In his pre-match press conference, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp strongly hinted that he'd scrap his youth-oriented approach to the FA Cup, and field 'a different line-up' for tonight's replay with West Ham. In this context, 'different' basically means 'the same', i.e. means using the same underachieving, goal-shy players who've consistently failed to deliver in the league. Most fans, I'm sure prefer to see Klopp persist with a young side, but Anfield legend John Aldridge isn't one of them, and he's thrown his support behind dumping Academy players for the game.
In his Monday column for the Liverpool Echo:
"West Ham will be tough. If you play the kids, you don't have much chance. You have to be playing the likes of Sturridge Benteke, Lucas, Flanagan, Clyne, Caulker. If they're fit, I'd start them".
Academy players should be scrapped, but Liverpool-born Jon Flanagan - who' still not 100% match-fit - should play? Another example of Aldo's legendary Scouse bias, but I digress ;-D
Can't really argue with the inclusion of 'amazing' Sturridge, or Caulker (who should come in to replace Lovren), but with Flanagan in the squad, Clyne doesn't need to play, and Brad Smith is obviously capable of covering for Alberto Moreno.
As for Benteke - If Klopp goes for two up-front, I'd rather see Firmino (as a false-9) alongside Sturridge, with Coutinho in the number-10 role.
That said, with extra time on the table tonight, I can't see Klopp starting Sturridge; he'll probably bring him on as a second-half sub so he's fresh for the extra period (if it goes that far).
Author: Jaimie K
In his Monday column for the Liverpool Echo:
"West Ham will be tough. If you play the kids, you don't have much chance. You have to be playing the likes of Sturridge Benteke, Lucas, Flanagan, Clyne, Caulker. If they're fit, I'd start them".
Academy players should be scrapped, but Liverpool-born Jon Flanagan - who' still not 100% match-fit - should play? Another example of Aldo's legendary Scouse bias, but I digress ;-D
Can't really argue with the inclusion of 'amazing' Sturridge, or Caulker (who should come in to replace Lovren), but with Flanagan in the squad, Clyne doesn't need to play, and Brad Smith is obviously capable of covering for Alberto Moreno.
As for Benteke - If Klopp goes for two up-front, I'd rather see Firmino (as a false-9) alongside Sturridge, with Coutinho in the number-10 role.
That said, with extra time on the table tonight, I can't see Klopp starting Sturridge; he'll probably bring him on as a second-half sub so he's fresh for the extra period (if it goes that far).
Author: Jaimie K
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