Liverpool 1-0 Augsburg: In game and Post Match discussion

Players arriving at Anfield












The team and Klopp have arrived Anfield this afternoon





Starting XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lucas, Sakho, Moreno, Can, Henderson, Milner, Firmino, Coutinho, Sturridge

Subs: Ward, Toure, Benteke, Origi, Smith, Teixeira, Chirivella

 Lucas Leiva comes into the Liverpool side as Jürgen Klopp makes a single change for this evening's Europa League second leg against Augsburg at Anfield.

The Brazilian is expected to line up alongside Mamadou Sakho in defence, with the Reds otherwise unchanged from last week’s goalless draw in Germany.

Interesting, never thought Lucas would start at CB, I like it. Think he showed last time he played there just how commanding he can be.

Other than that I think it's the right team but that midfield just has me worried about connecting defence with attack.

If this midfield shows up and plays well I think we'll win.

Very strong team as most of us expected. Only real acknowledgement of Sundays game being the absence of Kolo, who is probably not up to two games a week anyway.

Only real surprise for me is no Ibe on the bench (unless he is injured?)

Should be more than strong enough to win this game comfortably, so sticking with my 3-1 prediction.

very poor midfield, lucas will have to push up doing two jobs at the same time, but F**k it. at least we have a scapegoat if all goes wrong.

Interesting, never thought Lucas would start at CB, I like it. Think he showed last time he played there just how commanding he can be.

Other than that I think it's the right team but that midfield just has me worried about connecting defence with attack.

If this midfield shows up and plays well I think we'll win.

I like Lucas at the back too mate. He's been one of our best players when he's played there this season.

Tonight is a night when Henderson simply has to turn up. He and Can can't be starting off piss poor and slow like they have done in recent games. I had no idea of the injury situations at the back so that aside it's basically the team I expected.

I actually feel more confident in having Lucas as our CB than I would Toure, maybe even Lovren.

It's also down to Can and Hendo to link the team up and help provide that cohesion. Though I am not confident of them doing so, I'm hoping they can show some glimmer of light and change my mind about them.

I like Lucas at the back too mate. He's been one of our best players when he's played there this season.

Tonight is a night when Henderson simply has to turn up. He and Can can't be starting off piss poor and slow like they have done in recent games. I had no idea of the injury situations at the back so that aside it's basically the team I expected.

Couldn't agree more mate, if I was Jürgen I'd be yelling at those 3 in midfield before they even get out of the changing room. They have to start with intent and some awareness. Both in terms of players around them (Can) and in supporting the attack. We can't have a first half like against these last week where the front 3 were expected to do everything against about 7 of Augsburg, frustrated the hell out of me that.

Can and or Henderson can afford to step up when they have such numbers in defence which I fully expect at Anfield. Take responsibility be prepare for a few things not to come off and actually express yourself. Can in terms of shooting from distance and Hendo with a pass. I know a lot has been made of Hendo's injury struggles but I'm not buying it's even 30% down to that, his ability on the ball and passing just seems so poor. As you say, time to step up and stake your claim for being in the XI next year because these are the games that I'm sure will carry the most weight in the memory.

My worry playing Lucas at the back is that he is a player that gives silly freekicks away at times, playing at the back one of those freekicks may turn into a penalty.

Quite a bit of stick given to the lads after our first dig, places up for grabs for Sunday and to see the club into the next round in Europe. Lots to play for.

So with that in mind, and it being a European evening at Anfield, there can be no excuses for us not being at it.

Strong team, big game. Need to get the job done now. Fail here today then whatever the outcome in the final, our season ends on Sunday.

My worry playing Lucas at the back is that he is a player that gives silly freekicks away at times, playing at the back one of those freekicks may turn into a penalty.

All freekicks against us turn into penalty mate. ask mignolet

Only real surprise for me is no Ibe on the bench (unless he is injured?)

I'm not massively surprised injured or not.  Got Benteke and Origi on the bench.  Ibe has hardly been grabbing his chances these past few months.

We should have this game wrapped up in the first half, I can see us coming out the blocks pretty fast to finish off Augsburg.

3-1

We cannot afford this to go into extra time. We need to be clinical in front of goal.
YNWA Reds

All freekicks against us turn into penalty mate. ask mignolet

Thought that was only corners mate but you may be right!

All freekicks against us turn into penalty mate. ask mignolet

Nah he saves Pens

Just come across this...

OptaJoe ✔ ‎@OptaJoe
1 - Liverpool have lost only one of their 17 Europa League games at Anfield (W11 D5). Fortress.
2:20 PM - 25 Feb 2016

Interesting, never thought Lucas would start at CB, I like it. Think he showed last time he played there just how commanding he can be.

He's the polar opposite of Skrtel.  Martin is physically imposing but reads the game very poorly.  Lucas reads the game very well and uses his tactical nous to his advantage.

If our midfield can find gaps and thread forward passes to our attackers, then I think we'll win.  If they can suffocate our midfield and restrict us to shots from distance and hopeful crosses then we will struggle.

My worry playing Lucas at the back is that he is a player that gives silly freekicks away at times, playing at the back one of those freekicks may turn into a penalty.

Or a West Ham winner, badumtisch!

Too early?

If Pulis kicks out his player for every freekick they concede there would be nobody to play for West Brom at this stage. Its only ´cause Mignolet is so sh*te to deal with crosses we blame Lucas for a foul around our box.

F***ing cliché, hate it with passion, esp. when a Bender or any other "top holder" gives out even more fouls than Lucas. We are a sad F***ing bunch. Not that bad on this forum mind, but listening to czech and slovak LFC forum, you wonder if we liverpool fans are really so stupid.

Absolutely no worries with Lucas playing the CB, he's looked great there. There are worries however with that midfield 3. I'm ok with Milner, but Can and Hendo together just doesn't get us going properly. Unfortunately, there aren't any other options that would have me any more confident. Must be the area we build on in the summer. I'll go for a 2-1 win for the home fans!

This better be a decent game as I'm fighting to keep my eyes open. Lots of coffee isn't working. 

Boss obviously trusts Lucas in the back 4 there. Citeh had a decent win last night , even though the opposition wasn't great. We need to do the same so our confidence is as high as theirs come Sunday.
Almost missed this as well, forgot about the early  k.o. so off to watch it now.
COME ON YOU MIGHTY RED MEN. 3 -0 PLEASE.

6 Months ago it would have been Can at the back and Lucas in midfield... how times change