Liverpool 2-2 Middlesbrough AET (14-13 penalties): In game and Post Match Wha..?

Seriously, Suso on the bench?

Great to see Rossiter start, but I'm a bit wary of him and Lucas in the same team. Didn't want Manquillo and Sterling to start, especially Manquillo, he's our only fit right back?

Suso not starting for me means that he is definitely off in January. Can't wait to see Rossiter in action.

Also why is Lambert, who has made just a few sub appearances captain for tonight? Sentimental rather than because of leadership qualities.

Was hoping Balotelli and Borini would start too given the fact they are both likely to start against the Bitters, get bit more of an understanding.

Is anyone else this unhappy with the line up or is it just me being too narrow minded?

I'm not overjoyed.
I can see the sense in it, Lambert needs playing time but as you say, Balotelli and Borini do as well.
I'd have liked to see Suso.

Also why is Lambert, who has made just a few sub appearances captain for tonight? Sentimental rather than because of leadership qualities.

Was hoping Balotelli and Borini would start too given the fact they are both likely to start against the Bitters, get bit more of an understanding.

Is anyone else this unhappy with the line up or is it just me being too narrow minded?

Lambert is captain, wtf is that about?!

Can't say I agree with that.

Lambert is captain, wtf is that about?!

Can't say I agree with that.

Captain is so over rated we need leaders all over the pitch it's just a token thing.

He also starts Glen Johnson when he is fit........

And as I've said before, Johnson does a far better job than most give him credit for (mostly) and was a big reason why we scored so many goals last season.
The problem is in the centre, not on the flanks.

Still, it seems that people need a scapegoat these days.

I'm not overjoyed.
I can see the sense in it, Lambert needs playing time but as you say, Balotelli and Borini do as well.
I'd have liked to see Suso.

Yeah sense in but not the right choice.

Lambert is captain, wtf is that about?!

Can't say I agree with that.

God knows! It's only because of his love for the club and if that's how they base it then he is handing it out to every man and his dog!

But if we win then that's all that matters.

Captain is so over rated we need leaders all over the pitch it's just a token thing.

Yes in part I agree, but the more senior players will still take it as a slight against them. It is still a recognised symbol of where the boss rates you.

If I were Sakho, Mig or Lucas I'd feel a little disappointed with that decision.

And as I've said before, Johnson does a far better job than most give him credit for (mostly) and was a big reason why we scored so many goals last season.
The problem is in the centre, not on the flanks.

Still, it seems that people need a scapegoat these days.

I disagree it's the flanks and midfield where most of the damage has been done. Have you forgotten glens performance against Palace one of many miserable individual performances from him.

Yes in part I agree, but the more senior players will still take it as a slight against them. It is still a recognised symbol of where the boss rates you.

If I were Sakho, Mig or Lucas I'd feel a little disappointed with that decision.

I would have expected Lucas but maybe just another indicator of how low Lucas has fallen in recent times?

I think we may see Lallana playing further forward tonight... linking with Lambert, with Sterling and Markovic staying wide.

I disagree it's the flanks and midfield where most of the damage has been done. Have you forgotten glens performance against Palace one of many miserable individual performances from him.

I don't want to go into too much detail, because this isn't the thread for it, and because I posted a detailed breakdown in his player thread a while ago.
Suffice to say, that the CB's split, and cover the fullbacks with Gerrard dropping between them to give more central cover, such that the backline becomes a slight diagonal because Flannagan didn't go forwards as much as Johnson. So Gerrard becomes an auxilliary CB, with the right CB moving across the cover Johnson, except whoever played there kept getting sucked into the centre with the result that Johnson was isolated far up the pitch with no cover behind him.

That's how I see it.

I would have expected Lucas but maybe just another indicator of how low Lucas has fallen in recent times?

I think we may see Lallana playing further forward tonight... linking with Lambert, with Sterling and Markovic staying wide.

It certainly is mate, even still don't see the need to slap him again like that. Listening to Agger talk about Brendan recently I expect Lucas is in for the same treatment until he leaves, personally think loyalty deserves more respect and no matter how low Brendan thinks of Lucas' ability his seniority and loyalty alone would have granted him the armband in my book.

Expect to see a good display up front today mate, Lambert really needs to get on the scoresheet but personally I'd prefer if Markovic does.

Let's hope we're all discussing good things at full time but I fear even a win won't be enough to satisfy some of the moaning minnies we've seen recently on the forum 

Yes in part I agree, but the more senior players will still take it as a slight against them. It is still a recognised symbol of where the boss rates you.

If I were Sakho, Mig or Lucas I'd feel a little disappointed with that decision.

Or Toure. While he's only been at the club for a year and he's dodgy at times he IS a leader who's been captain elsewhere, in fairness.

Personally, I'd have given the armband to either Lucas or Toure.

That said, everyone knows they have a job to do, so it won't bother them too much.

If I were Sakho, Mig or Lucas I'd feel a little disappointed with that decision.

Not so much Migs or Sakho, I'd have said Lucas or Enrique

I think the lads should be more worried about righting the ship as opposed to worrying about who is captain.

Be nice to have a 4 or 5 goal spree for us...and a clean sheet isn't too much to ask is it?

Well, side is pretty much as I'd have expected, apart from Sterling. What happened to 'we need to be careful with the lad', I'm surprised he is playing - if he got injured in this one, would be some tough questions. An option would be to use Suso instead, and give him some time. Still, must mean that BR feels it's a tough test, and wants to win it. Also, it's a chance to Raheem in a side/attack with Lallana and Markovic. Good opportunity for those guys to get some game time under their belts in a 'not so high pressure match'. They badly need confidence. Decent looking 2nd string defense imo, on paper, hopefully they can do OK. Chances too for Rossiter and moreso Rickie to maybe get on the scoresheet at home, would be nice.

Makes for an interesting match. Really hope for the lads sake they perform and get the result. Think they will ... yes Harry, I do feel lucky, punk!
CMOM YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please let us be 3-0 up at HT and get Sterling off. Need him for bigger games ahead

What does Suso need to do in order to get a darn game? Brendan must really dislike the lad..

What does Suso need to do in order to get a darn game?

Sign for a different team I would imagine, if that doesn't do it then the lad has no hope.

COME ON REDS!!

Absolutely agree about Suso, obvious now that Brendan doesn't rate him and he'll be off in Jan. Shame, as I thought he deserved his chance.
However Brendan is the boss and he obviously sees things we don't.
I just want a good performance and a win!

Didn't he score that lovely free kick against the Mancs at the start of the U21 season? or was that Lussey? I can't remember

Was Lussey mate, if somebody hasn't already replied.

I don't get why BR 'rested' Sterling against Villa yet is starting him against shitty Boro.