December Fixture List: make or break for Brendan?

The ever so congested December fixture list has arrived, and we're two games into it. One win, albeit it in the scrappiest manner away to Leicester City, and one draw at home to Sunderland. Neither performances were overly convincing; however, we have seemingly resorted to the basics and it appears that our first aim is to build from the back. That's completely understandable to me, as we were being humiliated by the likes of Newcastle, West Ham, and Crystal Palace.

So on we go, but upwards? Admittedly we are already out of the race for the PL title - that was established early on. However, we are still involved in the League Cup and the Champions League. Two games of huge importance in my opinion. Champions League by means of finance (and the possibility it may be our last CL game for many years) and the League Cup because it's the only silverware we stand a chance of winning (how our fans would love a trip to Wembley).

Does anyone else think that December is also a make or break month for Brendan Rodgers?

Liverpool v FC Basel      
Man Utd v Liverpool   
Bournemouth v Liverpool      
Liverpool v Arsenal   
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea      

Admittedly every game is huge for a club of this magnitude. We should always go out there with the intention of winning every game possible. In my opinion these next four games are HUGE. The importance of the Basel game speaks for itself, but a win against the mancs would work absolute wonders for the spirit of this team. We all need that lift, and that game could well be the one. I hope Brendan can drastically turn this around in the same manner Pardew did for Newcastle. I'd love it if Brendan could prove his doubters wrong, and give fans like myself the middle finger.

So December - make or break?

Relatively confident we get this type of post every year.

As to the question, So December - make or break?, neither, just the same sticky goo.

We could potentially win all of those games, we could also be beaten in all of them too.

We will win some draw some, and loose some, BR will be here come the end of the season.

Next 4 games could be make or break.

Champions League decider.
Potential route to Wembley.
Two games against teams that 'in theory' we should be competing with for the top four.

We'll be so screwed when the New Year comes around that I'll probably be watching hockey to take my mind off things. And I don't like hockey.

Rodgers today.

Referred to the last couple of games as "being tough" ......     teams in the bottom half of the table ?

Rodgers today.

Referred to the last couple of games as "being tough" ......     teams in the bottom half of the table ?

We've struggled against teams like that under 4 other managers. Even with peoples best teams that include the do no wrong Mascherano and Alonso, players which I have a totally different recollection of than most here btw.

We've struggled against teams like that under 4 other managers. Even with peoples best teams that include the do no wrong Mascherano and Alonso, players which I have a totally different recollection of than most here btw.

There is a difference. Except in Kenny's last season we struggled against small teams who parked the bus. It isn't the case this season. I can only think of Villa who parked the bus against us this season. Sunderland came to play yesterday, it was evident from the first 10 minuted when they controlled the game and took around 63% of possession during that period.

 May be the players has accepted that it is not going to work, towards end of first half there was a period where  Sterling, Coutinho,Lucas,Hendo,GJ where all standing in a hrizontal line and passing between each other. No one tried to run with the ball or offer any movement to vacant spaces. Its as the players don't have any kind of believe in themselves.

 I remember people making fun of United last season when they were expecting an 18 year old kid to work some magic and create something. This season after spending 120m+ we are at the same stage.

There is a difference. Except in Kenny's last season we struggled against small teams who parked the bus. It isn't the case this season. I can only think of Villa who parked the bus against us this season. Sunderland came to play yesterday, it was evident from the first 10 minuted when they controlled the game and took around 63% of possession during that period.

 May be the players has accepted that it is not going to work, towards end of first half there was a period where  Sterling, Coutinho,Lucas,Hendo,GJ where all standing in a hrizontal line and passing between each other. No one tried to run with the ball or offer any movement to vacant spaces. Its as the players don't have any kind of believe in themselves.

 I remember people making fun of United last season when they were expecting an 18 year old kid to work some magic and create something. This season after spending 120m+ we are at the same stage.

I'll be honest I can't recall if all them teams (or most) parked the bus under Evans, Houllier and Benitez, from what I remember it was an overall case of them treating it like a cup game and us being shocked by them not rolling over to be punished.

We are actually playing a bit like Man u last season *sign of the cross*
The insistence of crossing the ball in. I'm not a fan; is a massive understatement.
Keep the ball on the floor and F***ing work it in, crosses can F**k off.
Sorry about the harsh language, it's how I was brought up. it's not pointed at you kiddo.

I hope Brendan can drastically turn this around in the same manner Pardew did for Newcastle. I'd love it if Brendan could prove his doubters wrong, and give fans like myself the middle finger.

So December - make or break?

Let's take a look at how Pardew murdered chelski 3 man, so-called world class defence with 2 attackers. It's attack with speed,  precision and with a purpose, BR does the opposite. Build from the back, I hate to hear this fooking statement, by the time we start building with those ping-pong passes between our defenders and midfield the opposition would have re-grouped.

With Sterling, Cou, Lallana and Lambert, Rafa would know how best to make use of their strengths to murder defences.

Sorry to say this, we simply do not have a world class manager at the moment to deploy tactics that would get the best out of the players.

From the 1st minute to the last it's evident that it'll always be "safety first".   

Next 4 games could be make or break.

Champions League decider.
Potential route to Wembley.
Two games against teams that 'in theory' we should be competing with for the top four.

The first two mentioned we can win. If we lose out on both on them, I think it's accepted that we will not compete for any silverware this season. Yes the FA Cup is always there, but can anyone honestly see us pull a few good performances from nowhere?

I think we could potentially lose 3-4 games this month. If so, I really fear for BR.

Possible poll for this??

If we lose our next 2 games will that be it for the boss? Should he be sacked?

Basle in the champions league, defeat knocks us out (as does a draw) and then utd away

Possible poll for this??

If we lose our next 2 games will that be it for the boss? Should he be sacked?

Basle in the champions league, defeat knocks us out (as does a draw) and then utd away

I think in all honesty, we can expect defeat against Manchester United anyway. For me, the two big fixtures are Basel and Bournemouth. If we can win those two, then we are into the R16 and SF respectively. However, if we lose those two and are also beaten by the scum and arse, then it could well be adios Brendan (and understandably so). I don't know why it's such a crime talking about the possibility of Brendan being sacked. We talk about getting shot off Glen Johnson, Mario Balotelli etc - it's the same principle. Not one player OR manager is bigger than the club. If they are not good enough, then they should not be here.

I'll be honest I can't recall if all them teams (or most) parked the bus under Evans, Houllier and Benitez, from what I remember it was an overall case of them treating it like a cup game and us being shocked by them not rolling over to be punished.

We are actually playing a bit like Man u last season *sign of the cross*
The insistence of crossing the ball in. I'm not a fan; is a massive understatement.
Keep the ball on the floor and f**king work it in, crosses can f**k off.
Sorry about the harsh language, it's how I was brought up. it's not pointed at you kiddo.

Put simply, decent crosses create goals. All well and good playing pass, pass, pass all the time, but atm we are creating F**k all and trying to walk the ball in the net when there is half a chance to shoot. For me, it makes more sense to mix up styles, instead of being so one dimensional and easy to read. The great Liverpool teams of the past were able to mix play styles successfully as and when needed. If Brendan wants a modicum of success here, he needs to learn to adapt.

We can't score 1 goal against a relegation threatened team, how are we going to score 2 against a much superior team?

Honestly at the moment, I couldn't give a sh*t about the champions league (were not going to win it to qualify) or domestic cups, we need to win our league games, if we fail to secure top 4, we'll see the squad trimmed back to a wage structure that reflects that were not involved in the champions league and the rebuilding process begins again.

Get the league wins, secure top 4, go after quality additions during the summer (2nd season back in the champions league should help), lose some of the lesser squad players in the process, start building a squad that is genuinely able to compete in all competitions.

Short term pain for long term gain and all that.

Put simply, decent crosses create goals. All well and good playing pass, pass, pass all the time, but atm we are creating f**k all and trying to walk the ball in the net when there is half a chance to shoot. For me, it makes more sense to mix up styles, instead of being so one dimensional and easy to read. The great Liverpool teams of the past were able to mix play styles successfully as and when needed. If Brendan wants a modicum of success here, he needs to learn to adapt.

And that kind of puts us in a greater predicament. The only player who can put in a decent delivery is Steven Gerrard. Do we play him on the right side of a diamond? Even so, who is going to get onto the end of his crosses? Rickie runs wide, Philippe and Raheem like to float outside of the penalty box - I just cannot see a quick solution to our sub par performances. But this is where the manager should be able to see a solution, and quite clearly he cannot.

And that kind of puts us in a greater predicament. The only player who can put in a decent delivery is Steven Gerrard. Do we play him on the right side of a diamond? Even so, who is going to get onto the end of his crosses? Rickie runs wide, Philippe and Raheem like to float outside of the penalty box - I just cannot see a quick solution to our sub par performances. But this is where the manager should be able to see a solution, and quite clearly he cannot.

If the manager can't get professional footballers to put in decent crosses, then simply put, his training methods must be w*nk. He needs to learn to play to what he's got, not what he wants. Which sort of puts Brendan in a different light to this time last year. He's bought in the players he wanted, yet they can't seemingly do the things he wants...

Anyhow, just enjoying WH and big Andy demolish Swansea. Kind of ironic really, Brendan never wanted the big centre forward target man, but now he has two. In hindsight, would have kept Andy seeing as he awesome at what he does. Always rated personally, but there you go...

If the manager can't get professional footballers to put in decent crosses, then simply put, his training methods must be w*nk. He needs to learn to play to what he's got, not what he wants. Which sort of puts Brendan in a different light to this time last year. He's bought in the players he wanted, yet they can't seemingly do the things he wants...

Anyhow, just enjoying WH and big Andy demolish Swansea. Kind of ironic really, Brendan never wanted the big centre forward target man, but now he has two. In hindsight, would have kept Andy seeing as he awesome at what he does. Always rated personally, but there you go...

When Carroll is fully fit, and his head is right he's a real handful.
A fella who could be a cracking player, but it seems he likes his ale a bit too much.

When Carroll is fully fit, and his head is right he's a real handful.
A fella who could be a cracking player, but it seems he likes his ale a bit too much.

Ah, but don't we all?

Anyhow, watching big Andy was great stuff. Good old fashioned centre forward battering ram type of play. Not taking anything away from his very high standard of technical ability (which by the way Luis also commented on), but that is the sort of thing we are short on. Bullying the opposite defence.

Not one for ditching managers mid season BUT.....
Balls up against Basle
Get embaressed by Bournemouth
And(god forbid)get spanked by the mancs and I would suggest Brendan will be taking a vacation.

To be honest, on our current form, i'm not sure we are capable of wining any of those until we get to the Burnley and Swansea matches.
 And if we do fail to win before the Burnley game, I'm wondering if Brendan will still be in charge for it.
I have no confidence in the way we are playing, what so ever. Heaven forbid we don't win any of them, but we will need a massive turnaround to do just that.

Starting to think so.

We are playing some shocking football this season. West Ham to day looked a more exciting team than our lot. Miserable but true.

We need something to change and fast.

And that kind of puts us in a greater predicament. The only player who can put in a decent delivery is Steven Gerrard. Do we play him on the right side of a diamond? Even so, who is going to get onto the end of his crosses? Rickie runs wide, Philippe and Raheem like to float outside of the penalty box - I just cannot see a quick solution to our sub par performances. But this is where the manager should be able to see a solution, and quite clearly he cannot.

It has to come on the training ground surely? Lambert does like to drift wide but it's up to the likes of Sterling, Lallana and Henderson to fill that space and get into the Foookin box. It's up to Rodgers to get it sorted

When Carroll is fully fit, and his head is right he's a real handful.
A fella who could be a cracking player, but it seems he likes his ale a bit too much.

Ah, but don't we all?

Anyhow, watching big Andy was great stuff. Good old fashioned centre forward battering ram type of play. Not taking anything away from his very high standard of technical ability (which by the way Luis also commented on), but that is the sort of thing we are short on. Bullying the opposite defence.

It was the "play along the ground theory" being the reason he went  it has been stated.
Then we were bullied in the Oldham game and bullied by physical teams since to show us just how its done.
You dont spend 35 mill on a player unless there was something there.
Tony Hateley . John Toshack.   
Old fashioned centre forwards I had the pleasure to watch.

Costa and Drogba. Bullys and winners.

Lets all play ticky tacky FFS.
Off topic.


Scum away at the Old Toilet.
Arse Home
Burnley away.
Swansea at home

Then half way point of the season. 19 games played.
Cant play fortune teller thats why I haven't done the prediction league this season or bothered with it after a couple of games into last season.
Whatever will be ... will be.
Nothing any of us can actually do to change it.

Supporting the Reds since 1962  and I have never felt so empty. 

I still believe. You cant stop that and I could never do.

Won't make a call on BR until the end of the season. Have said for a while that I don't expect our performances to pick up significantly. You just need to look at the forward options.

So ... if we do f**k all in the Jan window, and come out of it with Borini (and Mario may be movable) still in squad / not having signed a new striker, then it's unlikely our fortunes will change that much until Studge comes back (whenever that is). Which leaves BR in a ropey position.
- if FSG decide to put a brake on signings, don't think BR can use that as an excuse - if he is content with that, then he's a bit of a lame duck.
- if FSG aren't making a lot of money available, he has the option to move on some of the players signed who haven't contributed - bring in some cash - and spin the wheel again to get guys in positions needed .... just like in summer, strikers/keeper.
- if they make decent money available, then he'll be under a lot of pressure to spend it well.

We signed feck all last Jan window, but we did OK for 2nd half of season. Don't think we'll be OK this time.

This whole transfer committee thing - if BR is/was not getting the players he wants, I'd have no problem with him coming out and saying it. After all, either way, whether he calls them on it or not, it'll be his neck on the line anyway come summer (or before). Example ... the Remy fiasco - I mean what the f**k - I presume BR wanted him - but some pencil head said no - but at the end of the day, the buck will stop with BR.

He may or may not turn this thing around - but whether he stays or goes might be determined by how hard he tries. If people don't see some logic, some method in what he's attempting to do, he won't bring them with him.

Struggling myself in the prediction league, at least you cannot get relegated. A mixture of tough and relatively winnable games in December, to take us to the half way point of the season. Although whatever happens think Brendan is safe until at least May.

I think "make or break" is a fair assessment of those fixtures. If we fail to get out of the group in the CL and lose at Old Trafford (and I agree with Redblood here in that I would much prefer to beat the Mancs given the choice) the vultures will be circling. Failure then to get past Bournemouth and a loss or a draw against Arsenal may even see the manager sent on his way.

I sincerely hope that doesn't happen, but if they're going to give him the bullet at the end of the season anyway it would make some sense. At least then a new man would have a chance to assess the squad and have a January window to put something in place for next season. That logic may appeal to FSG, although as I said for me we stick with the manager. You could have an identikit of the best managers who've ever lived in charge and if you ain't got no strikers you ain't got no team. Stick with the manager for at least till the end of next season would be my advice.

Struggling myself in the prediction league, at least you cannot get relegated. A mixture of tough and relatively winnable games in December, to take us to the half way point of the season. Although whatever happens think Brendan is safe until at least May.

Could be a clause in his contract (e.G. If mathematically impossible to reach top four and out of Europe, will get the sack with minimal pay off). I would expect that to be the case. Same happened with Moyes. Soon as it wasn't possible to finish top four, he got the boot and I believe just a one year pay off.

He'll get the January window unless we lose all 4 games

Could be a clause in his contract (e.G. If mathematically impossible to reach top four and out of Europe, will get the sack with minimal pay off). I would expect that to be the case. Same happened with Moyes. Soon as it wasn't possible to finish top four, he got the boot and I believe just a one year pay off.

If they are smart.
Its all down to the contract.
He should still get plenty enough to buy a small Caribbean island.
For failing.

If they bring in a new manager before January, the chances are the new man will be expecting a transfer kitty.


Actually scratch that, any new man comming in will be a complete yes man, so probably not then!

The vultures are circling and something doesn't sound right.
If we fall into a heap in December, unfortunately I think he's gone.
Wow, what a mighty fall it's been since last season, when we scared the living sh*t of the opposition.

If he does get the chop, it'll be a sad day, however I'd have Klopp or Rafa in a heartbeat!

If they bring in a new manager before January, the chances are the new man will be expecting a transfer kitty.


Actually scratch that, any new man comming in will be a complete yes man, so probably not then!

Which will limit our options significantly. It'd prevent us from appointing the likes of Klopp or Benitez.. Two men who'd rather build a team their way.

All the top clubs out there allow their manager to take full control of the club.

Real Madrid and Barcelona sign who they want
Chelsea and City sign who they want
Bayern Munich sign who they want
Even Arsenal and United are signing who they want nowadays
Dortmund even beat us to a £25m signing

The above clubs are all successful. Why can we not just appoint a top manager, and let him actually manage the club his way. Yes, FFP and limited resources does mean we have to be careful somewhat, but the restrictions Brendan works under is ridiculous, being forced to offload the high earners because it's against the wage policy of LFC. Does that mean as soon as we have someone valuable on big wages, he'll be sold? Seems a common trend here over recent years.

Unless every game is lost in December I think he's safe. What's the alternative? Who is currently out of work that we could bring in to improve the team?

Alternatively, who is currently employed at the level we need, who would come to us mid season?

Sack Brendon and we are looking at the Pulis' Curbishley's and Sherwood's. No thanks.

If they are smart.
Its all down to the contract.
He should still get plenty enough to buy a small Caribbean island.
For failing.

Yeah.

The stress of being a football manager eh?

The money he spent last window should have put us in the mix again. It hasn't. He's bought badly again, just to make his mark. Lovren wasn't needed at all. But £20 million? Markovic has done nothing at all to warrant getting minutes on the pitch. I could go on, but you get the picture.

You could argue that ultimately the players might well cost Brendan his job. But I see it that Brendan ultimately has failed to bring in the right players. For all the need of a DM, we bought Can who so far has played virtually nil. We COULD have got Alex Song. Ready made for the role and no need to"adapt". Or Illori or Coates to fill in while Sahko was out. No. IMO Brendans lack of vision will cost us on missing out in minimum top 4, and that will cost him.

The money he spent last window should have put us in the mix again. It hasn't. He's bought badly again, just to make his mark. Lovren wasn't needed at all. But £20 million? Markovic has done nothing at all to warrant getting minutes on the pitch. I could go on, but you get the picture.

You could argue that ultimately the players might well cost Brendan his job. But I see it that Brendan ultimately has failed to bring in the right players. For all the need of a DM, we bought Can who so far has played virtually nil. We COULD have got Alex Song. Ready made for the role and no need to"adapt". Or Illori or Coates to fill in while Sahko was out. No. IMO Brendans lack of vision will cost us on missing out in minimum top 4, and that will cost him.

Or simply just stick with Agger. I think it's pretty obvious that we needed a good defensive midfielder above all. Ever since Lucas has returned to the starting XI,  we have looked far more sure of ourselves defensively.

For me, the priority was to bring in two top fullbacks, a defensive midfielder, and a world class striker. Instead we wasted it on Lovren, a youngster who is scared of his own shadow, an overpriced englishman, a controversial and lazy forward and an old man who couldn't even run a bath.

Or simply just stick with Agger.

If the only times Agger had played for us this season were in the Champions League we would have already qualified. 

I understand he may not have managed the rigours of week in week out Premier League football but utilised for key games he would have done a fantastic job for us. 

You don't put rose petals on the bed and take your socks off every time you have sex.

Liverpool v FC Basel     
Man Utd v Liverpool   
Bournemouth v Liverpool     
Liverpool v Arsenal   
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea     


We'll beat Basel. That's the game I'm most confident about.

Disappointed to admit I'd take a draw at OT even though they are as sh*t as us. This game is critical. If they get a result against Southampton and then beat us too, we won't catch them. We cannot lose. I think we'll get a draw.

Depends what team he plays against Bournemouth. They are flying in the championship and will be well up for it. If he doesn't play a strong team they will knock us out. It's our most realistic opportunity to win a trophy this season too. I think BR will play a strong side and I think we'll go through. Probably on pens.

We'll beat Arsenal.

Draw at Burnley in a frustrating game.

We'll beat Swansea.

Basel - nope
United?

We'll beat Basel. That's the game I'm most confident about.

Now it gets interesting.

Now it gets interesting.

 

Liverpool v FC Basel DRAW
Man Utd v Liverpool   
Bournemouth v Liverpool     
Liverpool v Arsenal   
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea

Liverpool v FC Basel LOST
Man Utd v Liverpool   
Bournemouth v Liverpool     
Liverpool v Arsenal   
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea

technically it was a draw but I get your point....

After last night I think he needs to win against the mancs, that's a big one every year and it hurts every fan losing to them, especially with the results we've been getting, so lose that and I think the fans that are on the fence about him might start to change their mind.... But win, and it will probably be enough to give him a few more games to turn things around.

We wont beat united especially if rooney plays. Him and van persie are in some good form. And we are sh*te.. hope to F**k im wrong and people can shove this post down my throat

I think PR should stop whitening his teeth and talking like a self-help guru and maybe develop a style or he will be
shown the door.

After last night I think Rodgers is at the tipping point to getting sacked or not. Lose against the scum and he tips out, win and he survives. A draw and the tipping point extends to the next game.

Liverpool v FC Basel      DREW AND OUT!!!
Man Utd v Liverpool   
Bournemouth v Liverpool     
Liverpool v Arsenal   
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea     


We'll beat Basel. That's the game I'm most confident about.

Disappointed to admit I'd take a draw at OT even though they are as sh*t as us. This game is critical. If they get a result against Southampton and then beat us too, we won't catch them. We cannot lose. I think we'll get a draw.

Depends what team he plays against Bournemouth. They are flying in the championship and will be well up for it. If he doesn't play a strong team they will knock us out. It's our most realistic opportunity to win a trophy this season too. I think BR will play a strong side and I think we'll go through. Probably on pens.

We'll beat Arsenal.

Draw at Burnley in a frustrating game.

We'll beat Swansea.

If we dont get the rub of the green in the next 3 games - BR wont be there for Burnley or Swansea

Liverpool v FC Basel      DREW AND OUT!!!
Man Utd v Liverpool   
Bournemouth v Liverpool      
Liverpool v Arsenal   
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea 

I think this will be THE game for Brendan  Bournemouth v Liverpool

If we can't even win this, he will be the dead man walking. 

F**k.

Liverpool v FC Basel      DREW AND OUT!!!
Man Utd v Liverpool   
Bournemouth v Liverpool      
Liverpool v Arsenal   
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea 

I think this will be THE game for Brendan  Bournemouth v Liverpool

If we can't even win this, he will be the dead man walking. 

you are bang on...how have things got so bad since May...

ANOTHER F***ing sack the manager thread.
This is getting F***ing monotonous.
Is there a gizmo that can funnel all the managerial comments into one thread, save wading through this endless bullshit.

BTW heard Santa's getting the sack!

BTW heard Santa's getting the sack!

close... he HAS a sack

Actually, I have nothing against Brendan, if it is up to me, he will have until the 2014/15 season  or more to steer us around.

When we change, we have to start from square one again,  . 

And I have been waiting tooo blooody looong for us to win our very first EPL title. 

BUT, I don't think the owner have the patient! This is a result related business.

Actually, I have nothing against Brendan, if it is up to me, he will have until the 2014/15 season  or more to steer us around.

When we change, we have to start from square one again,  . 

And I have been waiting tooo blooody looong for us to win our very first EPL title. 

BUT, I don't think the owner have the patient! This is a result related business.

Totally agree....Kenny won a cup and they sacked him...

Next 3 games could define his career

Well if you are going to start a revival winning at Old Trafford is definitely a good place to start

Well if you are going to start a revival winning at Old Trafford is definitely a good place to start

Absolutely. The effort we put in against Basel in the latter part of the 2nd half was decent. The players do have an extra gear somewhere. I want to see them give it 100% from the very first minute to the very last.

I also want to see Rodgers select his best team for once (whatever that is).

Absolutely. The effort we put in against Basel in the latter part of the 2nd half was decent. The players do have an extra gear somewhere. I want to see them give it 100% from the very first minute to the very last.

I also want to see Rodgers select his best team for once (whatever that is).

he says he always puts out a side to win the game
So I would love to know what possessed him to pick to DM along with No legs and Hendo when he had Lallana and Couthino on the bench.

I personally think we should try going 3 5 2 now as the one upfront isn't working and I don't think our full backs are that good to give us the width we need to play a 4 4 2 diamond but we deffo need to play 2 upfront.

                                       Migs
            Skrtle                 Lovren            Sakho

       Sterling           Lucas         Hendo        Moreno

                                  Gerrard

                       Markovic          Ballotelli
       

I personally think we should try going 3 5 2 now as the one upfront isn't working and I don't think our full backs are that good to give us the width we need to play a 4 4 2 diamond but we deffo need to play 2 upfront.

                                       Migs
            Skrtle                 Lovren            Sakho

       Sterling           Lucas         Hendo        Moreno

                                  Gerrard

                       Markovic          Ballotelli
       

And lose the effectiveness of Sterling by having him run himself into the ground every week playing as a wing back, no thanks. That formation was asking for trouble last season and we only got away with that because of Suarez, this year it would be even worse with Lovren in there too. Might have considered this as an option, or at least felt more confortable about it had we kept Agger.

And lose the effectiveness of Sterling by having him run himself into the ground every week playing as a wing back, no thanks.   

Sterling is going to end up like Owen.
Knackered and injured.

He is being played too much too young because we haven't got anyone else left with any pace.

Sterling is going to end up like Owen.
Knackered and injured.

He is being played too much too young because we haven't got anyone else left with any pace.

Agree. He does seem quite robust though, but then again we don't know what injuries he may be carrying - many footballers play whilst carrying an ongoing problem or two.

BR struggled against Basel, Leicester and Sunderland, I simply has lost all confidence that he'll change things round fast enough to get past Bournemouth and United. He's a very very stubborn man when almost every posters here said the tactics, formation and players ain't working only he himself and his world class coaches thought otherwise and keeps doing it week in week out. BR  always like safety first, look at the number of players that were bought, they hardly play perhaps he thought that they're not ready, too risky but how much more time he needs to unleash them? 

Besides that, opposition could read his mind and tactics like a book, god almighty please wake him up from his slumber.

Perhaps the owners have made a grave mistake appointing a manager who's not ready to take a top flight club forward and the evidence so far suggests so.

If we lose an early goal to UTD then I fear for us I really do.

If we lose an early goal to UTD then I fear for us I really do.

I'm f**king terrified of this game to be honest.... Sad change from last season

I personally think we should try going 3 5 2 now as the one upfront isn't working and I don't think our full backs are that good to give us the width we need to play a 4 4 2 diamond but we deffo need to play 2 upfront.

                                       Migs
            Skrtle                 Lovren            Sakho

       Sterling           Lucas         Hendo        Moreno

                                  Gerrard

                       Markovic          Ballotelli

Always thought Markovic was an attacking mid field player. No doubt he could do a job up top, but have to agree with this line up/tactic. Have to go 2 up top whatever. As for full backs, Johnson has become a liability so nothing is better than him.
Can't see it happening though, Be one up top as Brendan knows best. He's the boss.... at the moment !

BR struggled against Basel, Leicester and Sunderland, I simply has lost all confidence that he'll change things round fast enough to get past Bournemouth and United. He's a very very stubborn man when almost every posters here said the tactics, formation and players ain't working only he himself and his world class coaches thought otherwise and keeps doing it week in week out. BR  always like safety first, look at the number of players that were bought, they hardly play perhaps he thought that they're not ready, too risky but how much more time he needs to unleash them? 

Besides that, opposition could read his mind and tactics like a book, god almighty please wake him up from his slumber.

This all day long.

I'm f**king terrified of this game to be honest.... Sad change from last season

they will smell blood as will the crowd and when your luck is out you then tend to get kicked in the bollox just when you could do without it

We playing Sunday ? Think i'll stay in bed.

United have been lucky over the last few matches, their luck will run out this weekend.

United have been lucky over the last few matches, their luck will run out this weekend.

Sadly that's all we can hope for.

If we lose an early goal to UTD then I fear for us I really do.

Just glad Di Maria isn't playing, no one else worries me.

Just glad Di Maria isn't playing, no one else worries me.

they could have Tia Maria up front and it would scare the sh*t out of our defence

We've got two games to get this right: Bournemouth and Arsenal

Going well isn't it?

How did we end up here?       

So despite the lack of victories of late, at least our overall performances have improved under this new formation. Our football is more creative and dynamic going forward, so there are still positives to take especially from the Arsenal game.

Yes three points and a bad performance would have been nice, but one point and a generally dominating performance is more convincing as what is yet to come.

We should win our next two fixtures now. No excuses.

We should win our next two fixtures now. No excuses.

Agree .

No excuses.    6 points .

Liverpool v FC Basel           Draw
Man Utd v Liverpool           Loss
Bournemouth v Liverpool    WIN 
Liverpool v Arsenal             Draw
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea

Must & should win the next 2 games, eh.       

BR has made the changes needed just in time. I hope all the people who were going absolutely hysterical because the boss couldn't read their minds and make the changes they want can now calm down and start to enjoy watching us play. Remember the manager knows a lot more than you do about our players and their mental/physical states and also what he expects from them during a game. He knows more about our squad than anyone who has posted in this thread by F***ing miles. Bit of respect needed.

Liverpool v FC Basel           Draw
Man Utd v Liverpool           Loss
Bournemouth v Liverpool    WIN 
Liverpool v Arsenal             Draw
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea

Must & should win the next 2 games, eh.       

Wow. That was like reading a kids TV programme or some mad sh*t.

 

Wow. That was like reading a kids TV programme or some mad sh*t.

And the yellow font is not even properly readable.

Liverpool v FC Basel           Draw
Man Utd v Liverpool           Loss
Bournemouth v Liverpool    WIN 
Liverpool v Arsenal             Draw
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea

Must & should win the next 2 games, eh.       

Psychedelic man! 

.

Yes three points and a bad performance would have been nice,

Don't agree Cou mate.. I think the performances need to come back now in the short term to help in the long term , obviously wins would be great but I think we need fluidity back

We have dogged results this year but it's not allowed us to kick on, Leicester etc..

I think for the nature of the team to kick on we need to get some fluency to reappear, signs are there that the players are looking more comfortable and confident now we have switched to something resembling last season in a tactical sense (at least in the midfield and creative parts) hopefully that will translate to some longer term positive results

Liverpool v FC Basel           Draw
Man Utd v Liverpool           Loss
Bournemouth v Liverpool    WIN 
Liverpool v Arsenal             Draw
Burnley v Liverpool   
Liverpool v Swansea

Must & should win the next 2 games, eh.       

CeeBeebies.

Whens Frank and Buster on ?

It shouldn't be make or break for the gaffer, and I hope it isn't, but I fear that's the case.

Still, next three games are crucial needless to say. I hope for three wins as it's possible, would be happy with a draw and two wins, would kind of allow for two draws and a win...anything less is just more of the same.

December League Form

Pld 6, W3, D2, GF 10, GD +3. Pts 11/18. Also, we've won our first December 26 game in 5  years, and despite many questioning the team (with our national broadcaster describing us as a pub team after losing just once this month), it's just one loss in 10 games up to and including Ludogorets.

Last year in December, we played 7 league games, won 4, took 12/21. So we're pretty much on par with that.