The Premier League is back, and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has sprung a couple of surprises for today's Anfield clash with Southampton.
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel, Johnson, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge
SUBS: Jones, Toure, Sakho, Allen, Ibe, Can, Lambert
SOUTHAMPTON: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Pelle
* It's surprising to see Rodgers select Lucas ahead of Can. I'm not as impressed by the £10m German as some fans, but he should surely be starting ahead of Lucas, especially as one of the two more advances central midfielders.
* It's also a little strange that Manquillo, who only arrived last week, is deemed ready for the game, but Can - who featured heavily in pre-season - is passed over. Rodgers seemingly trusts Manquillo more than Can at this stage.
* With Lucas in the team, does this mean that he'll be playing the Gerrard role? Having the Brazilian playing more advanced makes little sense, and doesn't enhance the team's midfield attacking options. Hopefully, Lucas won't give away too many trademark stupid free-kicks.
* Suso not even on the bench? That's a massive snub for the youngster, who scored two goals in pre-season, and generally played well. What does he have to do to be given a chance?
* Do Liverpool really need two central defenders on the bench? The probability of bringing on two centre-halves in one match is negligible, and Rodgers could've easily left out Toure and selected Suso instead.
Probable formation:
---------------- Mignolet
Manquillo -- Skrtel --- Lovren ----- Johnson
---------------- Gerrard
-------- Hendo ---------- Lucas
----- Sterling ---------- Coutinho
--------------- Sturridge
The other option is that Rodgers may be planning to try out a 4231 formation, which would explain the inclusion of Lucas:
---------------- Mignolet
Manquillo -- Skrtel --- Lovren ----- Johnson
------------- Lucas --- Gerrard
Henderson ----- Sterling ------- Coutinho
-------------- Sturridge
I doubt this will happen, but it could be worth a look at some stage.
Predicting a 2-0 win for Liverpool, Mark Lawrenson told the BBC:
"[Liverpool] will have too much for Saints, but just because Liverpool now have even more options in other attacking positions does not make them as strong as when they had Suarez in their team".
Jamie Carragher also sees a victory for the Reds:
"I think Liverpool will come flying out of the blocks and make a very fast start, just as they did last season at home to Stoke, and, if I’m being honest, I think this will be very difficult for Southampton"
My prediction: 3-0 to Liverpool.
Author: Jaimie K
FULL TEAM: Mignolet, Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel, Johnson, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge
SUBS: Jones, Toure, Sakho, Allen, Ibe, Can, Lambert
SOUTHAMPTON: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Pelle
* It's surprising to see Rodgers select Lucas ahead of Can. I'm not as impressed by the £10m German as some fans, but he should surely be starting ahead of Lucas, especially as one of the two more advances central midfielders.
* It's also a little strange that Manquillo, who only arrived last week, is deemed ready for the game, but Can - who featured heavily in pre-season - is passed over. Rodgers seemingly trusts Manquillo more than Can at this stage.
* With Lucas in the team, does this mean that he'll be playing the Gerrard role? Having the Brazilian playing more advanced makes little sense, and doesn't enhance the team's midfield attacking options. Hopefully, Lucas won't give away too many trademark stupid free-kicks.
* Suso not even on the bench? That's a massive snub for the youngster, who scored two goals in pre-season, and generally played well. What does he have to do to be given a chance?
* Do Liverpool really need two central defenders on the bench? The probability of bringing on two centre-halves in one match is negligible, and Rodgers could've easily left out Toure and selected Suso instead.
Probable formation:
---------------- Mignolet
Manquillo -- Skrtel --- Lovren ----- Johnson
---------------- Gerrard
-------- Hendo ---------- Lucas
----- Sterling ---------- Coutinho
--------------- Sturridge
The other option is that Rodgers may be planning to try out a 4231 formation, which would explain the inclusion of Lucas:
---------------- Mignolet
Manquillo -- Skrtel --- Lovren ----- Johnson
------------- Lucas --- Gerrard
Henderson ----- Sterling ------- Coutinho
-------------- Sturridge
I doubt this will happen, but it could be worth a look at some stage.
Predicting a 2-0 win for Liverpool, Mark Lawrenson told the BBC:
"[Liverpool] will have too much for Saints, but just because Liverpool now have even more options in other attacking positions does not make them as strong as when they had Suarez in their team".
Jamie Carragher also sees a victory for the Reds:
"I think Liverpool will come flying out of the blocks and make a very fast start, just as they did last season at home to Stoke, and, if I’m being honest, I think this will be very difficult for Southampton"
My prediction: 3-0 to Liverpool.
Author: Jaimie K
Don't know how I feel about this line up...Lucas can f*** off as far as I'm concerned.
ReplyDeleteAnd because I said that he'll score 3 goals
ReplyDeletei feel rogers is playing it a little to safe ,maybe hes looked at the utd result and panicked a bit ,hopefully lucas will sit in front of the back 4 and Gerrard will be further forward just behind sturridge for me the only position he should be played in if hes played.
ReplyDeleteA few days back you were predicting a draw, so it's good to see you're going the positive way today :-)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have chosen Lucas ahead of Can but we should still be too strong for Southampton, especially if we play like aganst Dortmund.
lucas has been okay pre season so may be thats what has swung it...
ReplyDeleteSpot on Re the Lucas comments. He's unequivocally not an attacking midfielder. So if he's not playing as a CDM then why is he there? Obviously one of the main reasons for Gerrard going into that holding midfield role was to save his energy somewhat, is that suddenly going ton change thi season? I doubt it. Makes no sense to me!
ReplyDeleteReally annoyed about the Suso decision. Just give him a chance!
ReplyDeleteAlso, no Enrique? Does that mean he's on the way out? Doesn't make sense in terms of squad management. No point of Toure being there either if Enrique is available and Sakho is already on the bench.
This selection really baffles me. At least we have Ibe on the bench to make an impact.
ReplyDeleteAgree that Lucas should be the deepest midfielder, but I doubt that will happen. After all the fanfare over Gerrard's new role, it seems unlikely that Rodgers will change that for the first game.
ReplyDeleteHe has raised his game a notch lately hasn't he.
ReplyDeleteits a strange one jk because it makes no sense to play lucas in an attacking capacity
ReplyDeleteSeeing lucas in starting line-up has dampened my anticipation of the game. I hate watching him do nothing on the pitch. What a useless player
ReplyDeletehe s not useless for the opposing team... they know they ll have some good free kick now.
ReplyDeleteThe (hardly) dynamic duo could be worth trying again if it releases Henderson high up the pitch, I see nothing but benefits from that decision. Unless we play the diamond which wouldn't make much sense. But then again, no Suso/Enrique on the bench...
ReplyDeleteLucas is a bit odd but I suspect we'll see a good game from him today. He'll work very hard to try and prove he's still got a place in this team and I wonder if Rodgers has tweaked a few things for this player in particular. For all that Lucas has played the holding role he's actually a much better midfielder than people give him credit for. He's not just about filling space and making tackles, I hope we see some attractive football from him this afternoon. He might surprise people with his link-up play.
ReplyDeleteToure and Sakho are both in the side as backup defenders, not just CBs. Having two of your subs be defenders is reasonable, I think. Ibe has gotten his place ahead of Suso and given how well Ibe has also played in the pre-season we would ask exactly the same question if he was left out.
I'm not sure why you're querying Manquillo being selected. What other wing backs do we have who would take his place? Clearly Enrique is injured alongside Flannagan and Moreno isn't registered.
It makes no sense to play Lucas AT ALL!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't get why Lucas is playing
ReplyDeleteAs for two Cbs on the bench it I'd probably as we have no fbs on the bench.
but for me if hes playing well then Gerrard should be dropped as the only real role Lucas can play is sat in front of the back 4 a role which gerrad plays ......neither of these two players have the legs to cover back when played further forward
ReplyDeleteEnrique must be injured, there is no other explanation.
ReplyDeletePlease don't twist my words. I didn't query Manquillo being selected; I expressed surprise that he is deemed ready to start but Can isn't.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, otherwise it's back to square one (albeit with a better left back, for some).
ReplyDeleteLucas probably playing because he makes more tackles when fit than anyone else and playing one CDM means we concede too many goals. I can only think the Lucas haters don't go to Anfield although I know JK does and he is in the anti camp. Don't understand it!
ReplyDeletelucas is an unsung hero at liverpool.
ReplyDeleteGerrard next o Lucas and Hendo in front of the pair, Lucas to cover Gerrard, give him the extra protection so he can do his thing... I agree though, I would have gone with Can...
ReplyDeletejaimie
ReplyDeleteit shows how much lfc have regressed
that essentially lucas has replaced luis suarez in the line up
oh,when he gives free kicks away at the edge of the box i die a thousand deaths
i am actually crying like suarez at palace while typing this
exactly can and allen offer mobility lucas offers other teams cheap free kicks
ReplyDeleteMaybe Rodgers will try a 4231 formation. Coubtful, but if he did, the Lucas selection would make more sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Can is far more ready to start than Manquillo, but the simple fact is that Manquillo has zero competition for his place in the side and is being picked as a matter of necessity, not as a reflection on his capability. His preparation or lack thereof is inconsequential and the comparison really doesn't make any sense. I share your surprise that Can isn't playing but Manquillo's selection is a different issue entirely.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what it appears to be!
ReplyDelete4-2-3-1, otherwise we all know Lucas would not be playing, Can needs to be brought up to the speed of the Prem, friendlies count for nothing except to stretch the legs and hope you do not get inured along the way.
Come on you reds!
When he's fit, he plays, I've never seen any suggestion that Rodgers doesn't fancy him. It's just that we've seen what happens to him when he has knee pain, even if the injury isn't totally debilitating. I feel bad for the guy because he's probably only 5% from being fully fit but that 5% is what you need to be effective in the PL.
ReplyDeletegreat chance to scout schniderlin
ReplyDeletehim bony
and we should be fine
20m and lucas sleiva will probably sign him
please all he does is give away cheap free kicks
ReplyDeletelucas is the worst player to have ever played for lfc!
Djimi Traore will object to that...
ReplyDeletesky sports only talking about southampton
ReplyDeletethe utd media
Don't really see it as a case of trusting Manquillo over Can. Their positions are unrelated. The decision of whether to field one of them doesn't influence the decision to play/not play the other.
ReplyDeletedjimi traore won us a cl
ReplyDeletelucas leiva cost us a title in 08-09
hope it is just a farewell game for lucas before e joins rafa at napoli!
ReplyDeleteSaints to win 2-1
ReplyDeletei am being too harsh on lucas
ReplyDeleteits not his fault he is being picked
sorry man , you are a good guy!
2-2
ReplyDelete4-3-3
ReplyDeleteCOME ON REDS!!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah surprised Suso isn't even on the bench. Really think BR doesn't fancy Suso. He didn't even feature against Manu in the final even tho he scored a couple of goals prior to the final.
ReplyDeletewould take a draw
ReplyDeleteClose for Lucas
ReplyDeletewow we are so bad
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I am looking forward to is Johnson not being in the starting eleven. He is that bad.
ReplyDeletethe main problem is the manager brendan rodgers
ReplyDeleteOur intensity from midfield just is not their I am afraid.
ReplyDeletebecause of lucas
ReplyDeletei love you henderson
ReplyDeleteoh Hendo!!!
ReplyDeleteSterling = Striker.
ReplyDeletethat must of been a Gerard pass as no other player can pass especially hendo
ReplyDeletesterling is so lazy
ReplyDeletetoday
ReplyDeleteI think he's the most frustrating player to watch anywhere! 25 minutes of play, and he's already screwed up about 4 times
ReplyDeleteManquillo looks made for RB. Goodbye Johnson.
ReplyDeleteAre you being sarcy?
ReplyDeletehe is not pressing
ReplyDeletewhy does johnson takes shots ?
ReplyDeletehas he ever scored from log distance
....surely johnson can shoot better than that? he's a 7 figure earning professional for christ's sake
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to think your account is is a wind up. Why else would you post ridiculous one liners like this? Please cut it out.
ReplyDeleteSent from Samsung Mobile
We've found our Suarez replacement
ReplyDeleteNot true - he scored once, from like 80 shots. hahaha.
ReplyDeleteExpect more of this crap from Johson all game - he knows his number is up with Manquillo and Moreno - and is playing for his place - trying too hard, screwing up more than ever.
I thought the comment was a bit left field but isn't he/she entitled to an opinion? Just saying........
ReplyDeletesorry i just saw him not closing clyne down and it made me really nagry
ReplyDeleteDoes Johnson owe anyone money? I'm sensing some hostility. He's not the most gifted but he's by no means the worst.
ReplyDeleteI will say it again, Lovren is our most important signing this season.
ReplyDeleteYes, but in the context of some other (now deleted) comments, it seems like a wind up. Every week there are regular saboteurs who set up accounts just to cause trouble, so I am wary when people start calling for Rodgers to be sacked, or start making deliberately antagonistic comments.
ReplyDeleteSent from Samsung Mobile
when i watch a match i just get really angry and can't control my emotions
ReplyDeleteOk!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should turn your attention to golf instead.
ReplyDeletemignolets distribution as poor as ever
ReplyDeleteMake the changes and bring the pressing football Mr Rodgers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a bloody save!
ReplyDeletemorgan schniderlin i really wnat him
ReplyDeletethe midfield is to slow with lucas and gerrard they are getting to much room
ReplyDelete...Can Mignolet EVER hit the target with his passes?
ReplyDeletegood save though
ReplyDeleteThat is why a midfield with both Lucas and Gerrard does not sit well with me. We need that spark.
ReplyDeleteexactly like first three games of the season
ReplyDeletejoe allen time
ReplyDeleteEmre Can.
ReplyDeleteAgree about his distribution but gee hes one great shot stopper
ReplyDeleteNever
ReplyDeletei still think we should try our look with petr chech in my opinion he has been their most important player in last 8 years
ReplyDeletegotta agree Can time for lucas
ReplyDeleteid actually at some point like allen and can to come on for Lucas and Gerrard..
ReplyDeletePrefer blonde female models myself.
ReplyDeletehe has mobility
ReplyDeleteworks hard good at keeping the ball
calm
covers a lot of distance
really underrated
Things I have learnt from this half
ReplyDeleteA crippled and broken Enrique is better than a fit and healthy Johnson
I repeat again- why Lucas- Bring on Emre please
Too many back passes- Lovren was kicking it up vs Dortmund but is not doing that here- when he did it, we seem to attack
Manqui has looked good against a really good player in Tadic but needs time and us not the finished article yet
Our attack is in good hands because without doing anything we are leading
I do not buy this more space for others with Suarez nonsense but he certainly was fouled a lot and the attackers are now facing the same treatment
Simple for me- Bring on Emre
soooooooo quiet where's the atmosphere ?
ReplyDeleteat lfc mate instead of lucas he can defend and attack
ReplyDeletewhen wasthe last time we had a cdm like this
new didi hamman?
I think Manquillo has a long way to go. Not sure if I trust him for a big match like City away, which is next week. Early signs are more positive than negative, though.
ReplyDeleteAnd goes missing for periods of time and adds little defensively and offensively.
ReplyDeletethe nbc commentator thinks it is luis suarez absence
ReplyDeleteI feel physically ill watching us defend
ReplyDeleteward prowse is going everywhere
ReplyDeletejoe allen will cling on to him
I will have manquillo over Johnson any day otherwise Flanagan. Sorry but Johnson is on borrowed time.
ReplyDeleteKept us in it
ReplyDeleteI feel Skrtel and Lovren have looked solid, the back passes are killing us
ReplyDeleteLook Schneiderlin is a very good player but enough South ham players really enough.
ReplyDeletethe defense is struggling because Gerrard and Lucas offer no energy or zip in front of them
ReplyDeleteIf Lucas can't, Emre CAN
ReplyDeletei think our right has been exposed because hendo is coming inside a lot leaving betrand and tadic a free run at manquillo
ReplyDeletewe need the best of them all
ReplyDeleteManqui has done well. The yellow card was rubbish and might cost us. Hopefully not. A bad call might see is handicapped.
ReplyDeletedont like rory mcalroy and woods
ReplyDeleteReally like Ward Prouse hes in a couple my fantasy teams.
ReplyDeleteLovren is the one calling the shots. Covered Skrtel's behind a couple of times.
ReplyDeletehe has been fouled 5 times by betrand
ReplyDeleteone foul on tadic yellow card
looks like howard webb and fergie leaving has not changed anything
It's not because of Lucas or Gerrard, IMO. You could swap one for Can but there wouldn't be much of a difference.
ReplyDeleteThe Saints are very deep and taking up all the space, that's why Coutinho can't get into the game. It's no surprise the goal came from a long-ish ball. We need Coutinho and Henderson to get the ball through the middle, then things should quicken up.
same sh!t from last season. no dynamic back midfield. Lucas simply a lousy decision.
ReplyDeletehe is like a young david beckham
ReplyDeleteMoreno cannot come soon enough. I have had it with Johnson. We just bought a left back and he knows his place is under doubt and he does not show any fight. I do not care if he is not match fit, Moreno for Johnson for City.
ReplyDeleteit's immobile lucas and Gerrard! how long can people not see that?
ReplyDeletesometimes rodgers makes weird decisions this is up their with playing 4 cbs vs soutampton
ReplyDeleteTheres lots of good uns out there.
ReplyDeleteOff topic looks like Aggers gone.
wish we signed cirro immobile
ReplyDeleteAll our players have been fouled so much and very few fouls. Emre has to come on.
ReplyDeletecant think of any better then schniderlin not at a top club
ReplyDeleteFalcao will be the red bird of fire. We will win the title and he will want to stay.
ReplyDeleteYep betting Moreno takes L.B next week.
ReplyDeletei would rather have reus
ReplyDeleteeither Lucas or Gerrard need to start making a break to make room instead just standing there ..but they havnt the legs to do it so in effect they only need to watch hendo
ReplyDeleteMe too, but it's not as if Manquillo has been outstanding thus far. Johnson will be out eventually but defensively against Man City he could be the better option.
ReplyDeleteI am assuming we will see Can soon. We need to press and force mistakes. It is not like Southampton have caused us trouble at the back. We need to finish them off. Press press press but not going to happen with both Stevie and Lucas in the same midfield.
ReplyDeletethat's true. the Referee is sh!t. I think Premier Leauge decided to direct us by force back to 4th pleae because they want Zonaited back. We'll show them! Trying to make a Tottenham out of us!
ReplyDeleteWe have yet to see that. We are being bullied by Wanyama. Bring on Emre. He deserves a chance.
ReplyDeletewe invent trouble. Ya, Can should come up. Let's see if BR drags it. . .
ReplyDeletewe need to get coutinho and sterling on the ball more and sturridge needs to stop coming so deep , and finally mignolet needs to kick it out as far as possible or just pass to nearest man
ReplyDeletemy thoughts on the game
Reus will be an never ending lake and a great poster-boy.
ReplyDeleteI feel it's just more a case of what the Saints are doing rather than what LFC are not doing. I agree about Can though, would like to see him get 30 mins or so.
ReplyDeleteFor once I can agree with you :-)
ReplyDeleteEither Lucas or Gerrard. Not both...
but he's not a striker ach so...
ReplyDeleteWe need to press up high. That will require either Lucas or Gerrard being subbed.
ReplyDeletejohnson,johnson , johnson!
ReplyDeletetheres just no spark when they both play it just looks so pedestrian
ReplyDeletelucas being sloppy !
ReplyDeleteCan Lucas just f*** off already?
ReplyDeleteIf we do not make changes to our midfield then IMO it is going to end in tears.
ReplyDeleteend the pain rodgers get lucas off
ReplyDeleteYou beat me to it. Lucas is looking pedestrian.
ReplyDeleteWTF is going on?
ReplyDeletelucas, get off. get the f*** off.
ReplyDeletethat has been coming get lucas and gerrad off
ReplyDeletePlease make the freaking change. Since when do we sit back and let the opposition come to us???
ReplyDeletedraw is not bad
ReplyDeleteour defence gets zero protection from the two players in front they are just walking
ReplyDeleteNot good at home
ReplyDeletewe lost their last season
ReplyDeleteBR PLEASE WAKE UP AND GET LUCAS OFF. THAT GOAL WAS COMING....
ReplyDeletelfc fans are non existant
ReplyDeleteDesperate. Lucas and Gerrard dire.Johnson abysmally woeful. Lovren our on saviour.
ReplyDeletewe tore this club to shreds in the transfer window and a draw against them is satisfactory?
ReplyDeleteallen on for lucas now rodgers always waits till it is too late
ReplyDeleteI feel sick watching Lucas ffs
ReplyDeleteguys dont worry lambert is coming on !
ReplyDeletewith this system all 3 midfielders have to play a high tempo pressing game or you will be over run..its rogers system and he doesnt understand it
ReplyDeleteWe're at Anfield.
ReplyDeleteWe won too last season against a better Sth ham team
ReplyDeletesturridge 100% needs help
ReplyDeleteeven if it is bony
Mignolet well done son!
ReplyDeleteThat is why a 1-2 midfield is so much more pleasing to the eye. I prefer pressing and attacking football. Now we have 2 midfielders sitting back and watching the ball instead of two chasing it.
ReplyDeleteRodgers will learn from this match :-)
is rodgers even at anfield
ReplyDeletelucas is awful
THANK GOD. PLEASE, LUCAS, GO TO NAPOLI.
ReplyDeletefinally
ReplyDeletethis defence is still horrible.
ReplyDeletethank god
ReplyDeletethe saints are completely out playing us
ReplyDeletenow ibe for gerrard
ReplyDeleteThe Elephant must leave the room.Past glory counts for nothing.
ReplyDeleteWho Skrtel :-)
ReplyDeleteGerrard is having zero influence
ReplyDeleteI wonder.
ReplyDeleteLucas and Gerrard did not work last season and it has blow up in the face again. We cannot under any circumstances have both in the same midfield. Now we are chasing the game...
ReplyDeleteToo right & we can't wait till January
ReplyDeleteit wont happen gerrard has done nothing
ReplyDeletethe fans are giving no extra motivation
ReplyDeletethey think this is golf
it doesn't matter who we sign up front if the midfield is set up wrong ...we will leak gaols like we did last year only differance is that with out suarez we wont score.....we cant find another suarez hes a one off but we can shore up the midfield
ReplyDeletethats why the midfield needs to offer more
ReplyDeleteCome on boys. There are 20 minutes to take the win. Just do it!!!
ReplyDeletemorgan schniderlin
ReplyDeleteis what we need
lallana
ReplyDeleteunfortunately we have nothing to bring on to change the game
ReplyDeleteIbe
ReplyDeleteLambert
ReplyDeletewhere is the atmosphere from man city at home
ReplyDeleteOkay. Gerrard needs to go on holiday somewhere every new season until January. He may as well since he's always totally switched off until then...
ReplyDeletecan onlyhere saints go marching in
ReplyDeleteLovren aside, Liverpool just haven't significantly improved the first team. That's the problem. The overall squad is stronger, but the first XI has stagnated.
ReplyDeleteMate if Rodgers had got the starting eleven right from the start there would not have been any issues.
ReplyDeletethats great take off tino...why not take Gerrard off
ReplyDeleterodgers is scared of gerrard
ReplyDeleteive been posting that all pre season jk
ReplyDeleteTo be fair Lallana & Markovich would a difference
ReplyDeleteAt least now there is some energy...
ReplyDeleteat whose expense sterling and tino
ReplyDeleteYes, let me guess: if Can had started, Liverpool would be 6-0 up by now. He would not have made much difference.
ReplyDelete