Pre-match: Liverpool vs. Portsmouth - 15/3, 20:00 (ESPN)

[ORCHARD RED]

'Mon the F**KIN REDS!!! 

[gareth g]

I agree mate, but that's not what I'm saying.

I'm saying that dropping Stevie could potentially cause a bit of a meltdown - I reckon he would react very badly to it.

I know what your saying Ross, but not one player is bigger than the club, and good old fashioned kick up the ass is what some of the players need, and if that means dropping them so be it, no matter who. Won't happen though!

[Brian78]

I agree mate, but that's not what I'm saying.

I'm saying that dropping Stevie could potentially cause a bit of a meltdown - I reckon he would react very badly to it.

F**k him hes been sh*te for ages hes great but he aint Liverpool. Meltdown? Are we not as low as we can go (apart from being deducted points next season) No man has a right to that jersey so drop him, sure as we are we'd lose with him as easy as we'd lose without him

[Billy1]

 What I want to see is players who wear the RED of L.F.C. have the will and desire to win.I am not worried if we put the youth team out against Portsmouth as long as we play football in the Liverpool tradition.It is time for the prima donnas to get their feet back on the ground and give us the win that we all crave.If ever a team was up for a hiding it is Portsmouth so go to you REDMEN and bring some pride back to Anfield.

[Emlyn Hughes]

What I want to see is players who wear the RED of L.F.C. have the will and desire to win.I am not worried if we put the youth team out against Portsmouth as long as we play football in the Liverpool tradition.It is time for the prima donnas to get their feet back on the ground and give us the win that we all crave.If ever a team was up for a hiding it is Portsmouth so go to you REDMEN and bring some pride back to Anfield.

well said mate ! 100 % agree and nothing more to add for this game !

[crzy_jkr@u]

Gerrard is the first to admit when he hasn't being playing well, but you don't drop your best players.

One good game is all he needs to get his confidence back, but he can't do it all on his own!

He can kiss my ass...he's playing deflated and its not helping the team. I think he's not getting enough of it from his wife. Either that or he's worried hell Terry is gonna talk

[100%lfc4ever]

play football the Liverpool way with pride,passion and desire, no more excuses no more negativity everyone needs to stand up and be counted,SURELY bloody SURELY we can't play as badly twice against one of the worst teams in premiership history,I'm predicting a Nando hatrick and a 4-0 win but only if Rafa plays an offensive team with a positive attitude from the start,please please give us fans something positive to write on this forum because we are better than the tripe that has been shown this season

[wallbanger]

drop some of the untouchables gerrad,kuyt, bring inpacheo.kelly ayala these guys will probably play there hearts out.pompey are regulated anyway so this should be pushover

[bartman49]

There are a few things that can be done a little different, put Mascha back to his holding position, give Lucas a break, he's young and like Insua he's played all season, they both need a break. Bring the Aquilani back to move the ball forward a lot quicker than we have been doing. Team =                                                                         Pepe,
                                                              Jonnson, Carra, Agger, Insua

                                                                Aquilani      Mascherano
                                                           Maxi,             Gerrard          Babel
                                                                                       Torres
 

[lefty1896]

We'll smash them.

I still believe we're gonna give someone a hiding. Sooner or later, we'll get that early goal, then another one and that'll be it. 4 or 5 goals from the reds.

I agree lets get behind the lads and hope they get that vital early goal that means they have to come at us. I really want to see Aquilani play and control the midfield, get the ball moving quickly.  Lets make it loud and give the lads the confidence boost they need!!

[AussieRed]

It's hard to have any confidence going into any match at the moment but someones due a drubbing, let's hope it's this lot coming to our place.

Rafa change it up, if you don't have any idea who to play, maybe log on this forum, we have a fair few ideas who you can put out on the park that will do the Red Guernsey proud.

[sentinel]

Its time we drop a couple of unperforming & undesire senior to the bench with youngsters (Pacheco/Degen/Kelly/Ngog/Ayala) that will bring a fresh competiveness & motivation to the camp.

Its pointless reshuffle the position of these senior as most are not giving their 110% when playing. This negative aura (Morale & complacency) is spreding to all the players. Need to show the seniors that there is no guarantee of 1st 11 if not performing. We don't need star to play for the sake of playing!

Don't believe this game is a pushover. Portsmouth have nothing to loose & will be coming here for a win. It will be a tight game & the minute we don't take them seriously, the 3 point will be in their bag.

Anyway don't think any of these youngster will be starting/playing. Also hope I'm wrong bout portsmouth & reds will have a stroll over them.

[lefty1896]

There are a few things that can be done a little different, put Mascha back to his holding position, give Lucas a break, he's young and like Insua he's played all season, they both need a break. Bring the Aquilani back to move the ball forward a lot quicker than we have been doing. Team =                                                                         Pepe,
                                                              Jonnson, Carra, Agger, Insua

                                                                Aquilani      Mascherano
                                                           Maxi,             Gerrard          Babel
                                                                                       Torres
 

I'd love to see that team but it wont happen I dont think.

[lefty1896]

I know what your saying Ross, but not one player is bigger than the club, and good old fashioned kick up the ass is what some of the players need, and if that means dropping them so be it, no matter who. Won't happen though!

I think if gerrard truly respected and looked up to rafa then his reaction if he was dropped would be positive. I'm not so sure he  has total confidence in rafa. I think other captains at other teams would maybe have come out and publicly declared confidence in his manager on behalf of the team, unless I've just not seen it.

[solodee]

Can Liverpool break their Monday night hoodoo against Championship-bound Portsmouth?

Liverpool v Portsmouth, Premier League, March 15, 2010

Liverpool 1.22; Draw 5.29; Portsmouth 12.29

Defeats at Wigan and Lille, both by the same scoreline (1-0) contributed to another forgettable week for Liverpool and their beleaguered boss Rafa Benitez. The visit of rock-bottom Pompey heralds another crucial seven days with the return leg against Lille on Thursday and then a massive trip to Old Trafford next Sunday.

Incredibly, and this might come as a shock, Liverpool have not won a Premier League match under Rafa Benitez on a Monday night. Surely, this record will be broken against a Portsmouth team that looks destined for Championship football next season. (Draw/Liverpool is 4.58.)

Tottenham’s win over Blackburn on Saturday means the race for fourth looks a little more bleak for Liverpool. Nevertheless, Rafa Benitez remains confident: “It is clear we cannot lose too many points so we have to start winning, beginning with this game. We know every game has to be like this but we have to have a good mentality to approach games in this way.”

After recent games it would be no surprise if this was a turgid match in which Pompey have their chances to deepen the gloom at Anfield. A decent run in the league in the second half of January and the Merseyside derby win over Everton had looked to put Liverpool back on track but still there is a reliance on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard who simply aren’t firing. (2.07 to be under 2.5 goals, 1.62 to be over.)

The defeat at the DW Stadium last Monday was one of the nadirs of the campaign as Liverpool struggled to pass competently and whilst they could have got more from their trip to Lille, the result leaves them on a tightrope for the second match against the French side.

Yossi Benayoun is the main fitness doubt for Liverpool, with Maxi Rodriguez expected to return to the first team after he was ineligible in the Europa League. Glen Johnson’s return should add a bit more thrust down the right hand side and surely Torres will get on the scoresheet for the first time in three matches, especially after calling for more signings on Saturday.

Portsmouth meanwhile will be looking to repeat their heroics of December when they saw off the Merseyside giants 2-0 at Fratton Park. Nadir Belhadj and Frederic Piquionne were the scorers that day and they will be danger men for Liverpool to be wary of. If Avram Grant’s side were to eke out a victory it would be their first at Anfield since August 1951.

The last week at Pompey has, as seems regular these days, been fraught with bleak financial news. 85 employees were sacked and on Friday Peter Storrie left his position as chief executive of the club. There has though been plenty of fight on the pitch in recent weeks, most notably the FA Cup quarter final victory over Birmingham and the away league win at Burnley – a victory at Liverpool would mark the first time they have secured back-to back away wins since December 2007.

Steve Finnan returns to his former club as does keeper David James who will be aiming to impress in his bid for a World Cup spot. Jamie O’Hara has looked like another danger man for much of the season and the likes of Peter Utaka and Aruna Dindane should be looking to perform well as they aim to secure new clubs for next season.

Kevin-Prince Boateng is still out with a long term injury but Aaron Mokoena and Anthony Vanden Borre return from lay-offs. Avram Grant may well be forced to go with attacking formations for the rest of the campaign as Pompey need wins and this could leave gaps at the back for Torres, Kuyt, Gerrard and co.

Liverpool’s season may well have lurched from one disaster to another but a defeat to Portsmouth, at home, before such an important week is inconceivable. It won’t be pretty but Rafa Benitez should be a little more hopeful of seeing off Lille and Manchester United once Pompey are dispatched.

101gg predicts: Liverpool 3 – Portsmouth 0 (7.57)

Liverpool 1.22; Draw 5.29; Portsmouth 12.29

http://www.101greatgoals.com/can-liverpool-break-their-monday-night-hoodoo-against-championship-bound-portsmouth/50209/?

The track record of Rafa Benitez and Liverpool FC on Monday Night is scary.

As long as we are in Europa, We are likely to play Sunday and monday nights. Shocking tha we have never won on a monday night. I doubt there are many games played on a monday night.

Pins and needles, needles and pins! We should crush Portsmouth; but it's monday night.

[LFC_Stuart_1988]

Hopefully this doesn't filter down to the players. The confidence is already a shambles as it is.

[racerx34]

4-1 to the reds. Lets have some pride in the shirt again be they youth or legend

[bartman49]

Portsmouth are not the push overs that some seem to think, since this manager came they haven't done that bad, if you let them they can play, my worry is they will score, heads will drop and we will be fighting to get the draw, the way we have been playing of late anything is possible and Grant knows if his team score first they will have a real chance.

[racerx34]

Not suggesting they would be pushovers all I want is to see some good football on our part for once

[tezmac]

What the f**k has playing on Monday night got to do with anything. The whole team need a good shaking and go out and show some commitment and passion. The likes of Kuyt must think he only has to turn up and he will play. It's about time Rafa showed some balls and played some of the youth to let the first team take nothing for granted

[the12thkopite]

I didnt realise the monday thing was as bad as it is if its true we have not won on a monday night but it doesnt surprise me. I hate having to wait until monday for a match. it doesnt surprise me as I was just saying the other day I hate them more now coz it feels like its been so long since we actually won one. I always seem to be fed up after a monday reds game it seems.

this has got to end. I dont think I can take being beaten by pompey and definately not being the whipping boys that had the double done on them by pompey. thats a far too sobering thought and besides we cant afford to drop 2 points here or 3 for that matter. anything less than a win is a loss and a big win is what we really need.

end the monday problem
end the bad run

start picking up max points
start challenging for the best position we can achieve
start mounting a serious assault on the europa cup

if we have a good run in the europa league then this monday night problem better get sorted out quick smart as there is a very real possibility that there will be one or two more monday nights to come yet

[red trooper]

Like to see a ballsout performance here ! Portsmouth are not gonna lie down and roll over so we have to be creative and deadly ,which to me has to include Aquilani and Pacheco ,Pacheco worries any defence because he does run at opposition and is willing to go that extra yard,Aquilani can distribute the ball quicker and more accurately than most ( including Gerrard at present ) my main concern is Insua and his lack of pace ,but not much option here unless we look to the youth players ,....hopefully a 1-0 , would be ecstatic at any more ,rock on you redmen !

[GERNS]

We'll smash them.

I still believe we're gonna give someone a hiding. Sooner or later, we'll get that early goal, then another one and that'll be it. 4 or 5 goals from the reds.



Just hope we can wait until next Suday for that one then.

Agree which is why id dump our passionless bunch and replace them with people who have things to prove

Reina

Darby Sotis Kelly Agger

Johnson Masch Aqua Pacheco

   Torres Babel

Seen Pacheco pre season operate on the left he was class

Think you'll find Darby has been loaned out to Swindon Town.

[GERNS]

My concern is that half the squad will turn up and stroll around with the attitude that ' we are Liverpool and you haven't got a chance' And before the posturing is over, we will be two goals down. The players don't seem to have the passion for the club anymore. At the moment they are playing with the guile and swagger of a mid table 2nd division side.  I aplaud eneryone for their optamism but I think if we get a draw we will have done o.k. A win on our current form is unlikely, as sick as the thought leaves me. With City dropping 2 points today it's a good time for us to get a win, alas, in the past these oportunities have never materialised and I don't see any reason for that to change unless Rafa makes a few changes to the starting 11 tomorrow. Kuyyt, Carra and Insua rested. Lucas also, and two up front from the start. Let's get positive.

[corballyred]

This is a massive game if we don't get 3 points in this game we won't qualify for the Champions League.

[sqirg]

Got a feeling we're gonna do 'em!


Reina

Kelly Sotis Agger Johnson

Benni Masch Gerrard Babel
         Aqua
       Torres 

[lefty1896]

Got a feeling we're gonna do 'em!


Reina

Kelly Sotis Agger Johnson

Benni Masch Gerrard Babel
         Aqua
       Torres 

I'd be happy with that. That ball has to move quicker end of!

[the12thkopite]

This is a massive game if we don't get 3 points in this game we won't qualify for the Champions League.

its looking very unlikely now even before we play this game. we are potentially stuck in 7th place or something like that unless others mess up their games in hand. our destiny with respect to the champions league is definately not in our own hands at this point in time, although city slipped up today and I was gutted they saved a point at the death

[srslfc]

The least I expect from the team tomorrow night is a bit of effort and passion and show that they do in fact train together all week and pass the ball to each other.

I'd like to think Rafa was going to make a few changes and drop a few of the under performers but I just don't see it happening.

I'd like to see

                                                                Reina
                            Johnson          Sotis                       Agger           Insua

                                                                Masch

                                                  Aqualani               Yossi

                                Maxi                                                       Riera

                                                               Torres

I only hope that if Rafa sticks to the team I expect him to pick with Carra, Stevie and Dirk playing is that they will up their game and play to the standard we expect from them.

[lefty1896]

Yeah, Villa slipped up a little bit aswell.  Not sure if they will have the legs, Spurs are a funny side but Lennon will be out for a while yet so thats good news for us because he's practically created all of defoe's goals this year.

Just out of interest if everyone is fit and playing well, what is rafa's first XI?