had started with sterling it would have been far to open just like swansea last week. It is a great situation to be in that we can bring on raheem when the opposition are pushing. Also dont know what game your watching, johnson was pants today. I am a fan but he was worse than smalling!!
ReplyDeleteReds fan for 40 years, god how long have we waited for this.....
Have a day off mate
ReplyDeleteYou had a bad feeling about the game so I thought predicted a draw or something!
ReplyDeletevery easy run in? you just said they have spurs, arsenal and liverpool!
ReplyDeleteYeah, but Spurs and Arsenal at home ... remember Chelsea have never ever lost a premier league home game under Mourinho ... let's say their run-in is easier than City's or Arsenal's ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's a more accurate statement! They can still easily draw them.
ReplyDeleteYap. Especially if they are still in the CL and get tired and distracted ... hopefully.
ReplyDeleteim just happy your happy jk !!!!
ReplyDeletecmon you redmen !!!!
with the 3 sss in our team theres always a goal or 3 !!
as long as the defence plays well we win most games !!!
looking convincing now!!
happy dayz ;0)
Bad times at Fulham, isn't it. Dead certs for the drop now, and real financial trouble ahead.
ReplyDeleteWith JK the un-jinxer and Nelson Mandela dying ( http://www.liverpool-kop.com/2010/11/why-nelson-mandela-is-to-blame-for.html ) we have a very good chance of winning the league ;)
ReplyDeleteLiverpool are due for another superb masterclass. We've been okay against Fulham, Swansea and Soton. It's time to f**king roll the mancs.
ReplyDeleteFIIIINISH THEEEM!
Im not sure if calling them the 3 Ss is the way to go, Its something of a ritual many perform before going out - you know,$hit, Shave, Shower, not too flattering.
ReplyDeleteThe way Chelsea have been playing lately they are bound to drop points. They just scraped by against Everton, could have dropped points today to Fulham - had they taken their chances - Im sure they have a couple of draws and a loss or two in store - plus looks like they will probably progress in CL which could hamper their league games.
ReplyDeleteCity, also havent been playing like their usual selfs, with a few games in hand piling up, and cup games, they also could slip up.
Chances are good.
I just feel bad that Suarez didnt get a goal from the corner today - would have been the icing on the cake.
Fantastic result & great second half performance. Got to hand it to Rodgers, who I didn't rate as a Liverpool manager last season, that he's managing brilliantly. We look certs for CL now & are the wild card for the title. Amazing or what?
ReplyDeleteyeah those were the days, being lazy spelling hense sss.
ReplyDeletebesides no one likes a smart arse ;)
I think the time for over analysing performances has to end.we'r at the business end of the season,it's about picking up points.there are a lot of things that arnt great il admit but there's a hell of a lot to be positive about.regardless of winning the premiership,which unbelievably we have a chance of doing,we'r on course for the CL and all the financial rewards that brings.add some real quality in the summer and who knows how good things could get!
ReplyDeleteWhat
ReplyDeleteThe reason it seemed like Allen exposed the left side of defence was because we had a midfield diamond. If you looked at the right side, Henderson was extremely overworked. You have to be a centre mid and then cover the whole wing position as well. I didn't like the formation at all.
ReplyDeleteAlso noticed when the ball bypassed our midfield, both Allen and Henderson overtook Gerrard in the race to get back into position. This should be unacceptable. Gerrard has lost his legs and that's the only reason he is playing DM. My match commentator was saying he is a natural in that position - everyone only focuses on the hollywood long passes.
I want Lucas to return. It will be interesting to see what team we go to Old Trafford with, and if Allen starts again.
lol, who was 'your' match commentator?
ReplyDelete...who was 'your' match commentator? Don't all the english speaking countries just get the same English one like for example Martin Tyler, apart from the US where they sometimes use their own?
ReplyDeleteDon't think they are all the same. Some people on here get Michael Owen (and how unlucky they are) but I have never, ever had him. I only get Martin Tyler a few times as well. I don't know the name of the guy today. I usually get Peter Drury partnering former LFC player Jim Beglin for the big games.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm on fox sports...what are you watching it on?
ReplyDeleteI'm not keen on an Agger Skrtel partnership. Sakho has not been bought for so much money to just sit on the bench. You can't build a team around Agger who is too injury prone and Skrtel is a yellow card and a penalty waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteSame as you. They just pick up English broadcasters though, they don't cover it themselves. It was late in the second half and for no apparent reason they began to worship Gerrard.
ReplyDeleteYeah we had the dude with the lowish voice. Don't remember his name. We do get Drury a lot though don't we...
ReplyDeleteHey kids, got dreams of being a football mega star? Just sign up for Chelsea and then make sure Liverpool buys you off them!
ReplyDeleteAnd the defender offered absolutely no protest at all. Any defender who feels like were cheated on would at least offer a little sign of anger
ReplyDeleteStupid article......
ReplyDeleteGreat result yesterday considering southampton who also played some breathtaking football at times.....hats off to them. Was really impressed with lallana and luke shaw who we should go out and buy at all cost in the summer. English, quick, technically sound, premier lge experience & possess hard graft ethos . Just the kind of players who will fit into Brendan's style of play and stop them going to our rivals.
ReplyDeleteThough southampton maybe not wanna sell but every player has a price. 30-40m for both as a package would be sound about right. LB position sorted for years ahead.
I just looked at our previous record against Spurs and we tore them apart same with Arsenal. Br would of would wanted to turn that around....
ReplyDeletethe three day ban on garfield is now pushing five days this needs to be lifted.
ReplyDelete