Newcastle V Liverpool: Pre-match

Sunday 28th December, 12:00PM Kick-off. Broadcasting on SkySports1.

I know, I know - I'm still buzzing about today's win too, but we've only got just over 30 hours to get talking about this one!

As I said in another thread, I have a feeling that Babel and Benayoun will be starting once more, with the possibility of Keane and Torres up-front. If not, I imagine Torres will be on the bench, with Keane as a lone striker and Gerrard just behind him.

I also think that Alonso will be benched and Masch will take his place. Either way, it's got Liverpool Win written all over it.

Need to watch out for Owen and N'Zogbia though, they're very lethal in and around the box.

After his brilliant performance Alonso can't be dropped.

After his brilliant performance Alonso can't be dropped.

I understand, but he may need to be rested after playing two games in 5 days.

I understand, but he may need to be rested after playing two games in 5 days.

Fair point.

The main question is if we stick to 4-4-2 or if we change back to 4-2-3-1.

It all depends on Torres and if he's back and if he is how long he can play.

I think Torres will get 20 mins max and hopefully 90 against Preston.

After his brilliant performance Alonso can't be dropped.

Yes he is a our recent most important player but like reslivo said he needs a rest. mascherano will not offer what alonso do but reduce by many gerrard's defends duties and leave him more space to attack. Babel & el zhar will start the match as a players at the wing.

Its crazy that the match is only finished a few hours and we already need another pre-match thread, this period must really take it out of the players. Good thing for this match is that we were able to take Gerrard, Riera and Kuyt off early today, could be the difference on Saturday. Really hope Rafa sticks with the best team, I know some players will be tired but the most important thing is 3 points, the players will know they just have to grit this period out. I'd imagine Sami will be dropped though, has played a lot of games this season already and don't think he'll be fresh enough for Saturday

One things for sure, I don't think we should drop Keane!

One things for sure, I don't think we should drop Keane!

Me too. I would play like this:
                     Reina
Darby       Carra     Agger       Aurelio (if fit to rest insua) if not Insua 'cos dossena is awful
                  Mascherano
El Zhar             Lucas              Babel
                      Gerrard
                      Keane

I put babel in 'cos he need to show off his skill.
El Zhar: 'cos he played well in many games.
Lucas: in last few games he played well.
Keane: he played v.well in last two games and also scored in both
Darby: give him time to show what he is all about
3-0 for us (keane, lucas, gerrard)

Me too. I would play like this:
                     Reina
Darby       Carra     Agger       Aurelio (if fit to rest insua) if not Insua 'cos dossena is awful
                  Mascherano
El Zhar             Lucas              Babel
                      Gerrard
                      Keane

Hmm.. I'd put Masch and Gerrard in midfield, Babel and Keane up front. Riera on the left wing.

I'd say its much harder to predict the team because a hell of a lot of it will depend on fitness of the players as the Bolton game and this one are less than 48 hours apart.

Give El Zhar the opportunity from the start. Can't see Nando being back for this one. Remember when they risked him last time, he injured himself again and was out for a while so looks like Keane and Kuyt up-front.

I think we'll see a repeat 3-0, with Keane, Gerrard, and Riera getting in.

                    Reina
Darby    Carragher   Agger   Insua
            Alonso      Lucas
Riera            Gerrard          Babel
                   Keane

Bench: Skrtel, Mascherano, El Zhar, N'Gog, Kuyt

               Reina
Carra  Hyypia   Agger   Insua
         
        Gerrard   Lucas
Kuyt                          El Zhar
           
         Keane   Babel


I think we should give Babel a final chance up front, to show Rafa he has what it takes to play striker. Maybe a solid performance would make Rafa second guess letting him go in the new year.

Don't think Rafa can affort to drop Keane. He's RED HOT now. You must hit the iron when its hot.

I need to get over this to have a cool head for the rest of the team.

Let's try a pre-match assessment of the potential team, starting with the squad that played Bolton:

• Carragher - Probably will play Newcastle, although it may be a bit-part role. He could start and come off later, or be subbed on for another defender. Likely
  
  
• Hyypia - Safe to say he won't be playing on Sunday unless he's subbed on from the 70th onwards. Otherwise I just don't think he'd hold out. Extremely unlikely
  
  
• Agger - Probably will be playing the 90, though may come off to give Skrtel his "debut" . Likely
  
  
• Insua - Don't think he'll play. Reckon he'll make the subs bench. Aurélio will probably take over after coming back from his injury (though whether it's permanent, I'm not quite sure). Unlikely
  
  
• Benayoun - He may start as he didn't start against Arsenal on Sunday, but he did play his little socks off today. Probably 50-50. Unsure
  
  
• Alonso - No. Can't see this happening. Playing three games in seven days would be asking too much of him. Stick Masch on instead. Very unlikely
  
  
• Gerrard - Was subbed off, so I reckon he'll be playing the 90 at St. James' Park as it didn't look like he picked up a knock. Why else would he be subbed? Very likely
  
  
• Kuyt - See above. Likely
  
  
• Riera - Yes, he was subbed off - but he usually is. Still think Babel will start in front of Albert. Unlikely
  
  
• Keane - 'Tis a tricky one, but I reckon he'll probably play 65 or so, then come off ... perhaps for Torres . Likely

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Now the others:

• Babel - Didn't play a single second of the Bolton game. Possibly being saved for the next game. Likely
  
  
• Lucas - Played a bit of the Bolton game, but as Gerrard and Masch are looking to start, I'd say no. Unlikely
  
  
• Skrtel - Hasn't been named, even on the bench. Possible he could come on if we're 2-0+ up. Unlikely
  
  
• El Zhar - Has shown he has a remarkable first-touch, pace, skill, etc. Played 25 minutes against Bolton. Likely
  
  
• Mascherano - Hasn't played the last two down to flu and recovery. Will look to gain some match time. Very likely
  
  
• Darby - With Arbeloa injured, and Carra probably not wanting to fill in at RB again, I can see this lad starting. Likely
  
  
• Aurélio - Probably fresh back from injury, can't see him not playing Sunday's game to be honest. Likely
  
  
• Torres - Back from injury ... again! : But still, not sure if he'll even be on the bench. Unlikely
  
  
• N'Gog - Did well against PSV, the lad has talent and knows what to do with the ball. For the short time he was on against Bolton, he was looking good with the ball. Likely

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So my XI would be:

Code: [Select]

          Reina         
Darby - Agger - Carra - Aurélio
     Masch - Gerrard
El Zhar - Kuyt   -  Babel
          Keane     

Subs: Cavalieri, Skrtel, Insua, Lucas, Benayoun, N'Gog, Torres.

Dont even think about droping ALONSO,he's the heart of our midfield,he can hold on for another 90 min.,than will rest him for two weeks.SKRTEL is back in full training,so will use his strengt in defence.Rest Kuyt.So,something like this would do for me:

                                      REINA

CARAGHER           AGGER                SKRTEL            INSUA


                       ALONSO           MASCERANO

EL ZHAR                                                          RIERA(BABEL)


                             GERRARD

                                              KEANE

To be quite honest, Lucas has been improving

I wouldn't mind seeing
----------------------- Reina----------------------------
Carra-----------Hyypia---------Agger---------Insua
Kuyt--------Alonso---------Gerrard---------Riera
----------Torres----------Keane------------------

If Fernando isn't fit, i'll go with Kuyt and Keane top with El Zhar or Benayoun on the right.
I believe Skrtel will return in the Preston match.

Dont even think about droping ALONSO,he's the heart of our midfield,he can hold on for another 90 min.,than will rest him for two weeks.SKRTEL is back in full training,so will use his strengt in defence.Rest Kuyt.So,something like this would do for me:

                                      REINA

CARAGHER           AGGER                SKRTEL            INSUA


                       ALONSO           MASCERANO

EL ZHAR                                                          RIERA(BABEL)


                             GERRARD

                                              KEANE

Mark my words, Alonso will not be playing. I'd put my family on that.

Really look to kill this game off. Anyway lets hope that Skrtel and Torres can be fit for this game! Keane has been really sensational in the past 2 games so I feel hes undroppable. Getting into good positions and passing well, more like the usual old self of Keane.

Well, I will start with this.

Reina

Carra, Agger, Hyypia, Insua
Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera
Gerrard
Keane.

Robbie Keane must play!
If he's left out now it'll be like cutting his legs away from him. we've waiting all season for the lad to take off and now we should sit back and watch him go. He'll have far too much for Newcastle's sh*te back four, 1-4 for me.

Do people just not listen or something, Alonso and Hyypia will be lucky to make the bench!

How do you know?

The fact that he's played two games in five days without rest; - he's not usually used to playing three games in a row never mind three games in 8 days, whereas Gerrard, Kuyt and Carragher can handle that, I don't think Alonso can.