Pre-Match: Dortmund v Liverpool Thurs 7th April 20:05 KO

A tough game coming up on Thursday against Klopp's old side.

Firmino is expected to be back after his injury, Benteke could make the bench.

We have 5 players who are a booking away from missing the second leg - Clyne, Lovren, Moreno, Coutinho and Firmino.

I'm expecting our strongest possible side to play:

Mignolet

Clyne
Lovren
Sakho
Moreno

Lallana
Henderson (c)
Emre Can
Coutinho

Firmino
Sturridge

Subs: Ward; Toure, Smith; Milner, Allen; Origi, Benteke.

Let's be confident and solid here and show them what we can do.

YNWA!

Buzzing for this one - almost feels like the good old Champions League days...!

Apparently German TV has 'Klopp Cam' going for the game, which would be classic to watch.

They did a real number of Spurs over two games, so hope that we can show them what we are capable of and get at least an away goal.

Firmino is still a doubt for this game which is a bit of a bugger but if he doesn't play at least he won't get a yellow and miss the return leg 

I don't think we will play deep or sit back, I think we need to condense the play but high up the pitch so the front 4 aren't isolated but maybe not have the fbs too high up so we've got some pace to cover balls over the top to Auba.  Ideally Migs needs to be patrolling the 18yd box instead of his goal line but that's never going to happen.

It'll be a good game and for once on a Thursday I might actually get to see 

If we can grab an away goal and not let them get too far ahead of us then it will be game on at Anfield under the lights next Thursday.

I hope we stay in it, if for the least seeing another big European atmosphere at home.

I hope we don't go there full of fear tonight because if we show up we can cause them problems even on their ground.

I have a feeling this could be a bit of a defensive game, we need to contain them and try to hit them on the break. I'd almost be tempted to switch to 3 CB's for this one and just play Firmino up top on his own, with the option of bringing on Studge if we need some more firepower.

Going to be a tough game but I think the ties have the makings of classics.

I'd take a 0-0 or even a bonus of a 1-0 win to us but I think it's going to end in a 1-1 draw with us winning the tie back at Anfield at 2-1.

I have a feeling this could be a bit of a defensive game, we need to contain them and try to hit them on the break. I'd almost be tempted to switch to 3 CB's for this one and just play Firmino up top on his own, with the option of bringing on Studge if we need some more firepower.

Agreed.

I hope people don't use the Dortmund-Spurs tie as a benchmark for what we can or can't do over two legs, especially the first leg. Any team consisting of Trippier, Mason, Carroll, Onomah and Chadli as the main striker is always going to get torn a new one away at one of Europe's best teams.

I'm really looking forward to this game, shame we've had to wait all week for it though. It feels like we wait forever for these Europa League fixtures to come around. Get the away goal whilst avoiding a big loss and bring the tie back to Anfield.

We should not fear Dortmund who people think are a top team but when they played Bayern they were completely outplayed and lucky to get a 0-0.

No top team gets outplayed to that extent so we should not fear them but obviously have a healthy respect.

Cut out our errors, not give the ball away cheaply in midfield - Milner mainly, and get clinical.

Oh hang on that's stating the obvious to win any  match 

We should not fear Dortmund who people think are a top team but when they played Bayern they were completely outplayed and lucky to get a 0-0.

Bayern have more possession than everybody - including Barca. If you consider that being outplayed, then fair enough I guess. Different strokes for different folks.

Nobody fears BVB. I think it's more excitement on behalf of both teams than anything. I can't wait for this to kick off.

A tough game coming up on Thursday against Klopp's old side.

Firmino is expected to be back after his injury, Benteke could make the bench.

We have 5 players who are a booking away from missing the second leg - Clyne, Lovren, Moreno, Coutinho and Firmino.

I'm expecting our strongest possible side to play:

Mignolet

Clyne
Lovren
Sakho
Moreno

Lallana
Henderson (c)
Emre Can
Coutinho

Firmino
Sturridge

Subs: Ward; Toure, Smith; Milner, Allen; Origi, Benteke.

Let's be confident and solid here and show them what we can do.

YNWA!

Think firmino will be benched, and Allen will start.

Bayern have more possession than everybody - including Barca. If you consider that being outplayed, then fair enough I guess. Different strokes for different folks.

Nobody fears BVB. I think it's more excitement on behalf of both teams than anything. I can't wait for this to kick off.

No mate not just possession stats wise they were comprehensively outplayed.

My point being Bayern are at the elite level and a level above and Dortmund are somewhere close to us when we are on form.

Something like this would be perfect.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zwrNODQ-6nI

We should not fear Dortmund who people think are a top team but when they played Bayern they were completely outplayed and lucky to get a 0-0.

No top team gets outplayed to that extent so we should not fear them but obviously have a healthy respect.

Cut out our errors, not give the ball away cheaply in midfield - Milner mainly, and get clinical.

Oh hang on that's stating the obvious to win any  match 

Bayern didn't totally outplay Dortmund in the 0-0 and the scoreline was fair, they shouldn't be feared but they are considerably better than anything we have played this season and we will have to play at our maximum to match them.

Firmino is on plane...so good news.

I had a dream it ends 1-1, which would be a good result...

Anyone know when the press conference is?  Or have I missed it?  There's nothing on lfc.tv.

Firmino is on plane...so good news.

Dunno why but that gave me a mental image of Bobby on one of these:

I have to question whether some of our legends/icons watch us play anymore. Thompson says it's going to be a tough call for Jürgen regarding whether to play Sakho or not. He thinks Skrtel is in contention to start ahead of him Did he watch the Southampton game? It'd be F***ing outrageous if Skrtel was to start.

I have to question whether some of our legends/icons watch us play anymore. Thompson says it's going to be a tough call for Jürgen regarding whether to play Sakho or not. He thinks Skrtel is in contention to start ahead of him Did he watch the Southampton game? It'd be F***ing outrageous if Skrtel was to start.

Similar to the Rooney and Terry arguments mate, they go on past reputation rather than what they're doing in the present. 

We had it with Stevie, the chavs with Lampard, the mancs with Carrick all well past their prime but should be kept around because they still offer something, even if it's just half an hour here and there.

We're winning 3-1.

Mignolet

Clyne
Lovren
Sakho
Moreno

Henderson
Can

Milner
Lallana
Coutinho

Sturridge

Got a feeling we will see that. Hope Bobby starts for Milner, though. Pumped up for this one! Has the makings of an absolute cracker (or a disaster if Dortmund click and we go back to the defensive nightmare we can be at times).

Anyone know when the press conference is?  Or have I missed it?  There's nothing on lfc.tv.

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2016/matches/round=2000661/match=2017217/prematch/preview/index.html

Scheduled for 18:15 C.E.T. which is 17:15 UK time if i'm not wrong.  You've only missed the Borussia's part but can get the idea here.

Their midfield 'three', Mkhitaryan; Kagawa & Reus, do two things really well... #1: they can play in the 'gap' between op's midfield and defence #2: they can all run, with the ball at their feet, at the op's defence.

In my opinion - if we play Lovren & Sakho, (with the notion that they can play a "higher line"), we run the risk of getting stuffed. Play deeper, keep our midfield 'two' close to our centre halves [Skrtel & Lovren], hit them on the break. Job's a good'un. 

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2016/matches/round=2000661/match=2017217/prematch/preview/index.html

Scheduled for 18:15 C.E.T. which is 17:15 UK time if i'm not wrong.  You've only missed the Borussia's part but can get the idea here.

Thanks mate.

Thanks mate.

You are welcome.

I am very excited for this match but everything is relative because my uncle has died yesterday. I hope that this game will shine a little new light in my family.

This a massive game for both the team and Klopp. This is not about Klopp but our team. We need to score a goal to have a chance to qualify.

Their midfield 'three', Mkhitaryan; Kagawa & Reus, do two things really well... #1: they can play in the 'gap' between op's midfield and defence #2: they can all run, with the ball at their feet, at the op's defence.

In my opinion - if we play Lovren & Sakho, (with the notion that they can play a "higher line"), we run the risk of getting stuffed. Play deeper, keep our midfield 'two' close to our centre halves [Skrtel & Lovren], hit them on the break. Job's a good'un. 

By playing Skrtel we give them all the time in the world on the ball right in front of our defence and that will be a huge problem. I don't necessarily think we'll play with a high line just because Sakho is in the back four. 

By playing Skrtel we give them all the time in the world on the ball right in front of our defence and that will be a huge problem.

That's what you think and you read what I think; Jürgen won't care what either of us think but, you know what? I won't be mewling if what he decides goes against my opinion. 

I am very excited for this match but everything is relative because my uncle has died yesterday. I hope that this game will shine a little new light in my family.

This a massive game for both the team and Klopp. This is not about Klopp but our team. We need to score a goal to have a chance to qualify.

Sorry to hear that mate.  Big love to you and all your family 

Sorry to hear that mate.  Big love to you and all your family 

Thanks mate May his soul rest in peace

Thanks mate May his soul rest in peace

RIP Clints Uncle.

YNWA

A few of our young'uns setting off for manc airport decided on a stop off first 

Thanks mate May his soul rest in peace

Hey Clint, sorry for the loss of your uncle mate...

YNWA.

everything is relative because my uncle has died yesterday.

Genuinely saddened to hear that buddy. Football is only a game and we should never lose sight of that. YNWA

Genuinely saddened to hear that buddy. Football is only a game and we should never lose sight of that. YNWA

Thanks

I saw this on BBC and adapted by myself. We need To Istanbul tomorrow's game. That means to pull off a huge turnaround. "I started this exam badly but in the last 20 minutes I absolutely Istanbuled it".

I am very excited for this match but everything is relative because my uncle has died yesterday. I hope that this game will shine a little new light in my family.

This a massive game for both the team and Klopp. This is not about Klopp but our team. We need to score a goal to have a chance to qualify.

Sorry to hear of your family's loss
Tough time for you all
Hope tomorrow's game brings some joy during a very difficult time

I am very excited for this match but everything is relative because my uncle has died yesterday. I hope that this game will shine a little new light in my family.

This a massive game for both the team and Klopp. This is not about Klopp but our team. We need to score a goal to have a chance to qualify.

So sorry to learn your uncle passed on Clint , may I offer you and your family my condolences, your uncle is at peace now,
In heaven he'll never walk alone.

RIP

YNWA

Tough game this but one we all knew would come out of the hat at some point..

Big away games in Europe are what we're all about and they don't come any bigger than Dortmund..
The atmosphere will be electric and a massive test for our lads..

a back 3 was mentioned before and I can only agree.
Defence is a our main priority tomorrow with a bulky midfield and a counter of speed and most importantly completion..
we have to bury any chances that come our way..

Great opportunity for the likes of Origi to play up on his own and run at them..
personally i'd drop Sturridge to the bench(he was sh*t against Tottenham)

Looking for another stroke of genius from Jürgen making the opposition look normal..

Can't wait for this

I am very excited for this match but everything is relative because my uncle has died yesterday.

Sorry to hear your news Clint.  You're right - everything is relative.  I'm sure a lot of people who read this forum will have you in mind during, what should be, a memorable YNWA tomorrow.

Big away games in Europe are what we're all about and they don't come any bigger than Dortmund..
The atmosphere will be electric and a massive test for our lads..

Don't care what anyone else says.  Best tie in all the European competitions this week.  I mean, come on, PSG v Man City.  Who and who?

Need an away goal, to have any chance of succeeding, in this difficult tie. Could well be a close encounter over the two legs.

3-1 to them, I think.

3-1 to them, I think.

That's the spirit 

According to the Guardian, Express and Mirror Sturridge may be dropped in place of Origi.... Don't believe it will happen but if it's true goes to show No one Is Bigger than Jürgen at the club.........as it should be.

Our biggest game of the season this one and what an emotional rollercoaster it will be for Jürgen, our advantage will be that he will know everything about them and he will set us up accordingly, if we can get an away goal it will be brilliant, but we will need to be completely at the top of our game to get anything at all tomorrow night.

Mega excited about this huge game, I've got quite a few mates who have made the trip over, and of course its gonna be a massive night next Thursday for the return leg....Jürgen and the boys, it's over to you 

Don't think for one minute we'll get battered like spuds did.
Quietly confident this is gonna be a
1-1 draw. Don't know ehy exactly, just got a feeling in my bones, we gonna really turn it on tomorrow.
Can't wait.

According to the Guardian, Express and Mirror Sturridge may be dropped in place of Origi.... Don't believe it will happen but if it's true goes to show No one Is Bigger than Jürgen at the club.........as it should be.

Very interesting development.

It's been said that while Studge brings the moments of magic he isn't doing enough right now. Firmino is on current form the right choice for the number 9 role and that then moves Studge out wide. Do you trust him to track back at all? I know I wouldn't if I'm honest, so therefore Lallana/Origi (also offering that pace) are probably the logic pairing for Bobby.

As you say it could all very well be bollocks and a touch of smoke and mirrors. Certainly something to chew over to pass the very slow passing time!

Not sure about the studge issue, but one things clear enough. If we play Skrtel, when they attack, he will back off and back off and back off, until they are in our box with a shooting opportunity.
Has to be Lovren and Sahko or even Lovren and Lucas, or my 1-1 prediction is gonna be cursed.

Sorry to hear about your loss Clint condolences to you and your family.

Really feeling the nerves for this one just under 24 hours before kick off now, going to be a long sleepless night tonight.

Ive bet 1-1 Couts first goal but Ive a feeling we could get our bum felt ,yet if anyone knows how to play against them it will be Jürgen having the players to do the job is the tricky part ,


Mon The Reds get  the stuck right in tae them 

All I know is that mig, Lovren, hendo and Phil have to show up and properly deliver if we are to get out of there with a score line that we can build upon next week.
I hope for a 1-1 but think a 2-1  to them is more likely
Regardless, what a couple of games are ahead of us. Proper footy. Proper passion and hopefully real reason to fall in love again with Liverpool football club's European games

Meh. 

Even if Sturridge is only at 50%, I'd rather have him than a 100% Origi.

Meh. 

Even if Sturridge is only at 50%, I'd rather have him than a 100% Origi.

Think that's harsh. Origi runs hot and cold but if he's hot he will be a handful for them. We will see.

Meh. 

Even if Sturridge is only at 50%, I'd rather have him than a 100% Origi.

If we play as deep as we did against Spurs at times last week, I'd want Sturridge or Origi up top rather than Firmino deployed as a 9.

But like you, I'd sooner have a rusty Sturridge than a fit Origi spearheading the initial attack. Not only is his movement better (if his team mates decide to make the pass) but his finishing compared to Origi is much more clinical.

I wouldn't bet on us winning this tie... But then I've seen greater surprises in football.

Quietly confident we will get a result here. There's no team Jürgen is going to know better, regardless of a change in management and what have you.

The better the opposition the better we play (sometimes), feeling quietly confident we can get a result that leave us with something to play for in the second leg. 2-1 against would be a good result imo.

Need to keep our cool if we concede early. Don't wan't to take a heavy defeat like Spurs (reserves) did there. Just depends on which Liverpool turns up, the one that thrashed Citeh or the one that folded like a cheap suit against West Ham etc etc.

BIG BIG GAME

 

I'm pretty laid back about the whole thing.

Without going off on a tangent about whose team it is or it isn't  ...... Jürgen has brought this group of players along since he joined only 6 months back.

 It will be a special occasion for Klopp one which I hope he deservedly enjoys.


As long as we have two great games which I am sure we will then thats great for all.

I'm fairly relaxed about this one as well, as long as we don't get humiliated. I think it will be 2 very good games of football and I hope we manage to edge it.

I think there'll be a bit of edge to this game. Jürgen will send us out pumped up and they'll want to give it to us and end the tie on the night.

Super psyched for it to begin.

So nice to see fans laid back, relaxed and oh so airy fairy about a match of such importance.

I just wanna see two great games, 

Yeah, and I want to see Liverpool batter these.

If all the Rumours of Origi starting ahead of Sturridge are correct then at least we will have an outlet to hit them on the counter with pace and physically put himself about to hold up the ball.
He will also run those channels to stretch their defence.

Conversely if we get one or two chances then I would prefer Sturridge taking those chances.

Ideally if Origi starts then it would make sense starting Firmino.

Had a re-think about the side which could face Dortmund tonight, and by reading Klopp's pre match comments:

Mignolet

Clyne
Lovren
Sakho
Moreno

Henderson (c)
Emre Can

Milner
Coutinho
Lallana

Origi

Subs: Ward; Toure, Smith; Allen; Ibe, Ojo; Sturridge.

Plenty of legs in there and Origi could prove an important outlet.

Had a re-think about the side which could face Dortmund tonight, and by reading Klopp's pre match comments:

Mignolet

Clyne
Lovren
Sakho
Moreno

Henderson (c)
Emre Can

Milner
Coutinho
Lallana

Origi

Subs: Ward; Toure, Smith; Allen; Ibe, Ojo; Sturridge.

Plenty of legs in there and Origi could prove an important outlet.

No Firmino, no thanks.

No Firmino, no thanks.

Injured isn't he?

Injured isn't he?

He's in the training shots but will he be match fit?

He's in the training shots but will he be match fit?

That's good, I heard he was out the other day. Fingers crossed then.

The way Dortmund play i am sure they will come after us right from the start, we must not panic at the back and if we keep our heads could hit them quite easily on the counter, provided wea are on our game of course.  C'MON YOU REDMEN!!!!

Firmino on the bench probably, and yes I fancy Origi to start, with sturridge on the bench, can see us being very cagey, clean sheet or conceding the odd goal is vital, nick and away goal would be superb. Nick 2 away gaols oaft.

If all the Rumours of Origi starting ahead of Sturridge are correct then at least we will have an outlet to hit them on the counter with pace and physically put himself about to hold up the ball.
He will also run those channels to stretch their defence.

Conversely if we get one or two chances then I would prefer Sturridge taking those chances.

Ideally if Origi starts then it would make sense starting Firmino.

Pretty much my thoughts, Origi seems the better option right to the point where a chance presents itself and then you'd swap him for a half-fit Studge in a second!

Five and a bit hours to go, gonna try and have a kip, have set the alarm to be ready in time for KO.

Come on lads keep a clean sheet, grab a couple of away goals and do us proud!


Condolences to you and your Family, Clint.

im worried we might lose like 3-0 for some reason.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the posts saying we are laid back and just want to see two great games of football. I am ready to watch two of the most boring matches ever in football history if it means we qualify but it will be far from it seeing the quality on display. Some of our better performances this season have come up against good quality teams and we are not going to face a team of Dortmund's quality this season so let's give our best performances in these two matches and get through this hurdle. 

You can all rest easy, I'm at work during the game, so we'll win by 5 goals or something.... 

But seriously, I don't know why, but I feel like Origi is gonna do something special.... I'm gonna go 2-1 to us... 

Sorry to hear of your family's loss
Tough time for you all
Hope tomorrow's game brings some joy during a very difficult time

So sorry to learn your uncle passed on Clint , may I offer you and your family my condolences, your uncle is at peace now,
In heaven he'll never walk alone.

RIP

YNWA

Sorry to hear that mate.

YNWA

Sorry to hear your news Clint.  You're right - everything is relative.  I'm sure a lot of people who read this forum will have you in mind during, what should be, a memorable YNWA tomorrow.

Thanks friends, today I'm better. Hope to have a great Live thread.

I hope if we do go with Origi over Sturridge that our finishing up top doesn't suffer.

Liverpool Echo: "Liverpool FC and Borussia Dortmund fans team up for ticket price protest": http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-fc-borussia-dortmund-fans-11146441

Will be great to see both fan groups united tonight in the Westfalenstadion with their common protest against the seemingly unstoppable greed of club officials.

As I heard the initiative came from some Liverpool guys, very good job and big respect for them!

I hope if we do go with Origi over Sturridge that our finishing up top doesn't suffer.

Agreed but just for the young lad's defence if he does get in the position to miss something it'll be worth considering had we been able to get there without him before the knives come out.

Certainly adds a level of intrigue and personally, as I suggested before this whispering came out, I'd go with Origi. My biggest worry is what kind of message it will send to Sturridge and if he handled it the right way because it's a 'right now' decision rather than a long term one in my opinion.

Agreed but just for the young lad's defence if he does get in the position to miss something it'll be worth considering had we been able to get there without him before the knives come out.

Certainly adds a level of intrigue and personally, as I suggested before this whispering came out, I'd go with Origi. My biggest worry is what kind of message it will send to Sturridge and if he handled it the right way because it's a 'right now' decision rather than a long term one in my opinion.

I think Origi is a very interesting choice. I wouldn't have gone with him in a million years and I'd have Sturridge every time, but I don't know the Dortmund defenders like Jürgen does. Funnily enough I was chatting with another Red in the bar last night and we were saying we expected at least one "left field" selection. I had a hunch it might be Ibe, but Origi is fast if nothing else and if we're planning to play over the top of the press and turn them around, he'll cause them problems.

I don't think for one minute as you say Sturridge will like it, but I've been thinking for a week or two that he'll be offski in the Summer anyway. I don't massively agree with that decision either, but whether or not the player or I like him being left on the bench or not is neither here nor there really.

Interesting option if Origi is selected over Danny. I think Origi may be able to hold up the ball a little better than Danny and handle the physical side much better. I would expect Origi to run their legs off for 60mins before Danny comes on to finish the job.

Hopefully Danny will accept his role tonight with good grace and for the good of the team....if it does happen.

Obviously the alternative might be playing Origi wide and Firmino as the false 9 (not so sure he is false anymore tbh)

I am very excited for this match but everything is relative because my uncle has died yesterday. I hope that this game will shine a little new light in my family.

This a massive game for both the team and Klopp. This is not about Klopp but our team. We need to score a goal to have a chance to qualify.

Sorry to hear that mate.  Chin up.

Travelling Kop enjoying themselves


https://twitter.com/anfieldhq/status/718076726169976833

Really difficult game ahead, would be happy with a score draw tonight tbh.

Looking forward to this test ourselves and see which players really want to stand up and those who want to shirk away,  hope they all put a performance in for the club and travelling fans .

The only way we will win this over the two legs is if we score more goals than Dortmund, unless there is a bigger away score draw.

https://twitter.com/anfieldonline/status/718107469172629504

Starting to feel the butterflies! I really hope we can take something away with us tonight. I'd settle for a score draw, the away goal is crucial.

3-1 to them, I think.

I've been slightly less optimistic than that in the Prediction League!

Fingers crossed me and you are both badly wrong!

https://twitter.com/LFC_Vines/status/718108593875247104

https://twitter.com/LFC_Vines/status/718078950849847297

https://twitter.com/LFC_Vines/status/718077745910169601

3-0 to us I think.

2-1 in our favour.

The only way we will win this over the two legs is if we score more goals than Dortmund, unless there is a bigger away score draw.

Sometimes it's hard to argue with you Rip. This is one of those sometimes.

Sometimes it's hard to argue with you Rip. This is one of those sometimes.

Nah mate, lose 2-1 away win 1-0 at home, lose 3-1 away win 2-0 at home, lose 3-2 away win 1-0 a home etc etc

Obviously if we win 3-0 tonight that would be even better

https://twitter.com/anfieldonline/status/718107469172629504

Reminds me of Anfield. A select few start a song, some others join in, it dies down shortly after all whilst quite a few have their phones out

Just been watching a Bundesliga highlights show.....Dortmund really is class this season. 2nd place, pushing Bayern for first and they will definitely be in CL next year. This will be a great test for us to see how much progress we've really made.