After winning two games in a row (albeit with the help of two own goals), Liverpool failed over the weekend to build on that momentum, and with another important league game on Saturday, a good performance against Swansea City will be good preparation for (hopefully) getting back on track in the league.
Swansea boss Gary Monk will almost certainly name his strongest available team, but it's likely that Brendan Rodgers will shake the team up a bit.
After playing three games in six days, Gerrard will hopefully be rested, along with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Dejan Lovren, and possibly even Jordan Henderson.
That said, Sterling started the last Capital One Cup game against Middlesbrough, so it's possible he may feature again tonight, along with several up-and-coming youngsters, specifically 'wonderful' midfielder Jordan Rossiter, who scored in the last round.
My preferred team for tonight:
------------------ Jones
Manquillo ---- Skrtel - Lovren ------ Moreno
------------------ Lucas
---------- Rossiter -- Hendo
------ Lallana ---------- Markovic
----------------- Lambert
* Give Brad Jones a run out already! Does Mignolet really have to play this game? What is the point of having a back-up goalkeeper if he never plays?
* With LFC's ongoing defensive woes, it's imperative (IMO) that the first choice defensive unit plays together as much as possible, in a bid to build up rhythm and understanding. I doubt both Skrtel and Lovren will play, though, which opens a possibility for Toure to come in and stake a claim.
* Henderson was 'rested' on Saturday, so no need to keep him on the bench again, especially with Gerrard almost certain to be missing.
* Suso is (presumably) still injured, but if he wasn't, I'd like to see him in the starting line-up.
* In the last round, Rodgers sprung a surprise by including Rossiter in the starting line-up, and Williams on the bench, so maybe he'll do the same for tonight's game, and include another couple of young players in the squad?
* This is the ideal competition for Lambert to get starts, but perhaps it's a good idea to play Balotelli? He needs a goal, and if he scores tonight, it will be a big confidence boost ahead of the Newcastle game this weekend.
On the subject of Balotelli - Reds legend Jamie Carragher argues that the Italian should start alongside Lambert. Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday night, he explained:
“I would [start Lambert], it doesn’t necessarily mean you take Balotelli out of the team. I think they’ve linked up together [against Hull] and it’s an extra goal threat and you’re getting two strikers on the pitch.”
With Balotelli:
------------------ Jones
Manquillo ---- Skrtel - Lovren ---- Moreno
------------------ Lucas
---------- Rossiter -- Hendo
---------------- Lallana
---------- Lambert -- Balotelli
Swansea are no pushovers, and even though their form at the moment is not the greatest, Monk's team is playing well, and it will be a strong test for the Reds.
I have to admit, I don't feel confident about the game. My prediction: 2-2
Author: Jaimie K
Swansea boss Gary Monk will almost certainly name his strongest available team, but it's likely that Brendan Rodgers will shake the team up a bit.
After playing three games in six days, Gerrard will hopefully be rested, along with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Dejan Lovren, and possibly even Jordan Henderson.
That said, Sterling started the last Capital One Cup game against Middlesbrough, so it's possible he may feature again tonight, along with several up-and-coming youngsters, specifically 'wonderful' midfielder Jordan Rossiter, who scored in the last round.
My preferred team for tonight:
------------------ Jones
Manquillo ---- Skrtel - Lovren ------ Moreno
------------------ Lucas
---------- Rossiter -- Hendo
------ Lallana ---------- Markovic
----------------- Lambert
* Give Brad Jones a run out already! Does Mignolet really have to play this game? What is the point of having a back-up goalkeeper if he never plays?
* With LFC's ongoing defensive woes, it's imperative (IMO) that the first choice defensive unit plays together as much as possible, in a bid to build up rhythm and understanding. I doubt both Skrtel and Lovren will play, though, which opens a possibility for Toure to come in and stake a claim.
* Henderson was 'rested' on Saturday, so no need to keep him on the bench again, especially with Gerrard almost certain to be missing.
* Suso is (presumably) still injured, but if he wasn't, I'd like to see him in the starting line-up.
* In the last round, Rodgers sprung a surprise by including Rossiter in the starting line-up, and Williams on the bench, so maybe he'll do the same for tonight's game, and include another couple of young players in the squad?
* This is the ideal competition for Lambert to get starts, but perhaps it's a good idea to play Balotelli? He needs a goal, and if he scores tonight, it will be a big confidence boost ahead of the Newcastle game this weekend.
On the subject of Balotelli - Reds legend Jamie Carragher argues that the Italian should start alongside Lambert. Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday night, he explained:
“I would [start Lambert], it doesn’t necessarily mean you take Balotelli out of the team. I think they’ve linked up together [against Hull] and it’s an extra goal threat and you’re getting two strikers on the pitch.”
With Balotelli:
------------------ Jones
Manquillo ---- Skrtel - Lovren ---- Moreno
------------------ Lucas
---------- Rossiter -- Hendo
---------------- Lallana
---------- Lambert -- Balotelli
Swansea are no pushovers, and even though their form at the moment is not the greatest, Monk's team is playing well, and it will be a strong test for the Reds.
I have to admit, I don't feel confident about the game. My prediction: 2-2
Author: Jaimie K
How will Coates stake a claim if he's playing for Sunderland? :S
ReplyDeleteAnd injured as well...
ReplyDeleteRossiter is class.
ReplyDeleteHow about lambert, balo and borini up front. Borini just sitting behind the other two?
ReplyDeleteI think your second line up is quite likely. Balotelli needs a partner, but at the same time I'm not sure if Lambert is the right man for that. A big target man partnering a half target man, I don't really know what Balotelli is. I reckon that partnership is a bit too static and slow.
ReplyDeleteCan't realistically see Lucas in there either, even on the bench. He's seemingly been shown the door by Rodgers. Same with Borini, unfortunately.
I actually feel that Borini could kick start our season if played centrally. He suits the team dynamic, and he always makes runs in behind. Balotelli hasn't had support up front, Lambert can't make those runs, but if Borini is there the likes of Lallana, Coutinho, Hendo et al can pick him out. It's worth a shot and the only reason holding Borini (and Lucas) back right now is BR's ego.
Long balls for Mario and Lambert...try something new.....We need to attack with their physique and stature...
ReplyDeleteWould have liked to see Suso in the side with Balotelli and Markovic up front, also it would be good to see a few kids coming off the bench.
ReplyDeleteMy Lineup:
ReplyDeleteMignolet
Johnson......Toure.......Sakho......Can
.......................Rossister..................
.........Hendo.........................Allen.........
......................Markovic........................
...........Balotelli............Lambert..............
I'd like to see Balotelli partner Lambert up front for this one. We need to find more ways to set up our attack. Could be a good opportunity to test it now, rather than just for a few minutes towards the end of a game. Both players badly need goals too. The sooner they get off the mark, the better!
ReplyDeleteThe problem is BR plays Lucas further forward. Rossiter was playing as DM against Boro while Lucas was playing as CM. Even when Lucas and Stevie G starts together, BR plays Lucas more forward. That's playing out of position IMO. BR must be too thick to realize that Lucas is only good as DM, actually he is very good as DM.
ReplyDeleteIf Lucas plays as DM in most of our matches, it will allow Gerrard to flourish. Gerrard, Hendo and Coutinho can form excellent diamond formation in front of Lucas. But I am 100% sure BR will again play Lucas as CM.
ReplyDeleteThere is no point in playing Jones. He is not the future and Mignolet don't deserve any rest. Its good for the team that Mignolet plays as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we will need to rest key players. My starting line up will be:-
ReplyDeleteMignolet
Mclaughlin-Toure-Lovren-Enrique
Lucas
Rossiter-Allen
Coutinho
Lambert-Balotelli
JK, come on mate!
ReplyDeleteAnyone seen the FIFA coach of the year shortlist.. How does Jurgen Klinsmann get in but not BR. On another note, I would like Moreno to rest this one. My team
ReplyDeleteJones
Mclaughlin-Kolo-Skrtel-Smith
Lucas
Rossiter-Hendo
Coutinho
Lambert-Balotelli
Suarez is not even nominated for Ballon D'or. Can you believe it!!
ReplyDeleteWell yeah.. remember he did bite somebody at the World Cup in front of 100's of millions of viewers.
ReplyDeleteSo? Its Ballon D'or, not Mr. Gentleman award.
ReplyDeleteWhat does that have to do with him being excluded of a shortlist of the best players in the world.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Balotelli's confidence is low. He probably still believes he's Gods gift to this club.
ReplyDeleteI'd wager that Gerrard plays every game because Gerrard is one of very few players who actually tries to win a game. Most others who play up front couldn't be bothered
ReplyDeleteReally.. oh dear lord.
ReplyDeletePlease remember football is now all about money.
It wouldn't look very good to the all sponsors involved in football if FIFA considered giving the most prestigious award a footballer can be given, to somebody who was given a 4 month World Wide ban from all competitions after biting somebody in front of 100's of millions of viewers in its most famous event.
Could, 4-3-1-2 with Lallana--Lucas--Hendo, bringing on some youngsters at around the half-time mark.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Borini really wants a place at the club and Rodgers isn't giving it to him - and with him making runs alongside Balotelli they could both benefit.
ReplyDeleteCould give Mignolet a kick up the backside though, and Jones can't just sit on the bench for the rest of his career, can he?
ReplyDeleteThis, is true.
ReplyDeleteThis conversation made my day.
ReplyDeleteNo resting apart from stevie g and hendo we need to find our best team:
ReplyDelete......................................mignolet
manquillo...............skrtel...............lovren...........moreno
..........................................can
...................................lallana...........coutinho
sterling.................................................................markovic
..............................................balotelli
this way all our new signings (apart from lambert) can play
The second team named looks closer to what I'd go with but surely Can should play instead of Lucas ? If Gerrard is to be rested more often then we need a confident replacement i.e. Can, not somebody waiting to be shipped out i.e. Lucas.
ReplyDeleteBorini? Injured? Get him with Balo and leave lambert till Newcastle game..
ReplyDeleteHahahahaa agreed ! I wonder till when we can see his back flip miss again hahaha like he did alot when he at MC
ReplyDeleteYup. Agreed with all that.
ReplyDeleteAbout Balotelli, he sees himself as a second striker/floating forward kind of thing that feeds off another forward, either a proper 9 or someone like Suarez or Sturridge. That's what I read he says, at least.
No mine.
ReplyDeleteI think he is much more insecure than he seems.
ReplyDeleteSterling is the one player in desperate need of a rest.
ReplyDeleteTeam I would go with
---------------Mignolet------------
Manquillo-Toure-Lovren-Smith
---Rossiter----Can----Lallana---
-------------Coutinho--------------
------Borini-----------Balotelli---
Delusional nonsense as usual. No wonder he gets so much grief.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe that you had to explain... Sigh
ReplyDeleteJaimie u have written some good stuff in the past - this isn't one of those times. Agree BR is overplaying him and may even feel he can't drop him because of his status/influence - how many times has messi been benched when not injured? But to insinuate he dosent is beyond even silly.
ReplyDeleteWe have a great sports science team and I am sure they are on top of his energy level/ intensity stats I suspect has