Pre-Match - Liverpool vs. Burnley 16th Sept: 15:00.

Interesting match this one. Comes within a run of 7 matches in 23 days. Our last two matches were our worst result in decades and and Champions League return that saw us draw when we should have won. The issues with defending are undeniable, but our attack has been electrifying (yet not clinical).

Burnley are off to a good start and equal with us on points. It was Sean Dyche's team last season who first illustrated our issues of scoring against teams that sit deep, establishing a blue print for a number of others who managed to frustrate us, especially after Sadio Mane left for AFCON.

This time Mane is out with suspension. That and fixture congestion would seem to invite some freshening of the starting XI, and yet this is an opponent to be respected. We want to believe we are deeper as a squad now, so this may be the first real test of that.

(I should add here that the next match, Tuesday the 19th, is a League Cup trip to Leicester City - a competition we've done well in the past two season but I think most would agree is our lowest priority of the four - not that I wouldn't like to win it - so Jürgen may wait for that match before he does any freshening, I don't know).

So for Saturday, rather than predict a lineup, let me list a few players who I think based on preseason and their role within the squad, SHOULD be considered for a starting berth.

1. Andy Robertson - thought he was very good in this only match - fully expect him to start.
2. Daniel Sturridge - Klopp raved about him in preseason and he scored a nice goal vs. Arsenal, but he has to get minutes if he's to help - plus Bobby is going to get worn down.
3. Phil Coutinho - he's back and all that.
4. Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain - also needs minutes - won two corners in five minutes last night.
5. Ben Woodburn -the least likely I know, but he keeps showing tremendous quality. Klopp may wait until the Tuesday match to rotate him in.
6. James Milner - not that I'm so excited about him in the first XI, but Klopp will have to rotate that midfield 3.

It's really a shame that Jürgen is under fire for the defence by some Liverpool fans at least on this forum.

At this rate, I won't be surprised the same people will be wishing he get sacked.

It's a shame that things like "sort your F***ing defence out" are being said ahead of this weekend's match.

I'm buzzing ahead of the weekend, yet mood from some is like Klopp is stubborn, he doesn't know his stuff. It feels dampening. The number of skeptics ahead of this match should be considerable. If true, it makes us look pathetic collectively. I hope those players deliver a clean sheet here just to prove these people wrong.

Let's go!

It's really a shame that Jürgen is under fire for the defence by some Liverpool fans at least on this forum.

At this rate, I won't be surprised the same people will be wishing he get sacked.

It's a shame that things like "sort your f**king defence out" are being said ahead of this weekend's match.

I'm buzzing ahead of the weekend, yet mood from some is like Klopp is stubborn, he doesn't know his stuff. It feels dampening. The number of skeptics ahead of this match should be considerable. If true, it makes us look pathetic collectively. I hope those players deliver a clean sheet here just to prove these people wrong.

Let's go!

I doubt anybody is wanting Klopp gone, not on this forum at least.

But there is some valid arguments to be had after 2 years the defence is still sh*te.

As for the game I would bring back TAA for this one as the bus will be parked truly and he offers more than Gomez going forward and I doubt he will be overly troubled defensively.
Robertson is likely to come in for this game.
Unfortunately we will have to stick with Lovren as I doubt Klopp will throw Gomez into CB just yet.

I would drop Can and bring in Coutinho and up front Sturridge comes in along with Ox.

Migs
TAA
Matip
Lovren
Robertson

Hendo
Gini
Coutinho

Salah
Ox
Sturridge.

It's really a shame that Jürgen is under fire for the defence by some Liverpool fans at least on this forum.

At this rate, I won't be surprised the same people will be wishing he get sacked.

It's a shame that things like "sort your f**king defence out" are being said ahead of this weekend's match.

I'm buzzing ahead of the weekend, yet mood from some is like Klopp is stubborn, he doesn't know his stuff. It feels dampening. The number of skeptics ahead of this match should be considerable. If true, it makes us look pathetic collectively. I hope those players deliver a clean sheet here just to prove these people wrong.

Let's go!

Shame? What are you on about.

It needs sorting, F***ing asap.

Can't understand why Robertson not get more games he good player and even Marko guijic should be playing he twice player Henderson is

This is on nbc gold,so does that mean internet only for us yanksiders?

Last two defence's haven't done the job.

Lets have another go shall we!

Burnley have had a great start to the season and seeing as we only edged past Crystal Palace then this has the potential to be some egg on our faces.

But I think this team should be up to the task and have a number of players who might want to make a point.

NB: Team no longer available

It's a shame that things like "sort your f**king defence out" are being said ahead of this weekend's match.

It most certainly is a shame.  7 goals conceded is the kind of total we all consider you might 'occasionally' suffer in a very packed month, not the space of 4 days.

This is on nbc gold,so does that mean internet only for us yanksiders?

Looks like it. LFC TV has the radio comm. Interested to know if the local supporters club will be showing the match here. Or I could go into hibernation for 12 hours and have someone else in the house call the match up on the official site and swear not to tell me the result they will inevitably see while getting to that page. I'm mental enough to do that, don't worry - but paying for that service is unfortunately not a solo decision, if you get my drift. :-(

Last two defence's haven't done the job.

Lets have another go shall we!

Burnley have had a great start to the season and seeing as we only edged past Crystal Palace then this has the potential to be some egg on our faces.

But I think this team should be up to the task and have a number of players who might want to make a point.

NB: Team no longer available

Hopefully they will want to make three points.  (but you are spot on about players who should want to make a point)

Switch Coutinho and Ox and I'm good with your lineup. I'd be fine with Gomez, but I don't expect it.

Remember that Klavan played well in Palace game, and this match should be much more like that one.

And it IS possible to be exasperated with the defence and be a complete supporter of Klopp.

Last two defence's haven't done the job.

Lets have another go shall we!

Burnley have had a great start to the season and seeing as we only edged past Crystal Palace then this has the potential to be some egg on our faces.

But I think this team should be up to the task and have a number of players who might want to make a point.

NB: Team no longer available

It most certainly is a shame.  7 goals conceded is the kind of total we all consider you might 'occasionally' suffer in a very packed month, not the space of 4 days.

That is the exact team I would pick.

My ingenious plan is to double up in positions were sh*t. So

                   Migs & karius

Flanno & taa                         Moreno & Robbo
               Gomez& Matip klavan &Lovern


                                Salah

My ingenious plan is to double up in positions were sh*t. So

                   Migs & karius

Flanno & taa                         Moreno & Robbo
               Gomez& Matip klavan &Lovern


                                Salah

Ox and Henderson?

Ox and Henderson?

I can only play 11 and i neef 10 to double up in our weak areas. Leave 1 up front

It seems a little strange to suggest, but I still don't think we've gotten anywhere close to top gear yet.  This is considering the 4-0 over Arsenal and the 6 we put past Hoff across 2 legs. 

We are always going to be vulnerable in defense under Klopp.  I can accept that.  The good news is that I think we can and will score a lot more goals this season.  We had a disjointed start, primarily because of the Coutinho drama, but things are going to settle down and we are going to hit top stride soon.  I've got a feeling that Coutinho starts in the #10 role and Ox slots into Mane's position.  Not sure which of Hendo, Gini, Can gets dropped.  On current form, Gini is the only one who shouldn't get dropped.  Think Jürgen will stick with Matip and Lovren at the back.  Toss up between Berto/Robo and TAA/Gomez.  I'd go for:

Migs
Trent - Matip - Lovren - Moreno
Gini  --  Hendo
Coutinho
Salah - Bobby - Ox

I just have a feeling we are going to get hot in front of goal sooner than later.  Hopefully it's on Saturday with Salah bagging a couple to get the critics saying he can't finish off his back!!

Ward.  Migs.    Karius
          Matip
Ox.    Coutinho woodburn
Salah. Sturridge. Firmino. Solanke

Ward.  Migs.    Karius
          Matip
Ox.    Coutinho woodburn
Salah. Sturridge. Firmino. Solanke

 

Is the gold worth buying? I want to get it but I can't watch until later in the afternoon. Does the Gold have the games on there after they air?

It's really a shame that Jürgen is under fire for the defence by some Liverpool fans at least on this forum.

At this rate, I won't be surprised the same people will be wishing he get sacked.

It's a shame that things like "sort your f**king defence out" are being said ahead of this weekend's match.

I'm buzzing ahead of the weekend, yet mood from some is like Klopp is stubborn, he doesn't know his stuff. It feels dampening. The number of skeptics ahead of this match should be considerable. If true, it makes us look pathetic collectively. I hope those players deliver a clean sheet here just to prove these people wrong.

Let's go!

What are beating your gums at, your talking bollox, its a absolute given that had we any sort of a decent defence we would 100% be a title contender, we haven't so we wont be,

Best we can hope for is a top 4 imho, unless VVD comes in January, but even then we'd have to be on the coat tails of the leaders, not saying VVD is the messiah but he'd certainly help with our goals against column.

Get a grip ffs !!

YNWA

Is the gold worth buying? I want to get it but I can't watch until later in the afternoon. Does the Gold have the games on there after they air?

Eh ?

I don't think players become sh*t overnight. I think our attack is probably the best in the league. Have we got the best defenders...no but I don't think it's all about the players, that's why I think we need to start experimenting with a different formation. These defenders need some protection and they're not getting it the way we set up at the moment. So for this game I'd go for this:
                   Migs
TAA     Lovren   Matip    Robertson
             Hendo   Can
Salah      Firmino      Coutinho
               Sturridge
       

               Ward
TAA, Gomez,  Matip, Robertson
                Virtue
       Tagseth     Woodburn
Salah       Firmino     Coutinho

I bet that midfield will do a lot better job than the Wijnaldum, Hendo and Can midfield :p

One problem with our attack is they are not clinical. Far to many chances to get a goal. Look at Saturday citys first chance and it was put away

One problem with our attack is they are not clinical. Far to many chances to get a goal. Look at Saturday citys first chance and it was put away

They are plenty clinical can't be asking them to score 4 goals every game because the defence is not up to standard:

I don't think players become sh*t overnight. I think our attack is probably the best in the league. Have we got the best defenders...no but I don't think it's all about the players, that's why I think we need to start experimenting with a different formation. These defenders need some protection and they're not getting it the way we set up at the moment. So for this game I'd go for this:
                   Migs
TAA     Lovren   Matip    Robertson
             Hendo   Can
Salah      Firmino      Coutinho
               Sturridge
       

Gini dropped (out of the midfield performances he's the only one who has put in a decent performance!) was but Can and Hendo left in?

You feeling alright trebor?!

Sturridge a must for this a proper striker with two wide men hugging the touchline with TAA and Robertson

Players of LFC......

                         MIGNOLET
    TAA    MATIP   GOMEZ  ROBERTSON
          WIJNALDOM    EMRE CAN
                       COUTINHO
       MO  SALAH          CHAMBERLAIN
                        STURRIDGE

BENCH;   WARD, FLANAGAN, KLAVAN, GRUJIC , WOODBURN, WILSON, SOLANKE

Your mission is simple, beat Burnley fc and win 3pts , failure is not a option, if you do our season will self destruct within 5 month's, DON'T f***in LOSE !!

ITS NOT A IMPOSSIBLE MISSION !!

YNWA

Needs to finally utilise his striker in Sturridge this weekend, none of this odd stuff like introducing him with 8 minutes to go when we're looking for a win.

I don't think running down a low block defence is going to be the order of the day really.

Needs Coutinho in for Can too who I thought was absolutely dire against Sevilla, we're going to need some of the magic-eye from deeper.

Henderson backwards, I don't really want to think about tbh but Burnley like last season will know we're ripe for the picking back there.

Pressure's on now for Jürgen to get a win here after he and the boys threw the towel in during our last match against Citeh. Need points.

Feeling tentative about this now, mood has changed after the last two games, don't want us to spiral into one of our ruts and we need to avert this as it's possibly on the cards.

Get back to winning ways.

Captains never get dropped - some of those lineups just don't realise this.

Eh ?

Maybe I misunderstood your lineup. It looked like u had 3 keepers and one CB as your defense. I thought it was a funny joke. Yes?

The threat for us is Chros Wood. Opd fashioned cebtre forward whos good in the air and with an eye for a goal out of nothing. Defence will have to stop the service and stay switched on.

Having said all of that this should be a blood bath in our favour.

Lets smash these boring fuckers.

Maybe I misunderstood your lineup. It looked like u had 3 keepers and one CB as your defense. I thought it was a funny joke. Yes?

Wasn't sure about the reference to gold

Crucial game. With a win we can look forward, with a loss the season could start to get ugly.

This is on nbc gold,so does that mean internet only for us yanksiders?

What service provider do you have? I have AT&T Uverse and they broadcast all the games even the NBC Gold games.  They have NBC Sports alternate channels setup to cover them. 

Wasn't sure about the reference to gold

it's a pay-per-view package they started offering this year. Someone realized that as interest in the Premiership goes, they can squeeze more money out of fans by charging for individual matches. The choicest matchups (Man City vs. Liverpool, Spurs vs Chelsea, etc) are still on the network channels, but some of these others will be pay per view now.

You can watch on demand and to be fair, 50 bucks for the season is not through the roof, just too much for me.  Plus I am not interested in watching, say, Arsenal vs. Bournemouth, or Man United vs. Swansea.

 It says each clubs will have at least 3 matches shown on there.

it's a pay-per-view package they started offering this year. Someone realized that as interest in the Premiership goes, they can squeeze more money out of fans by charging for individual matches. The choicest matchups (Man City vs. Liverpool, Spurs vs Chelsea, etc) are still on the network channels, but some of these others will be pay per view now.

You can watch on demand and to be fair, 50 bucks for the season is not through the roof, just too much for me.  Plus I am not interested in watching, say, Arsenal vs. Bournemouth, or Man United vs. Swansea.

 It says each clubs will have at least 3 matches shown on there.

But all the games are on there via delay, right? Like if I don't watch it live but log on 12 hours later it will be on there? If I can watch it on demand than I'm in. Maybe a few people split or something. I could get it and others could Venmo the money???

Mignolet
Gomez Matip Lovren Robertson
Henderson Can Ox
Salah Firmino Coutinho

This won't be easy and especially without Mane but he above team should surely have enough.

Full Time:
Liverpool 1-1 Burnley
Shots: 69-1

Mignolet
Gomez Matip Lovren Robertson
Henderson Can Ox
Salah Firmino Coutinho

This won't be easy and especially without Mane but he above team should surely have enough.

Full Time:
Liverpool 1-1 Burnley
Shots: 69-1

Mignolet

Gomez Matip Lovren Robertson

Wijnaldum Can Coutinho

Salah Sturridge Firmino

Ward.  Migs.    Karius
          Matip
Ox.    Coutinho woodburn
Salah. Sturridge. Firmino. Solanke

Seriously though, is there a rule that says we can't play two goalies?

Seriously though, is there a rule that says we can't play two goalies?

You can play two goalies if you want.  Only one of them can use their hands though and it might make a bit of a mess of the old offside trap.

Not sure you thought that one through. 

Why is everyone immediately putting Migs back in goal, I liked what i saw of Karius on Wednesday. I'd also consider playing either Klavan or Gomez next to Matip, please please no more Lovren for a while, I just can't take it.

I reckon we should win this but who knows these days.

This will be a nervous game with Burnley hitting us on the break, 2-1 to us though.

On our defending issue, i honestly believe if we had an average defence we would win the league..

Why is everyone immediately putting Migs back in goal

Because Klopp has pretty much stated Mignolet in the league and Karius in Champions League.

Unless of course Mignolet sits up late watching boxing again ;-)

Klopp have confirmed that Mignolet will be in goal tomorrow.

Klopp have confirmed that Mignolet will be in goal tomorrow.

I'm getting slightly baffled by this chopping and changing of goalkeepers, what is the purpose of it?

I'm getting slightly baffled by this chopping and changing of goalkeepers, what is the purpose of it?

You must have missed it when he said Migs is No1 but Karius needs game time.

Why is everyone immediately putting Migs back in goal, I liked what i saw of Karius on Wednesday. I'd also consider playing either Klavan or Gomez next to Matip, please please no more Lovren for a while, I just can't take it.

I reckon we should win this but who knows these days.

I'm the same with Karius mate, just on the distribution alone I'd have him ahead of Mignolet.

He hasn't really had to stop any shots in his two games yet so can't really compare with Mignolet in that sense.

But his conviction in clearances especially punches are also much better.

I'm getting slightly baffled by this chopping and changing of goalkeepers, what is the purpose of it?

According to Klopp he has three good goalkeepers who are all old enough and good enough to play.  If Karius hadn't have played against Arsenal he says he wouldn't have been ready for the CL game.  Maintains that Mignolet is his number one.

Unless of course Mignolet sits up late watching boxing again ;-)

Ha - was that why he didn't play against Arsenal - hadn't heard that but not surprised if true.

I'm the same with Karius mate, just on the distribution alone I'd have him ahead of Mignolet.

He hasn't really had to stop any shots in his two games yet so can't really compare with Mignolet in that sense.

But his conviction in clearances especially punches are also much better.

Agree completely. Karius > Mingnolet.

What service provider do you have? I have AT&T Uverse and they broadcast all the games even the NBC Gold games.  They have NBC Sports alternate channels setup to cover them.

 

I don't have cable.was gonna go down the pub but  they don't have the nbcgold, cos someone wanted the rentboys game and it wasn't available.It's only 3 games anyways F**k paying 50 bux,always find a free stream.

            Mignolet
TAA Matip Lovren Robertson
         Hendo Can
    Salah Coutinho Ox
            Firmino

Need the 3 points.

We shouldnt be worrying about these should we?

Back 4 sort themselves out Mignolet boss them. 1 of the 3 middle men protect said back 4 . Other 2 licence to support front men.

                      Mognolet

Trent       Gomez          Matip   Robertson

                             Hendo
           Can                          Chamberlain

Salah                Sturridge        Firmino

Play Solanke. Surprise two banks of defence Burnley and get it in the air.

Obviously a must win match.
Hope for a 3-0 win. But fear a 2-1 loss
Anyway, I would go with:
Mig
Gomez
Matip
Lovren
Robertson
Hendo
Gini
can
Salah
Firmino
phil

Bench
Karius
TAA
Milner
Woodburn
Studge
Solanke
Grujic

Got to be careful here we will not get chance to break much unless they are chasing the game at 0-0 we need to be patient and have width in abundance and creation which is why Coutinho a must in middle.

Even before Klopps announcement, I would have bet my years salary that Migs will start today. All you have to do is listen.

Ha, Mark Lawrenson

I am not sure what is going on with the goalkeeper situation at Liverpool but Simon Mignolet should play for them against Burnley.

If Loris Karius is picked instead, then I think the Clarets will be licking their lips and looking to put a lot of balls into the box, because Karius is not very convincing when it comes to dealing with them.

Has he ever watched Mignolet play?

Please not Gini Can Hendo midfield.

4-4-2 please Jürgen let's see you show some tactical flexibility for once

Sturridge and Firmino up top, Cou and salah on the flanks

               Migs
TAA Lovren  Matip Robertson
         Hendo   Can
Salah     Firmino    Couthino
            Sturridge

Please not Gini Can Hendo midfield.

4-4-2 please Jürgen let's see you show some tactical flexibility for once

Sturridge and Firmino up top, Cou and salah on the flanks

4-4-2 ?, alright grandad

I'd like to see one of the three mids dropped for ox, well one of the two because we're at home and Gini turns up at home.

Does Coutinho take Mane's place?

Hoping Mignolet took notes on Karius's distribution because he's like the opposite.

Slow to release when there is a quick attack on, short when he should go long and random blasts to nowhere.

Come on you Reds!!!

It's a perfect time to bounce back and get back on track in the league.

We owe this mob some.

Come on redmen let's batter this bas**rds back to the 1960's where they belong

Absolutely massive game this, got to find a way to get it won.

I'd bring Sturridge in for this.

One problem with our attack is they are not clinical. Far to many chances to get a goal. Look at Saturday citys first chance and it was put away

Yes, plus the fact the opposition only need to get in our half to score.

I really would like to see Gomez hang around at FB because he will learn a lot playing there and will develop quicker away from the pressure zone of CB. But such is the direness of the situation at CB it's now about time Klopp starts thinking about throwing Gomez ahead of Lovren and Klavan.

Today's game would be ideal, go on boss, I'm over the brain farts!

Got to win today come on reds

Will be interesting to see how we flow without Mane!

Burnley have started well, would expect them to make us work for the 3 points, but hopefully our quality in attack will see it out.
Am sure they will look to get at us at set pieces, be interesting to see if Migs or Karius get the nod. Presume Migs.
Think I heard on the radio that Heaton is out, so that would be a plus.
Coutinho or Ox will start I guess, Cou was quiet when he came on midweek, but he needs games. Got a decent enough reception when he came on I thought.

Hopefully Salah scores a hat trick and wipes the floor with the ginger's men.

They will definitely pose a threat at set pieces though, and this will be a big test of how up for it we are against the lesser sides we've tended to struggle against.

Last season without Mane we struggled to break teams down but with Salahs pace hopefully it wont be a problem

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