West Brom v Liverpool - Pre Match Thread

Sunday 17th May 2009 @ 1.30pm
The Hawthorns
FA Premier League

West Brom v Liverpool

The Baggies won't have been relegated by the time we play them, at least not mathematically.  So expect them to want to go out fighting rather than a whimper.  I hate these end of season dog-fight games but hopefully the reds can put in another fantastic performance.

If (and I do mean if) United have already won the title by the time we kick off then I can imagine the reds would be pretty dispirited ahead of this game.

Anyway, I'll stay positive.  Hope to see Alonso back, and hope to see Gerrard bang a goal in and break his own Liverpool goalscoring record.

First off, for the sake of our players efforts over the last few weeks, lets hope this fixture is still important in the title race

West Brom will be going for it which should allow us pick them off. Xabi if fit back for Lucas would be my only change from the West Ham game. However if the title is gone by then Id love to see Rafa hand out a few starts for the likes of Spearing and Nemeth

First off, for the sake of our players efforts over the last few weeks, lets hope this fixture is still important in the title race

West Brom will be going for it which should allow us pick them off. Xabi if fit back for Lucas would be my only change from the West Ham game. However if the title is gone by then Id love to see Rafa hand out a few starts for the likes of Spearing and Nemeth

Great post Brian, you've summed up all the important points in just a couple of lines.

The players do indeed merit to have something to fight for in this game. The efforts they've put in to keep the title race alive over the last few weeks have been fantastic. They've kept us hoping and dreaming, they've given their all, I just want that feeling to continue as long as possible.

Good shout.

If we are still in the title race:

Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun, Torres.

Prediction: 0-3

If we aren't in the title race:

Reina, Darby, Hyypia, Skrtel, Dossena, Lucas, Plessis, Nemeth, Spearing, Babel, N'gog. 

Prediction: 0-1

I think regardless of the outcome of United's game V Arsenal I would like to see us go full throttle and collect as many points as possible. For us to finish with 86 points would be a fantastic achievement and will give numeric evidence of the teams and Rafa's constant improvement. Not to mention that Chelsea can still catch us for the second place. The only change I would like to see from the Hammers game is Xabi in for Lucas and Insua from the start.

My sentiments have been stated above. I pray the Scum falter but if not, so much pride. Would love to see some youngsters like Spearing and Darby given a go should it be a match where nothing is riding on it in terms of the title.

Yes, I would go with a full strength team regardless whether we are still able to win the league or not. Then maybe past the hour mark, Rafa can bring some younger players in like Nemeth, Darby and Spearing to have a go.

Yes, I would go with a full strength team regardless whether we are still able to win the league or not. Then maybe past the hour mark, Rafa can bring some younger players in like Nemeth, Darby and Spearing to have a go.

Agreed.  It would be disappointing if we ended up finishing third.  Let's do the business and then maybe give some kids a chance in the first team.  Give them something to ponder over the summer.

Personally, i think with Darby and Spearing we'd still do 'em.

Whatever the outcome is when the whistle goes at the start of this match, all i will see is 11 men on the field who have broke my expectations.

11 men, a bench and a manager that have given all this season.

I'll be in the pub singing whatever the outcome is

                Reina
Arbeloa Carra Agger Aurelio
               Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Benayoun Babel
               Torres

This is a very attacking team, and I doubt Rafa will risk leaving a midfielder like Mascherano off, even if it is the bottom of the league team. However, this is what i would like to see. I'd like to see Babel get a start, as a LW, and playing very attacking, as almost second striker on the side, right behind Torres. Would good to see, considering his goal last week, and how bad Brom's defence are

ALONSO HANDS REDS FITNESS BOOST
Paul Eaton 13 May 2009
    Rafael Benitez expects to be able to call on the services of Xabi Alonso for Liverpool's final away game of the season at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
The Spanish midfielder missed out on the weekend victory at West Ham with an ankle injury sustained following a wild tackle by Joey Barton in the Reds' previous game with Newcastle..
 
But Alonso is now back in training and should be available for the clash at The Hawthorns.
 
Manager Rafael Benitez confirmed: "Xabi was jogging today so if he progresses normally for the rest of the week I think he will be available for the weekend.
 
"Xabi is a key player for us in the middle. It could have been a lot worse so I am really pleased to see him back after just one week."
 
Benitez also confirmed Fernando Torres will be fit to play despite being substituted at Upton Park on Saturday.
 
"He was a little bit tired having not trained too much with the squad," added the boss. "He is okay and won't have any problems for the weekend."
 
Liverpool's Premier League dreams could be over before the game at West Brom, depending on how Manchester United fare in their next two games - against Wigan tonight and Arsenal on Saturday.
 
"I'll watch the game tonight if I can," he added. "Fingers crossed and we will see what happens.
 
"We are in a very good position and want to finish the season as high as possible. The only way to have a chance of winning the title is to win our next two games."
_____________________

Posted this in the Alonso thread as well but I thought it could go in here too. Good to hear we'll have a full strength squad at the weekend.

A nice 4-0 for me as I see Liverpool will go crazy on West Brom.

Play the best team we can, something like

- - - - - - - - - - - Pepe - - - - - - - - - - -
Arboloa - - - Carra - - - Agger - - - Aurelio
- - - - - - - Alonso - - - - Javi - - - - - - - - -
Kuyt - - - - - - Gerrard - - - - - - - Yossi
- - - - - - - - - - Torres - - - - - - - - - - -

Well, hopefully we can create alot of chances as it will be an open game as both teams are going to try to score goals.

I predicted West Brom 0-4 Liverpool. Come on Reds, give me a 2nd correct prediction!

i'm going for a more conservative 1-3 to us as i think west brom will give us a bit of a scrap for the first 30 minutes or so before our class takes over

If were still in it then same as last week bu with Xabi in place of Lucas

If not i'd like to see N'Gog on for Torres Dossena on for Riera or Aurelio (depending on rafas mood  ) and if he isnt injured Degen at right back

Oh Yeah and Sami on with Carra regardless of title race

Starting to look this is going to be a big anti-climax this game.

I still want to see our full stength team fielded, we need to secure second place if not first and we don't want to give of the image of being defeated.

Hopefully the players will go to town on West Brom. Although they haven't been doing so bad lately and will be scrapping we are several classes above them and this should show through the match.

Regardless of whether or not this match has an importance in the title race, I want the team to finish the season strongly and gain the maximum points from the games left.

86 points this year please!

Regardless of whether or not this match has an importance in the title race, I want the team to finish the season strongly and gain the maximum points from the games left.

86 points this year please!

Seconded, even if the title has gone by then there's no harm in going full throttle right over the finish line since Chelski are only 3pts behind and consequently finishing 3rd would be disappointing as hell.

If Xabi isn't fit I'd quite like to see Spearing alongside Masch in the midfield for this run out.

                      Reina
   Arby     Carra       Agger      Aurelio

             Masch      Spearing

     Kuyt                              Babel
                     Gerrard

                         Torres

I would quite like to see Babel start in this game actually if the title is over.

If we are out of the title race we still want to seal that 2nd spot..... no 2nd string side.... we want 86 points and goals...

I'm with the rest of you.

86 points would be our best ever tally in the Premier League era, and one of the top tallies for us, ever.

Nothing to be ashamed of, even if we are out of it by then.

I share the same sentiments as everyone.

We need to be focused and end the season on a high, we've done ourselves proud. All we need to do is to represent, and reward all those players who have battled and fought for the Liverpudlian cause by being faithful and patient. I hope Torres can score an hat-trick, Gerrard bagging a couple. Babel scoring again to top it off...The young lads getting a real run; Ngog a player I like maybe getting within the goals! Professional and fulfilling.

86 points would be a great achievement. In another season, 86 points can win you the league.

I actually want Stevie or Nando to finish as top scorers this year

Agree with most of you,we need to field our best squad and secure second position.Isnt the prize money for coming second like 16mil or so?That could be spent on a quality player

 I might be an optimist but Manure have not won the league yet,even as far back as 1947 we won the 1st division on the last day of the season.It is not time to throw the towel in yet so lets go for 3 points against West Brom.and keep the pressure on.West Brom cannot sit back and defend so I will go for 4-0 to the REDS.

I might be an optimist but Manure have not won the league yet,even as far back as 1947 we won the 1st division on the last day of the season.It is not time to throw the towel in yet so lets go for 3 points against West Brom.and keep the pressure on.West Brom cannot sit back and defend so I will go for 4-0 to the REDS.

Yeah fair enough but it could be over if United win on Saturday, we play on Sunday.

Anyway, hopefully they will lose to Arsenal and then we can really put on the pressure by winning against West Brom.

Yeah fair enough but it could be over if United win on Saturday, we play on Sunday.

Anyway, hopefully they will lose to Arsenal and then we can really put on the pressure by winning against West Brom.

Got to have faith,Arsenal are due a win against Manure.

Even if Manure get a point they have won it,but i will have faith anyway.

Whatever happens I want the Reds to put in a huge performance.

If Man. Utd win, we´ll play with players as Babel, Lucas, Insua or Darby. I think, we need 3 points for 2nd place and i hope that these players can play good.

Theres not much i can add that hasn't already been said, the only thing i want to repeat is lets not let this slip and finish 3rd, full strength team out please Rafa and go for the best finish possible. Im still proud of the effort the boys have put in, but we all know how little more it would have taken to be Champions, But we can take great heart from this season.

I'm with everyone else on this, 86 points would be a fantastic achievement for us. If the Manc cu*ts do win the Title, I don't want to let those Chav bas**rds in with a chance of stealing 2nd from us.

We've done so well on our away travels this season, let's give the travelling Kopites a final away reason to be joyous and in full voice.

I don't think Rafa will allow the team to relax irrespective of the Scum's result on Saturday.  We need to keep winning to carry forward the right mentality into the next season.

Mind you wouldn't it be great if the Arse did put one over on United.  If they do I would expect West Brom to be put to the sword and make the last day of the season something special.  Let's hope a p*ssed of Arsenal decide to prove something but don't count on it.

On a lighter note I will miss the Baggies from the premiership.  I like their fans and at least they do try and play football.

If  we don't finish in the top spot then we have to make sure we finish second. The Chavs must not sneak into second spot.......

I can see us wining this convincingly. If Man Utd wins the title, i wont be surprised to see a couple of youngsters playing or maybe youngsters coming on as subs.

Yea agree that we can win this one convincingly aswell, and also like most of you have said, that it is important we keep on pushing forward and finish on a high!

I remember when we won O:5.Now I am targeting O:6

Not that many posts in this thread so far... I wonder if people's thoughts aren't more focussed on the Man Utd-Arsenal match.

Understandable, though if Arsenal do the business tomorrow then I predict the explosion of this thread under an onslaught of excited Reds!

I second that prediction

Not that many posts in this thread so far... I wonder if people's thoughts aren't more focussed on the Man Utd-Arsenal match.

Understandable, though if Arsenal do the business tomorrow then I predict the explosion of this thread under an onslaught of excited Reds!

Very true, I think people are definately more concerned over tommorow's result before this one.

Just win !!! we're gonna score early and then twice more .....then after half time ...bring on the subs and let's see what they can do ,no point in our star players picking up silly injuries against a team with their backs to the wall ,...hope the mancs cock - up from now on 

Arsenal have had a failure season and Wenger are under pressure when they play at home.... but this is a game where nearly everyone expect United to seal it tomorrow..... this means no pressure on the Gunners at all.... but Arsenal themselve need to prove a point that they are still a threat for the future....

Ashavin back.... I can see them giving they all to spoil the party...... Would be great if there is a another twist to this epic race.....

i seem to remember a while back in a thread predicting arsenal would win and hull would win to secure survival

i think we will hit 4 or 5 if we still have a chance or 2 or 3 if its all over

Manure to lose, us to win by a very narrow margin.
Its what football's all about, Drama, and its coming  back to bite you in the balls, just when they thought it was all over
 
 
 :action-smiley-065:
 
 

sorry its my impression of the traveling kop. he he.

We quite often score 5 or 6 goals at the Hawthorns, more than we get against them at Anfield in recent times so i am going to go for a 6-0 win, Nando 3 and Gerrard 3. Cant get better scorers than that

Going away this weekend, off to Kent/London, doing that bloody Moonwalk again, but only half this time, but I digress, Hopefully my sisters wirless conection will be up to streaming the game.

I think the game on Sunday will depend upon Saturdays results for both teams, us and WBA, so I will be leavng my prediction until Sunday morning/ afternoon. Saying that I hope we play a good strong team and send the Baggies down.

Great post Brian, you've summed up all the important points in just a couple of lines.

The players do indeed merit to have something to fight for in this game. The efforts they've put in to keep the title race alive over the last few weeks have been fantastic. They've kept us hoping and dreaming, they've given their all, I just want that feeling to continue as long as possible.

I agree the players have given absolutely everything in the past few weeks.. kept us hoping and dreaming. It reminds me of the flag held up in the juventus game in 2005 - MAKE US DREAM and the lads have done so this season. I hope this feeling lasts longer too. Fantastic feeling to be involved in the title race and every single player deserves credit for finally making a real fight out of it this season. At the start of the season I thought that it would be a great feeling to be atleast in with a shout come the middle of May to still be in the hunt and we have certainly achieved that this season. Rafas favourite word it seems is progress and this season in the premiership in particular has been one of huge progress. We are now a club that is more than capable of winning the league. The future looks very promising. As for West Brom regardless of the United result Rafa will certainly be making sure we end the season in style. It could be very difficult with the baggies dreaming of another great escape but if we continue with our somewhat ruthless goalscoring and awesome desire it should be 3 points. Lets just wait and see what happens this weekend .. it's a funny old game.     

Even if we are out of the title race, I want a full strength squad. The progress we've made this season is nothing to be ashamed of and the team, manager and backroom staff can hold their heads high.

I don't want the team to show defeat, even when they've been defeated. I want them to go out and produce a spectacular performance even if it was all for nothing. I'm proud of the team, whatever happens, and I want them to show no mercy, regardless of the opposition and circumstances.

Come on you mighty Reds!

Hopefully the lads will give a great perfomance tommorow just to show that it hasn't got to us. We know how much we have improved and we are only getting stronger.

I want to finish as close to Ushited in terms of points as possible so a comfortable win tommorow will be great. It will also be great watching the team knowing that there isn't any pressure. West Brom are ours for the taking tommorow and I'm sure we'll do it.

West Brom are ours for the taking tommorow and I'm sure we'll do it.

Damn right brother!!!

I fully expect us to go out there tomorrow and rip them a new arsehole!

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!! YNWA!!

Damn right brother!!!

I fully expect us to go out there tomorrow and rip them a new arsehole!

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!! YNWA!!

Totally agree with you RK.

Let's end the season on a high and win our last two games in style.

YNWA

We should still play Gerrard, Torres and Kuyt. They can still make top 3 goal scorers!

I fully expect us to go out there tomorrow and rip them a new arsehole!

I do hope so, a wide one at that!

Damn right brother!!!

I fully expect us to go out there tomorrow and rip them a new arsehole!

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!! YNWA!!

great line that. Hopefully we can see a chance for some of the kids to get something in this game too now

Sad that this game won't affect the title race now but nevertheless we should play like it is.
I hope to see Stevie with a hat-trick and maybe a few next week to claim the golden boot prize

I expect a full strength starting 11 tomorrow with some young ones on the bench. It will be interesting to see who is missing the bench from the first team squad, that is unless Rafa decides to rest key players, which I don't think he will.

I want babel to get a full game, also spearing and insua

6-0.

The lads will go out and show to the rest of the world that this season was not just United winning the title but also Liverpool improving hugely to become genuine challengers.

If we win the last two (which we will) it will give the players a lot of confidence for when they return for pre-season, and the momentum could carry through from now to the beginning of the season, giving us a crucial solid start to next season.

I have got one spare for this,if anyone wants it.
PM me you'r number and i will phone you , must be able to pick it up from me.
£40 facevalue

I'm sure the lads must feel like they've had a kick in the balls, and West Brom can sniff a real chance to save themselves now.

I hope the players keep their chins up, go out there and play with no pressure on them and demolish them.

Win this game and we are basically all but 100% guaranteed second because Chelsea wont be able to do us on goal difference should they end up on level points.

We want second, not third and so therefore yet another must win game tommorow, not a lot of difference there then!

Lets win in style..... looking forward to the game despite losing the title but too right looking forward to the future

I'm sure the lads must feel like they've had a kick in the balls, and West Brom can sniff a real chance to save themselves now.

I hope the players keep their chins up, go out there and play with no pressure on them and demolish them.

I'm sure they will. If Stevie's latest post match interviews are anything to go by, I don't think the lads were getting their hopes up too much as they knew full well we had to rely on the mancs to drop points.

Definitely a kick in the balls, but we can get a bit nasty when we've been kicked in the balls. And I'm sure Rafa will be reminding them that we have to make sure we get these last six points.

Hopefully Alonso will start, they'll come at us and we'll pick them off.

12 hours to go.

Glad I'm not playing.

Should be a party atmosphere for us. Rafa should tell them to go out there and be proud, hold their heads up high and give the fans something to cheer about. Send a message out for next season...when, as JD rightly says, we'll win it again and be shitting on them from the branch above...

It'll take a good few weeks of polishing to get the dirty smelly greasy manc smell/fingerprints off it won't it? Or maybe even years. We best not give it back once we get it next year...

12 hours to go.

Glad I'm not playing.

You got an invite too then? Had to pass, myself.

Can't wait for this, actually. 8 hours left i think. Hopefully a spirited show from our lads, just to really show how far we've come. We have a great record at the Hawthorns, so no mercy!

Let's hope that our lads go out there and send a a message to those scums!! We are coming for you....next season..

I'm really looking forward to watching this now, hopefully the lads can express themselves whilst playing under no great pressure. I'm hoping for a few good goals and a comfortable win.

If i could choose the teams who went down, west brom wouldn't be one of them.
Still, they probably will so let's thump them 6-0

Let's send out a message for next season. Two wins against West Brom and Spurs, 86 points and a decent unbeaten run as well.

One of the main difference between us and the Mancs (and one I believe has helped them take the title) is the "fear factor" surrounding them. Teams are beaten even before they've managed to get changed into their kits beforehand and managers put a cross through games against them because they know that they're not going to get anything. That hides a hell of a lot of poor performances, because as soon as the Mancs go 1-0 up, everybody seems to accept it as game over. I'm not complaining because Alan Hansen said the same thing of us in the 70s and 80s.

We're not as feared as them yet, but we have to be if we want to win the League. As I said, 86 points, an unbeaten season at Anfield, two defeats all season and dishing out a couple of hidings in the remaining games would start something.

 

There's something I quite like about West Brom as a team, I'm not sure what it is but I wouldn't mind if they were on the recieving end of a thrashing today by us, it could certainly happen. I hope the players want to prove a point today, how close we are to the scum now.

Morning peeps from up north (york) just wandered if you think we will be playing in the euro away strip today like last weekend? As bagies will be in there black and white strip and i dont think our away on one is that dark. Still trying to find a decent bar atm! Catch ya'll later!

Quite hard to predict this game today  I can't decide whether we are going to slaughter them or feel slightly deflated after yesterday. 


I really hope we go to the Hawthorns with nothing more than a winning mentality, as others have said we need to finish with as high a points total as possible to send out a message to our rivals ready for next season.

It would be nice to see Torres get his 50th goal before the season's out, he's had such a lot of bad luck this season, I hope he finishes on a high with a goal or two, either today or next week..........or both 

I, like others would also like to see a couple of the young lads get some time on the pitch, maybe when the game is won and the three points is in the bag.

I'm really sad that the season is almost over, seems to have gone so quickly 

I'm very proud to be a RED, we have been immense this season.

Morning peeps from up north (york) just wandered if you think we will be playing in the euro away strip today like last weekend? As bagies will be in there black and white strip and i dont think our away on one is that dark. Still trying to find a decent bar atm! Catch ya'll later!

We'll probably just play in our red kit mate.

Is kick off 1:30 yeah?

Is kick off 1:30 yeah?

Sure is Ross.

If we contine playing as we have been then then we'll get the three points easy enough. Don't particularly want West Brom to go either. But a win is top priority today

We need not worry about the outcome, 86 or 83 or 80 points we have overcomed the dull drums of conceding to not challenging for the title. All the lads need to do know is to represent and I am sure Rafa would like them finishing on a high, as oppose to feeling deflated.

West Brom is one of the weaker teams, we have struggled against closing off the weaker teams. We need to be resolute in attack, having much patience if the game isn't going in our way and finish our chances. My feeling is; we'll have plenty if the likes of Babel is given a start he should be hungry in going forward and making a statement why his abilities are required at Liverpool. Would do no harm seeing Ngog as well. But they need no feel deflated they've battled well and push United to the limits.

Frankly we've played better than United througout the season, but they have been more composed in settle those lesser matches. So with all that said let's see a performance that shows next year we are coming for the Gold and with the aid of Silva the possibilities are even more immense.

You'll Never Walk Alone!!!

Dont agree, i want 86 points. Looking back, i want to be reassured we achieved this to the best of our ability. And when was losing ok? Although we can't win, our season isnt over yet. These last 2 weeks show character IMO and i want 2 belters!

I am really saying holistically we have done well enough to say; comes what may, we done well. Naturally 86points would be ideal and what we all want, but its not time to be deflated. We have to realise what promise there is for the upcoming season. But my scoreline for the match is 4-1...Losing is never acceptable, and in our thinking, but we have to appreciate what he done and be pleased...

how much price money you get for finish 2nd?

how much price money you get for finish 2nd?

On that note point taken, second is essential! We simply need the money...

how much price money you get for finish 2nd?

About £9 million.  I believe it is about £480,000 per position off the bottom.

So about half a million pounds more for finishing 2nd as opposed to 3rd.  But then, this match is on Sky this afternoon.  Liverpool get just under £400,000 for that.

Match Topic now open.
http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php?topic=17708.0

This topic locked.