Mate, do you watch Henderson play? He is an average player at best. He goes missing in so many games, it is embarrasing that he is LFC Captain. He is a symptom of the rot that has held us back for many seasons. I am trying my best to be upbeat but, so far, i have seen nothing in our play to convince me. That is why i think a bore draw is actually a step forward for us at the Emirates.
Can't make this sh*t up. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion though.
Moving on. This game will be won or lost in the midfield. Really hoping Brendan goes with the 3-man midfield. More and more I just think it's the best way to counter their play tactically - especially given the way that Lallana and Ibe really haven't added much value to the team over the first two games. Think a physical setup would also help us out a lot and that Can would really thrive in this match, especially up against Ozil and Cazorla.
Regardless, their squad is really not that special, I think 3 points is certainly achievable here with the right setup of our team. Of all the top teams we could play against in our first "big" game of the season, I think this is the best fixture we could start with. Not to be underestimated, but thinking we'll come away with the win.
Setup I'd like to see is:
Mignolet
Clyne Skrtel Lovren Gomez
Can
Milner Hendo
Coutinho
Firmino Benteke
If Hendo is out, then sub Lallana (honestly I'd prefer to see Moreno there if Hendo's out, but that just won't happen) in that position for him. Formation can be switched between the diamond (with all 4 CM's pinched centrally) and the 4-2-3-1 with Can and one of Milner/Hendo holding while the other 3 AM's are supporting Benteke.
As for those saying it may be too soon to play Firmino/he hasn't impressed just yet, I disagree for a couple reasons:
1) Lallana and Ibe really haven't offered much in the first two games. Understandably, it's very early, but we came away with two victories, and surely Firmino will be able to add
at least the same amount of value.
2) He's a 29m-rated, highly-touted, internationally-renowned, top player. He'll be able to be successful walking into our squad if played in his proper position - which I think he should almost be treated the same way we treated Suarez, kind of a striker/creative type that's given license to float around and get into positions and setup the others. I for one can't wait to see him play a full 90.
Regardless of the lineup or the situation, I think whatever 11 players are out there on Monday will be capable of putting up a strong fight against this Arsenal team. Need to demonstrate confidence, while being cautious still, and go out and grab the game by the horns and just control the tempo of the game. If we can do that, we'll walk away with at least a point, but I think 3 is certainly possible.
