Pre Match - Liverpool v Leicester City - Sat Dec 26th 3pm

So, Here we go again...
First time I have ever started a pre match thread so I hope I can bestow a bit of much need luck towards our performance.

Our first 3pm Saturday kick off for ages and who better to welcome than league leaders Leicester City.

A traditional bogey team throughout many generations of Reds and a team who have taken the Premier League by the scruff of the neck this year..

A deserved unbeaten run of 5 wins out of 6 for the foxes and a 5'10 striker who has the golden boots on at the moment..

Can we stop them?

Jürgen and his back room staff have had a good week to work on game plans at Melwood and i'm sure the players have had a few home truths rammed down their necks behind closed doors after our very poor display against Watford.

We are thin on the ground as far as central defence goes so Sakho and Toure are gonna have to man handle Vardy and the Japanese national forward as best they can..
Our Midfield will need to be sharp as a razor and whoever Jürgen picks to run the frontline will need to muscle in on their solid back 4..

With home crowd advantage and every player playing with a sore arse from Jurgens kicking I'm going for a tough sneaky win.

Attack is our only option..

2-1 home win..Benteke with the winner.

C'MON !!

1. I don't want to see Benteke start at home. Despite their derisory performance I'd stick with the same front three. They at least give us movement.

2. That being said, I do want to see Klopp improve after his poor performance as manager last week and be prepared to change things fast to adapt to Leicester if they're doing something unexpected.

1. I don't want to see Benteke start at home. Despite their derisory performance I'd stick with the same front three. They at least give us movement.

2. That being said, I do want to see Klopp improve after his poor performance as manager last week and be prepared to change things fast to adapt to Leicester if they're doing something unexpected.

Agree with point 1 mate.. think he could come off the bench and Toshack the winner kop end..last 10 minutes.. Boxing Day knockout !

Agree with point 1 mate.. think he could come off the bench and Toshack the winner kop end..last 10 minutes.. Boxing Day knockout !

That's how I'd use him. Forget his price tag, deal with how we can get the most out of him and that's as an impact player. We're playing at home on a very good pitch, we shouldn't need to have to lump the ball up to a big man.

Agree again mate...
If he does get on as we reckon he will as an impact player he has to utilise his upper strength and we have to deliver crosses on to his head.. Ibe, Henderson, Clyne, Lallana, Moreno and Coutinho all need to deliver early balls in to him when they get the chance..

Their run ends here. I have a feeling they'll be underestimating a team for the first time this season. Never underestimate Liverpool at Anfield. Let's smash them.

Disagree with everybody above on Benteke.
Leicester will sit pretty deep and play on the counter - there's not going to be much space in behind for our pass and move boys up front. I would pair up Benteke and Origi  to give us maximum penalty box goal threat to capitalise on the possession I expect us to have.

To me though, our biggest headache is at the other end. Skrtel is out and it looks like Lovren too. So we have Sakho still getting up to speed probably paired with Kolo, who is (a) getting on and (b) not going to be match sharp either. This worries me against Vardy!

I am usually a stickler for a flat back 4, but this is a rare occasion where I'd be tempted by a back 3 - with Clyne brought in to just man mark Vardy, Sakho as our only orthodox CB and somebody, probably Lucas, playing as a sweeper. This would minimise their threat on the counter imo, and let our midfield go and play.

The slight drawback of the above is that we would be relying just on wing backs to get the crosses in, rather than wingers, so they would have to put in a real shift. But if Leicester are sitting pretty deep, or we force them deep, then the WB's should be high enough to supply a fair few crosses. ( Ibe would be my right wing back, Moreno obviously left.)

No reason why we couldn't start with Origi as part of a front 3..He's been the only one these last few games who has shown any intent when he gets the ball..
His two second half goals against Southampton should've been enough to cement a regular start for me..

                          Mignolet
           Clyne   Can    Sakho   Moreno
                            Lucas
                Henderson   Milner
                   Lallana     Coutinho
                             Benteke

Bogdan; Toure, Smith; Allen, Ibe, Firmino; Origi

Weather forecast looks horrendous for Saturday

Gale force winds and torrential rain...

Perfect opportunity to blow them away !!

                          Mignolet
           Clyne   Can    Sakho   Moreno
                            Lucas
                Henderson   Milner
                   Lallana     Coutinho
                             Benteke

Bogdan; Toure, Smith; Allen, Ibe, Firmino; Origi

The bar was not high for Bogdan to maintain his place in the squad was it! He had one thing to do...

First proper test for Klopp's tactical abilities.

He has got to know the league and his players now - we have been bullied off the ball, exposed at set pieces and been kept away from goal by low-block teams who hit on the counter.

The manager has to demonstrate he has a plan to cope with this method of play.

I have a feeling that Klopp will bring the team out that will end Foxes run and land them down on the earth.
It is going to be an interesting match with a lot of goals and i hope that the Reds will score a few more than Leicester.
I dont know what to expect,i dont know what to hope for,i just wish that they forget the Newcastle game,i wish them to forget a kick in the groin at the Vicarage Road,just go out on the pitch and leave your heart there,play like you played in the old days and dont forget whose badge is on your chest!

Leicester play 442 so time to leave the 4231 and just match them up.

Player for player we are a better team.

Agree with two up top - Origi and Benteke for me, Lucas and Henderson in the middle, Milner and Ibe on the wings.
Bold statement with Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana and Can dropped for their gutless performance at Watford.
Hope Lovren is back fit, otherwise Kolo and Sakho as our CB pairing.
Strong bench of skillfull players to change the game if needed.

Jürgen has said Lovren is available to play.

Milner is out. Mignolet is training, sounds like he could play.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-press-conference-live-Jürgen-7067171

Agree with two up top - Origi and Benteke for me, Lucas and Henderson in the middle, Milner and Ibe on the wings.
Bold statement with Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana and Can dropped for their gutless performance at Watford.

I wouldn't disagree with this, although I don't think Milner will be fit. I'm not sure what natural winger would be left to play that, unless we go with a diamond.

The best formation to counter Leicester would be a possession-based 1352 but i highly doubt Klopp will go with that.

Whatever happens, the first priority is being able to put ourselves around a bit and imposing our game on them.

                          Mignolet
           Clyne   Can    Sakho   Moreno
                            Lucas
                Henderson   Milner
                   Lallana     Coutinho
                             Benteke

Bogdan; Toure, Smith; Allen, Ibe, Firmino; Origi

Putting Can in at CB is asking for trouble at best...

Suicidal would be a more befitting label Imo... Would rather see Kolo there. It is his natural playing position after all...

Will Jürgen stick with formation he's been using, or will he mix it up after the Watford humiliation? I don't even really know what I want to see, but I'll throw this out there:
       
           Bogdan
Clyne  Kolo  Sahko  Moreno
            Lucas
     Hendo    Lallana
            Couts
      Firmino  Origi

I want to see us press the hell out of them, and not allow any of them time on the ball. Vardy is always a handful, and Mahrez will cause problems. But, we need to be on the front foot. Couts gives us creativity, Origi and Firmino the movement, and Hendo/Lallana as our box-to-box guys. Clyne and Moreno should have defense first on their minds, attack only when safe and feasible. Hopefully the game can open up a bit, as I feel that is when we are at our best.

Very difficult to decide what to do after our last few games. I would go for a pretty attacking 4-3-3 but don't care what formation Klopp plays as long as it is not three at the back .... then we will know we are truly lost!

                                  Mignolet
 
Clyne           Lovren/Toure         Sakho          Moreno

              Henderson                Can   

                              Coutinho

        Ibe            Benteke           Origi                         
                           

Feeling low in confidence ahead of this game with dropped points and passionless displays. If only the players turn up for this, fighting for the ball and space. I also hope we concede possession to the foxes, their counter attacking play makes them clueless when they have a lion share of the possession in their half... Hopefully, we'll be the one playing most of the counter attacking football.... Chelsea & City lost to us when we played that way.

I love Big Mamo Sakho but please, please please mate, don't try any of that fancy sh*t against this mob, 1 mistake and we will be fu**ed.

I honestly think they wil be too pacy for us so we have to counter that by being 2 steps ahead of them all the time.

I do fear the worst if Kolo and Sakho on this occassion, are our CB's.

Looks like it's going to be one of those games in that whatever they score, we are going to have to score more or double.

mignolet clyne lovren sakho moreno can henderson ibe coutinho origi benteke

What we desperately need, and currently lack, is pace at the back.
If we sit deep, they'll just operate between the lines.
Unless everyone selected puts in a huge shift and is on top form, I don't think we'll get anything from this.
To many injuries and not enough quality cover to expect us to to compete at the highest level.

Worried, they have pace and are full of confidence. We have mignolet so they will score every time they attack. If we had Suarez, sterling and Sturridge I would be backing us to win 4-3. As it stands I would take a draw.

Home win and a kick up the arse for the dropped players. Players coming in going to give 120%!!

Leicester are good up front but look shakey at the back hope that we attack them from the go 2-1 win for me

Tbh they were lucky against the Bitters, and I feel we could be the team to finally give them a battering.

I do fear for Kolo if he plays in defence, too slow and cannot read the game as good as he did, so could see their attack focusing on him and Sakho.
Looking forward to this though!

Merry Christmas everyone!

First of all Merry Christmas to everybody on the forum.
I have gone for a score draw for the game against Leicester, do not expect the team to simply roll over, as was the case against Watford. Certainly think there will be a few goals at Anfield tomorrow.

their weakness is at the back and in particular defending crosses and set plays. ..

the 1 thing we cant do   

Happy Crimbo everyone and a very happy and successful 2016......

Leicester play a 4-4-2, most of the time. I say we match them man for man and see how it goes first half,......

                        Bogdan
      Clyne Lovren Sakho Smith
   Henderson Lucas Can Moreno
               Benteke     Origi.....

Bench ; Mignolet, Randall, Toure, Ibe, Allen, Coutinho, Firmino.....

Obviously we are weaker at the back, but hoping Dejan is fit to play, Toure in if not,
We need to widen central areas so I'm willing to stick Moreno in as a makeshift winger, bit of a gamble but could work out if the supply to the front two is constant,

Key players who need to be proper up for it are, Henderson, Lucas, and Can,  controlling midfield is vital and the link up play fluid,

Something has to change apart from players attitudes,  our home form is sh*te and needs rapid improvement, 

We need to win this not just for the points but for morale and confidence,

Toughest match this season thus far for me, winning it could work wonders and set us up nicely for the second half if the season,  lose it and we fall further back and naysayers will be sharpening their knives,


2-1 Mighty Reds

YNWA

hendo and moreno and wingbacks is the worst idea ever.
midfield of can and hendo with ibe as rwb would be better fitting

It's a shame we don't have the players to play at their own game, so that being, I wanna see a diamond and for us to control the middle with Hendo and Can (our box-box) wary and disciplined throughout, especially if we have one of our full backs attacking. Lucas and Coutinho to control and dictate in possession with 2 strikers up top. I think we can nab a win.

If I'm being completely honest, I'm not really looking forward to going to this match, i just hope we step up to the plate and give them a good hiding....ok, I've been on the babycham today  but a girl can dream can't she 

These are getting a bit cocky round here now and I'd like to shut them up, come on you mighty REDS !!!!

Lucas and Coutinho to control and dictate in possession ....      with 2 strikers up top.

Bring back 4-4-2.

Happy Christmas everyone. Just about still coherent, and mobile.

       Mignolet
 Clyne Lovren Sakho Moreno
  Hendo Can Allen Milner
      Coutinho
        Benteke

Based on recent form, we could get beat tomorrow. Don't think we can mess about with these guys. 5 points clear at the top for a reason.
Need pace cause they are quick, so would probably leave out Lucas.
Drop Bogdan, only reason really being he looks more sh*t than Mignolet.
If the weather is bad, would play Benteke and tell him to get the F**k out there and put himself about like he damn well should be doing more of.
Hopefully Cou will have one of his better days.
And solid four of Hendo Can Allen Milner to maintain good workrate, and get Hendo forward where possible.
More hopeful than confident to be honest. Recent form has been poor, but maybe we can pull something out of the christmas stocking.
CMON BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   (I want to be able to watch MOTM)

Have a funny feeling we'll win this but if not and if we lose by not giving 100% effort then heads need to roll amongst the players.

Well after reading the press and watching SS News, I believe this is the 1st time we have ever been underdogs to the mighty Leicester City. To be honest the way we are playing recently you'd think we were the recently promoted team happy to stay up (promoted in 2014/15 season I think)

I fully expect us to best Leicester and then lose against Sunderland, that's just typical Liverpool atm.

i'm surprised no one has suggested playing Randall in amongst it..
I thought he had a solid game at Southampton and I get the impression that the only reason he hasn't started since is because Henderson has come back from injury and claimed his place back.
Don't get me wrong, its not that I don't rate Jordan but his actual positional play on the right wing,since his return, to me has been a mistake.. Jordan will get stuck in and by de-ploying him in the middle would allow the likes of Randall to play alongside him.
One thing I'll say about Randall is his physicality and in the couple of games he's played he has given me the evidence that he is up for it.. The odd yellow card here and there can be accepted in this more contact driven season this year so I don't have a problem with that..

There definitely needs to be more muscle in the central area's and playing against the likes of the league leaders would warrant a start for Randall..

Leicester have a very good midfield.
We've been sh*t in midfield these last few games.
Give the lad a chance Jürgen.

Oh and if Coutinho and Lallana can't impact on the game first half, sub them at half time.

We are 9th in the table, we have only won one game against the 7 teams higher than us that we have played so far, we really need to win this game and I am confident we will.

 

Viewing Leicester at home with trepidation.......what has the world come to?

If you're Leicester you would normally be thinking "f*ck me gently, a trip to Anfield where Jürgen Klopp presides"

And so they should. We are plenty capable of getting the win.Time for the players to stand up and be counted, time for the manager to fire a few rockets up arses, time for a home win.

If I'm being completely honest, I'm not really looking forward to going to this match, i just hope we step up to the plate and give them a good hiding....ok, I've been on the babycham today  but a girl can dream can't she 

These are getting a bit cocky round here now and I'd like to shut them up, come on you mighty REDS !!!!

Youre hometown club and all that at least you might get to spot the trophy young lady ,, hope you had a nice day .

Hope that the Reds can prove me wrong today with a win, to end Leicester's winning streak.

Its a  strange feeling that  many(including me) are a uncomfortable playing the foxes @Anfield, other times would have been the other way round
 we have the players to beat them with ease, the dilemma is with what mentality, passion, etc LIVERPOOL will turn up
 If a Watford/wba display team will turn up than, sorry to say we are heading for a long disappointing afternoon
its time the players come out with a winning mentality and give a good performance , and stop their winning run and start winning games ourselves
we lost 8 precious attainable points last 3 games
  So come on reds , give us a good winning performance staring today
YNWA

I get the feeling that we will get maximum effort from all the players and we will get 3 points off Leicester.With the transfer window only days away and our poor recent results this could be the last chance for some players to prove their worth to the club and the fans.

This isn't on the box is it?

This isn't on the box is it?

Download Mobdro if you have android, it'll be on there on a couple of channels.

Download Mobdro if you have android, it'll be on there on a couple of channels.

Yeah Galaxy S6. Will give it a whirl thanks

This isn't on the box is it?

If you have satellite , its ON on various channels across Europe,
If not , mobdro on android as OrchardRed suggested is a very good app

YNWA

Judging by a horrible conditions, a fair-weather players wont get a sniff today. Shame Milner isnt availbe.

Can't get to the game today, lets hope the lads give a big-hearted (and big-brained) performance and get the crowd going. 
They've taken some well-deserved stick, now its time to show the home crowd they're bothered.
Come on you mighty REDS!!!
YNWA!

Hoping for a counter punch from the red men ! Also hoping the game actually happens... Spent a lot to get here and watch us play! Can't wait to get out of the hotel. YNWA

No predictions from me today after my last forecast of twatting Watford
Lets hope the real Redmen turn up today to put a shift in, win or lose lets hope they play with a bit of pride, and remember some of the greats that have worn our famous colours and at least come of the pitch saying they put a proper shift in.
Must make some of our previous greats, feel sick with some of the crap they and we have seen.

Happy Christmas to everyone.

Just downloaded mobdro loooking forward to the game feeling we will win today.. Come on reds

September 1968 v Leicester at home.

How we scored 4 goals in the first quarter of an hour ....

Rowdie Yeats 2nd min.
Tommy Smith 4th min. Pen.
Alun Evans 10th
Cally in the 12th.


All scored in front of the Kop.
Was a great day... was there with me Huyton baddys .

Went on to finish second to Leeds the following May with The Toffees third.
Scum finished 11th and City 13th

Arse Chavs and Spuds were 4th,5th and 6th.

Leicester were 21st out of a 22 team division with QPR holding up the rest.





Facht :

Reds haven't  lost at home on a Boxing Day match for nine matches (W6, D3) since a 0-1 by the Scum in 86.

Just downloaded mobdro loooking forward to the game feeling we will win today.. Come on reds

Wish I had the same feeling.

Can't see anything better than a draw

September 1968 v Leicester at home.

How we scored 4 goals in the first quarter of an hour ....

Rowdie Yeats 2nd min.
Tommy

September 1968 v Leicester at home.

How we scored 4 goals in the first quarter of an hour ....

Rowdie Yeats 2nd min.
Tommy Smith 4th min. Pen.
Alun Evans 10th
Cally in the 12th.


All scored in front of the Kop.
Was a great day... was there with me Huyton baddys .

Went on to finish second to Leeds the following May with The Toffees second.
Scum finished 11th and City 13th

Arse Chavs and Spuds were 4th,5th and 6th.

Leicester were 21st out of a 22 team division with QPR holding up the rest.



Be  happy for that today.
Weve beaten City and the Chavs  ........................ ...?

Signed Alun Evans from Wolves who played alongside Roger Hunt.

Quite ironic, that to get a result (at home) we need to play compact, leave pace at the back on set pieces to nulify the counter, and try to get as many balls into the box as possible for the big man.
 

Signed Alun Evans from Wolves who played alongside Roger Hunt.

Youre right David.

Alun Evans debut game that.   

Britain's first 100k teenager.

September 1968 v Leicester at home.

How we scored 4 goals in the first quarter of an hour ....

Rowdie Yeats 2nd min.
Tommy Smith 4th min. Pen.
Alun Evans 10th
Cally in the 12th.


All scored in front of the Kop.
Was a great day... was there with me Huyton baddys .

Went on to finish second to Leeds the following May with The Toffees third.
Scum finished 11th and City 13th

Arse Chavs and Spuds were 4th,5th and 6th.

Leicester were 21st out of a 22 team division with QPR holding up the rest.





Facht :

Reds haven't  lost at home on a Boxing Day match for nine matches (W6, D3) since a 0-1 by the Scum in 86.

Remember that game mate. I still hadn't been to Anfield ,first game for me was against the mancs a few weeks later, but it was Evans debut against Leicester 4-0, we then won 6-0 against Wolves away (some return for Evans!) then beat Burnley 4-0 away... not a bad start. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DypwzkCo__A

Lovren should be fit, Mignolet is fit but Milner not ready yet.

twitter saying Lovren  & origi  starting. Tex on the bench
Come on Reds

STAT: #LFC have never lost at home in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

Now lets keep that record lads

YNWA