West Bromwich Albion vs Liverpool: EPL KO 15:00 Sat 25 April 2015

Vs.

West Brom      Liverpool

Well it is a long time since I did a pre-game tread, so what is the worst that could happen? Bit early I'll agree but hey, anything to take our minds off yesterday.

The reverse saw us with a 2-1 home win back in early October. Last year we saw a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns, so what will happen this Saturday?

We all want a win but is that is realistic?, WBA are doing ok and seem to be on the up, where as we are at best stagnate.

Team? I don't care as long as they put in a shift.

Travelling on Saturday, so will miss watching this, all I want is 3 points, but even more than that I want a performance. I need to believe in this team again as Sunday has left me completely flat! I don't care who plays as long as they all give 100%.
No more excuses, we must get a win to keep our hopes of top 4 alive. We have nothing else left!

Not sure that west Bromwich Albion are in the up that much, just hope we a free week, some people get fit and Brendan has a think about tactics etc

Just give Mario a chance in this game.

Just give Mario a chance in this game.

In fairness George, Mario has had his fair share of games, but no doubt he get a run out at some stage.

Might as well draft in a few "fringe" players, surely they might show more heart, than some of the players that have featured in the side lately. Proving that no one is indispensable. No one should take their place in the side, for granted, even at this late stage of the season.

If we turn up and give anything less than a performance bristling with intent and aggression, Brendan may well be packing his bags come the end of the campaign. To be totally honest if he hasn't had a flame thrower up their arses since yesterday, he can have no complaints if that does happen.

Tony Pulis and his F***ing baseball cap, sh*te dour defensive football. Can't wait, what with our free flowing dynamic attacking, should make for a great game.

Might as well draft in a few "fringe" players, surely they might show more heart, than some of the players that have featured in the side lately. Proving that no one is indispensable. No one should take their place in the side, for granted, even at this late stage of the season.

if he did that and lost he's be slaughtered on here

Tony Pulis and his f**king baseball cap, sh*te dour defensive football. Can't wait, what with our free flowing dynamic attacking, should make for a great game.

HaHa

Am not too optimistic. WB showed grit beating Palace. We showed none at Wemberly. We keep playing like that, would expect more of the same.
I'd say 'give Balo a run' but have said that before only for that to go south. Our options up front are basically frying pan or fire .. how many goals have the axis-of-dweeble (Balo/Lambo/Borini) actually scored .. fingers of one, maybe two hands ... pitiful. So there is no silver bullet there.
Man, if I had to choose ... I'd probably give Balo another shot at it ... frying pan it is so ...

Sterling, Hendo, Allen and Gerrard need to sit. I don't care who he picks the team out of bar them. At some point there has to be a message sent when performance doesn't meet expectation. Yes I am still pissed off.

To be honest, I know it's the wrong mentality and way to think but I genuinely think we are going to lose this. They know we are there for the taking, because let's face it, we are. We are too predictable at the moment.

To be honest, I know it's the wrong mentality and way to think but I genuinely think we are going to lose this. They know we are there for the taking, because let's face it, we are. We are too predictable at the moment.

Your right mate we are so easy to play against at the moment. Let's see if Rodgers still has the fire in his belly to get the juggernaut moving again.

Sterling, Hendo, Allen and Gerrard need to sit. I don't care who he picks the team out of bar them. At some point there has to be a message sent when performance doesn't meet expectation. Yes I am still pissed off.

who is playing in midfield then Einstein?

who is playing in midfield then Einstein?

Can, Ibe, Markovic, Coutinho

That good enough of an answer princess?

who is playing in midfield then Einstein?

Lucas and Can

It just had to be that cap wearing bell end next didn't it.

Need a big performance this weekend. How often have we had to say that this season?

I've no idea who is fit and who's not at this point but if Lucas is still out then I'd go with this.

Mignolet

Johnson  Skrtel  Lovren  Moreno

Can

Henderson  Coutinho

Ibe  Sturridge  Sterling

Can, Ibe, Markovic, Coutinho

That good enough of an answer princess?

pretty lightweight don't you think ?

Lucas and Can

and if no Lucas ?

pretty lightweight don't you think ?

Can and Ibe are hardly lightweight.

Can and Ibe are hardly lightweight.

could easily be over run by a physical pulis team, too much pressure on can who needs to play in midfield, Henderson for markovic in that line up

pretty lightweight don't you think ?

Did you watch the last game? And you think they weren't lightweight?

We desperately need a performance. Not just a win, but a big performance.

If we don't, it reveals serious doubts about the overall quality and potential of the squad.

If we do, well it will reveal serious doubts about our mentality and how we can play so abject on the big stage yet give a good performance against what many see as an unfashionable side (no disrespect to WBA as a club itself, but Pulis is never going to light up the league with his anti-football style).

Questions can be answered but questions will still be asked - even more so if we thrash them.

Quite concerned about this one after Sunday's debacle. I'd go:

Mignolet, Flanagan, Skrtel, Toure, Moreno, Lucas (if fit), Can, Henderson, Coutinho, Lallana, Balotelli.

Bench of Jones, Manquillo, Lovren, Gerrard, Allen, Markovic, Sturridge (if fit).     

Im playing golf will have to keep eye on score on phone.

I would love flanno to come back in.

We need lucas fit for rest of season, and I would play Gerrard as the RWB, he was good for Rafa there, why not for rest of this season, get balo on and gerrard firing crosses in.

If we turn up and give anything less than a performance bristling with intent and aggression, Brendan may well be packing his bags come the end of the campaign. To be totally honest if he hasn't had a flame thrower up their arses since yesterday, he can have no complaints if that does happen.

I agree Mick.

If we don't see an aggressive display then the writing is on the wall.

Drop the dead wood from Sundays farcical performance and hammer Pulis' team! Ibe in for Sterling, Balotelli to start, Can in midfield, Manquillo on the right in a back four.

Drop the dead wood from Sundays farcical performance and hammer Pulis' team! Ibe in for Sterling, Balotelli to start, Can in midfield, Manquillo on the right in a back four.

He wont.

Players will be played out of position again.

He wont.

Players will be played out of position again.

Well he's a gutless fuckwit then!

It's OK people complaining about players being played out of position but you weren't complaining when we were winning with people out of position. We went on a run with Can @ CB, Markovic @ RWB, Sterling @ ST etc.

I think we will win this game, 2-1.

It's OK people complaining about players being played out of position but you weren't complaining when we were winning with people out of position. We went on a run with Can @ CB, Markovic @ RWB, Sterling @ ST etc.

I think we will win this game, 2-1.

We played some of our best footi without studger and with Ibe as wingback, but with lucas holding (FACT) .

The loss of lallana was a blow as wel, he was playing well just b4 his injury. him sterling & couthino were linking up well.

The players that think they're too big to be dropped, need to be dropped. Sterling is one of those after Sundays piss poor effort. Henderson was completely absent on Sunday too and if Lucas is available I'd go for him and Can in the middle.

Could be another Real Madrid Away situation.... egos will be hurt here I reckon!!

If we're dropping all these players do we get to drop Rodgers for Pascoe or Mike Marsh? Possibly swap the owners for some new ones for the game too? 

In all honesty, certain players should be dropped but it's such a knee jerk reaction to make so many changes like we did for the Madrid game. I'd like to see us go back to how we played last season in a narrow diamond. Lucas - if fit - in front of the back four, Can and Henderson in front of him and then Coutinho behind Sterling and Balotelli or Sterling and Lambert.

Remember how the so called fringe players did very well -v- an awesoem madrid team.

The problem I see here is that WBA are one game away from definite safety. Looking at their run in, as much as it pains me to say that, this is their most winable fixture.

WBA vs LFC; ManU vs WBA; Newcastle vs WBA; WBA vs Chelsea; Arsenal vs WBA

If they dont beat us the pressure would be mounting, and with Newcastle still not safe themselves, you really cant see where those 3 points would come from. They have some strong graffters in the middle of the park too - can see midflied consist of Allen and Gerrard struggling badly.

Liverpool looked very much back on track when recovered from two defeats against the big boys. I genually thought we would finish season on a high. But after the cup set-back the other day lacking passion whatsoever, its hard to predict whats left in Rodgers team.

nothing to play for now so play the benchwarmers and tell them to fight for a right to wear the shirt next season and i think a few might suprise us.
Borini shop window time
Mario shop window time
Allen shop window time
Lovren ?? not sure about him yet
Markovich ?? not sure about  him yet
Lambert shop window time
Gerrard leaving anyway so just keep him on the bench and give him last 20 min to rest henderson
Johnson ?? tell him to shut the door on his way out and take jones with him
ibe show the world we have another ready made improved raheem sterling
Sterling.......shop window time to increase his fee (lets be honest he dont want to be here)

apart from CAN,Lucas, Skrtel,Mignolet, Sakho(when fit) the rest have been below par this year alot of distractions off the pitch which should never have got to this stage if we had a better board room.

I really hope Flanno starts this game, and you know what maybe Jose Enrique, he seems to have had a mare of a season with injuries as well.

If Flanagan was available I'd stick him at LB over Moreno all day long. Moreno is quick. And that's it.

I really hope Flanno starts this game, and you know what maybe Jose Enrique, he seems to have had a mare of a season with injuries as well.

agree mate we might as well play the frindge players might actually be a good thing

Our performances have been flat for the past maybe 5, 6-7 games. I wonder what will change to get us playing like last season again.

I definitely know what changed that caused the difference between last season and now.

Lucas is a must if fit.

i would go with most of the frindge players and tell them go prove to me that i was wrong and i should have used you more. so my top 2 would be Borini, ballotell
my back line would be Skrtel,Lovren Can with Can RCB and Lovren LCB
the middle would be Lucas(if fit) Hendo, lallana
with ibe and markovich as wing backs and tell them to play with no fear and just go at them and attack attack attack

then if the front two are not working take off the worst out of them two and put Sterling on my guess is sturridge is done this season.
subs gerrard,allen, who will come in if lucas and lallana are out injured. i hope sackho is back but i would stick some u21 on the bench and give them a go. what have we got to lose Europa is a pain and only makes a couple of milion which in the bigger picture is not worth the dent it puts on us going for a top 4th spot or the title even

Mignolet

Manquillo     Skrtel     Lovren     Johnson

Lucas

Emre Can     Henderson

Ibe            Coutinho          Sterling

F**k Lovren but Sakho isn't fit and Emre needs to play midfield for two reasons - he's a midfielder, and Joe Allen isn't.

Hopefully a good performance and win can restore some confidence. I think/hope that we will not say the back 3 for a long time, it is clear that we are much more fluid with a back 4 and can create more opportunities going forward.

                                    Mignolet
                   Johnson  Skrtel    Lovren   Moreno
                                   Can/Lucas
                            Henderson  Can/Allen
                          Ibe      Coutinho   Sterling

Jones; Manquillo, Toure; Gerrard; Markovic, Balotelli, Sturridge/Borini

As long as Gerrard does not start, we will do fine.
Ibe Sterling and Coutinho up front.
Midfield of Can, Allen and Hendo.
4 at the back with Johnson Skrtel Sakho and Moreno

Hopefully a good performance and win can restore some confidence. I think/hope that we will not say the back 3 for a long time, it is clear that we are much more fluid with a back 4 and can create more opportunities going forward.

We scored with a back 3 and conceded with the back four against Villa, though

The problem I see here is that WBA are one game away from definite safety. Looking at their run in, as much as it pains me to say that, this is their most winable fixture.

WBA vs LFC; ManU vs WBA; Newcastle vs WBA; WBA vs Chelsea; Arsenal vs WBA

If they dont beat us the pressure would be mounting, and with Newcastle still not safe themselves, you really cant see where those 3 points would come from. They have some strong graffters in the middle of the park too - can see midflied consist of Allen and Gerrard struggling badly.

Liverpool looked very much back on track when recovered from two defeats against the big boys. I genually thought we would finish season on a high. But after the cup set-back the other day lacking passion whatsoever, its hard to predict whats left in Rodgers team.

I'm afraid to say i can't see us getting anything out of this trip. We are like a rudderless ship and there is no fight in these players. Albion will believe we are there for the taking and i fully expect Rodgers to send out a confused team. This , is gona be a hard one to sit through.

I'm afraid to say i can't see us getting anything out of this trip. We are like a rudderless ship and there is no fight in these players. Albion will believe we are there for the taking and i fully expect Rodgers to send out a confused team. This , is gona be a hard one to sit through.

West Brom have lost 4 of their last 6 league games, you make it sound like they're Barcelona.

West Brom have lost 4 of their last 6 league games, you make it sound like they're Barcelona.

They beat Palace last game who have been one of the form teams in the league.
Pulis the baked headed b***ard seems to have a hoodoo on us..

Why do teams seem to find some semblence of F***ing form just in time to play us? 

I'm afraid to say i can't see us getting anything out of this trip. We are like a rudderless ship and there is no fight in these players. Albion will believe we are there for the taking and i fully expect Rodgers to send out a confused team. This , is gona be a hard one to sit through.

Think you are right. This is a must win game for them. They´ll be up for it. Will we? Relegation battle always stronger than top 4 fight.

There´s slight posibility Newcastle beat Swansea at the weekend and then Leicester away so greedy Ashley would make some cash from Albion - selling them the game couple weeks later, but Albion will not be counting on it. They know if they beat us they´re safe. Saving 50+ millions in this game. Thats the difference between staying put vs relegation. Albion will try eat us alive. We look finished as you say. Thats why Im dreading it.

Disagree on Rodgers confused team, or better I hope he starts the best team available and show haters how its done. But I wouldnt bet on it. We miss a lot of players and are out of form. Expecting a good few goals in this anyway, no draw. 3:1 or 2:3

is it sad that this seems like a decent match in prospect? probably.. but there are only 4 games left so they all should be decent.

Mignolet; Manquillo, Skrtel, Lovren; Ibe, Can, Henderson, Moreno; Coutinho, Markovic, Sterling.

Assuming Lucas is still injured otherwise he comes in for Can.

Crap,i just a win here,no questions asked.Im a bit frustrated with our results lately so a win here would be pretty nice.I would love to see Ibe here from the begining and i would love to see a couple of goals in the opponents net,that would be a small moral boost.

I want to see an ultra aggressive performance from every player.
I want to see every first and every second ball being competed for.
I want to see us play with a recognised forward up front.
I want to see Coutinho played in the middle not on the wings.
I want to see leaders on the pitch barking and bollocking others if they are not pulling their weight.

That's the minimum I expect.

                 Migs
Manquillo Skrtel, Can, Moreno
          Hendo  Lucas
              Coutinho
Sturridge,  Balotelli  Sterling

Inside forwards, Balo as the creative target player, play possession football and Coutinho will still have runners in Hendo, Sturridge and Sterling.

3points and some effort would be nice.

                 Migs
Manquillo Skrtel, Can, Moreno
          Hendo  Lucas
              Coutinho
Sturridge,  Balotelli  Sterling

Inside forwards, Balo as the creative target player, play possession football and Coutinho will still have runners in Hendo, Sturridge and Sterling.

I would swap Johnson for Manquillo, put Can into the middle in place of Lucas and bring Sakho or Lovren into the back 4.

I have a horrible feeling Rodgers will stick with the ball being passed out from the back and without Sakho and Lucas there it will be a nightmare.

Pulis will have his team pressing the back line, it won't be pretty seeing the likes of Lovren and Johnson trying to pass it out b

Rodgers on injuries: "Lallana has just come back in. We will see how he is. None of the others (Sakho, Lucas, Sturridge) will be fit. Jon Flanagan has come back into training, we will have to monitor him."

So probably same team as at weekend, with some tactics changed mibees.

Just win.

F***ing WIN!

If Lallana's fit bring him in.

Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren; Ibe, Hendo, Lucas (is he fit?), Markovic; Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli.

Might have to go 4 at the back if Lucas is injured, Hendo and Allen together in midfield hasn't been working of late.

If Lallana's fit bring him in.

Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren; Ibe, Hendo, Lucas (is he fit?), Markovic; Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli.

Might have to go 4 at the back if Lucas is injured, Hendo and Allen together in midfield hasn't been working of late.

Lucas is not fit.

Lucas Sakho and The glass Man still out.

Lucas is not fit.

Ah sh*t, going to be a tough game then.

Ibe should come back in, Gerrard will be better now he has had a full game after his lay off.

Perhaps give Balo the nod up front, play Sterling left mid.

But probably this with Balo, lallana & Flanno coming on 2nd half.

---------------------------- S.Mings -----------------------

------------ Can --------- Squirtle ------- Lovren ----------

------- Ibe ------------Hendo ---- Allen------ Moreno ------

---------------- Gerrard --------- Couthino ------------------

------------------------ Sterling  ------------------------------

Ibe should come back in, Gerrard will be better now he has had a full game after his lay off.

Perhaps give Balo the nod up front, play Sterling left mid.

But probably this with Balo, lallana & Flanno coming on 2nd half.

---------------------------- S.Mings -----------------------

------------ Can --------- Squirtle ------- Lovren ----------

------- Ibe ------------Hendo ---- Allen------ Moreno ------

---------------- Gerrard --------- Couthino ------------------

------------------------ Sterling  ------------------------------

You really want to see Gerrard in the front three after Sunday?

I only hope Brendan has learned that lesson.

I'm not sure about everyone else but I'm pretty deflated at the moment and cant wait to get to the summer break where a top striker, a set of fullbacks and a box-to-box CAM has to be our priority.

                               Mig
    Johnson       Skrtel     Lovren     Moreno
                    Can            Henderson
   Ibe                    Coutinho               Lallana
                            Sterling

Would have gone for Allen instead of Hendo after the last performance, but seeming as he's just signed a new contract, think he'll put some energy back in the middle of the park.

West Brom and Hull are both looking at the game vrs us as their easiest left, look at their forums, they both think we are there for the taking.

F***ing hope we destroy this lot and then send Hull down.

All the talk this week about the manager.. Well i for one think that how we finish the season will have a big impact on his future in the eyes of the people who make the decisions..
Its an odd thing to say as go back a month and i didnt see myself saying or thinking this but i think there is a fair chance he may well have six games to prove something to the owners.

Starting here.

I mean that for example if he gets us firing again and we win the last 6, or we say win 5 of them, 4 and 2 draws.. That they will look at it and think that even on the back of a disapointing cup defeat and a poor few games in big matches that he can get his squad focused and fighting for him.

If we lose 4 or 5 of these games and the squad look to have downed tools and are on a beach i think the trip to Boston may be trickier.

He needs to swallow his pride a bit, simply pick a side to win these games.

The squad will have a big say in his future, i think by the level of our performances starting tomorrow will show how much they want him around and believe in him.

This is a big big game for the manager, ill be watching it with a close eye on him and the perfomances of the players..

Forget all the talk.. Its what happens on the field that will be a big indication of how things are in the club

All the talk this week about the manager.. Well i for one think that how we finish the season will have a big impact on his future in the eyes of the people who make the decisions..
Its an odd thing to say as go back a month and i didnt see myself saying or thinking this but i think there is a fair chance he may well have six games to prove something to the owners.

Starting here.

I mean that for example if he gets us firing again and we win the last 6, or we say win 5 of them, 4 and 2 draws.. That they will look at it and think that even on the back of a disapointing cup defeat and a poor few games in big matches that he can get his squad focused and fighting for him.

If we lose 4 or 5 of these games and the squad look to have downed tools and are on a beach i think the trip to Boston may be trickier.

He needs to swallow his pride a bit, simply pick a side to win these games.

The squad will have a big say in his future, i think by the level of our performances starting tomorrow will show how much they want him around and believe in him.

This is a big big game for the manager, ill be watching it with a close eye on him and the perfomances of the players..

Forget all the talk.. Its what happens on the field that will be a big indication of how things are in the club

Absolutely right, everyone including me will be looking closely at the body language. I personally think that after the debacle at Wembley, they players owe the fans a super charged performance and anything less isn't good enough.

Absolutely right, everyone including me will be looking closely at the body language. I personally think that after the debacle at Wembley, they players owe the fans a super charged performance and anything less isn't good enough.

Aye mate spot on

Absolutely right, everyone including me will be looking closely at the body language. I personally think that after the debacle at Wembley, they players owe the fans a super charged performance and anything less isn't good enough.

Make sure to keep an eye on Pascoe as well

Make sure to keep an eye on Pascoe as well

Beaten to it. Damn you FL Red!

Tony Montana: The only thing in this world that gives orders... is balls.

What's there to say. Show grit and determination, or don't show at all...

Beaten to it. Damn you FL Red!

Great minds think alike bro!

All the talk this week about the manager.. Well i for one think that how we finish the season will have a big impact on his future in the eyes of the people who make the decisions..
Its an odd thing to say as go back a month and i didnt see myself saying or thinking this but i think there is a fair chance he may well have six games to prove something to the owners.

Starting here.

I mean that for example if he gets us firing again and we win the last 6, or we say win 5 of them, 4 and 2 draws.. That they will look at it and think that even on the back of a disapointing cup defeat and a poor few games in big matches that he can get his squad focused and fighting for him.

If we lose 4 or 5 of these games and the squad look to have downed tools and are on a beach i think the trip to Boston may be trickier.

He needs to swallow his pride a bit, simply pick a side to win these games.

The squad will have a big say in his future, i think by the level of our performances starting tomorrow will show how much they want him around and believe in him.

This is a big big game for the manager, ill be watching it with a close eye on him and the perfomances of the players..

Forget all the talk.. Its what happens on the field that will be a big indication of how things are in the club

Yep.

A really good run will buy him time and most likely get him into next season in his job. But a poor run in the coming weeks and I cannot see where he goes with us from there Jon.

As you say I hope he stops F***ing about for one game and picks a side that goes out to win. And win well.

Absolutely right, everyone including me will be looking closely at the body language. I personally think that after the debacle at Wembley, they players owe the fans a super charged performance and anything less isn't good enough.

Too right they do....I was at Wembley last Sunday and I will be at the Hawthorns tomorrow, I'm looking for a massive step up from the lads with a performance to warm the heart...I think we'll just edge the win tomorrow, I sincerely hope so anyway.

Gave up 2 tickets today for the game due to work commitments, was actually looking forward to having a good old shout at the players to remind them what they represent.

I think The Baggies will be fired up for this one & it's going to be a bit physical.

It just had to be that cap wearing bell end next didn't it.

Need a big performance this weekend. How often have we had to say that this season?

I've no idea who is fit and who's not at this point but if Lucas is still out then I'd go with this.

Mignolet

Johnson  Skrtel  Lovren  Moreno

Can

Henderson  Coutinho

Ibe  Sturridge  Sterling

Sturridge is out so the change I'd make in the team above is Markovic in the front three.

We struggle for goals so let's try and attack I'm greater numbers with Phil in the midfield behind that front three.

Sturridge is out so the change I'd make in the team above is Markovic in the front three.

We struggle for goals so let's try and attack I'm greater numbers with Phil in the midfield behind that front three.

I think thats been the problem of this season, we have never looked to go all out attack even though we have attack minded players in the squad. Lumping Ballo and Lambert on for a 15-20 minute cameo is not what I mean.

come on reds, YNWA

Not confident about this one at all.

Well Stevie will no doubt be back in, after getting 90 mins on Sunday, even though he oy played about 20 mins. Good to see Skrtel at the back but Hendo out wide is a waste in my opinion. Great to see Ibe could be available, adds a certain steel to our lineup. Allen to lightweight for WBA, physically that is. And Sterling needs to bring his shooting boots.
That aside, I've gone for an away win. Still wouldn't be surprised with any result though. Very nervous as we desperately need the 3 points, and this will be a tough physical game, and we not on our best form, and lack a bit of confidence.

This has been a tough game these last few seasons
 so again I think its not going  to be an easy one
 Just hope the lads keep in mind their sh*te performance last sunday and  try their best to amend that
 Come on Reds
 YNWA

All I have to say is, Start with Balotelli

I want to see the team play with passion and fight in this game after what I saw last week. Come on you, Redmen!

Team announced, Live thread is here: http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,47622.msg1767264/boardseen.html#new