Pre Match: West Ham v Liverpool Sat 2nd January 12:45KO

We travel to Upton Park on Saturday looking for another win to help our top four push.

I'd go with a similar side as against Sunderland:

Mignolet

Clyne
Lovren
Sakho
Moreno

Lucas
Emre Can

Firmino
Coutinho
Lallana

Benteke

Subs: Bogdan; Toure, Smith; Henderson, Milner; Teixeira, Ibe.

Guessing Hendo won't start after coming off injured last night, but hopefully both he and Milner will be fit enough to make the squad at least.

I would like Ibe to start in place of Lallana but he could be important in this game.

Going for a 3-1 win, we are slowly getting some confidence and I think we will start to kick on again now.

Yeah, it's basically the exact same side as we don't have many other options.  Until we get Studge, Origi, and Milner back we really don't have many other options who look like breaking into the starting 11 -- Ibe seems like the only one.  Seems a daft move to have loaned Markovic out now.....

I'm nervous about this one, but hopefully we can get a win and continue to build some momentum.  Come on lads, let's start to assert ourselves and climb the table!!

The starting eleven almost picks itself for this match. Lovren and Sakho have looked a decent pairing recently so the threat from Carroll should be zero

----------------------------Mignolet

Clyne------------Lovren------------Sakho------------Moreno

-------------------Can----------------Lucas

Ibe-----------------------Coutinho---------------------Lallana

----------------------------Firmino

The starting eleven almost picks itself for this match. Lovren and Sakho have looked a decent pairing recently so the threat from Carroll should be zero

----------------------------Mignolet

Clyne------------Lovren------------Sakho------------Moreno

-------------------Can----------------Lucas

Ibe-----------------------Coutinho---------------------Lallana

----------------------------Firmino

As much as I would love to see this, I don't see Benteke being dropped after consecutive match winning goals.

As much as I would love to see this, I don't see Benteke being dropped after consecutive match winning goals.

But surely the overall performance will be considered as well, No?

But surely the overall performance will be considered as well, No?

I'm hoping so, but I just don't see it happening.

I expect the West Ham test to be bigger than that of Sunderland. They'll be aggressive and are quite good going forward (unlike Sunderland). They also have a tactically good coach. We'll be needing lots of luck to win this one especially given the fact that the boys have lesser recovery time. I'll go for a 4-2-3-1 formation of:
              Mignolet
Clyne Lovren Sahko Moreno
          Lucas Allen
    Lallana Firmino Ibe
           Benteke

Sub: Bodgan, Toure, Smith, Sturridge, Coutinho, Henderson, Milner

A defensive minded back six and an attack minded front four (for counter attacking strategy)... Benteke's height needed to contribute defensively during corners.

Hard game for sure. Would like to see someone else come on for Can to be honest. Yes he's young and aggressive, but IMO he doesn't put in enough quality in either attack or defence, plus he gives away needless free kicks. Anyone can do lots of running around, just ATM there isn't any end product from him.

more or less same team, our squad is pretty depleted.

mignolet clyne lovren sakho moreno lucas can lallana coutinho ibe firmino

in a slightly reverted 4-3-3 formation. hopefully we'll see studge on the bench??

Not going in with Benteke against WHam would be madness.  I'm not his biggest fan, but he's scored two consecutive winners, has height to challenge the likes of Carroll and Collins at both ends of the pitch, and his confidence will be high.
I'd bring in Ibe for Coutinho or Firmino.  Looks like Hendo will be out so Allen comes in.  Wish I felt more confident but we have some momentum going into a tricky game like this.  Got some faith in the back line now!

Happy new year everybody, let's hope 2016 is good to us, the boys (and girls) in red.

Happy New Year to all.

Is Sturridge an actual chance to play today? It would give us a great boost.

A bit of payback must be exacted against this mob, and they will scrap for 90 minutes. This will be a great litmus test to see how our recent revival will fare.

Is there anyone fit left?

Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Allen (sorry), Milner/Ibe, Coutinho, Benteke

Running out of players fast at the moment. Hopefully Sturridge will get a few minutes in this game before his next injury. I presume Henderson and Origi will be out?

Need to be ready for another battle in this game, a bit of revenge would be nice so I'm going for us to win 4-0 Benteke 2, Coutinho 2

Happy New Year everyone.


New Year's Day question.... Who scored the last goal for Liverpool in front of the standing Kop?

I see some of you would rather have Firmino up front instead of Benteke, because he better suits our playing style, fair enough, but if I was to put money on either Firmino or Benteke scoring in a game my money is going on Benteke!
 I've seen nothing to suggest that Firmino is suddenly going start being prolific.
This is likely to be a scrappy win if we get it, so I'd play the guy that's most likely to sneak a goal for us.

Well we do look a lot more settled and solid at the back now. Not giving up too many chances to the opposition lately. Mid field need to be more cohesive than they were against sunderland, and get better service to those ahead of them. Then we need to put away our chances. Big Ben still needs to make more aggros runs behind their back line, and more anticipated movement across the pitch in general.
If we could nick this one I'd be delighted. Think it would give the lads much more confidence than the win against Sunderland, which was expected really. Tough game, but if we get the attitude right from the off, I'm hoping for a 2-0 win.

hold the front page Sturridge is fit (well at 10.25 am he is) what a fantastic bonus he would be if he was fit for W.Ham.
Every game now is an important one.We play early so can go above UTD and put pressure on Spurs in 4th who play Everton.
Happy New Year to everyone lets hope its a good one

We have to crowd the midfield and not let the hammers run riot there and we stand a chance of winning. We can expect crosses to come into our box so cutting out the supply to their wingers will be crucial. Will be happy to settle for a 1-0 win.

Will be a tough game, but the first (if I am not mistaken) game where we are facing a team we have played once before this season in the Prem.

Last time we lost 3-0 at home and will be going with a very similar lineup (aside from Milner out and Sakho in). Will be very interesting to see 'how far we have come' this season. Especially as this is away.

West Ham seem to believe this will be an easy win (according to my friend who is a hammer, they always beat us now - not so sure on that one) and are on good form unbeaten in 6.

I predict another scrappy game, would be very surprised if we keep a clean sheet and would bite off anyone's hand who offers me a result where we take 3 points. Thinking a draw for this one, but optimistic we can get all 3 points and give out a bit of a battering. I honestly feel we are due to give out a hiding to someone very soon!

1-2 away win I'm going on this one. Hard battle ahead, but revenge for the reverse at anfield earlier in the season.

Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Allen (sorry), Milner/Ibe, Coutinho, Benteke

Running out of players fast at the moment. Hopefully Sturridge will get a few minutes in this game before his next injury. I presume Henderson and Origi will be out?

Need to be ready for another battle in this game, a bit of revenge would be nice so I'm going for us to win 4-0 Benteke 2, Coutinho 2

Happy New Year everyone.


New Year's Day question.... Who scored the last goal for Liverpool in front of the standing Kop?

Barnes?

Barnes?

Nope. Someone connected to West Ham.

Nope. Someone connected to West Ham.

Was it Dicks?

I see some of you would rather have Firmino up front instead of Benteke, because he better suits our playing style, fair enough, but if I was to put money on either Firmino or Benteke scoring in a game my money is going on Benteke!
 I've seen nothing to suggest that Firmino is suddenly going start being prolific.
This is likely to be a scrappy win if we get it, so I'd play the guy that's most likely to sneak a goal for us.

Fair point.

And why Jimmy Corkhill?

Why?

Was it Dicks?

Yeah, scored with a penalty. You win a plus 1

Next question - Two Liverpool players from the same town both scored hatricks on their debuts for Liverpool who are they.

Same team as against Sunderland with the exception of Ibe in for Lallana. Would be great if we can bring on Sturridge at some point.

Is there anyone fit left?

its funny you ask,  west ham players are all back for this game

Happy New Year to all.

Is Sturridge an actual chance to play today? It would give us a great boost.

A bit of payback must be exacted against this mob, and they will scrap for 90 minutes. This will be a great litmus test to see how our recent revival will fare.

He may last the full 90mins today seeing as we don't play until tomorrow

Yeah, scored with a penalty. You win a plus 1

Next question - Two Liverpool players from the same town both scored hatricks on their debuts for Liverpool who are they.

Ian St John and Bobby Graham (Motherwell)?

Ian St John and Bobby Graham (Motherwell)?

Spot on ... and well done

A bit like when my local team arrives at away ground with just 11 fit players so I can see them saying  "these look F***ing soft and are there for the taking, we have to batter them!"

Sure its not THAT bad with LFC as Klopp will do have full bench to chose from. But our injury crisis and energy levels probably not at 100%, West Ham will likely go out there mentaly very strong and with belief Liverpool dont look up too much.

Sorry Im not looking for an excuses just saying its going to be a huge battle and a massive three points should we win.

All the best for 2016 to all my fellow reds!  Lets hope for a win against West Ham.  Benteke and Sturridge to start please.

The following did not travel for the West Ham game: Hendo, Milner, Studge, Origi. Given the tired legs after the quick succession of matches we could have done with some good news...

Yep, was hoping for Sturridge just to sit on the bench giving West Ham something to thing about. oh well

I'd go Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Lucas, Can; Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho; Benteke.


 

I see some of you would rather have Firmino up front instead of Benteke, because he better suits our playing style, fair enough, but if I was to put money on either Firmino or Benteke scoring in a game my money is going on Benteke!
 I've seen nothing to suggest that Firmino is suddenly going start being prolific.
This is likely to be a scrappy win if we get it, so I'd play the guy that's most likely to sneak a goal for us.

Fully agree.

Spot on ... and well done

Got to give credit to LFC history site!  Took some finding though...!  Great question.

http://www.lfchistory.net/Stats/PlayerHattricksTotals.aspx

It would be great if the Reds, could make it three wins on the trot, at West Ham. This would make for a really Happy New Year for all the fans.

Henderson and Sturridge not available tomorrow according to the boss.

I want payback for when they came to Anfield.

My mates son of all people, chatted sh*t after that game and I firmly put him in his place. He apologized but now I want to see him how he feels when the boots on the other foot....I was gonna say get banged but that wouldn't sound right. 

            Mignolet
Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno,
         Lucas, Can
Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino
           Benteke

Lucas or Milner in for Hendo (not sure if Milner available, but Lucas did well when came on the other night)
Would give the front 4 another chance. Maybe if Firmino controls that Cou ball and gets a shot away we'd have gone 1 up early and the rest of the game might have been easier. Maybe, maybe not. Tbh, could be similar pattern to the Sunderland game, tire in the 2nd half - so would bring Ibe etc. at that point.
Depending on the defense again to keep clean sheet, cause hard to see a lot of goals. Still, if we click, maybe we can knock a few in.
Please let us click...

Not really optimistic on this one given the tired legs vs the hammers' fresh legs. I hope to be surprised with an emphatic performance followed by quality buys in the the transfer window.

Prediction: 0-3. I just love them clean sheets.😜

Not really optimistic on this one given the tired legs vs the hammers' fresh legs. I hope to be surprised with an emphatic performance followed by quality buys in the the transfer window.

Prediction: 0-3. I just love them clean sheets.😜

You're not really optimistic, but you're going for.a 3-0 Liverpool win? My optimism is that we won't get beaten!
After 2 wins on the bounce, you would think our boys would be feeling a little bit more confident, but because we scraped 1-0 wins in those games, they might not have that swagger about them just yet.
They've beaten Arsenal, Chelsea, City, Palace, Southampton and ahem, Liverpool this season, and they're only one point behind us in the league, so I doubt this will be a walk over.

I would take a scrappy1-0 win all day long.

Got to give credit to LFC history site!  Took some finding though...!  Great question.

http://www.lfchistory.net/Stats/PlayerHattricksTotals.aspx

Great list. Glad to say I saw 54 of those listed, who have scored hat tricks, play.

Will be a tough game....but then again all the Prem games are tough.
We shouldn't be so fearful of them after all we have won our last 2 games too and winning does give confidence.  If we move the ball quickly and importantly take our scoring chances, then we will comfortably get the result.
I'm going 0-2 Can and Benteke

Looks like they'll be at full strength, minus Diafra Sakho. Payed probably on the bench.

We got tanked by them earlier this season so a bit of revenge would be nice. New manager, new style and more graft in the side which was lacking last time out against them.

Maybe as few changes as possible would help the side continue but we have some big games coming up. Trust in Jürgen to get it done.

I see a wee Joe Allen on the pictures training with the team yesterday - maybe  a packed midfield with him, Lucas and Can would be a way to go?

I can see West Ham going in overly enthusiastic, hope the referee is not intimidated by a noisy crowd and uses his cards when appropriate.

It would be great if the Reds, could make it three wins on the trot, at West Ham. This would make for a really Happy New Year for all the fans.

It would David ...  even another 1-0 scrape by.
With the current team if we come away with a draw I will be happy though of course 3 points and the momentum that provides would be a great way to start '16.
Shrewd cookie their manager.

Will be at the game today.  First one this season.  Hope to see some magic from Coutinho! 

If the defense stays as solid as it's been in last 2 games, and the front 4 (assuming similar lineup to Southampton) hit some better patterns and convert one or two more of the good chances that have been missed, could be good day.

Feeling relatively confident. Hendo probably out, but he's not been fully fit anyway imo, and Studge being injured is more the rule now than the exception. We've played well only in fits and starts lately, but still got 2 x 3 pts. Difficult to predict why or when we will click, but could be today !?

Not much of a break since last game, so less rested than WH. Hope they've all had their weetabix. COYRs!!!!!!

Well here we go again I guess nobody can really predict what sort of performance we will get from the lads but a scrappy 1=0 will do for me.

We can't continue with the 4 2 3 1 or at least not with the same 3. Personally id like to see 4 4 2 today with Firmino as an out and out striker up with Benteke. Another option could be Ibe though id start him wide mid       

You're not really optimistic, but you're going for.a 3-0 Liverpool win? My optimism is that we won't get beaten!

The LFC in me always dare to dream even in seemingly low moments; we could do a southampton again.

We can't continue with the 4 2 3 1 or at least not with the same 3. Personally id like to see 4 4 2 today with Firmino as an out and out striker up with Benteke. Another option could be Ibe though id start him wide mid       

Just think Benteke gets a bit lost in a 4231 and with not much width either its going to be pretty hard for him to shine.

I'd like to see Ibe in for Lallana but that team has goals in it if it can just click into place which I think it might do today.

Debating whether to go to a really sh*t pub to watch the game or stay at home and watch it alone, with no booze, when I think I may need some today.

Not confident, would take a draw

Debating whether to go to a really sh*t pub to watch the game or stay at home and watch it alone, with no booze, when I think I may need some today.

Never in my life has not going to the pub been an option.

West Ham fans all talking about a double over us.....would love to shut them up, least they play football now unlike big fat SAMs sh*te

lallana droped to the bench. fantastic