Liverpool Vs Stoke City: SUN 7 OCT 2012: K.O. 1500

Vs

LIVERPOOL F.C.      Stoke City

Not on Live UK TV.

Well,  After Thursdays disappointment we have the post-Europa League Sunday game with a 3pm kick-off.
We should beat these hands down with ease, but Stoke have a habit of being very physical and these may be our Achilles heel with the "youth" being a little light weight.

With this in mind what will the Ref do? Allow the kickings and thuggery or actually protect our players, and give the decisions that we feel have been fragrantly ignored. I feel this will be the deciding factor in the final result.

Stoke may have 4 ex Liverpool players!  Charlie Adam, Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant and, of course, Michael Owen. Will they all play, and if so, will they play to put us to the sword, Will Adam actually have a decent game at Anfield? If Owen plays, what kind of reception will the ex-Man Utd player get?

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Stoke have lost 39 and drawn 10 of their 49 top-flight visits to Anfield.
The Potters have not scored at Anfield in their four previous Premier League visits and have managed just one goal in their last 11 league games at the ground.
In the previous eight Premier League meetings between these two sides, the away side has never won.
Liverpool
Liverpool are looking to avoid suffering three straight home league defeats for the first time since September 1963.
The Reds have won just four of their last 19 home league games and are yet to win at Anfield in the league this season.
The Merseysiders have kept just one clean sheet in their last 16 Premier League games.
Three of the nine teenagers who have started Premier League games this season play for Liverpool - Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom.
Stoke
Stoke have won just two of their last 17 Premier League games (W2 D10 L5).
The Potters are without a win in their last 12 Premier League away games (D5 L7).
Only Sunderland have drawn as many games as Stoke (4) in the Premier League this season.
Peter Crouch has failed to score against Liverpool in eight Premier League games since leaving the club
BBC Sport

So there you have it. Another must win game, lets prey, we actually win this one.

Just gunna come & stick 10 men behind the ball them.

Think it will be another one of those games where we dominate possession but cant break them down.

Frustrating draw IMO, but Im a pessimistic b***ard!

Tricky game of the back of a Europa defeat.

The type of game that, if we win, it won't get a second glance, but we'll do well to beat these.

We should be beating Stoke at Anfield.  I don't want to here any we played well, we kept the ball buts tomorrow night. 

Excuses are wearing thin by now to be honest. 

We should be beating Stoke at Anfield.  I don't want to here any we played well, we kept the ball buts tomorrow night. 

Excuses are wearing thin by now to be honest. 

Sunday my friend. Don't want you bad mouthing MotD when they don't even show us tomorrow.

49 games without a win at Anfield.
Longest running stat of it's kind apparently.
Keep it going.

49 games without a win at Anfield.
Longest running stat of it's kind apparently.
Keep it going.

Us or Stoke

Clean sheet please for the love of F***ing god. That should be our first target for Sunday is keeping the ball out of our own F***ing net.

We could break club records for passing but for F**k sake. Score and keep your concentration for the full 90. They'll know we'll be seeing 70%+ of the ball and will be countering at every opportunity.

Let's just go out and beat these in style and show them how football should be played.

Like someone said above though I have a feeling this will be a frustrating game for us but if they don't see too much of the ball in feel we have enough to win the game.

Us or Stoke

Your stats were in relation to Stokes games at Anfield.

It's time to get back on the bike and give Stoke a good thrashing,no excuses put our strongest 11 out to start the game then show Stoke who is the Boss from the kickoff.

The squad just haven't got that killer instinct yet. I can see this one being frustrating.

At the moment, there's an ocean of space between the midfield and defence when teams counter attack and  we often struggle. If we can close those space up a bit and put one of our players, ala Didi or Masch in-between to mop things up, we should be ok. I think Stoke may give us a surprise and come out attacking us from the first whistle, try to score an early goal and close shop and we have to prepare for it. Crouch is in fine form and someone must be assigned to close him down.

BR must give stern warning to some of our players often in slumber mode from the first whistle and to threat this game seriously and not to take it casual and easy.

Reina; Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Allen, Gerrard, Sahin; Suso, Suarez, Sterling.

Jones; Coates, Carra; Henderson, Assaidi, Downing; Borini



2-0, Suarez and Sahin.

Yep it will definitely be this starting line up (above), no doubt about that. I hope we get the win as i think it could prove a real turning point of the season. No disrespect to Norwich but this is a far tougher test and it will let us all know where the team is really at. Can't see it being 0-0 again though. I think both teams will score and if either team win it'll be by a very fine margin,

We're due to put a total match together. I sense a 2-0 win. 

I predict a dominating day for Sahin.  Goals by him and Borini.

Hope to see this team:

Reina
Wisdom Skrtel Agger Johnson
Allen Sahin
Gerrard
Suso Suarez Sterling

4-0 us; Sterling, Suarez, Suso, Adam (OG).

We should be beating Stoke at Anfield.  I don't want to here any we played well, we kept the ball buts tomorrow night. 

Excuses are wearing thin by now to be honest. 

We could break club records for passing but for F**k sake. Score and keep your concentration for the full 90. They'll know we'll be seeing 70%+ of the ball and will be countering at every opportunity.

Agree with these.

I sometimes think that the more of the ball we have, the more we tend to underestimate our opposition.

Happened towards the end of the first half against Udinese - they didn't have the ball - then when we came out for the second half i think the players just expected more of the same and it backfired.

We had the ball for so long that we forgot what to do when they have it!

Don't wanna hear any passing stats after this game either. That's starting to grate already.

I would like to see us play 3 at the back against Stoke. Not only to offset the usual big boot and long throw tactics employed by Stoke, but to give us a little more reassurance at the back while giving our wing backs free rein to get forward and stretch Stoke at the back.

                             Reina
 
            Skrtel      Coates     Agger

Johnson                                         Downing

            Sahin     Gerrard    Allen

                Suarez  Sterling

Close game with few chances, hopefully we take ours and win 1-0. (The last couple of times I predicted a close low scoring game we scored 5 .....so here's hoping )

Could see a few people getting a bit tetchy with Rodgers if we lost this so I'm praying for a win.

So who are you dropping to accommodate 5 at the back.

I would like to see us play 3 at the back against Stoke. Not only to offset the usual big boot and long throw tactics employed by Stoke, but to give us a little more reassurance at the back while giving our wing backs free rein to get forward and stretch Stoke at the back.

                             Reina
 
            Skrtel      Coates     Agger

Johnson                                         Downing

            Sahin     Gerrard    Allen

            Suso      Suarez  Sterling

Close game with few chances, hopefully we take ours and win 1-0. (The last couple of times I predicted a close low scoring game we scored 5 .....so here's hoping )

The Reds have won just four of their last 19 home league games and are yet to win at Anfield in the league this season.

That is not all down to bad luck is it?

So who are you dropping to accommodate 5 at the back.

Whoops Suso unfortunately, although against Stoke it might be an idea to give Allen a rest as he will only get a stiff neck watching the ball fly over his head.

Whoops Suso unfortunately, although against Stoke it might be an idea to give Allen a rest as he will only get a stiff neck watching the ball fly over his head.

Could be why Joe started on Thursday.

Whoops Suso unfortunately, although against Stoke it might be an idea to give Allen a rest as he will only get a stiff neck watching the ball fly over his head.

Allen should be able to control possession this game and hopefully his neck will be released of some tension

Should be high drama and lots of goalmouth action. But to keep me from being disappointed, I will lower my expectation on the final score and points earned. This is on the back of recent results. Think we'll be fine performance wise. Will get behind the team nonetheless.

The Reds have won just four of their last 19 home league games and are yet to win at Anfield in the league this season.

That is not all down to bad luck is it?

Yet to win? Life can't be that perfect for this continue perpetually.

I would like to see us play 3 at the back against Stoke. Not only to offset the usual big boot and long throw tactics employed by Stoke, but to give us a little more reassurance at the back while giving our wing backs free rein to get forward and stretch Stoke at the back.

                             Reina
 
            Skrtel      Coates     Agger

Johnson                                         Downing

            Sahin     Gerrard    Allen

                Suarez  Sterling

Close game with few chances, hopefully we take ours and win 1-0. (The last couple of times I predicted a close low scoring game we scored 5 .....so here's hoping )

Didnt we play 3 at the back last year and got a dull 0-0 draw? Cant remember the formation but I do remember the game, it wasent one of those games where we dominated. hit the post twice and the goalkeeper had a stormer. We created very little.

We shouldnt need to change our setup for another team.

Would love to know who voted for the Stoke win.

Would love to know who voted for the Stoke win.

I can think of 4 off the top of my head.

Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Allen, Sahin, Gerrard; Suso, Suarez, Sterling.

We're gonna F***ing smash these tomorrow, 6-0 I'm going for!!

Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Allen, Sahin, Gerrard; Suso, Suarez, Sterling.

We're gonna f**king smash these tomorrow, 6-0 I'm going for!!

This would be nice. The team and the scoreline please!

Didnt we play 3 at the back last year and got a dull 0-0 draw? Cant remember the formation but I do remember the game, it wasent one of those games where we dominated. hit the post twice and the goalkeeper had a stormer. We created very little.

We shouldnt need to change our setup for another team.

Considering we have have yet to keep a clean sheet in any of the 6 games we have played this season and conceeded 2 in each of the home games, changing our setup for another team might not be such a bad idea. Especially as we have only won one of those 6 games and none at home.

Considering we have have yet to keep a clean sheet in any of the 6 games we have played this season and conceeded 2 in each of the home games, changing our setup for another team might not be such a bad idea. Especially as we have only won one of those 6 games and none at home.

To be fair mate, I can't see us changing our formation at all this year. Well the only change we can see is if we go with a 1-2 midfield or a 2-1. Also when we are learning a new system, trying to play a different way can't help as we are still adjusting to the one we are currently playing.

We seem to have the attacking side to it somewhat mastered, and we are scoring a lot of goals, mostly from play too. It's just the defence that needs sorting out and the only way to better that is with a settled back 5, including the goalie, so I don't think chopping and changing players and numbers at the back can help them really, in my opinion.

Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Allen, Sahin, Gerrard; Suso, Suarez, Sterling.

We're gonna F***ing smash these tomorrow, 6-0 I'm going for!!

Mmm yes please.

A team is overdue a spanking at Anfield.

 Anything from Bib theory here..?

I do believe we'll destroy these, I'm not expecting an easy game and I really hope we get through the game injury free because they're a bunch of dirty shites but I don't think they'll be handle our game at the level it is at the moment. I doubt we'll get a clean sheet but expecting something like 3-1 to us. A clean sheet really would be a blessing though just to give much needed confidence to the lads at the back.

To be fair mate, I can't see us changing our formation at all this year. Well the only change we can see is if we go with a 1-2 midfield or a 2-1. Also when we are learning a new system, trying to play a different way can't help as we are still adjusting to the one we are currently playing.

We seem to have the attacking side to it somewhat mastered, and we are scoring a lot of goals, mostly from play too. It's just the defence that needs sorting out and the only way to better that is with a settled back 5, including the goalie, so I don't think chopping and changing players and numbers at the back can help them really, in my opinion.

Not sure I really agree with the scoring plenty goals mate. We have scored only 3 goals in the 3 games at home while conceeding 6. I certainly think it is worth thinking about a change against Stoke, as for me they are the one exception in the prem, a team that doesn't care about possession, creating clear cut chances or playing attractive football......just in thowing as many high balls into the box as possible and hoping to get lucky on one of them.

I think in their last game Stoke had only 27% possession but still won 2-0.....and that was at home!

Interesting stat: Stoke have failed to beat Liverpool in 49 attempts. The worst of any combination of teams in the PL. Bodes well

Interesting stat : If we fail to beat Stoke it will be the worst home start to a league program since 1963.....49 years

Would be nice to see us win at home.....think we will

Not sure I really agree with the scoring plenty goals mate. We have scored only 3 goals in the 3 games at home while conceeding 6. I certainly think it is worth thinking about a change against Stoke, as for me they are the one exception in the prem, a team that doesn't care about possession, creating clear cut chances or playing attractive football......just in thowing as many high balls into the box as possible and hoping to get lucky on one of them.

I think in their last game Stoke had only 27% possession but still won 2-0.....and that was at home!

I was more thinking that we've scored 2, 5, 3, 5 etc in recent games, but I know what you mean in terms of games played at home, and especially the opposition.

Interesting stat : If we fail to beat Stoke it will be the worst home start to a league program since 1963.....49 years

Geez Saint your a bundle of sunshine on a cloudy day today.

Let's just go out and beat these in style and show them how football should be played.

Like someone said above though I have a feeling this will be a frustrating game for us but if they don't see too much of the ball in feel we have enough to win the game.

I have to agree we have to concentrate and get an early goal...and Yes Just got a ticket happy days 

Interesting stat: If we win 25-0 tomorrow we will have the best goal difference in the league...

And by some distance too!

Geez Saint your a bundle of sunshine on a cloudy day today.

After the poor start at home in 1963 we went on to win the league by 4 points...... any better ?

After the poor start at home in 1963 we went on to win the league by 4 points...... any better ?

  would be mint ...

Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Allen, Sahin, Gerrard; Suso, Suarez, Sterling.

We're gonna f**king smash these tomorrow, 6-0 I'm going for!!

Loving your optimism mate!!

We need a clean sheet, just for the defence's confidence, but I can see Crouchy putting one past us.

Think I've gone for a 3-1 for us.  Would be made up with that, but would be proper made up if it was 6-0!!

Our offence is firing, but our defence is suspect.

Can't wait til tomorrow!  COYR!!!

Would love to know who voted for the Stoke win.

Which THREE voted at my time of posting!

Would love to know who voted for the Stoke win.

Which THREE voted at my time of posting!

Whats the point of a poll if we're all meant to state "we will trash them".

After the poor start at home in 1963 we went on to win the league by 4 points...... any better ?

See now your talking!

Please please destroy Stoke tomorrow, my missus will be insufferable otherwise!

Not to mention the fact that I detest Pulis and his anti-football philosophies.

Soooo bib theory anyone?

Please please destroy Stoke tomorrow, my missus will be insufferable otherwise!

Not to mention the fact that I detest Pulis and his anti-football philosophies.

See you in the Sandon Reprobate

Rumour going about that this is the probable team for tomorrow;-

Reina Wisdom Skrtel Agger Johnson Allen Sahin Gerrard Suso Suarez Sterling

I personally like that line-up and think it should be far too strong for Stoke. Also as a side note and another reason we should be able to break down Stoke:

‎[via @FormidableRed]

Successful dribbles per-game in the Premier League - 1st: Hatem Ben Arfa (4), 2nd: Raheem Sterling (3.2) & 3rd: Luis Suárez (3)

This is the perfect match to prove we've turned the corner. Even the Mancs think Stoke are a tough team to beat, so if we can get a convincing win today, it will be a real statement of intent.
We have to turn our home form around if we want to be taken seriously again.

Clean sheet for starters, please lads tighten up at the back then let Luis work his magic up the other end.

2-0 for me with Suarez and Gerrard the scorers.

Come on boys lets get the season up and running and smash the clayheads all over the park.:-) 3-1

After the poor start at home in 1963 we went on to win the league by 4 points...... any better ?

And that was the start of L.F.C.domination in English and European Football in the 60s/70s/and 80s.Oh for the good old days.

Which THREE voted at my time of posting!

Whats the point of a poll if we're all meant to state "we will trash them".

I'm old fashioned - I always think we're going to win. Would rather not vote than predict anything else.

Is this game on tv in Australia tonight ?

I can't see anything other than a home win,we battered city and utd for the most part,and only silly mistakes,and shocking refereeing decisions cost us.

Is this game on tv in Australia tonight ?

Yes mate, on Fox Sports 1 at 12.55 am.

Hopeful for a win, worse part is that we take the lead, then the defence mess up, and concede silly goals.

Defence is the key here today, I think we would have had 5 more points if we never had these poor defensive mistakes so far this season. Havent had a clean sheet in all competitions since Hearts away, hopefully we can change that today.

                         Reina
    Wisdom   Skrtel  Agger   Johnson
                        Allen
                 Gerrard   Sahin
        Sterling                  Suso
                      Suarez

As much as I want that to be the first XI I have just got a strange feeling that he may start Borini instead of Suso.
Anyway I think that we may score 2/3 maybe Suarez (2) an maybe Sterlings first competitive goal. As I say again the outcome depends on our defence.

hello guys, this is my first post as I've just joined today. id like to see Brendan play this side

-------------reina-----------------
-wisdom-skrtel---agger--glen-
----gerrard---allen-------sahin-
----sterling----suarez---assaidi-

hopefully this team will be enough to claim the 3 points.

We will get, at least, one penalty today as Stoke try to kick seven shades of sh*te out of Suarez, Sterling, Suso, Sahin and Allen. That is all. 

We will get, at least, one penalty today as Stoke try to kick seven shades of sh*te out of Suarez, Sterling, Suso, Sahin and Allen. That is all. 

We should get more than a few free kicks from Charlie as well as he chases these boys around midfield.

We should get more than a few free kicks from Charlie as well as he chases these boys around midfield.

I imagine there will be a bit more of this today;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9d27mR1784#

3 old boys coming back.....always hate this....come on lads, lets get some momentum going

Hope we batter this anti-football team.

Going for a 3-0 win.

Come on!

We should get more than a few free kicks from Charlie as well as he chases these boys around midfield.

See now, I don't see it that way at all Si.

I think Charlie will have it sussed - no need to chase the ball 'round midfield as it goes tippi-tappi: just stand and watch then... when the ball is, eventually, passed forward... try to intercept it. That way, the ten minute rest (each time) will play right into Charlie's hands. 

See now, I don't see it that way at all Si.

I think Charlie will have it sussed - no need to chase the ball 'round midfield as it goes tippi-tappi: just stand and watch then... when the ball is, eventually, passed forward... try to intercept it. That way, the ten minute rest (each time) will play right into Charlie's hands. 

Could be mate but I think frustration might get the better of him at times.

Patience is key here today for the lads, especially in midfield and with Suarez. They have to know that they are gonna get kicked and they have to try pass through a brick wall. As long as they know that if they keep knocking eventually they will break through they should be ok.

I'm old fashioned - I always think we're going to win. Would rather not vote than predict anything else.

THIS

Most rumours are saying it's the same team that started against Norwich.

Most rumours are saying it's the same team that started against Norwich.

Very happy if thats the case

Have to go for a 3-1 to us. Sorry lads, but think a clean sheet might be a bit much to ask following recent performances. We're getting better, just not completely got it yet. Think we will get a bus pass today and Surez, Sterling and Gerrard to score. Consolation from stoke following a route 1 hoof. This could be a big step in the right direction with a convincing win, so everyone needs to be on their toes regarding the counter, and make sure they give 100% when tracking back. No lapses of concentration and a resounding win will transpire. I really do think we will give these the runaround regarding possesion today, the goals are back on the adjenda, just hope we got a decent ref with some courage.

Liverpool FC ‏@LFC
Confirmed #LFC team v Stoke: Reina, Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Allen, Gerrard, Sahin, Suso, Sterling, Suarez.

Liverpool FC ‏@LFC
Subs: Jones, Henderson, Cole, Assaidi, Coates, Borini, Carragher.

Same team it is then. To be honest, I'm a little worried for how Suso gets on up against the 'bog boys'.

Stoke: Begovic/Wilson Huth Shawcross Cameron/N'Zonzi Whelan/Kightly Adam Walters/Crouch. No Owen on bench apparently.

Cole on the bench then!

Surprised about that one.

Cole on the bench instead of Downing!  Wonder if that's because of his recent outburst.

I like that team, hopefully we should have enough trickery there to out do Stoke's bus.

Same team it is then. To be honest, I'm a little worried for how Suso gets on up against the 'bog boys'.

Stoke: Begovic/Wilson Huth Shawcross Cameron/N'Zonzi Whelan/Kightly Adam Walters/Crouch. No Owen on bench apparently.

Owen's injured apparently!

No full backs on the bench either.

Owen's injured apparently!

That's a first!

No full backs on the bench either.

Hendo *could* fill in at RB again, Agger at LB, just in case. Hopefully will not be needed tho.

At least we have attacking options on the bench if needed.

Hendo *could* fill in at RB again, Agger at LB, just in case. Hopefully will not be needed tho.

At least we have attacking options on the bench if needed.

True LL and it's great to see so many attacking options when in seasons gone by sometimes we had two, three and even four defenders on the bench.

Going for 2-0 in this one,Suarez  both of them.
We know how stoke will set there stall out & As some peeps have said, stoke will be kicking everything above the grass today, huth and  shawcross in particular
Who are just a pair of f***in donkeys for me.walters and n'zonzi need to marked tight today as they are decent players for stoke,and not forgetting  the big fella of course.

« Last Edit: Tomorrow at 17:05:56 PM by Reslivo »

Thats clever!

Win and clean sheet

C'MON REDMEN!!

That team is soooo sexy

Topic Locked, Live match thread is here http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,43806.new.html#new