Portsmouth vs Liverpool - Pre-match

Why argue over this? Completely unneccesary and it's not even that an important matter. Not to mention the mispelling of names doesn't even involve you two.

Let it go, it's all been sorted.

Moving swiftly on, it would be nice to see Torres start this game as our talisman is missing 0 but if he's that tired there's not alot we can do. So I'm stuck as to what we're going to do with the starting lineup.

Maybe Babel up-front. He looked up for it against Everton on Wednesday.

Because Carra and Skrtel are better defenders. Agger is a better footballing centre half but defending is the priority in that area. Rafa obviously thinks so..

Carraghers our best centre back, Skrtel's on great form, why change it?

Ohhhh I don't even know anymore


--------------------------Reina

Arby------------Carra----------Skrtel----------Aurelio

-----------------Mash----------Alonso

Kuyt---------------------Benny-----------------Reira

--------------------------Nando

Carraghers our best centre back, Skrtel's on great form, why change it?

I agree Ross "If Something Aint Broken Dont Fix It"

I agree Ross "If Something Aint Broken Dont Fix It"

Because Agger might walk.

Rafa is thinking of resting Fernando.....

Ya that's true, just seen the interview on SSN and Alonso could be rested becaused he picked up a knock.It's going to be a tough tough game tomorrow,if we win it'll be a massive confidence boost,if we don't then we'll be out of the title race IMO.

Can see Babel upfront on his own with Yossi behind.

Think Torres will drop to the bench and get a 20 minute run out when they start to tire.

I'm sure Rafa will put out his best selection. With the scum playing on Sunday it's our chance to go back on top. So come on you Reds - the league is our priority this season, bang in the goals!

YNWA
In Rafa We Trust.

Peter Crouch? that's my only worry, should never have sold him. Just hope he has a poor game and does not bite us in the ass.

With Alonso & Torres doubtful I would play this:
Reina
Arbeloa      Carra.        Skrtel          Agger/Aurelio
                   Mascherano
                     Spearing
Benayoun                                      Reira    
                   Kuyt      Babel              
Reasons:
The back four & the goaler are our best.
Mascherano needs to play to rise his form & to kill ports. attack.
Spearing will show off his skills and I love him more than our Brazilian.
Benayoun is performing well.
Reira needs to get back to his form too.
Babel & kuyt like to play each other, they have good combination and try them.

Because Agger might walk.

Thanks for the reminder mate

I reckon Hyypia should start actually - he's arguably better in the air than Crouchy.

----------------------------Reina

----------Carragher-----Hyypia----Skrtel------Aurelio

--------Kuyt------Alonso-------Mascherano-----Riera

----------------Benayoun

--------------------------Babel

Since Torres is likely to miss the game. Our best line up looks like that. Babel is obviously more likely to score than Kuyt when facing the goal post.

Ya that's true, just seen the interview on SSN and Alonso could be rested becaused he picked up a knock.It's going to be a tough tough game tomorrow,if we win it'll be a massive confidence boost,if we don't then we'll be out of the title race IMO.

Here's a better idea.

Why doesn't he have a rest for a fortnight by not travelling with the Spain squad.

He's needed Saturday. End of.

So whats everyones prediction for tomorrow's game?

I think we will win comfortably 3-1 Babel, Kuyt and Benayoun

A tough, tough fixture - even if Pompey are battling it out to avoid relegation.  However, I have a good feeling about this; a 2-0 or 2-1 win.  It is vitally important we score first and very early, because otherwise they'll just sit back and settle for the point.

I reckon we should go with this -

--------------------Pepe--------------------
-Carra-------Skrtel-------Agger-------Aurelio-
--D.Kuyt------ Xabi-------Masch-------Riera--
------------Torres----------Babel------------

I want to see the trio of Carra, Skrtel and Agger all in the back four.  I believe Agger is a world-class centre-back, and in terms of depth I think we have best choices in the Premier League (Carra, Skrtel, Agger, Hyypia), it's just a shame we can only use 2 at a time!  I also want to see Babel partner Torres - what potential that combo has.  Has it ever been used before?  However, knowing Rafa the gaffer, I think we'll line-up up something like this:

--------------------Pepe--------------------
-Arby-------Carra-------Skrtel-------Aurelio-
--Benny------ Xabi-------Masch-------Riera--
------------Torres----------Kuyt------------

I think Benitez will want to get his favourite back-four playing regularly together again - so he'll persist with the Arbeloa-Carra-Skrtel-Aurelio combination, atleast until Insua comes back.  He'll also want someone to support Torres so he doesn't get tired, but I can almost guarantee he won't pick Babel to parter him.  Kuyt is our only other choice, as I highly doubt he'll pick N'gog in such a must-win game. 

In summary, I don't really mind what he puts out there at Fratton Park, I just want the three points, as I'm sure all you do.  Hopefully, if possible, with a clean sheet to boot.  (We don't want van der sh*t claiming Pepe's record)

tough one they havent been good of late and will want to make a point infront of their fans, Torres and Alonso must play for me!!!!

                                 REINA

ARBELOA     CARRAGHER     SKRTEL     AURELIO


BENAYOUN    MASCHERANO    ALONSO    BABEL

                       KUYT    TORRES

hoping torres and alonso are fit !!!!!

I agree this could be a tough fixture but in all honesty it's a game any team with title aspirations should win and win handsomely. I would (if possible/fitness permitting) play the following team:

  ----------------------------- Pepe ------------------------

Carra ------------ Skrtel ----------- Agger---------Dossena

Kuyt-------------- Masch ----------- Xabi---------- Babel

------------------------------Yossi ----------------------------

  ---------------------------Torres -------------------------

The theory being:

* Agger, Skrtel and Carra to combat any Ariel threat. Dossena's pace.

* Agger to support mid-field in attack.

* Xabi (as ever) play-maker Masch holding.

* Yossi to play the Stevie G role.

* Babel time to put up i'm afraid.

That's what I like about Liverpool - we have so many players that we can play in different positions. We are possibly the most flexible team in the league, and that's a good advantage.

Your right. I think we can thank Rafa for a lot of this flexibility, for example Kuyt, but then we have naturally gifted players such as Gerrard and Benayoun who are capable of playing in a variety of positions.

If Stevie is out, Carra is rested... who will captain the side if Hyypia doesn't start .. .

We need to take advantage of Portsmouth's poor run and get some good goal difference.

What about the captain of Argentina!!!

Liverpool, Liverpool, Top of the League.

Come on Red men.