Wigan VS Liverpool Pre-Match Thread Wednesday 21 Dec 2011 20:00 Kick Off

                         

                                         Wednesday 21st December

                                             Kick off 20.00.

Following the win at Aston Villa the Red Man march straight on to our encounter with Wigan on Wednesday evening knowing that a win could draw us level with Chelsea on 32 points who are sitting in 4th place.

Coincidentally Chelsea face another of our rivals in Tottenham the following evening in a game that could carry some significance in our quest to make up points on the top 4 teams.

Looking forward to this one and I expect Kenny to ring some changes to keep the squad fresh over the hectic xmas schedule but I still expect us to have too much for Wigan who are sitting in the relegation places.

C'mon the Redmen.

Wouldn't mind the same team to be honest with maybe Maxi coming in

Tends to be a tricky game, away at Wigan, if I can remember correctly. Need to keep the momentum going,if we are to push for that 4th spot.

Head to Head

2011-02-12    Liverpool FC       Wigan Athletic       1-1       
2010-11-10    Wigan Athletic       Liverpool FC       1-1       
2010-03-08    Wigan Athletic       Liverpool FC       1-0       
2009-12-16    Liverpool FC       Wigan Athletic       2-1       
2009-01-28    Wigan Athletic       Liverpool FC       1-1       
2008-10-18    Liverpool FC       Wigan Athletic       3-2       
2008-01-02    Liverpool FC       Wigan Athletic       1-1       
2007-09-29    Wigan Athletic       Liverpool FC       0-1       
2007-04-21    Liverpool FC       Wigan Athletic       2-0       
2006-12-02    Wigan Athletic       Liverpool FC       0-4

10pm Kick Off!?

Locked until Monday.

Let's enjoy the Villa win for now.

This for me is the game where we are going to hand out the thrashing we've been threatening all season, I'm going for a 5 nil win for us.

10pm Kick Off!?

Err.. no mate it's 8pm KO

Be interesting to see if/how Kenny rotates over the next 3 games before a hectic January.

Wouldnt surpriese me to see a couple for this then same thing again vs Blackburn to keep things fresh. As well as the Skrtel/Agger partnership has been performing maybe bring Carra in for Agger for one of these matches just based on his injury track record?

Can see Carroll starting this too, either way, lets smash these!

Same starting lineup for me. The only change I could see would be Maxi for Shelvey, but I don't think it's necessary. Nobody performed poorly enough to be outright dropped.

Hopefully Tuesday's "news" will allow for Suarez to still play.

Same starting lineup for me. The only change I could see would be Maxi for Shelvey, but I don't think it's necessary. Nobody performed poorly enough to be outright dropped.

Hopefully Tuesday's "news" will allow for Suarez to still play.

The thing I noticed about KK, regardless of an individual playing poor or not in the last game, it matters not as Daglish will play the players he feels are suited for the next match.

I do feel couple of players played poor despite our win.

I'd love to see:

Same back 5

        Shelvey  Adam
                Maxi
Downing  Kuyt   Suarez

Can't see Bellamy playing due to his well documented knee problems.

Potential kick in the arse here if our lads dont have the same approach as Sunday. If we turn up we should own the ball and hopefully will take the chances.

Same 11 for me and if God forbid we lose Luis Id actually plumb for Kuyt to go up top and have Carroll to bring on from the bench

I'm not sure if Bellers should be starting 2 games in 4 days because of his knee problems, so I'd look to have him on the bench this weekend.  Hopefully the FA don't pull any bullshit and Suarez is cleared of any wrongdoing.  I would like to see:

                 Pepe
Johno  Skrtel  Agger  Enrique
          Hendo  Adam
Downing    Jonjo       Maxi
               *Suarez*

If Luis is not eligible then I'd start Carrol up top.  We should have enough to beat Wigan without Suarez, and Andy needs to step up to the plate sometime soon!!  I'm going for another 2-0 win for the Reds!! 

I think Mo Diame would be a good piece of business for us in the jan transfer window, I'll be watching him pretty closely.

Simply put this is a match we need all 3 points from, and I think we will do just that. Henderson to score for me

I think Mo Diame would be a good piece of business for us in the jan transfer window, I'll be watching him pretty closely.

Simply put this is a match we need all 3 points from, and I think we will do just that. Henderson to score for me

Me too mate. Have been raving about him for awhile. He drives Wigan forward at times.

We should be overturning teams like Chief Wigum.
But they generally turn out to be a tricky stopoff.
Still, we're so good away I'm going for another win, with Suarez finding the back of the net ...
Cmon ta F**k !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just about to post and the p.c. crashed. Shortened version, 3 - 0 to us. Hoping for 5. Good time to make up some ground and ease into the top 4.

Another game on Sky then, good stuff.

I'd just change Downing and Bellamy over for Kuyt and Maxi. Rest of the line up should stay the same in my opinion, we haven't played too many midweeks so far so I'd say we are pretty fresh compared to the teams in Europe.

2-0 again I'm going for. Would love more but I'd rather save them for the cup next month against City.

At work for this one, so if someone with a stable patella could frequent the match thread, I'd be grateful.

At work for this one, so if someone with a stable patella could frequent the match thread, I'd be grateful.

I'll commentate for you Rodders.

Can't wait for this one, my first away match of the season. Fully expect a 2-0 win, with or without Luis.

 Lets keep the good times rolling and come away with another 3 points,I fully expect Suarez to be cleared by the F.A. and play a blinder.

I want the same team but Maxi replaces Downing and I hope Adam and Henderson boss this midfield for once. They were good but not great neither forward nor at defending.

If we're leading 1or2- 0 in HT, Carroll replaces Suarez

                      Reina

Johnson     Skrtel.  Agger.   Enrique

              Henderson Adam
                        Maxi

        Downing.  Carroll/Kuyt.  Suarez

Need to batter them

Should be a good game. Hope we batter them.

Another away game. Not so worried compared to last season.

Same team, probably and hopefully score more than 3 goals for once. We've hit the post 17 times this season and the next team after that is Arsenal and another team with only 9!

Same again please. I would be delighted with a similar scoreline to the Villa game, and can't see any reason why we shouldn't achieve it. Sooner or later our luck infront of goal is going to change, balls will go in off the post rather than bouncing out, hopefully it will be tomorrow.

                                Reina

 Johnson           Skrtel        Agger         Enrique

              Shelvey/ Maxi  Henderson Adam

              Downing       Carroll     Suarez

I think this game is a bit soon for Bellamy and he may get a seat on the bench for this one.

Fingers crossed that the draw against Chelsea is the highlight of Wigan's week.

5 goals for us that have bounced in off the woodwork will do me.  Hoping for a really valuable 3 points to make it 9 from the last 12.

I expect Rodriguez to start in place of Bellamy as part of the rotation.  I know Agger has been left out of some of the midweek games to protect him, so may see him get a rest tomorrow.

Apart from that - same again please.

Im always wary of us after a couple of good results when we go to these lesser teams because wev been so dissapointed on many occasions. But having said that our luck has to change at sometime cos wev bossed every game bar spurs. I think il have a trip to the bookies and put a little bet on us to thump them 4 nil.

At this time of the year, I'll be happy just to get the game out of the way and three points secured. Having said that - I fancy us to win comfortably. 

I'm working so will miss this one but expect three points and a comfortable win.

I'd be tempted to go for the same team but Bellamy may be rested for the weekend. If thag is the case then Maxi in his place.

I love the Christmas period!!!  Games to look forward to every few days instead of once a week always puts a smile on my face

I expect nothing less than 3 points, 2 goals and hitting the post once at least

Another game on Sky then, good stuff.

Noticed that toll myself, we're getting a good run of games on the telly lately.


Team wise, I would go with pretty much the same team as Villa. Back 5 stay unchanged, as with Hendo + Adam. Shelvey looked a little tired when he came off against Villa, but he should be rested enough to be raring to go again tonight. Up front I think I would in bring in Maxi for Bellamy, just to freshen things up. I know it's very harsh on him after his performance the last day with the goal and assist but I would rather him be used as an impact sub because he might not have the legs for another 90 mins tonight so soon after the last game. Obviously I would love it if he started, proved me wrong and banged in another goal

Reina

Johnson
Agger
Skrtel
Enrique

Carragher
Adam

Maxi
Kuyt
Downing

Suarez/Carroll

Considering Wigan only have 1 win at home, there's no excuse not to get all 3 points here.

Let's smash em

Considering Wigan only have 1 win at home, there's no excuse not to get all 3 points here.

Let's smash em

In fairness, they are in decent form, only losing against Arsenal in their last 5 games, drawing with Chelsea and winning 2 away games in the process.

We should have too much for them.

Cant see them raising their game against two big teams twice so soon (touch wood).

It won't be as easy as Sunday, they have a bit more heart than Villa - Just glad we are managed by the King...

No reason for any team changes unless the FA make that decision for us.

In fairness, they are in decent form, only losing against Arsenal in their last 5 games, drawing with Chelsea and winning 2 away games in the process.

They may be in decent form , but we are still better, even without Suarez? We've dropped enough points to crap teams this season.

Guess we are lucky this game isn't at Anfield 

I really hope this is the one we all want...the one Kenny refers to .. when it all happens.
When it breaks for us.

Ive gone 0-4 on the Prediction League but why do I feel I should knock a goal off.

The lesser team and woodwork syndrome !

I'm just interested in getting the points in the bag. Don't care who Kenny puts out on the pitch, it's moving up the log that I wanna see.

See tomorrow night? Everyone know the Suarez song? Yeah, f*cking belt it out. Absoloutely roar it out with everything we have. Show Suarez that we're fully behind him with this racist case and show these f*ckers that we won't back down easily.

Everything we have, from supporters to players, give everything from today until the season ends for the injustice we now face.
Show everyone with every pass, tackle , song, goal that there is no other family in the world like US.
We are LIVERPOOL.
YNWA

At work for this one, hoping to get a decent stream.

Got a feeling we are going to take out our anger over the Luis fiasco on them and smash them. Would love a 5-0 scoreline but going with the safe and predictable 2-0 win to us.

COYR

Lu-is Suarez      Lu-is  Suarez    Lu-is Suarez

Now to finish above United.

Suarez to score and borrow Balotelli's 'why always me' shirt

Even more looking forward to going tomorrow.

Think the red contingent should get something planned.

A clean sheet and 3 points will do me.

Same team as the one against Villa but swap Maxi for Bellamy, Kuyt for Shelvey and Carragher for Agger to keep everyone fit.

Hmm judging this lineup is kind of tough. I think we might see something like this.

--------------Reina-------------
-Johnson--Skrtel---Carra--Enrique-
-----Henderson-----Adam--------
--Kuyt--------------------Maxi--
--------------Suarez-------------
--------------Carroll-------------

... with Adam given free reign to attack as needed.

I say rest Agger. He's been excellent, but it would be a huge blow to lose him now if he gets injured (fingers crossed while knocking on wood). Maxi in for Bellamy and Kuyt in for Downing, for rotation purposes. Carroll is going to have to start with Suarez's ban coming up. Plus it would it would be a huge confidence boost to not only him, but also the whole club if he plays well and gets a goal. Still looking for Suarez to score, though.

The only problem is Wigan have been playing with 5 backs, meaning good movement is going to be needed. I'd prefer a front four of Suarez, Kuyt, Bellamy, and Maxi - that'd be pretty sick movement. But we don't know how Bellamy's knees are holding up, so I have him on the bench. He can come on as an impact sub.

not a bad idea to rest a couple. i fully expect us to thump them by a few goals and pick up three points. should be routine, should have wonderful momentum from the villa game and hopefully we are even more united after this racism nonsense.

might even see kelly play?

reina, kelly, skrtel, carragher, enrique, henderson, adam, shelvey, downing, maxi, suarez

 I am definitely hoping for a good win and 3 points at Wigan unlike the 2 REDS (i use the term half heartedly) who have voted they expect us to lose.Suarez can go out and show the world what a fantastic footballer he is and get on with his life in the knowledge he has our full support.

Suarez must play - unless he is not in the right mindframe

I would have settled for a draw, seeing as Wigan away can be a tricky place to visit, but now I think we should go out and batter them by 3 or 4 goals.

Yes now is the time to step up and be counted. I believe our season had been waiting for a turning point and if our players can't be fired up and looking to punish teams right now, they never will be.

I'm guessing the legal team will be frantically deciding if an appeal is going to happen. If the ban is accepted, then I guess tonight wouldn't be the worst game to do without Luis.

That being the case, it's time for Carroll to step up, and I've a feeling he will. Johnson and Enrique will have more licence to maraud forward and cross.

3-0 win.

I hope Suarez plays.  He showed last week he can put off field events behind him and have a great game.

Wigan are going to get smashed tonight I think.

Feel for them as they are the ones who are going to feel the backlash from last night.

3 - 0.

I hope Suarez plays.  He showed last week he can put off field events behind him and have a great game.

After the backing Suarez has had from the club he is a defo starter for tonight !

I feel sorry for Roberto Martinez. Top fella but his team is gonna cop it tonight.

Carroll, Suarez and Adam all hat tricks.

Suarez to score 10.

No Suarez tonight

Show them Luis, go for it...

YNWA

 

No Suarez tonight

Where did you hear that?

I want the same team of the Villa game. If not possible for Bellamy, then use Maxi in his place. Jonjo definitely deserves to play tonight.

This is the last game of Spearing's ban, right?

This is the last game of Spearing's ban, right?

Indeed it is.

Like you said, the same team would be ideal but maybe a change or two out wide (Kuyt and Maxi in?).

Hopefully Suarez is in the right frame of mind to play, I'm sure Kenny will deal with that accordingly.

No Suarez tonight

Hes in the squad he travelled anyway

Ticket has arrived with 2 hours to go

If I were Luis id be climbing on top of o turtle ans sloooooowily going to bed...but then again im not him, so Id settle for only 4 goals and 7 nutmegs. Are there any black players in Wigan? We wouldnt want to offend them by fielding the anti-christ...

Ticket has arrived with 2 hours to go

I knew it as soon as I looked outside and saw your red car, that something had happened with the tickets. Can't wait now.

No doubt the travelling Kop will show Luis all the support he needs!! Come on Reds!

Shame the game has been somehwat over shadowed by Luis's case, but hopefully this will have fired Luis up to make his point by going out and tearing Wigan a new arsehole tonight.

3 more points please!

If Suarez plays, hope he does not have to  take abuse from Wigan fans, but then there is the travelling Kop to give their full support.

If Suarez plays, hope he does not have to  take abuse from Wigan fans, but then there is the travelling Kop to give their full support.

Wouldn't be surprised if the home fans we're in the minority! Wigan's attendance is usually abysmal.

Fully expect us to tw*t them. There'll be a really strong team mentality going into this after what's just happened over Suarez's case.

Anyone going the game, sing Luis name as loudly as you can, let the world know we're all 100% behind him.

Looking forward to seeing the siege mentality in full effect.

First victim - Wigan.

Bring the noise!

Anthrax with Public Enemy - Bring The Noise

Really hope that the Reds give them a real hammering !

The 11th goal scored tonight will be the 20,000th in the PL era - scorer will be given £20,000 to donate to charity of their choice
Odds on Suarez and it going to Kick it Out?

The 11th goal scored tonight will be the 20,000th in the PL era - scorer will be given £20,000 to donate to charity of their choice
Odds on Suarez and it going to Kick it Out?

Would be superb that!

I have to admit, I'm very nervous about this one.  Wigan has been a bit of a house of horrors for us lately.  I think its' been four years since we've won there (someone correct me if I'm wrong).  I think we desperately need to strike early.  An early goal would do a wonder of good.  If it's scoreless at halftime, I'll be really brickin' it.

I expect 3 things tonight

1) a win

2) The shiver down the spine support for the boys particularly Luis

3) A Suarez goal and gem of a display

Just been down the bookies put a tenner on us to win 4-0

Went for win in the poll, Think its going to be tough though
 I have seen wigan at home a couple of times lately they were not that bad
 But i am sure the lads will be up to this
 
@the travelling reds fans  -  as always support the lads esp. LUIS

 YNWA

Come on Luis lad. Show those bas**rds at the FA what the Premiership will be missing if the ban is upheld.

Come on Luis lad. Show those bas**rds at the FA what the Premiership will be missing if the ban is upheld.

Best thing he can do on the pitch tonight.

Would love for Luis to score, then lift up his jersey, (like fowler), and show a shirt saying im innocent.

When does Suarez's ban become effective? He's available for tonight I assume.

I think a hat-trick from the lad could be due, he could've had a few so far, just needed a few little bits of luck on previous occasions. Would love if he got one tonight.

Would love for Luis to score, then lift up his jersey, (like fowler), and show a shirt saying im innocent.

The F.A. would love that ,it would give the basta*ds more ammunition to fire at Suarez and L.F.C.

Would love for Luis to score, then lift up his jersey, (like fowler), and show a shirt saying im innocent.

If Luis is going to replicate Fowler, then after scoring a goal he should lift his shirt to reveal a swastika.

If Luis is going to replicate Fowler, then after scoring a goal he should lift his shirt to reveal a swastika.

Made me think of American History X, that!

A 4 am match :/

Don't think our recent record at the DW stadium is great, and they'll be on a high after their draw with Chelsea and their recent up-turn in form. Still, it's a game we should definately be winning.

I will be expecting the only change to be Maxi for Bellamy, to rest his legs for the coming weeks. He could be playing a big role up front with Suarez' absence, depending on appeal.

If Wigan play against us the same way they played against Chelsea then I can certainly see Downing (if he plays on the right) getting the better of their left wing-back, who was tied in knots by against Chelsea.

We should not underestimate Wigan, they're been a tricky team for us in the past. Nearly all the top teams, other then us destroy them, usually. We need to reify our dominance there, and against weaker teams in general.

I think the away crowd will be electric, using the decision from the FA, to their advantage by signing their lads even harder.

Come on lads, get an early goal and keep our pressing high, and in numbers. Don't drop deep and allow them a second on the ball.

Do hope Luis starts I expect a thundering performance form the team tonight come on you REDS.

Won't be surprised to see him on the bench. Kenny will be careful not to break him emotionally.

However, Wigan is the best place for him to be. They're support is sh*te.

Luis starts.

Wahoooo Suarez starts and so he should.

Live match thread here: http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,41722.0.html