Pre-match : West Ham v Liverpool (19th Sept 17:30UK)

And we resume with the EPL coming this Saturday, against West Ham away at Upton Park.

We have now conjured 3 wins out of 3, first against Bolton, followed by Burnley and then Debrecen yesterday. It, probably, got ourselves back on the right track after a somewhat inconsistent and shaky start to the season. Wins against these teams ensured we kept the pace, not falling behind too early in the title race as well as got off to a  perfect start in the UCL.

Same XI, 2 very constrasting performances against Burnley and Debrecen. The team that ripped Burnley apart passed with such masterclass, upped their game and tempo just after 20 minutes and tore through the centre of Burnley's defence. While, on the other hand, the same XI failed to perform up to their expectations last night, misplaced passes, mistimed tackles and not really imposing ourselves on the game.

Would we start with the same XI for this game, or since Mascherano is fit could we partner him with Leiva in midfield, play Gerrard off Torres, Kuyt and Yossi on the right and left respectively? What do you think? Personally I'll have Mascherano back in the side and replace Riera, who has been blowing hot and cold. This, though, would be the main talking point in the build-up to the game.

West Ham pose a threat against us, its a very important game, last season we did them 3-0 in this corresponding fixture but we scored in the first minute to get the pressure off  our backs. It is imperative we continue our winning run for this game, they've got a young but very decent side, Noble is maturing into a very fine player and we've got to be wary.

Nevertheless, I expect the Reds to fully pick up 3 points, its the risk we have to go through if we want to ensure we are champions at end of the season. Think this is going to be a very tight fixture for me.

COME ON YOU REDS!

I would also get Masch back in the side with Lucas in the middle and play Gerrard with Torres as you suggest. Harsh on Riera as I think he has played well the last 2 games and he offers soemthing different to Kuyt & Yossi. The rest picks itself.

Babel, Riera, Aurelio have to be on the bench though. This will not be an easy game but we have to be positive and attack for the win.

Upton Park is never as easy place to play, not even for a big 4 team.

Since we are away, I think I'd like Masch to partner Lucas and have Stevie in the hole behind Nando. I want to see this formation tested again. Probably Kuyt on the right and Yossi on the left. Harsh on Riera cause I don't think he did that badly last night but I can't see Yossi or Kuyt being dropped for him.

Difficult but I have faith in the lads to bring home 3 points. I'm going for a 2-0 win to the Reds, just like in my prediction league

Upton Park is never as easy place to play, not even for a big 4 team.

Since we are away, I think I'd like Masch to partner Lucas and have Stevie in the hole behind Nando. I want to see this formation tested again. Probably Kuyt on the right and Yossi on the left. Harsh on Riera cause I don't think he did that badly last night but I can't see Yossi or Kuyt being dropped for him.

Thats pretty much as I see the starting line up, I think it will be another tight one with us taking the 3 points by a single goal.

This in my opinion is our first must win game of the season. I am well aware regardless of the result that nothing is decided this early, but we need to win this game in order to pick up some momentum and away form ahead of an important match with Chelsea in a few weeks time.

I would like to see Masch  back in the side but not at the expense of Lucas though, as stated would like to see Gerrard behind Torres and Benayoun on the left.

I feel Benayoun is a must for two reasons. One, he's on great form and two, it's against his former club - he should be well up for it.

I'd go with:

                      Reina

Johnson - Carragher - Skrtel - Insua

            Mascherano - Lucas

        Kuyt - Gerrard - Benayoun
                 
                     Torres

In my crazy little mind Id love to think we could leave Torres and Stevie out with there form not being great and play someone like Babel up front and for him to win the game for us

In reality probable only changes could see Masch for Riera and Aurelio for Insua. We've done ok down there but it can be a tough place to go. So 3 points is all Im worried about not who starts or how we play

                 Reina

Johnson Carra  Skrtel  Aurelio
           
            Masch Lucas

 Benayoun Gerrard    Riera
               
                 Kuyt

In my opinion i'll prefer to see gerrard and mash in the middle because westham is a physical game, they get parker he is very physical. Lucas dont normally do well in physical games especially when it's away to average teams.

This is going to be a very difficult game we really need to improve from last night If we are to get three points.

V

       




Barclays Premier League match

 1  Chelsea   15 pts
2  Man Utd  12 pts
3  Manchester City 12  pts
4  Tottenham  12 pts
5  Liverpool   9 pts
6  Aston Villa  9 pts
7  Sunderland 9 pts
8  Stoke City   7 pts
9  Arsenal   6 pts
10  Fulham   6 pts
11  Wigan Athletic  6 pts
12  Burnley   6 pts
13  West Ham Utd   4 pts
14  Blackburn   4 pts
15  Birmingham  4 pts
16  Wolves  4 pts
17  Hull City   4 pts
18  Bolton  3 pts
19  Everton   3 pts
20  Portsmouth  0 pts


Previous last 5 meetings

West Ham United 0-3 Liverpool (08/09)

Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United (08/09)

Liverpool 4-0 West Ham United (07/09)

West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool (07/08)

West Ham United 1-2 Liverpool (06/07)

Gonna be a tough match...come on you reds  

West Ham are those type of teams capable of causing an upset. The lads need to be on their toes if they want to get the 3 points.

I agree with you Ad. We need an almost perfect match. There's no margin for error now we are playing catch up to chelsea, we need to get wins in a row before we play them. We ll going to stamford bridge and it's going to be a tricky fixture i can't see them dropping points before that match, so if we don't have a perfect record going to the bridge we might find ourselves 9 points or more behind them and having to play them at the bridge it'll make it more harder. We have 2 win westham at any cost.

         

Are they giants, then, or are we midgets?

Couldn't get a bigger size for liverpool...but remember west ham were sponsored by XL

                      Reina

Johnson - Carragher - Skrtel - Aurelio

            Mascherano - Lucas

        Kuyt - Gerrard - Benayoun
                  
                     Torres

perhaps with three wins under our belt we can get the momento going. torres is due to break out of his scoring drought. if you look at the opta stats  re sky sports we are starting to show some good stats in passing think we are turning the corner

perhaps with three wins under our belt we can get the momento going. torres is due to break out of his scoring drought. if you look at the opta stats  re sky sports we are starting to show some good stats in passing think we are turning the corner

What scoring drought?  He's only not scored in the last league game (plus the champions league). I remember last season he didn't score for 6 games or something and apparently, that's his longest run without a goal.

I'll be doing a raindance hoping Torres gets at least one goal.  Our lad needs to get in a good goal scoring mode.  Come on Torres!

I'm heading to a best friend's wedding up in Boston tomorrow (from Washington DC.)  The match is on at the same day/time as the wedding.  I'll be wearing my lucky jersey under my suit getting live updates on my Blackberry.  So mad I won't get to see it live 

That new fella looked pretty good last week in his debut for West Ham, forget his name. Nearly scored some stunners but hit the post.

Mark Noble and Carlton Cole hold the key to success for them. Hopefully we can get on top and get the win.

We need to step it up, we arent guaranteed 3 points anywhere and we really need to work hard at this one. Mascherano should be back in the squad and I expect a very unpretty game but we need to work hard here

Dunno if id start Aurelio yet. Would probably be too tough a match too soon for him. Also hoping Agger can make the bench.
Can see us winning 2-0 with Torres getting a brace.

I think Rafa will stick with the line-up that played Debrecen.

Wouldn't mind partnering Stevie up with Masch in the middle though with Kuyt on the right and Yossi in the hole, can keep Riera on the left then.

My team would be thus....

                       
                           Reina

Johnson         Carra          Skrtel            Insua


                  Gerrard           Masch

Kuyt                                                    Riera
                       Yossi

                                   Nando

I agree with your team bigred1978. I don't think lucas will do well in this because he's not a physical player and he don't normally do well when we are playing away to physical teams. I won't mind playing him at home to westham but away is too tough for him. What do u tink guys?

I think Lucas is a fairly physical player. Look at the strength he showed to hold off Debrecen's big striker.

I think Lucas is a fairly physical player. Look at the strength he showed to hold off Debrecen's big striker.

Agreed. He's really put some muscle on over the summer. He looks much stronger this time round.

Masch and Lucas in mid-field, with Stevie playing off Torres.

Torres has been isolated in the last two games, and as such we need stevie there pulling the strings from higher up the pitch.

That was at home. But against the likes of scott parker he'll surly be second best. Even stevie g finds it hard against parker in terms of physical ability. Parker is a very physical player, his tackles are very tough lucas ll struggle against him. Trust me.

Is Parker fit to start?

If so maybe put Mascherano on him? He's not too bad going forward either Parker so I reckon that might be an option.

Biggest test tomorrow though is Carlton Cole - F**k me has he improved as a player. If we're not winning the first ball then we definately need to be latching onto the second.

I think parker is fit. I have check the preview at bbc, he's not doubtful or injured. He also started there last game at wigan. I wish rafa don't start with lucas or else after the game he'll get the sticks on him again. He's a decent player but these kind of games are not his games. 

Not sure.

I seem to remember he had a good game last season at Upton Park? Or have I got that wrong?

Masch and Lucas in mid-field, with Stevie playing off Torres.

Torres has been isolated in the last two games, and as such we need stevie there pulling the strings from higher up the pitch.

Thats the way id go, but id bring Aurelio in as for me Insuas struggling a bit and we need an experienced back line tomorrow. This is a must win game again as this could be a game where we can claw a few of the the lost points back.

Reckon it will be similar line up to the last couple of games except Masch for Riera meaning Yossi out on the left and Gerrard in his usual role.

Think there is a good chance we will see Aurelio start but would prefer him to just come on as a sub again whilst he is getting his fitness back.

                   Reina

Johnson   Carra    Skrtel    Insua

              Lucas    Masch

Kuyt            Gerrard        Yossi

                   Torres

Subs: Cavalieri, Greek dude, Aurelio, Spearing, Babel, Riera, N'Gog


Although, have a slight feeling that Babel could start out on the left because of the way he played in the 10 or so minutes


Will go for 2-0, Torres with them both.

Think Aurellio will start tomorrow and Mascherano will come in to the team,will be a tough game but confident of getting all 3 points.

I agree with Eem but with a bit more tempo, Although being at home they will be defensive, Zola would have done his homework and will have an idea Rafa will put Masch back in and push Stevie forward, It would'nt surprise me if they play 5 across the middle, The idea being to try and control the midfield, We need to get on top right from the off and keep pressing for an opener early on, Lucas with Masch should cope so long as we play with tempo,Pass and move is the order of the day, Also attack down the flanks and spread the play, With Johnson and Kuyt patrolling the right Insua and Benny could provide options from the left, At the moment we don't have the luxury of a pin-point passer, Lucas not quite there yet, So attacking and scoring as early as we can would drop heads and antagonise the home fans, That,  IMO, Will win us the 3pt's, C'mon u Reds.

    YNWA      IRWT.

This is gonna be a tough one to call ...having said that if you're in the premiership then you expect this sort of game, i'd start with Aurelio at left back ,i think he gives us more options in attack ,Lucas i think is getting better every game so no fears there ...don't fancy Voronin on the bench or Babel ,i'd go for N'gog as strike sub ,Liverpool to win 2-0 !!!

I wouldn't be moving Yossi from the right, he was fantastic against Burnley there and although nowhere near as good in midweek, he did show signs of quality. If that means leaving Kuyt behind Torres or on the bench then so be it, Kuyt's scored two in two in that position so why change it?

F***ing buzzing for the match now though.

Always enjoy watching us play West Ham so just upgraded my Sky package with ESPN  don't want to miss any games this season.

I wouldn't be moving Yossi from the right, he was fantastic against Burnley there and although nowhere near as good in midweek, he did show signs of quality. If that means leaving Kuyt behind Torres or on the bench then so be it, Kuyt's scored two in two in that position so why change it?

F***ing buzzing for the match now though.

But I'm pretty sure Yossi played behind Torres against Burnley and against Debrecen he played right wing whilst Kuyt played behind Torres. He wasn't as good against Debrecen.

He's better behind Torres so I'd say play him there.

I think Lucas is a fairly physical player. Look at the strength he showed to hold off Debrecen's big striker.

I agree....

Lucas has upped his game this season with his strengh... He was saying during pre-season that he has put on half a stone and working out in the gym.... he has already showed in few games that he is a physical player and can cope much better than in previous season....

Lucas wont be dropped tmrw and Masch will return to play in the middle... Gerrard will play off Torres..

The only change I can see is Fabio coming in for Insua....

i hope the reds realise no weak performance will do as against re villa and tottenham.. we have scored more goals than anyone except aresenal so we are upping our attacking skills. they have only scored 3 goals.we have world class players who are just starting to gel.our passing is the best in the premier league re opta stats re sky sports. come onj reds nail another 3 points for your supporters

Against Burnley Yossi and Kuyt switched places all the time and against Debrecen Yossi was on the right and Kuyt behind Torres.

Where have people got this notion that Benayoun played behind Torres against Burnley from?

Liverpool v Burnley

1st goal - Yossi cutting in from the right
2nd goal - on the break, Yossi down the right, Kuyt following up. (if you look at their free kick you'll see Yossi on the right and Kuyt further a field, like they were all game)
Stevie's great effort - started with Kuyt picking it up centrally, giving it to Yossi on the right.
3rd goal - starts with Kuyt central and Yossi wide right but they change cos Kuyt goes to win the high ball, not because he played on the right.
4th goal - Yossi again wide right, but cut in.

He didn't play behind Torres against Burnley - Kuyt did just like they did in midweek. It should stay that way, no pissing Yossi about anywhere else, keep him on the right.

Ahhh I could have stolen my mate's Hammers season ticket and gone to this today, but i forgot to ask her!

Fair enough now that Yossi has played on the right side for 2 games, but that was only for the absence of Mascherano. Now that I expect Masch back, I'll rather see Yossi on the left, Kuyt back on the right and Gerrard off Torres, that's where Gerrard and Torres work best.

Positions don't matter, its the players' determination and willingness to perform instead of the position that determine their performance. As much as I am concerned, Yossi is able to play across the whole attacking side so I don't see why we can't play him on the left. Besides, he can cut in from the left, or put a shot in.

Doesn't mean that Yossi needs to play on the right to perform well.

For sure, when Yossi talks about his playing style, it's always about playing on the left and cutting to the middle, that is what he does best according to him.

Yossi started right against Burnley and I remember him saying in an interview he was told to also move in between Torres and the midfield.

Cant wait for this one just under 12 hours to go. Not too sure what the team will be. Just think Mash has to come in, with Yossi and Kuyt on the flanks with Stevie in behind Torres. That leaves Riera out.

Hope we hammer the hammers but I think this will be a real tough test, always is when we go there. I'm going for a double from Benni and for Stevie to get on the score sheet as well, however I'm expecting them to score a couple of goals in a 2-3 thriller. Come on you Redmen.

Just think Mash has to come in, with Yossi and Kuyt on the flanks with Stevie in behind Torres. That leaves Riera out.

This are the same thoughts i have for the match today. For me Benayoun got become the key player in this match when he is coming over the wing and going into the box. He will put the Hammers under pressure and makes it difficult for them.

I have a good feeling about this game. A two goal cushion in favour of the Reds for this one, if we can stay strong in mid-field.

 This one always seems to be a hard one to predict but I'm going for us to just shade it 2-1 as i have done in the prediction league.

Would like to see Yossi and Babel on the wings, Kuyt and Torres up-front with Gerrard just behind, and Mascherano covering the back four.

2-1 I'll say. Or 1-0.

^Agreed. I've gone for 2-1 to us aswell. Think it will be tight but ultimately I think we've got too much for them and will come out on top. I'll be in my Mum's watching it though, and we always play sh*te when I watch it in my Mum's. Can't be avoided though

COME ON YOU REDS!

I've gone for a 3-1 win for us today. Got a feeling that Torres is going to explode this evening. Come on you Reds, do us proud. 

I'm with you on that one hardcore mate, very similar almost exactly what I'm thinking

Can't wait fo this I've missed the last couple of games unfortunately and have severe withdrawel symptoms. I'm tipping a 3-1 win a Nando brace and a Yossi goal in between.

With the top four all playing each other this weekend it is absolutely imperative we take all three points from this game.

Have the butterflies for this one now!

As JD stated this is a massive game almost a must win due to the fact the top 4 all play each other. I said in a previous post a sloppy 1 nil 90th minute winner will do me today. I just want 3 points.

Come on reds lets kick on from last Saturday

With the top four all playing each other this weekend it is absolutely imperative we take all three points from this game.

This is the most important game of the season so far IMO. Three points is a must. Hopefully we'll start well to ease the pressure slightly and get an early goal.

This is going to be a really tough game I think, West Ham away is never easy. Carlton Cole up front will be a handful but as with most matches, it'll be our players who decides who wins. No doubt that if the team plays to their standard they'll walk over West Ham but if they go with another lethargic attitude like the one against Debrecen West Ham could easily pick up a point.

CARRA PLEDGES REDS IMPROVEMENT

Louise Goulding 19 September 2009

   Jamie Carragher is confident Liverpool fans will see an improvement in their side's performance this weekend.
Rafa's men travel to Upton Park on Saturday to take on West Ham and his vice captain believes the team should take heart from their recent defensive displays.
 
"We have had three clean sheets on the trot, which is encouraging," the 31-year-old said.
 
"I expect the fans will see an improvement in performance from us.
 
"We did not have too much problem in general play, it is just that at set-pieces it has not always gone well.
 
"But we feel that we have rectified that over the last few games - we'll just have to keep working on that."
 
The defender also acknowledged that Liverpool need to extend their unbeaten run in order to feel their campaign is up and running.
 
He said: "This is still the beginning of the season and only when we have put together a run of say 10 or 15 games unbeaten will we feel we are on a good run.
 
"We have had a bit of a dodgy start, but losing two games isn't a total disaster just like winning three games doesn't mean we are back on fire."
 
Carragher, who holds the record for the most Liverpool appearances in European competition, also feels the Reds can progress into the knockout stage of the Champions League.
 
"This group is not easy, the sides like Debrecen will pose a problem," he added.
 
"But if we perform as well as we can we will get through to the next stage."
 

Not an easy game at all today, but I'm confident our overall expertise will see us win the 3 points, hope we've been working on our set pieces and corners in particular, we just don't seem to get any better at them 

A must win today, like JD said, with the top 4 playing each other, it's an opportunity we can't afford to miss.

Come on the mighty REDS !! 2-0 for me today.

Kuyt and Gerrard to score.

Rectified our set-piece problem? Sorry Carra but thats nonsense. Last time out was the worst i have seen thus far.

Butterflies are fluttering here as well.  3-0 to us would be nice.  1-0 would do.  Come on you Reds 

Why is the count down timer on the forum indicating a 5-15pm kick off and all other forms of information show it to be a 5-30 kick off ?

Again just another win will do for me, superb if the performance is there too but main thing at the moment is the 3 points. Ive got a feeling Torres is going to come alive today, we need a big Stevie g and Masch performance today as this wont be easy imo. Come on you mighty Redmen.

I would rather see Aurelio, Benayoun and Riera in action. Lucas shall be placed on the bench for we need as much goal scorers as we can, and he's not that sort of a player I guess.
It will be a tough game, good luck lads

2-0 for me, keep the clean sheet back there pepe.

Come on you Reds!

Any team news yet?

The Reds XI in full is: Reina, Johnson, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel, Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun, Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Riera, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Babel, Degen, Dossena.

Topic locked?

Match Thread Here......

http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php?topic=22921.msg453574;topicseen#msg453574

Topic Locked.

The Reds XI in full is: Reina, Johnson, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel, Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun, Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Riera, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Babel, Degen, Dossena.

Topic locked?

Blimey, 'giz a second would you ...

Yes it's now locked.

Match thread:
http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php?topic=22921.0