Pre-Match: Liverpool v Newcastle Sat 23rd April 15:00KO

With the Semi final against Villarreal on Thursday I'm guessing we will go with a mix and match side:

Ward

Flanagan
Caulker
Toure (c)
Smith

Allen
Stewart

Ibe
Lallana
Ojo

Firmino

Subs: Mignolet; Randall, Ilori; Milner, Lucas; Coutinho; Sturridge.

I'm expecting a win whatever side we play, 3-1 to us.

With the Semi final against Villarreal on Thursday I'm guessing we will go with a mix and match side:

Ward

Flanagan
Caulker
Toure (c)
Smith

Allen
Stewart

Ibe
Lallana
Ojo

Firmino

Subs: Mignolet; Randall, Ilori; Milner, Lucas; Coutinho; Sturridge.

I'm expecting a win whatever side we play, 3-1 to us.

Not to sure about Caulker but apart form that it looks good to me, I really hope Firmino can click into gear again in this game.

Not to sure about Caulker but apart form that it looks good to me, I really hope Firmino can click into gear again in this game.

Agreed. Caulker... is he still in Liverpool?

Firmino needs to find his form. A fit trio of Sturridge, Coutinho and Firmino with Lucas, Pirlen and Milner behind can be unstoppable.

With the Semi final against Villarreal on Thursday I'm guessing we will go with a mix and match side:

Ward

Flanagan
Caulker
Toure (c)
Smith

Allen
Stewart

Ibe
Lallana
Ojo

Firmino

Subs: Mignolet; Randall, Ilori; Milner, Lucas; Coutinho; Sturridge.

I'm expecting a win whatever side we play, 3-1 to us.

+1

I would only play Lucas instead of Caulker if he is fit. Also, I hope Studge and Firmino to get a half each in striker position.

Looks like Origi might be gone for the season so Firmino and Studge will have to rotate for the remainder of the year.
Benteke could fill in for the last 20 of matches.

Migs
Flanno
Lovren
Toure
Smith

Stewart
Allen

Lallana
Ojo
Ibe

Firmino

It's come around quick this game, more of the same if possible, kill them, kill them all.

Ummm. It would be good to have Rafa at Anfield. Do we help him (and therefore Newcastle) get his team out of the bottom three? Not fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuking chance. Love the man but helping Geordies is not the way to go.

But, I think this will be a tough match and I see 1-1. Sorry.

YES,YES.

No mercy, we need the point, sorry Rafa. YNWA

Full steam ahead.

coyr.   

Same side against Bournemouth, with the exception of Divock, and Flanno in for Randall

                        Ward
    Flanagan Toure Lucas Smith
                Stewart. Allen
    Ibeeeeeyyy Firmino.  Ojo
                    Sturridge

Bench ;  Mignolet, Randall, Sakho, Milner, Coutinho, Lallana, Benteke

It's a very welcome return to the 'Fat Spanish Waiter' to Anfield this weekend and I'm sure everyone inside the ground will give him a deserving standing ovation,

It's somewhat appropriate I feel to have two fellas pitchside who get this great club and can test their wits against one another, I'm not sure if this has happened before, perhaps maybe KK V KK  did that ever happen as managers returning?  Not sure if it did,anyhoo it will certainly be a unique situation,

Rafa the legend will come looking to take something from the game and we know only to well how good he is at achieving that, we of course are on a roll with confidence flying high, Jürgen will juggle again of course making this a more even encounter,
I still think we will have enough to practically kill off Toons hopes of survival but I do wish them well, only because Rafa is the gaffa and the EPL is a poorer place without him.

2-1 Mighty Reds


YNWA
         

YES,YES.

No mercy, we need the point, sorry Rafa. YNWA

Full steam ahead.

coyr.   

POINT? POINTS!

Would love to help out Rafa but just can't. We are Liverpool and we always play to win and we need a big performance before the SF to keep the momentum going. The team that played against Bournemouth should be fine except for maybe Sinclair starts this one and then Sturridge can come on for the last 30 mins and get into the groove before our most important match of the season.

I'd like a few changes to be made but not too many, especially at CB.

Ward

Flanagan Lovren Sakho Smith

Stewart Allen

Ibe        Lallana        Ojo

Firmino

I'd like to see the CB pairing remain intact. I think it could help Ward a lot more.

See no reason why we can't play a half or even full strength side here given the last 30 minutes against Everton was quite literally a stroll in the park.

we wont see too many changes, Wednesday was a training session after the red card.

Tempted to play our strongest line up in this one Don't think we will though. I think we have to manage our resources over the next few weeks.

                                   Mignolet

          Clyne         Toure        Sakho          Morino

                      Stewart   Lucas      Allen   

            Ibe            Firmino            Lallana 

Probably have to tie Milner down to get him to take a rest though.     

Stick with the same side that beat Stoke and we should get another 4.....

Are Newcastle a more defensive minded team under Rafa? We tend to struggle vs defensive sides regardless of whether they are quality or not.

Are Newcastle a more defensive minded team under Rafa? We tend to struggle vs defensive sides regardless of whether they are quality or not.

Dunno mate, Klopp said he watched them the other night and they were "very physical" which doesn't bode well.

3-1 LFC

Are Newcastle a more defensive minded team under Rafa? We tend to struggle vs defensive sides regardless of whether they are quality or not.

Typed out a long response and my internet shat itself as i posted, but the gist was Rafa has them trying to play as a unit at both ends of the park.

They'll try and sit a little deeper and keep their shape but when you have Karl Darlow, Paul Dummett, Vernon Anita, Jamaal Lascelles and Chance Mbemba as your line of defence, you're gonna concede goals.

Colback and Tiote with Sissoko in front of them and Townsend cutting in off the right flank with either Papiss Cisse or Mitrovic up top. Not a lot to be scared of but they'll try and get balls in to the box to suit their target man and thats caused us problems in the past.

They might have a bit more confidence off the back of their past two games but we should be winning this regardless of who we put out.

Rafa has at least instilled a system for the Toon which involves a high work rate and closing down space.

So it won't be easy but I'm not too scared of them offensively apart from set pieces.
Players like Sissoko and Tiote are shadows of there previous self and they were hardly world beaters then.

Interesting presser today, Jürgen indicated that there are 6 days rest between the barcodes and Villarreal, kind of says he won't be changing too much from battering blueshite,
Kind of pissed on my crisps as far as my team selection was concerned , anyhoo we'll see, but looks like he'll opt for a more adventurous X1 and be all out for the win.


YNWA

https://twitter.com/TonyBarretTimes/status/723548822408978432

Shame some of the fan's agendas won't allow them to say the same type of thing.

Welcome him back and then tw*t his team off the park.

Newcastle will turn up for this one as they've got Benitez have them believing. I'll go with:

Migs

Flanno
Toure
Lucas
Smith

Stewart
Allen

Ojo
Tex
Ibe

Firmino

Sub: Sahko, Milner, Clyne, Sturridge, Coutinho, J. Sinclair, Ward

https://twitter.com/TonyBarretTimes/status/723548822408978432

Shame some of the fan's agendas won't allow them to say the same type of thing.

Welcome him back and then tw*t his team off the park.

Here here!...

Welcome Rafa back...........then tw*t his team all round Anfield.

Certainly I welcome him back, just as long as he gets his welcome and we get the 3 points.

Not many players left from his time here now though... Skrtel and Lucas...not sure who else? 

With the Semi final against Villarreal on Thursday I'm guessing we will go with a mix and match side:

Ward

Flanagan
Caulker
Toure (c)
Smith

Allen
Stewart

Ibe
Lallana
Ojo

Firmino

Subs: Mignolet; Randall, Ilori; Milner, Lucas; Coutinho; Sturridge.

I'm expecting a win whatever side we play, 3-1 to us.

Caulker ? Is he still alive

Jürgen's pre match press conference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-pzKOQ0qaM

The so called" fat Spanish waiter," delivered the Champions' league trophy, whilst at Anfield. He will obviously receive a warm reception from the crowd. Still think the Reds will run out 2  1 winners, given the form their in at the moment.

Caulker ? Is he still alive

And Flanno. Doesn't look like the gaffer fancies either of them at the moment.

It probably won't hit us until the game is underway but we are gonna miss Origi's running up front, a nice option we've had these last few games and his firepower and audacity is what we've lacked..
Studge and Firmino need to be on their toes and look for those openings through what will probably be a black and white wall..

I'd play Allen Milner and Stewart in the middle tomorrow just to beef it up coz Newcastle will be up for the scrap for sure.

Will be great to see Jürgen and Rafa on the touchline together in what should be a brilliant atmosphere (again) at Anfield.

Sakho hat trick !

And Flanno. Doesn't look like the gaffer fancies either of them at the moment.

Didn't Klopp say a few weeks ago that Flanno needed more time as he wasn't really match fit. I appreciate he has played a few games but maybe it was necessity rather than choice?

Just want to see Rafa get a very special Anfield welcome .

He's never hidden his love  for this club or the respect and the generosity he showed for the 96 and their relatives .

Just want to see Rafa get a special Anfield welcome .

He will Skip, just wish I could be there to join in, and then just like Huyton says tw*t them all over Anfield.


YNWA

Anyone know how these played against City to get the draw ?
Hope it was a one off and we batter them.  Can we score 4 again ?
Of course we  can. I've predicted  3 - 1 but I won't be too down if we win 4 - 0 
Have to go with the strongest available in my opinion, Got plenty of recovery time before thursday. Need to get the front line options up and running now without Origi.

I'm changing my mind for team selection, like a lot of us I was thinking ahead to the real Villa semi and resting player's but since I seen the presser I think we'll go with the same side that wiped the floor with blueshite, with Studge in for Divock,

It will be tight Rafa will have them well organised and difficult to get through, they'll come looking not to lose, typically Rafa stamping his authority, but will they have the discipline to keep us out, I doubt it,

2-1 Mighty Reds

YNWA

Anyone know how these played against City to get the draw ?

City scored from blatant offside:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTHVH7RFQSo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpYZLSdN8b0

Jürgen has so much class (ie...Rafa comments)...this manager is going to be going up with the greats of the club when all is said and done.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36115466

Vid.

Jürgen says some nice stuff about Rafa  ... and he says the fans are very welcome to celebrate his return.

Rafa and Jürgen shaking hands will be a highlight for me

Not going to pretend I didn't think Rafa's time was up when he left, but he's a top guy and I have a lot of respect for him, so will be great to see him back at Anfield and guess he'll get a great reception.

After that, hope we get on a rip the Geordies a new one ! Expect Rafa will have them setup to stifle, maybe nick one on the break, or at set piece. Also expect us to play a Bournemouth style side except without Studge - so could be tricky, as thought Studge was the standout player that day by a mile.

Would be great to keep the run going, but hard to keep the eyes of the Villa match...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36115466

Vid.

Jürgen says some nice stuff about Rafa  ... and he says the fans are very welcome to celebrate his return.

Fingers crossed some of our fans don't react to him after the game the same way some of the Dortmund fans did at FT at Anfield.

Looking forward to welcoming Mr Rafa Benitez back to Anfield tomorrow, we will give him a tremendous reception from the Kop and I know his heart is still on Merseyside, after all he's done for LFC and the Justice for the 96, he will walk out at Anfield a proud man tomorrow....still hope we smash the barcodes though 

Seriously...another important game as they all are at the moment as we come to the business end of the season, 3 much needed points as we edge further and ever so slightly up the table 

They'll give us a game as they fight for their Premiership life and Rafa knows how we tick, but I think the way we've been playing of late we'll have enough in our tank to tear them apart.

Enjoy the game everyone, early start for me in the morning, but a nice rare 3pm ko, come on you mighty redmen lets do this !!

Didn't Klopp say a few weeks ago that Flanno needed more time as he wasn't really match fit. I appreciate he has played a few games but maybe it was necessity rather than choice?

Would think it must be something like that as he not eligible for Europa (I think) and hasn't had any minutes in the games before and after lately. Has he even been on the bench? Subs appearances = minutes?

Does seem a bit mad.

Could it be Klopp trying to protect him in the long run and not overdo it after being out for so long?

Rafa and Jürgen shaking hands will be a highlight for me

Not going to pretend I didn't think Rafa's time was up when he left, but he's a top guy and I have a lot of respect for him, so will be great to see him back at Anfield and guess he'll get a great reception.

After that, hope we get on a rip the Geordies a new one ! Expect Rafa will have them setup to stifle, maybe nick one on the break, or at set piece. Also expect us to play a Bournemouth style side except without Studge - so could be tricky, as thought Studge was the standout player that day by a mile.

Would be great to keep the run going, but hard to keep the eyes of the Villa match...

Agreed. Good post, well said mate.

Fingers crossed some of our fans don't react to him after the game the same way some of the Dortmund fans did at FT at Anfield.

Mcarz, what happened?

Mcarz, what happened?

I think they thought he was rubbing it in or something when he walked over to them and applauded them. A vast majority appreciated it and applauded back but there was a handful of people who weren't happy.

Lets show Rafa and co, what its like to visit Anfield.

Hopefully will be a great reception, and a whitewash. Completely agree with the comments on here, would throw some young-uns in here who are in for a scrap.

I worry about Moreno vs Townsend, as he's been their stand-out player for the last month.

If Sturridge doesn't play, I think we'll drop points.

It will be great to see Rafa back at anfield as he was one of our own & will always get my respect Despite his faults ,very much the same if Brendan Ever turned up as the opposing manager,but all pleasantries aside & at the end of the day I want him to leave with nothing & want his side to get beat.
Not to sure what team J.K will put out but going by the team selection against the sh*te I'm expecting him to pick another strong  team.
I think this is going to be a tricky match this one we are the in form team & playing  fantastic Footie but I'm not a fan of playing teams who are in a fight for survival especially when the games Are getting Less & less,I'm expecting a well set up Newcastle and a physical one too,we need to be out the blocks handy & dictate play.
Going for 2-1.

Finish work at 11:15pm  KO at 12am


Get home in perfect time to indulge  , welcome Rafa back and then watch us hopefully put 4 or 5 past the Barcodes.

Im going with the opinion it's going to be an all out attack from both teams, end to end stuff I reckon...

Welcome back Rafa,all the best with the welcome but the Geordies are going to get chinned

Im going with the opinion it's going to be an all out attack from both teams, end to end stuff I reckon...

Welcome back Rafa,all the best with the welcome but the Geordies are going to get chinned

Here's hoping. Some of the back up players will have a little bit of confidence after last weekend.

Rest some players, play others. Go out with a passion to win.

Rest some players, play others. Go out with a passion to win.

Who would you play out of the usual matchday squad Clint? I originally thought we'd play Lovren, Sakho, Allen, Lallana and Firmino with the likes of Ward, Flanagan, Smith, Ojo, Ibe & Stewart finishing off the team. If Flanagan isn't fit though then I see Clyne playing.

Who would you play out of the usual matchday squad Clint? I originally thought we'd play Lovren, Sakho, Allen, Lallana and Firmino with the likes of Ward, Flanagan, Smith, Ojo, Ibe & Stewart finishing off the team. If Flanagan isn't fit though then I see Clyne playing.

I would play Clyne, Sakho, Allen, Lallana and Firmino plus Ward, Toure, Smith, Stewart, Ibe, Ojo.

I would play Clyne, Sakho, Allen, Lallana and Firmino plus Ward, Toure, Smith, Stewart, Ibe, Ojo.

Good call on Ojo. I too would start him.

If Sturridge doesn't play, I think we'll drop points.

If Sturridge does play today and he gets injured, then what? We are playing Newcastle. We can beat them without Sturridge, we are not a one mean team but we need him for Thursday.

If Sturridge does play today and he gets injured, then what? We are playing Newcastle. We can beat them without Sturridge, we are not a one mean team but we need him for Thursday.

I would play him and take him off, there are still two chances for Camps League qualification and we should be going all outhe for both.

What if we rest our best players and get beat today, then get beat in the Europe anyway?

Waiting for teams to be announced think we'll need more than a mixed bag of youth / experience to beat what i expect to be a well organised Newcastle.

Sakho out of this one then:

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  9m9 minutes ago
Wow. @RMCsport are reporting that #Sakho is temporarily suspended by #LFC after a positive drug test due to a fat burner.

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  8m8 minutes ago
Sakho did not know the composition of this fat burner, which he took in a purely personal and therapeutic interest to remove fat. #LFC (RMC)

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  6m6 minutes ago
Sakho is temporarily suspended pending the result of further investigations after having failed a drug test - RMC -

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  7m7 minutes ago
Sakho, which is very affected by the news, intends to prove his good faith. The club hopes to help in these efforts. #LFC (RMC)

(apparently Kolo Toure was banned for 6 months for using a similar treatment at City)

Sakho out of this one then:

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  9m9 minutes ago
Wow. @RMCsport are reporting that #Sakho is temporarily suspended by #LFC after a positive drug test due to a fat burner.

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  8m8 minutes ago
Sakho did not know the composition of this fat burner, which he took in a purely personal and therapeutic interest to remove fat. #LFC (RMC)

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  6m6 minutes ago
Sakho is temporarily suspended pending the result of further investigations after having failed a drug test - RMC -

 Viktor Fagerström ‏@ViktorFagerLFC  7m7 minutes ago
Sakho, which is very affected by the news, intends to prove his good faith. The club hopes to help in these efforts. #LFC (RMC)

(apparently Kolo Toure was banned for 6 months for using a similar treatment at City)

Bloody hell!

Bloody hell!

Indeed, one of those so shocking that you're not sure how to react.

This is the type of game we normally draw.
Come on redmem!!!!

Locked, the live match thread is here: http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,48699.0.html