Pre Match: Bournemouth V Liverpool (4th Dec 2016 - 1:30pm)

The first game ahead of a busy festive period and our first test without our little magician Coutinho. The good news being Matip and Firmino are expected to play with Lallana also in contention. I've watched a couple of Bournemouth games this season and they have been impressive enough. I really expected a second season syndrome this year from them but I think they will stay well clear of relegation.

With Man City and Chelsea facing off and at least one of them dropping points, we have a chance to go back to the summit of the table and as difficult of a fixture as this is we can bring in a few fresh faces after our mid week win and send the travelling Reds home happy. I'd go with:



Bring on Lallana if the game needs changing but I don't see the need to rush him straight back. Lets start December the way we started November, with a win! COME ON REDMEN!!! 

Lallana was back in training today so 👍

Could well start. He never lasts a full game anyway so give him the first 60 minutes?

Thankfully this game shouldn't be a defensive borefest like the last few games have been. 

Bournemouth like to come out to play, they're at home and need the points as they're only 4 away from the relegation places and I'm not sure they know how to play the defensive game like other teans we've played recently.

Should be a good one which I'm looking forward to watching.

Lallana was back in training today so 👍

Could well start. He never lasts a full game anyway so give him the first 60 minutes?

Who are you suggesting makes way for him on the team I put out so? Possibly Wijnaldum or Can I assume?

Who are you suggesting makes way for him on the team I put out so? Possibly Wijnaldum or Can I assume?

I'd put Hendo into the deeper role and put Lallana in alongside Wijnaldum.

I'd put Hendo into the deeper role and put Lallana in alongside Wijnaldum.

Same mate.  We need our midfield 3 back together, pulling the strings again.

Same mate.  We need our midfield 3 back together, pulling the strings again.

I'd agree but not sure I want to risk Lallana straight away especially with Phil injured! But if hes fit and the medical team have no problem, absolutely start him!

Who are you suggesting makes way for him on the team I put out so? Possibly Wijnaldum or Can I assume?

I'd play him instead of Origi - they're the two who will most likely sub on and off no matter which one starts.

I'd agree but not sure I want to risk Lallana straight away especially with Phil injured! But if hes fit and the medical team have no problem, absolutely start him!

If he's not ready, he won't play mate.  If there's one thing Jürgen doesn't do it's bring back players too soon after an injury but we desperately need that guile back, epsecially now we're missing Phil.  Having said that I don't think we'll be trying to break through several parked buses in this game so maybe it's not as important as it has been.

Hope Bournemouth come out and play the F***ing game.

if lallana can play, play the lad.  this is a league game,  everyone of them are important and we need the three points.  if we go up like 3-0 then sub him off

play to win. play strongest available team

Hope Bournemouth come out and play the F***ing game.

They usually do, they're not strong enough at the back to sit back like most teams have done with us.

This has to be another 3 points for us,we might have to keep an eye on our ex REDS if they play.They will want to prove to us how good they are.

This has to be another 3 points for us,we might have to keep an eye on our ex REDS if they play.They will want to prove to us how good they are.

Billy I'm afraid Ibe has been pretty poor so far with zero goals or assists and Brad Smith made his first appearance last week in the loss to Arsenal.
I doubt they will even start.

Billy I'm afraid Ibe has been pretty poor so far with zero goals or assists and Brad Smith made his first appearance last week in the loss to Arsenal.
I doubt they will even start.

I did say if they play,You know what it is like with ex players they always try to prove a point.

Is there a clause in the transfers we can invoke which mean Brad Smith and Ibe have to play :-)

In all seriousness we should have more than enough for this lot, they play a nice style of football but there is not a lot of quality there so I want a nice convincing 3 points please.

I did say if they play,You know what it is like with ex players they always try to prove a point.

Aye pretty sure they would like nothing more.

Smith has been playing the past few weeks, i believe. Ibe has slowly faded from their first XI.

If lallana is fit we should play him so I'd go with
                        Karius
Clyne     Matip        Lovren     Milner
                       Hendo
      Lallana                      Can
Firmino                                Wijnaldum
                          Origi

If lallana is fit we should play him so I'd go with
                        Karius
Clyne     Matip        Lovren     Milner
                       Hendo
      Lallana                      Can
Firmino                                Wijnaldum
                          Origi

You wouldn't play Mane?

I highly doubt we'll see Brad Smith starting which IMO is unfortunate as they'd be weaker at the back with him starting. He played last week because Wilshere wasn't allowed to play against Arsenal so they put King in behind the striker, Adam Smith at RM, Francis at LB and then for some reason chose Brad Smith over Mings at LB.

Bournemouth is a good team. I would go for a tight 2-1 to us.

Smith has been playing the past few weeks, i believe. Ibe has slowly faded from their first XI.

That's Adam Smith mate.

Brad Smith has only played one game for them.

We made a killing off the sale of Smith and Ibe.

Lallana should start - absolutely! Not sure who between Origi and Firmino would play thru the middle. I'm guessing the former, with Mane this time starting left and Bobby right.

Origi
Mane Firmino
Can Hendo Lallana
Milner Lovren Matip Clyne
Karius

Subs- Mignolet, Lucas, Moreno, Stewart, Ejaria, Wijnaldum, Woodburn

https://youtu.be/RAodlSDYc1g

No need to panic anyone, Lawro is predicting a draw on his BBC predictions so that's a certain 3 points.

No need to panic anyone, Lawro is predicting a draw on his BBC predictions so that's a certain 3 points.

 

No need to panic anyone, Lawro is predicting a draw on his BBC predictions so that's a certain 3 points.

The nutcase he's against has predicted us to get beat 2-1

The nutcase he's against has predicted us to get beat 2-1

He's played half his career games for us and he can't stay positive, even when we're tipped to be in the running for the title. It's appalling how our ex players evolve into this category of pundits. Is he senile as well?

Lawro is a bit of a tit but I have no doubt he's still a massive red, he always refers to Liverpool as 'us' and 'we'.... I remember listening back to him as an analyst for the BBC during the Dortmund  game last year and he screamed when we went in front when he thought was off mike

Like I say a bit of a wiff but still a big red

An important weekend, at least one of our main two rivals is gonna drop points with them playing each other... Tottenham are more than likely gonna get the three points against Swansea (hope I'm wrong), arsenal away to West Ham is tough and could go either way and Utd play Everton.... could be a good weekend to bag all three points!

Bournemouth are no pushovers but I like our chances, especially if we get to see Lallana firing again.

Just realized this is on Sunday....you've got  to be sh**ting me....can we not play on Saturday's please 

Lawro is a bit of a tit but I have no doubt he's still a massive red, he always refers to Liverpool as 'us' and 'we'.... I remember listening back to him as an analyst for the BBC during the Dortmund  game last year and he screamed when we went in front when he thought was off mike

Like I say a bit of a wiff but still a big red

No doubt. I think he tries as much as possible to show he's not biased and sometimes it comes off negatively

Sunderland beat them at their place recently - there's no reason why we should'nt do them easily enough.

One thing about Bournemouth is that they will have a go. Sick of these bus parking teams killing games.
Hoping we put in a big performance as this is a weekend that our rivals will drop points.
Man Utd might drop points also.

Merson's rather strange outlook on this game:

This is an absolute banana skin for Liverpool. I guarantee this will be a difficult afternoon for them. Bournemouth were bang unlucky against Arsenal last weekend - they played very well. Before that they beat Stoke and were unlucky to lose against Sunderland, they had chance after chance that day.

Liverpool are carrying a few injuries and their squad isn't massively deep.

Bournemouth like to open the game up. Liverpool like to the open the game up. They'll have a right go at each other. Goals will flow out of this one.

Liverpool's Achilles heel this season will be their defence. Although they keep clean sheets, teams create chances against them. Bournemouth do have a ruthless edge to them, so I can see them scoring twice. I'll go Desmond again.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2

Why is it a banana skin? Bournemouth weren't unlucky in the slightest, they were dog sh*t in attack and dog sh*t in defence and that's why they failed to get anything from the game. Our squad isn't deep but right now it doesn't need to be, we will still have a team of: Karius, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Can/Lallana, Mane, Origi, Firmino? Ahhh, our achilles heel. The one that has conceded 10 in the last 15 games in all comps. The fact is, our best defence hasn't been used all that often compared to other teams so of course there would be teething problems. We've also played the best teams away from home (Man City aside).

Merson's rather strange outlook on this game:

It's as though he's just used a "Liverpool 2016 pre match prediction generator"

Some just want to paint every game as a "potential banana skin". Its even worse when people remind us of Burnely( which happened back in Mid- August).Then you have "Liverpool have a leaky defence". Sick of this same bullshit.

Would love an absolute tonking of Bournemouth.

Given the players out vs. those available, I wonder if we might use a 4-4-2 on Sunday.

If Bournemouth come out and want to play football, that can only suit us. Will miss Cou, no doubt, but Origi has been playing well so expect him to slot in and do a good job. Might be bit early for Lallana to start, though might see him before the end which would be nice. Where the heck is Studge, any chance he'll wake up and decide he's fit and be on the bench !?

Don't expect them to be pushover, but would prefer to be playing them next than some other bus parkers. If Chavs and Shitty draw, would be great if we could get the win ....  cmon boys !!!!!!!

Given the players out vs. those available, I wonder if we might use a 4-4-2 on Sunday.

If Firmino is fit then we'll stick with a 4-3-3.

Wijnaldum - Hendo - Can/Lallana

Mane - Origi - Firmino

That's Adam Smith mate.

Brad Smith has only played one game for them.

We made a killing off the sale of Smith and Ibe.

Saw Brad Smith play for them last week and the commentator said he is benefitting from Charlie Daniels' absence with a chance in the team. Sounded like he played the week or two before.

My bad

Definitely made a killing. £21m + clauses for two lads who rarely play.

I think Bournemouth are a decent side, and Edie Howe gets them playing decent footy at times. They playing below their capabilities at the mo, and it will get better for them.  Think there will be a bit more determination from them this game, just because its us. Still think we'll win, but have a feeling its gonna be a very open and exiting game. Gone for 4 - 2 to the red men. And totally pissed its on Sunday. thought it was today, and was really looking forward to it. 

Bournemouth no easy game, but with the Reds on form, going for a narrow away win.

Too much is being made of the injury to Coutinho -- the other lads will be motivated to show we are not a one trick pony.  Origi will be fired up and ready to grasp his opportunity, and with Mane, Lallana, and Firmino making runs every which way, I fancy us to bamboozle the Bournemouth defense and win big!!  We will get an early goal and the floodgates will open.  5-0 win.  Firmino hat trick. 

Karius
Clyne - Matip - Lovren - Milner
Hendo - Gini
Lallana
Mane - Firmino - Origi

The way we have played this season home or away we shouldn't be too worried about what B'mouth can do,
It's all on the day of course and anything is possible, 
They are not known for parking the double decker, especially at home, it's quite the opposite in fact and although they will pose a threat I think their bark is worse than their bite, Eddie Howe will have his troops well organised and disciplined and won't be shy in coming forward, that should play into our hands,  I'd go with this......

                    Karius
    Clyne Matip Lovren Milner
                 Henderson
         Can.            Wijnaldum
        Mane.       Origi.    Firmino

Still too early for Lallana imo but I'd give him 30mins second half,  ease him back gently,  I'd also have young Woodburn on the bench again with TAA as cover for Patsy,

Bench; Mignolet, Klavan, TAA, Grujic, Lallana,  Woodburn, Moreno

1-3 Mighty Reds

YNWA

Need to win this one following today's results. Seems. Rentboys are the pacemakers and citeh the pretenders. Need to remain in touch do a good decisive win will be more than welcome tomorrow.
Still going for 2 : 4 😊

Does anyone have a link to the full press conference from yesterday?

Some air  between us and City ... if we get the win tomorrow.

Keep the Rent Boys under pressure  .... they'll crack.

Does anyone have a link to the full press conference from yesterday?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAodlSDYc1g

Do you mean this as the full press conference?

Important things:

- Lallana in traning since Thursday
- Firmino too, still in a bit of pain, but should be okay
- Sturridge is going nowhere

Chelsea and Arsenal have piled the pressure on us with big wins and it's now up to us to step up and show we belong in the race.

Come on you Reds!!!

Pundits waiting for us to mess up, we can't give them the satisfaction. Pressure on us to keep up the challenge. I think we can win tomorrow, I hope we do, and I can sit down at 4 nice and relaxed enjoying a good laugh at United, Everton or both.

Chelsea and Arsenal have piled the pressure on us with big wins and it's now up to us to step up and show we belong in the race.

Come on you Reds!!!

Pundits waiting for us to mess up, we can't give them the satisfaction. Pressure on us to keep up the challenge. I think we can win tomorrow, I hope we do, and I can sit down at 4 nice and relaxed enjoying a good laugh at United, Everton or both.

Agreed fully. We need to win this.

Coyr

😎

We know what we have to do.

Let's get it done lads.

Of course this is the kind of game we should be winning but this is exactly the type of opposition that we have struggled against over the last decade.
Don't underestimate any premier league opposition.
Just want us to start with full energy and unity from the first whistle till the last.
Get a couple of goals in the first half, break their resolve, another clean sheet, 3 points and hopefully no more injuries.

Expecting a decent game of footie from Bournemouth today & a tight game,Howe does like his side to have a go & im sure they will do today.
We all know how the results went yesterday & im sure Jürgen will have the lads fully  focused on the game in hand and not yesterday's games
Going for 2-0.

A win more important now, with Chelsea seemingly setting the pace. Play to our strengths, as we have done in the last few months and three points should be the outcome.

Can't see Origi in the team:

                             Karius

          Clyne      Matip     Lovren    Milner

                  Hendo              Can
 
                              Gini

            Mane        Firmino    Lallana

This is my thinking although I think Gini and Lallana will switch, Gini on the left.

Chelsea are looking annoyingly good, gotta keep the pressure on them, no one else is worrying me

Can't see Origi in the team:

                             Karius

          Clyne      Matip     Lovren    Milner

                  Hendo              Can
 
                              Gini

            Mane        Firmino    Lallana

Origi's starting mate, according to Pearce and if Lallana's fit enough he'll start too with probably Can dropping out.

Seems like Woodburn could be on the bench again or at least he's with the 18 who travelled.  He trained all week with the 1sts and Jürgen has said he'll only do that if he's going to be involved in the game.  If he's not going to be involved he'll train with the u23s.

Origi's starting mate, according to Pearce and if Lallana's fit enough he'll start too with probably Can dropping out.

Seems like Woodburn could be on the bench again or at least he's with the 18 who travelled.  He trained all week with the 1sts and Jürgen has said he'll only do that if he's going to be involved in the game.  If he's not going to be involved he'll train with the u23s.

I also think it'll be Henderson in a deeper role with two in front of him rather than two then a one in front.

I also think it'll be Henderson in a deeper role with two in front of him rather than two then a one in front.

Yep I'd say so too mate.  Our attack will be the best way to defend today, from the front, aggressive, peg them back in their own area and leave Hendo, Matip, Lovren and Karius to defend the half way line. 

No need for any more than 3 defenders and a keeper to stop these scoring 

https://twitter.com/MelissaReddy_/status/805388779867475969

https://twitter.com/MelissaReddy_/status/805388906942369796

Noooooooooooo!!!!!  Not Matip 

What a reward for the young lads though, all 3 of them on the bench.  Fantastic.

https://twitter.com/MelissaReddy_/status/805388779867475969

https://twitter.com/MelissaReddy_/status/805388906942369796

Mane to have stormer today, I can feel it

Noooooooooooo!!!!!  Not Matip 

What a reward for the young lads though, all 3 of them on the bench.  Fantastic.

Great boost of confidence for those young lads, any idea why Matip is out Debs ?


YNWA

In game thread

http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,49272.0.html