Pre Match: Arsenal V Liverpool (24th Aug 2015 - 8pm)

5-1 again? Be nice but I'd settle for another scraped 1-0 win.

If we were at home then I'd share your optimism but we don't do well at the Emirates for one reason or another. I'd say a draw would be a good result, I'd snap your hand off for any win.

If we were at home then I'd share your optimism but we don't do well at the Emirates for one reason or another. I'd say a draw would be a good result, I'd snap your hand off for any win.

My optimism for a win is based on the fact we have 6 points out of 6 so far and 2 clean sheets, where as Arsenal haven't.

My optimism for a win is based on the fact we have 6 points out of 6 so far and 2 clean sheets, where as Arsenal haven't.

And that's more than fair enough, I wasn't questioning that mate.

Huge match and would be completely over the moon if we manage to grab all 3 points but in all honesty I'd take a draw right now without a second thought.

Really hope Firmino is fit enough to start, if he isn't the talk of Moreno starting instead of Ibe I think is a cracking shout, he'll offer enough protection and actually get to play more of what appears his natural game and really strengthen what I believe would be our weakest defensive area.

Can't wait for this one.

2-2 Big Ben with both for us.

My granddad has snagged box tickets for this game, lucky b***ard.

We're asking for trouble with Ibe at CM IMO.

Thinking of him track back (Bellerín) in particular and pinning  Bellerín back due to Ibe's speed

I'm honestly shitting myself about this game. Hate playing those cu*ts at their place. They could rip us to shreds and that's what I'm fearing.

Just hope the lads come out to play and we tear them a new one. Going to be biting my nails from now till the final whistle.

Know what you mean That's why i would advocate two strikers, can't see us holding them goalless, if we are to win this then we will have to out score them

Think of him track back (Bellerín) in particular and pinning  Bellerín back due to Ibe's speed

This isn't FIFA though mate, speed isn't one of the main attributes for a centre mid. I'd rather play an actual centre mid than risk a winger in there away at one of the best passing teams in the league.

This isn't FIFA though mate, speed isn't one of the main attributes for a centre mid. I'd rather play an actual centre mid than risk a winger in there away at one of the best passing teams in the league.

And who have we gotta in central midfield that is capable of matching speed with Bellerín and attacking and going pass players? Joe Allen?

I would play a diamond in the middle with Can in the back and Coutinho up front with Firmino playing behind Benteke.

Mignolet

Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Gomez

Can
Henderson
Milner
Coutinho

Firmino
Benteke


But what I think is going to happen is..

Mignolet

Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Gomez

Henderson
Milner
Lallana

Coutinho
Ibe
Benteke

Because if it's not broke, don't fix it!

I would play a diamond in the middle with Can in the back and Coutinho up front with Firmino playing behind Benteke.

Mignolet

Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Gomez

Can
Henderson
Milner
Coutinho

Firmino
Benteke

Why do people want to see Firmino up front with Benteke? he as hardly been impressive in his to appearances so far... We need a proven goal scorer up front against Arsenal Ings

But what I think is going to happen is..

Mignolet

Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Gomez

Henderson
Milner
Lallana

Coutinho
Ibe
Benteke

Because if it's not broke, don't fix it!

That just the point It has been creaking along thus far, and that will simple not do against Arsenal... It would have been drumed into them all week about the consequences of losing to us and the points that will be dropped putting even at this early stage Arsenal's hopes of winning the title in doubt..... Lallana simple does not cut it   

Why do people want to see Firmino up front with Benteke? he as hardly been impressive in his to appearances so far... We need a proven goal scorer up front against Arsenal Ings

The guy has phenomenal movement, he gets into a lot of dangerous areas. Being more creative is another factor too, and I actually think he's a better finisher than Ings.

Btw, I too wouldn't mind seeing Ibe as one of the side midfielders in a 442 diamond. Remember how Di Maria played for Real? That's how I see Ibe playing!

Why do people want to see Firmino up front with Benteke? he as hardly been impressive in his to appearances so far... We need a proven goal scorer up front against Arsenal Ings

That just the point It has been creaking along thus far, and that will simple not do against Arsenal... It would have been drumed into them all week about the consequences of losing to us and the points that will be dropped putting even at this early stage Arsenal's hopes of winning the title in doubt..... Lallana simple does not cut it   

If Hendo is fit I'd play the following:     



                  Mignolet

     Clyne    Skrtel    Lovren  Gomez


                        Hendo 
           Milner               Lallana

                     Coutinho     

                   
                   Benteke    Ings


Diamond in midfield and 2 up front.

Reason for the 2 strikers is cos I think we should play on the counter, and 1 striker on the counter tends to get very isolated. You need a high press with 1 striker, and this early in the season I dont think we could keep up the required energy for the 90 mins, - so sit deeper and give Benteke a strike partner.

We could play Firmino instead of Ings, but the latter is a more natural striker and more likely to make the runs in behind off Benteke ( not seen enough of Firmino to be sure he wouldnt do this, but Ings definitely would.) Firmino can come on for fresh legs in the second half ( not necessarily for Ings - depending on how the game is going).

I'd rather have Sakho than Lovren, but seems pretty certain it'll be Lovren, so I'm resigned to that.

If Hendo is out, then start Can, but I'd probably play Milner as the holding player as Can is inexperienced and I was a bit concerned about his composure and discipline in a few games last season, and you need plenty of both for the holding role. Milner played the holding role for Citeh a few times and did it well.

I'm on board with all of this except starting Lallana.  I'd start Can over Adam. Also, if Hendo is injured then I'd bring on Moreno and play him down the left with Emre shifting to CDM. But I agree that having Ings play off Benteke  could cause them real problems, especially if we can get Danny isolated against Mertesacker!!

Know what you mean That's why i would advocate two strikers, can't see us holding them goalless, if we are to win this then we will have to out score them

Yep, been wanting 2 strikers to play up top since last season but don't think Brendan wants to play that way. Going to be interesting to see the formation when Studge gets back.

WE'LL FOOKIN tw*t THESE FOOKERS

All depends if hendo is fit. And I think Can deserves a chance. lets assume both fit.

-------------- Mings -----------------
- clyne - Sktrel - Lovren - Gomez -
------ Can - Milner - Hendo -------
-------- Lallana ----- Coutinho ----
---------- Benteke ---------------

Just dont see BR changing team too much unless for tactical or fitness reasons. so I fancy Can to start instead of Ibe, using Ibe as impact sub 2nd half, Firmino might get on for lallana sooner in 2nd half as well, they will start ramping up his minutes.  Other option is Danny Ings or Origi, If any of thise 2 I think it will be Ings, he has more PL experience, and is champing at the bit for a game.

And who have we gotta in central midfield that is capable of matching speed with Bellerín and attacking and going pass players? Joe Allen?

Why are you so focused on just Bellerin's speed?

WE'LL FOOKIN tw*t THESE FOOKERS

my kind of tactical analysis

Hendo might not be risked.

Firminho wont start until after the International break.

Hendo won't be risked.

I think Milner will sit and Can to come in for Hendo.

other than that its the same again

Yea just read hendo might not be risked. so straight swap for can there.

Firmino needs to come in or Ings to get closer to big ben, he's doing loads of great knock ons but has knowone running onto them. Drop lallana for Firmino and tell ibe to get closer to Benteke or swap Ibe for origi or ings. can alongside milner