New signings = New First XI

Yeah ridiculous to say Gerrard needs to be phased out, i've heard that for a few months now and i just don't get it. The fact that he has been, for me, the single greatest thing to happen to Liverpool has nothing to do with it, his performances speak for themselves.
In regards to the squad i think BR was very clever, i thought we might need another attacking player but scoring goals last season was not much of a problem, conceding poor goals was the problem and he is strengthened the defense very well. With Suarez back i have all confidence that we can make top 4!
YNWA

Absolutely shocking people saying Gerrard needs to leave the team, not only is he a key member of the side and doing a great job in his deeper role, it's Steven Gerrard for f**k sake. To say that about the captain of our club after everything he's done is f**king terrible support. Besides the fact that IMO he's still the best midfielder in England and I genuinely wouldn't swap him for any player.

he is still the best passer of a ball and some of his tackling against UTD was as good as you will see from any footballer

I'd stick Sakho at left back for the time being and have Kolo and Agger in the centre.

I agree. I mentioned in another thread that I could see him playing the Lucas role as he's looked a bit rash and shakey this year.

This isn't necessarily the team I'd pick but I think it has the best combination of players for when everyone's fit and Suarez is back (hopefully)

Not sure on the 3-5-2 formation but it doesn't look a bad team in my eyes. Looks balanced with safety at the back and danger going forward:


               Migs

   Toure   Agger   Sakho

Johnson                   Enrique

        Gerrard   Hendo

             Coutinho

       Suarez   Sturridge


What do others think?

Of course, I haven't seen Sakho play yet for us, but if he is anything what I saw at PSG and what I hear, I'd love this XI. If not, judging by the United display of Skrtel, make the back 3

Skrtel Toure Agger

Simon, Moses, Jordan & 2 Daniels - there must be a biblical gag in there surely?

Hell, I hope they all have an impact of biblical proportions - Brendan can of course be the 'second coming' of Shankly.

Simon, Moses, Jordan & 2 Daniels - there must be a biblical gag in there surely?

Just need a Joshua now to lead us into the Promised land

he is still the best passer of a ball and some of his tackling against UTD was as good as you will see from any footballer

only concern I have about Gerrard is his age.  I really think he should be left out of all none vital games. An injury would be a disaster really.

he is still the best passer of a ball and some of his tackling against UTD was as good as you will see from any footballer

Not so far this season, it has been very sloppy at times, but his sitting and his overall defensive game has been top drawer.

only concern I have about Gerrard is his age.  I really think he should be left out of all none vital games. An injury would be a disaster really.

Good shout there! Last year if not for the shoulder he would've played all 38 league games whistle to whistle for us. I can't see that happening this year even without injury.

GK...Mignolet
RB...Johnson
CB...Sakho
CB...Agger
LB...Enrique
CM...Gerrard
CM...Lucas
LM...Moses
RM...Suarez
AM...Couthino
FW...Sturridge

Its very hard to drop Henderson and Toure but after spending so much on Sakho he has to start. Feel that Couthino should play at number 10 and Moses would be more effective on the wing then Henderson. Great to have all these options though.

only concern I have about Gerrard is his age.  I really think he should be left out of all none vital games. An injury would be a disaster really.

As long as he's fit and firing, he should be playing every game for me. You seriously think Steven Gerrard wants to be left out? Besides, every game at the moment is vital, we don't have Europe either so I'm sure Gerrard can play once a week, twice for the odd midweek domestic cup game. Gerrard is as good and fit as any other 33 year old in the world, I don't get the concerns over his age. Look at the likes of Pirlo and Xavi...

The difference between Gerrard and Pirlo and Xavi and the like is they aren't expected to make bone crunching tackles like Stevie is. Or expected to run themselves into the ground like Gerrard has for the past 10 years.

I think a little management of his appearances may be required, especially as we know England won't give a toss about his health and wellbeing.

The difference between Gerrard and Pirlo and Xavi and the like is they aren't expected to make bone crunching tackles like Stevie is. Or expected to run themselves into the ground like Gerrard has for the past 10 years.

I think a little management of his appearances may be required, especially as we know England won't give a toss about his health and wellbeing.

Yeah I think that's a fair point mate, managing his appearances where we can. If we're in a healthy lead in a match, then take him off and give him a rest. But some of the calls for him to be 'left out of none vital matches' is a joke. Start with the strongest side, then take players off if you need to, I'm all for that. But not starting him is daft imo. We're in three competitions this year and have no European games/travelling so I'm pretty sure Gerrard can cope.

Fair point about England too, they won't give a sh*t as you said but that's completely out of our control unfortunately.

the player I want to see gradually phased out over this season and next is Stevie G and i think Henderson can fill this position to an adequate degree.

What I'm praying is that Coutinho doesn't get injured. We have cover in almost every area but who else could really play that no.10 role? That's why I thought Eriksen would have been ideal, he's young enough to know that he wouldn't have started every game and he would be great cover for the wee dude.
BR has done a good job this window but might need to think of adding to that area in January.