Pre-Match - Swansea v Liverpool Mon 16th March 20:00 Kick Off

I know it's still a week away but with Gerrard, Sakho, Allen, Lucas, Flanagan and Jones all potentially back for this one, it will be interesting to see who people would pick for this one.

Ibe will still be a week or two away from being available. Enrique is still a mystery.

I would go with this side if all of the above are available for the game:

Mignolet

Can
Skrtel
Sakho

Sterling
Henderson (c)
Allen
Moreno

Lallana
Coutinho

Sturridge

Subs: Jones; Flanagan, Toure; Gerrard, Lucas; Markovic; Borini.

It will be interesting what Brendan does if all of the above are fit to play, he will have a few big decisions to make, especially across midfield.

  

Why Lallana and not Sterling in his place ? Why keep wasting Sterling playing him in a WBL/WBR role ?

We have been found out with 3-4-3 the other day. Dont think Rodgers will play it again this season.

                Mignolet

Johnson   Skrtel   Sakho   Moreno

         Henderson    Allen

                  Gerrard
      Sterling              Coutinho

                 Sturridge

We have been found out with 3-4-3 the other day. Dont think Rodgers will play it again this season.

                Mignolet

Johnson   Skrtel   Sakho   Moreno

         Henderson    Allen

                  Gerrard
      Sterling              Coutinho

                 Sturridge

What the F**k?

All because we didn't score in an FA CUP GAME it means we won't play the formation again this season? Let's forget about all the games we have won with that formation eh (Spurs, Southampton City etc.) Don't be ridiculous!

We have been found out with 3-4-3 the other day. Dont think Rodgers will play it again this season.

Really? 

When were we found out? 

And why would we change from a system and formation that's seen us pick up more points than any other system this season?

whats peoples thoughts on Flano being able to adapt to wing back?

IMHO, i think he'd be a great WB

We have been found out with 3-4-3 the other day. Dont think Rodgers will play it again this season.

Thats like not using your iPad again because it has a scratch...

I mean this in a positive way, but are you a child? Because if you are you its best you say now to avoid the full amount of stick you are likely to get for suggesting such a silly idea!!

whats peoples thoughts on Flano being able to adapt to wing back?

IMHO, i think he'd be a great WB

Nah don't think so mate.  He doesn't have the attacking play, he's very much a defender.  However he might be able to play in the RCB position if he can improve his 1v1 play.

We have been found out with 3-4-3 the other day. Dont think Rodgers will play it again this season.

                Mignolet

Johnson   Skrtel   Sakho   Moreno

         Henderson    Allen

                  Gerrard
      Sterling              Coutinho

                 Sturridge

Go back to bed it's obviously way to early for you!

Nah don't think so mate.  He doesn't have the attacking play, he's very much a defender.  However he might be able to play in the RCB position if he can improve his 1v1 play.

Agree with that he doesn't really have the ability to beat a man. Can you imagine after the stick Markovic has been getting!
RCB would be a good position as long as works a bit on his passing range, no issues with his defending

With Markovic, Manquillo not delivering and everyone feeling Sterling can contribute more upfront, would this be the game BR plays our actual right back as the RWB?

Migs
Can-Skrtel-Sakho
Johnson-Hendo-Allen-Moreno
Sterling-Coutinho
Sturridge

Subs - Ward, Toure, Lovren, Gerrard, Lallana, Markovic, Lambert

whats peoples thoughts on Flano being able to adapt to wing back?

IMHO, i think he'd be a great WB

I think the last thing we want to do at this stage of the season is experiment. Sooner continue using the ones we have rather than last season's most dribbled past defender in the league. See what he's like in pre-season in that position, or coming off the bench when a game is won but we can't afford to be taking unnecessary chances right now.

We're away to a side that likes to play football rather than park the bus. I'd stick with the 3-4-3 that's served us so well and the game is set up perfectly for it. If Lovren's up to the task, I'd ease him into a starting line up. I know Can didn't exactly fulfill our usual expectations last game, but neither did anyone else and it was difficult for him to make those long runs from deep when the opposition just sits back, so I'd stick with him in midfield. I'd go with


                     Mig

     Lovren     Skrtl      Sakho

Marko           Can        Hendo     Moreno

         Coutinho         Sterling

                     Studge


I only go for Sterling above Lallana because of his pace that could be very useful for a counterattack. It's a great headache to have when you have to choose between Couts, Lallana and Sterling for those AM slots.

Nah don't think so mate.  He doesn't have the attacking play, he's very much a defender.  However he might be able to play in the RCB position if he can improve his 1v1 play.

Is he tall enough to play that..? then again does he have to be? spose not..

answered my question there RD 

Agree with that he doesn't really have the ability to beat a man. Can you imagine after the stick Markovic has been getting!
RCB would be a good position as long as works a bit on his passing range, no issues with his defending

Is he tall enough to play that..? then again does he have to be? spose not..

answered my question there RD 

It won't be a natural position for him but he's a quick and willing learner so who knows.  Brendan has a knack for seeing things other coaches might not and use them to our advantage so let's hope he sees a future for Flanno somewhere as we all want a local to do well.

Is he tall enough to play that..? then again does he have to be? spose not..

answered my question there RD 

He's 5ft 11" so I'd say he is tall enough but I think it's more about how high can he jump? I'm not confident that he can beat a big guy in the air. His tackling is great although sometimes a little erratic. I guess we won't know how good he could be at RWB or RCB until he gets the opportunity.

It won't be a natural position for him but he's a quick and willing learner so who knows.  Brendan has a knack for seeing things other coaches might not and use them to our advantage so let's hope he sees a future for Flanno somewhere as we all want a local to do well.

I'd hate to see the lad let go for not being able to do enough going forward. We all saw what he was capable of at times last season when he was relied upon to do his job which was primarily to defend.

He's 5ft 11" so I'd say he is tall enough but I think it's more about how high can he jump? I'm not confident that he can beat a big guy in the air. His tackling is great although sometimes a little erratic. I guess we won't know how good he could be at RWB or RCB until he gets the opportunity.

I'd hate to see the lad let go for not being able to do enough going forward. We all saw what he was capable of at times last season when he was relied upon to do his job which was primarily to defend.

I think the knack Brendan has for enhancing players strengths and minimising their weaknesses, he'll have something in mind for when Flanno's back but we're sending this thread way off topic discussing it in here.

Don't think we have anything to fear at Swansea.  They won't park the bus, they'll come out to play and that gives us the freedom we need to express ourselves.

For me, Sakho comes back in at LCB, Can returns to RCB and if Allen's not fit I'd like to see Jordan Williams getting a run out in midfield alongside Hendo.  Moreno back at LWB and if Marko isn't fancied at RWB then give Canos or Wilson a game so that Raheem can go back to playing behind the striker.  He's been too far away from goal playing at WB and that's hampered our attacking threat.

We have been found out with 3-4-3 the other day. Dont think Rodgers will play it again this season.

                Mignolet

Johnson   Skrtel   Sakho   Moreno

         Henderson    Allen

                  Gerrard
      Sterling              Coutinho

                 Sturridge

Bahahaha.
No.

What the f**k?

All because we didn't score in an FA CUP GAME it means we won't play the formation again this season? Let's forget about all the games we have won with that formation eh (Spurs, Southampton City etc.) Don't be ridiculous!

I commented on it in Blackburn thread. They did find how to exploit those pockets of space between our side centre-backs and wing-backs. Despite our sucess with it recently, its still quiet unortodox set-up with certain holes, esp. when you have attacking minded players like Sterling or Markovič on sides.

We´ve also become less dangerous going forward with opposing teams learning how to defend against it. Rodgers has shown flexibility in the past and I expect him to change things around making us less predictable for the final period of this season.

I commented on it in Blackburn thread. They did find how to exploit those pockets of space between our side centre-backs and wing-backs. Despite our sucess with it recently, its still quiet unortodox set-up with certain holes, esp. when you have attacking minded players like Sterling or Markovič on sides.

We´ve also become less dangerous going forward with opposing teams learning how to defend against it. Rodgers has shown flexibility in the past and I expect him to change things around making less predictable for the final period of this season.

They became less dangerous because games and injuries have caught up with the players.
Can needs to be at RCB.
Sakho in at LCB.
Moreno as wingback.
Sterling back into the front 3.

The formation is only as good as the players in it.

They became less dangerous because games and injuries have caught up with the players.
Can needs to be at RCB.
Sakho in at LCB.
Moreno as wingback.
Sterling back into the front 3.

The formation is only as good as the players in it.

Wouldn't be against this, however, I would find it difficult to drop Lallana as his pressing and work rate are immense. As much as I hate to say it, we should seriously consider dropping Sturridge and play Sterling up top.

Wouldn't be against this, however, I would find it difficult to drop Lallana as his pressing and work rate are immense. As much as I hate to say it, we should seriously consider dropping Sturridge and play Sterling up top.

That'd be my call too.

Wouldn't be against this, however, I would find it difficult to drop Lallana as his pressing and work rate are immense. As much as I hate to say it, we should seriously consider dropping Sturridge and play Sterling up top.

It's an option to go back to Sterling up top but Studge still needs minutes if he's ever to get back to last seasons form, this season.  He's still basically in pre season in terms of match fitness, benching him won't help us later in the season.

It's an option to go back to Sterling up top but Studge still needs minutes if he's ever to get back to last seasons form, this season.  He's still basically in pre season in terms of match fitness, benching him won't help us later in the season.

Lallana, Sterling, Coutinho gives us a fantastic pressing game.
Definitely would like to see it against United and Arsenal.

Lallana, Sterling, Coutinho gives us a fantastic pressing game.
Definitely would like to see it against United and Arsenal.

I agree mate, they defend from the front and scare the bejeasus out of defenders.

I wonder if Brendan's been working on going real gungho and changing to a 334 formation at some stage?  Would we have enough in a midfield 3 of say Lucas, Allen and Hendo to play Raheem, Lallana, Cou and Studge up top?

Let's move the diamond into the final 3rd 

Weird us not having a game for over a week.  Hopefully it's a blessing and not a disruption.  I'm interested to see how we cope having digested the weekend's various results - which hopefully will leave us with something to exploit.

Swansea home game was one of the better Anfield performances in the first half of the season.  Important we get three points to really set us up for the United and Arsenal games.  We want to be in a position that a win over United takes us above them - not just narrowing a gap.

I agree mate, they defend from the front and scare the bejeasus out of defenders.

I wonder if Brendan's been working on going real gungho and changing to a 334 formation at some stage?  Would we have enough in a midfield 3 of say Lucas, Allen and Hendo to play Raheem, Lallana, Cou and Studge up top?

Let's move the diamond into the final 3rd 

Drop Allen and it'll work, with Coutinho slightly deeper.

Drop Allen and it'll work, with Coutinho slightly deeper.

Maybe if we can condense the pitch so there isn't too big a gap from the forwards mate.

It's exciting that it's even a possibility.

Why does Stevie automatically walk back into the starting XI?

What is it going to take for people to realize we are much better without him?

Why does Stevie automatically walk back into the starting XI?

Who said he does or is going to?

Hopefully Allen's back and Sakho got through the U21 game fine.

Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Lallana, Allen, Henderson, Moreno; Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge.

Hate Monday night games as we're usually absolutely dreadful in them, hopefully this one's different so we can advantage of the United v Spurs result from the day before.

Last time we played on a Monday night 29th Dec Liverpool 4:1 Swansea 

Hate Monday night games

Same here pal but I think our current form, (Blackburn aside) gives us more than enough reason to believe we can come out of this game with all 3 points. I hope this doesn't come back to bite me but Swansea aren't a team that particularly concerns me anymore.

Last time we played on a Monday night 29th Dec Liverpool 4:1 Swansea 

Hopefully a good omen then.


Just to be pedantic that was the last time we played in the League. We beat the mighty Dons after that in the cup.

                               Mignolet
                        Can   Skrtel  Sakho
              Markovic Henderson Allen Moreno
                           Sterling Coutinho
                               Sturridge

Ward; Toure, Johnson; Gerrard, Lallana; Balotelli, Lambert

They have no threat without Bony. Should be a straight forward 3 points this.

                      Mignolet

              Can     Skrtel    Sakho

Sterling    Hendo        Allen      Moreno

            Lallana        Coutinho
                   
                     Sturridge

They have no threat without Bony. Should be a straight forward 3 points this.

                      Mignolet

              Can     Skrtel    Sakho

Sterling    Hendo        Allen      Moreno

            Lallana        Coutinho
                   
                     Sturridge

Team approved 

Why does Stevie automatically walk back into the starting XI?

What is it going to take for people to realize we are much better without him?

Cause he can't run anymore!

Thanks, I'm here all week.

This might be a tricky one. We haven't beaten Swansea at their ground since they gained promotion, so we definitely need to buck that.

Only question for me is who starts at RWB: Markovic or Lallana?

hope the team V blackburn dont turn up and instead the team V city with the addition of Sakho in at LCB as we didnt raise our game last week and will need to against a passing attacking footballing side. without Bony Siggurdson and Kojak will be their only real goal threat as that Gomis i think we can handle.
Pack out the midfield cut off their supply stick Sterling,Sturridge up to and catch them out as they like to press up the pitch. prediction is 2-1 to us going in 1-1 at half time.

Hope Jonjo doesn't play. 

This might be a tricky one. We haven't beaten Swansea at their ground since they gained promotion, so we definitely need to buck that.

Only question for me is who starts at RWB: Markovic or Lallana?

Markovic hasn't warrented a start for me.

Swansea is unpredictable as the weather at times, hence, we have to be cautious, not overly cautious. Give them enough respect and the burning desire to win.

up and down this lot...

But, even on thier day, we should be too strong for them...

2-0 us... Studge (2)

As others have stated, this is a tough one.
The only way to play them and the only way we play at our best is to start off with high energy and press constantly.
Have to select a midfield unit that can dictate the tempo but also be very energetic and combative.
Their fullbacks love to stay wide so Sterling and Lallana to start wide and come in early eliminates them
Add Hendo supporting PHIL with his now confident and assured surges in the middle and we have options.
The back 3 have to be wary of their explosive forwards so Allen has be defensively minded.
Opportunities will come but if we lose it will be evident from the get go and because of some obvious defensive mistake, that have been our issue for the last few seasons.

The sort of game, the Reds should win, but could turn out to be a potential banana skin. A top four place is certainly there for the taking if every game is treated like a cup final. Think Man U are the most likely to be caught and replaced in the top four tbh.

Why does Stevie automatically walk back into the starting XI?

What is it going to take for people to realize we are much better without him?

I wholeheartedly agree. Who would be dropped to make room for Gerrard...?
No one in my opinion. The team presses better and shows more fluidity without Gerrard.
All the folks that have been trashing Allen should really pay attention and see how immense he has been for Liverpool when he has been physically fit.
My fear for the rest of the season would be that Gerrard is played because of the name and not for what is best for the team.

We really should be winning this but it could be a bit tricky although Swansea have been very average of late.

If we come out fighting against Swansea and put that last games insipid attack behind us then I'll be overjoyed. we really have or rather the manager and players have worked miracles getting us into the position we are.
I think we'll carry on league form and it'll be a high scoring game, probably 4-2 to us 2-4 or whatever.
I'd rather Lallana than Markovic if that's the choice, Lallana's touch is class.

I wholeheartedly agree. Who would be dropped to make room for Gerrard...?
No one in my opinion.

My fear for the rest of the season would be that Gerrard is played because of the name and not for what is best for the team.

Hmm...

When push comes to shove, it boils down to whether or not you trust Brendan to do what's best for the team. It doesn't seem like you do which is fair enough; you are entitled to your opinion. But...

You appear to be worrying about a series of events which might never happen. Why? 

Who said he does or is going to?

Looks like - Fednerr'nerr has misplaced his journal again...

'Everything I like about Liverpool F.C.: The Definitive Collection' by Fed (aged 33 & 3/4)

Just pissed off its monday night game. Was really looking forward to it today, didn't realise. Ah well, just have to watch all our competitors for top 4 fall apart preceding our match. 2 : 0 the red men.

whats peoples thoughts on Flano being able to adapt to wing back?

IMHO, i think he'd be a great WB

Flano had a lot of good games last season,i would really like to see him playing as a wing back,im not sure he would do well in an offensive role but im really eager to see him back on the pitch.

Im not totally confident in us wining this game after the Blackburn match,but this is a PL match so im hoping lads will give it their best.Im hoping that Coutinho would be playing best he can and Sturridge not to be selfish as he knows to be.Anyway,if we play this game top class than we shouldnt have a problem winning it and scoring two to three goals.Wishing a 0:3 victory for the Reds.

Hi all.  My brother and I are coming over to go to the Swansea match from the States.   Anybody have any idea where the Liverpool fans are going to meet up before the match.   I have been to Anfield a few times but never to an away match.  Thanks

Chris

They have no threat without Bony. Should be a straight forward 3 points this.

                      Mignolet

              Can     Skrtel    Sakho

Sterling    Hendo        Allen      Moreno

            Lallana        Coutinho
                   
                     Sturridge

That's exactly how I'd set it up as well. Lallana seems to be missing something from his game (decission making skills in the final third are seriously letting him down), but Sterling looked really good when he played RWB last time and I disagree that it would be a waste of talent to put him there.

Hope Jonjo doesn't play. 

You are safe Ian, I can't see Brendan Rodgers picking him.

Cant wait for this!! Love the Monday night games, Carragher and Neville's analysis second to none. Shrewd move by sky getting them two. Could listen to them talk football all night

due to the weeknds results this has become massive... this is always a negative playing Monday nights

need to catch up to Utd goal differnce too... 3-0 would be great but we need a win at any cost TBH!

The only games we can afford to drop point during this last 10 game run in, are the London away games...

A win is the priority, No need to go chasing GD, I still have nightmares about the Palace game last year!

bring Sakho in and put Can on the bench to rest him up, Gerrard on the bench also to play in the blackburn game for me as we will need his experiance to get through.
i dont think swansea will be as tough as people think, i'm going for  a 2-0 win Lallana, Strurridge.

bring Sakho in and put Can on the bench to rest him up, Gerrard on the bench also to play in the blackburn game for me as we will need his experiance to get through.
i dont think swansea will be as tough as people think, i'm going for  a 2-0 win Lallana, Strurridge.

Dude, really?! 

Martin Skrtel (concussion) and Joe Allen (hip) are expected to be passed fit to face Garry Monk’s Swansea, while Steven Gerrard is set to make his comeback after missing the past seven matches with a hamstring injury

I think we can expect the standard back-3 and RWB-Hendo-Allen-Moreno. RWB is probably the tricky one. Will Lazar be given a chance and Sterling start in the front-3 with Lallana benched?

Rumors that Mario is ill and is out of tonight's game.

How many times we have been the last team to play when every other clubs have completed their rounds. We're always playing last why we always end up playing last? I just don't like it. Waiting for the game to come round is bloody frustrating.

Tough one tonight. United and Arsenal have both put the pressure on us with convincing wins. Absolutely vital we win so we know that beating United next weekend will take us above them.

Hope we do them on the counter. Inclined to play fast Sterling up front flanked by quick players as well. Note sure why Im getting so nervous, its just Swansea ffs. come on redmen

They will have all the possession, we will hopefully have all the chances, tonight is going to be Danny's night.

3-1

I'd like to see a front three of Danny, Sterling and Phil tonight.

I think this is an easyish game for us and if we go ahead early I expect a decent win.

I'd like to see a front three of Danny, Sterling and Phil tonight.

I think this is an easyish game for us and if we go ahead early I expect a decent win.

That would be well cool but I'd like Lallana instead of Raheem, just because of the slight greedy and wasteful manner he has sometimes. Nothing wrong with hunger and desire but he's young and needs to keep his head down to earth and not think he's the main man. Daniel Sturridge is the main man when he's fit. He's the focus and the person to aim the ball to.
I won't complain With Sterling playing instead (what a problem to have, so much in the attacking midfield area) ... who knows; all three of Coutinho, Sterling and Lallana could play.

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