Pre Match : Leicester City v Liverpool : Sept 23rd 17.30

These seem to have had our number over the last few visits to Filbert St or what ever it is called these days.
So about time we put that record straight, the Mighty Leicester have a hoodo over LFC doesn't sound right.

We know exactly how they will play so no excuses of not knowing how to play them but can we respond when they decide to hit us on the counter?
Need a response from our midfield which was completely over run in the second half on Tuesday.

The first team will obviously make a difference. Any type of win will do 3 pts are vital and thank f**k Mane is back after this game.

Migs
Gomez
Matip
Lovren
Robertson

Can
Gini
Coutinho

Salah
Sturridge
Firmino

Midweek we had the excuse of us making changes and the team being weaker (despite Leicester doing wxactly the same) well there can be no excuses at weekend.

Somehow this team has to find a way to win and that might be from being a little less on the front foot away from home.

I want to see some steel and resilience against the likes of Vardy and Mahrez and rather than 30 shots on goal a bit more patience on the ball too.

What I want to see, not what I expect, formation wise.

Migs

Gomez   Matip   Klavan   Robertson

  Henderson

Coutinho     Can

Salah

Solanke   Sturridge

Sturridge in a front three? When has that ever worked? Better to pick a formation that plays to his strengths, give him a partner that gives defences something else to worry about. Give Firmino a rest, since he'll play the majority of the season anyway and utilise Salah's pace behind the Strikers to get in behind defences.

What I expect is more of the same. A 4-3-3 with dominant possession, lack of clinical finishing and a soft goal conceded. Call me a cynic if you want but Klopp has shown no flexibility with the formation.

Ward; TAA, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Can, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Coutinho; Sturridge.

Like F**k will that be the team but might as well hope.

Migs
Gomez
Matip
Lovren
Robertson

Can
Gini
Coutinho

Salah
Sturridge
Firmino

I'm on board with this, but I'd switch Bobby and Phil.  Bob has better defensive qualities than Coutinho, and Phil is better on the wing. 

Must win game or we start slipping away from the top 4 conversation.

Anything below 4th place this season is a big step backwards.

If Robertson starts I'd deffo play Sturridge  up front. If he was playing on Tuesday Danny would of put away at least one of those crosses that Robertson was putting in.

Pre Match Press Conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR884Ri1898

Looks like Lovren out, Matip probably out.

This was the exact issue I highlighted when we let Sakho go.  Lovren is not dependable, he misses games as does Matip to a lesser extent.

There doesn't even seem to be a layer of talented CB's in the Academy like there is in midfield and attack. 

Looks like Lovren out, Matip probably out.

This was the exact issue I highlighted when we let Sakho go.  Lovren is not dependable, he misses games as does Matip to a lesser extent.

There doesn't even seem to be a layer of talented CB's in the Academy like there is in midfield and attack. 

Donkey Klavan and Kid Gomez at CB again.

We'll need to score at least 5 to win this game.

Gomez & Klavan as cb's, Danny ward between the sticks, Ox, Can Gini & Coutinho as the mids, Can protecting , TAA & Robertson wing backs Bobby and Mo up top,

Play them at their own game, let them have the majority of possession and hit them on the break, we cannot afford to lose again so id settle for a point at worst,

Mane back after this which should readdress the balance?

YNWA

Gomez & Klavan as cb's, Danny ward between the sticks, Ox, Can Gini & Coutinho as the mids, Can protecting , TAA & Robertson wing backs Bobby and Mo up top,

Play them at their own game, let them have the majority of possession and hit them on the break, we cannot afford to lose again so id settle for a point at worst,

Mane back after this which should readdress the balance?

YNWA

12 players there mate.

No Matip?

Still wouldn't keep a clean sheet.Do like these lunch time starts but F***ing lacking any enthusiasm at the moment for this one.

12 players there mate.

No Matip?

Matip, Lovren and Can all possibly could be injured for the game.

https://twitter.com/JamesPearceEcho/status/910854454798319621

Quite simply we will need to outscore the fuckers, bring it on!! payback time

Quite simply we will need to outscore the fuckers, bring it on!! payback time

Glad someone's feeling optimistic.

We'll probably have Mignolet back in goal as well, let's all pray Vardy doesn't start smashing them from everywhere!!

12 players there mate.

No Matip?

Well we need the extra man just to have a chance at a clean sheet

After Tuesday night, I'm keeping well away from the King Power, Leicester - always been a bit of a bogey team to us, the way I feel at the moment is a point would be a decent result, but I sincerely hope we absolutely annihilate the buggers !!!!

Glad someone's feeling optimistic.

We'll probably have Mignolet back in goal as well, let's all pray Vardy doesn't start smashing them from everywhere!!

If the lads can't get fired up for this then this season really is fu**ed plus with our A-team we should have more than enough for Leicester, they have been quite poor so far this season.

Looks like rib the visionary could get his way 

Looks like Lovren out, Matip probably out.

This was the exact issue I highlighted when we let Sakho go.  Lovren is not dependable, he misses games as does Matip to a lesser extent.

There doesn't even seem to be a layer of talented CB's in the Academy like there is in midfield and attack.

If Matip and Lovren (and Can) are all out, might see 19 year old Conor Masterson, 20 year old Corey Whelan or 20-year old Nate Phillips on the bench.

Last game of Sadio's suspension at least.

I might have picked it up wrong but what I thought I heard at the presser was that Lovren has an issue that's ongoing and flared up after last appearance and he couldn't train.

Matip and Can are also carrying knocks - but I thought the more negative perspective was on Dejan......did I get that totally wrong?

I was working from home at the time like 😳

So we are looking at a back line of Migs, Trent, Gomez, Klavan and Moreno (Robertson).

Vardy is licking his lips at the thought of that line up.

Seriously though if that's what we are reduced to Klopp needs to change it up, the back line will need more help than they usually get.
So no both full backs standing in the opposition box at the same time and who ever plays as the deepest midfielder will need to show more discipline of staying in position.

The folly of the summer transfer window in full view 6 games into the season, only at this club!

We have a lot of first XIers back, but so do Leicester.
Will be a tough game.

            Migs
  Gomez Matip Klavan
 TAA  Gini Hendo Moreno
          Coutinho
       Salah Firmino

^assumes Matip will be OK (or Lovren in for Matip, surely one will play). Still a good idea to move Sakho and Lucas on?!
Stick another CB in there to get the CBs closer together, the FBs are already playing like wing backs anyway.
Try to get Hendo little futher up, instead of picking the ball up between the CBs, move forward a little, get tackles in but be positive when you have the ball.
Coutinho in the middle cause we need his influence there. Anyone thinks Woodburn can step in for Cou reckon has Wales tinted specs.
Salah and Firmino up top. If play Studge, Bob ends up on the wing and vanishes. Don't think Studge has looked sharp, and tho thought Solanke looked good preseason, little disappointed with him on Tues, but hopefully he can sharpen up in the Cup comps (ooops).

They will look to expose us at the back. Who wouldn't. Think Klopp needs to try something a bit diff, or could struggle badly back there again against them.

Ward
TAA Gomez Klavan Robertson
Mily Hendo Gini
Salah Coutinho
Bobby

SMH this could be very bad HAHA. Lets hope Mo and Bobby do a better job at getting on to the end of those crosses better than Solanke did.. We will need at least 3 goals to get a point in this one. 

So we'll line up with the same defence that let in two goals against their B team only now they'll also have Vardy and Mahrez.. 9th richest team in the world and we field an inexperienced kid and a 4mil guy from Estonia

Already feeling pessimistic about our chances this early into the season. Sad state of affairs but I just don’t see how we beat anyone if we aren’t scoring at least 2 and probably 3 every game.

12 players there mate.

No Matip?

Oh ffs was never good at maths😉

Thought Matip was out, anyhoo drop the Ox and hope for the best I'm guessing, is this our January from last season?


YNWA

If Matip and Lovren (and Can) are all out, might see 19 year old Conor Masterson, 20 year old Corey Whelan or 20-year old Nate Phillips on the bench.

Last game of Sadio's suspension at least.

Well in that case we may even the game.

I might have picked it up wrong but what I thought I heard at the presser was that Lovren has an issue that's ongoing and flared up after last appearance and he couldn't train.

Matip and Can are also carrying knocks - but I thought the more negative perspective was on Dejan......did I get that totally wrong?

I was working from home at the time like 😳

How is it negative when Loveren does not play? To me that is very positive.

Can has been declared fit, matip has slight hammy and lovren still a doubt as well

Back to basics for me this one.
We have to just stand tall and focus on protecting our goal for the whole 90 minutes.
Can't afford to go 3 up top for this one, two at best.
Park one of our buses for a change and look to get it up to Salah and Bobby super quick when we get the chance.

Not sure whether that Gray character they've got on the left wing was brilliant because Flannagan was so sh*t or whether he'll get the nod to start, but if he does, Gomez or TAA will need to get tight on him.

Vardy will try every trick in the book to influence the ref, he's a little tw*t so we've just gotta expect it, Their two centre halves will throw themselves at everything it's whether our lot have got the bottle to battle this one out.

What I'd be happy with is a 0-0
What I don't want is a 0-4 embarrassment
What I believe we're capable of is a 4-0 symphony in football.

I shouldn't be feeling this way in the middle of September

How is it negative when Loveren does not play? To me that is very positive.

I meant prognosis.

Looking forward to my Liverpool debut Saturday. I firmly believe I will deal better with Vardy's pace and everything else Leicester have to offer ahead of Klavan.

Back to basics for me this one.
We have to just stand tall and focus on protecting our goal for the whole 90 minutes.
Can't afford to go 3 up top for this one, two at best.
Park one of our buses for a change and look to get it up to Salah and Bobby super quick when we get the chance.

Not sure whether that Gray character they've got on the left wing was brilliant because Flannagan was so sh*t or whether he'll get the nod to start, but if he does, Gomez or TAA will need to get tight on him.

Vardy will try every trick in the book to influence the ref, he's a little tw*t so we've just gotta expect it, Their two centre halves will throw themselves at everything it's whether our lot have got the bottle to battle this one out.

What I'd be happy with is a 0-0
What I don't want is a 0-4 embarrassment
What I believe we're capable of is a 4-0 symphony in football.

I shouldn't be feeling this way in the middle of September

happy with 0-0??? good grief...

This is what I would like to see. Obviously not going to happen and I think bar injuries / Mane's suspension, we'll see the usual eleven or something predictable with Milner / Can in midfield again.



Right now I don't want to see Can anywhere near the starting eleven. If he can't be bothered to do his defensive duties, he can sit on the bench.

Gomez ahead of TAA for this one. After Tuesday and Klopp's comments, he should be focused and hopefully wants to prove himself again. Offers slightly more defensively, which we need right now and actually, I don't think he's all that bad offensively.

Call me crazy, but my initial thought was to play Woodburn in midfield and Coutinho on the left. Of the players fit, I think he's closest to Lallana in terms skillset.  He showed plenty of times Tuesday he can easily beat someone on the turn, with one touch or a drop of the shoulder. He's good in tight areas, composed on the ball, has an eye for a pass and knows how to strike a ball. Just a very intelligent player. The only problem he had on Tuesday was that every time he beat a Leicester player, he didn't have someone to play off.

My only worry would be the physicality of the Leicester team. He sometimes gets pushed off the ball a bit too easily (he had that problem against Stoke too last season), which is pretty normal for a 17 year old lad. Decided to put him on the left where he'll have a little more time on the ball. Coutinho would certainly find Woodburn's clever runs and he can pull the strings in midfield.

happy with 0-0??? good grief...

yeah, It's a point on the board against a shithouse team at a shithouse ground.

coyr, we go again

yeah, It's a point on the board against a shithouse team at a shithouse ground.

coyr, we go again

 

Matip, Lovren and Can all possibly could be injured for the game.

https://twitter.com/JamesPearceEcho/status/910854454798319621

Don't know whether that's a blessing or not.

Klopp has made the exact same mistake again this summer as he did in January.

The bloke wouldn't be sitting at the back of my class, he'd be at the front.

We could play the same back 5 due to injuries. I didn't think the defence played that bad the other night, it was cover from midfield that was lacking.

now we have stopped scoring, we are in trouble. Cleansheets are like haleys comet.

Well I hadus down for 1-2 in the predictions, but sorry to say I've changed to 2-2.
Just can't see our back line / midfield holding out against a bit of decent pace, although I think we are capable of scoring against these with a full side out.

I just think regardless of what defence we put out, the first goal will be vital.
If we score first, we should be more confident and potentially play better, however if Leicester score first, it has the potential to cause another meltdown...unfortunately such is the fragile nature of our team at present.

Top priority in Jan or next season...a "Leader" to give this group some direction and belief. With that, this same group are capable of brushing aside all the teams in the league.

Not looking forward with this defense...Can't see us winning without mane. Hope Hendo will not start.

happy with 0-0??? good grief...

I'm guessing you'd be happier with a defeat, giving our state at the moment id chop Vardy's cock off for a 0-0

Clean sheet away from home and a point to boot ain't too shabby for us considering!

YNWA

Just for this game until Mane is back I would like us to sit back and play on the counter, surely as the home team they are not going to just pass it along they're backline for 90mins.

To F**k with the 9 players transitioned in their box and one long ball in the Chanel to Vardy sucker punch.

I'm guessing you'd be happier with a defeat, giving our state at the moment id chop Vardy's cock off for a 0-0

Clean sheet away from home and a point to boot ain't too shabby for us considering!

YNWA

This isn't a criticism of you, Billy, it really isn't because I'm in the same boat all things considered, but the fact anyone is 'happy' with a 0-0 away to Leicester shows just how far expections as supporters have fallen as a result of just how little faith any of us have in this mediocre squad of ours.

This isn't a criticism of you, Billy, it really isn't because I'm in the same boat all things considered, but the fact anyone is 'happy' with a 0-0 away to Leicester shows just how far expections as supporters have fallen as a result of just how little faith any of us have in this mediocre squad of ours.

Maybe my choice of the word "happy" was wrong, more "content" than anything.
Either way it is, as you say 5times a reflection of how the faith levels in our team to grind out a result have dropped this season so far.
I'd love us to beat this shithouse team tomorrow and I'll be screaming my support during the game just like we all will.
The reality is we are in the third week of September with a number of injury issues across the defence and we have a trip to Moscow mid week followed by a trip up to Newcastle next weekend and we need to get our sh*t together quick !

Maybe my choice of the word "happy" was wrong, more "content" than anything.
Either way it is, as you say 5times a reflection of how the faith levels in our team to grind out a result have dropped this season so far.
I'd love us to beat this shithouse team tomorrow and I'll be screaming my support during the game just like we all will.
The reality is we are in the third week of September with a number of injury issues across the defence and we have a trip to Moscow mid week followed by a trip up to Newcastle next weekend and we need to get our sh*t together quick !

I completely understood, and like I said, I too would be content with a draw, all things considered. The criticism is of our squad's lack of quality, not in the post. The saddest thing is that Klopp turned doubters into believers and has subsequently turned believers right back into doubters because of his obsession with training over buying proven quality. He now has a job on his hands to reverse that trend and turn us all back into believers again. This weekend would be a good place to start.

I think we may just sneak this one.

                                               Migs
                                       
                            TAA      Gomez    Matip   Robertson

                                         Can    Hendo

                                         Coutinho

                           Salah                             Firmino

                                            Sturridge


C'mon lads

NB: Team no longer available

I like JD's team, but I doubt he'll drop Hendo.

I think he'll give Matip a few more days to recovery and use him in the CL game. Should be Joe and Raggy at center back.

I like JD's team, but I doubt he'll drop Hendo.

I think he'll give Matip a few more days to recovery and use him in the CL game. Should be Joe and Raggy at center back.

Agreed - also think he'll revert to form with Bertie at LB.

Need all 3pts to prevent this turning into some sort of crisis.

We have to get back to winning ways by hook or by crook.

Massive game now and the pressure is on to halt this win-less run.

Coutinho back pulling the strings, an early goal, they have to come out and bish bosh boom... we'll eat them.

In my head anyhow. 😎

3 points please reds,don't really care how you get them either.
I know it's early days but we need to nip this winless run in the bud sooner rather than later & stop the rot.

Might try something different and get utterly wankered before watching the game tonight!

I never generally mix fitba and alcohol........other than the time I bumped into WAHS in Slug & Lettuce like

We need this win so much! Reds go and get it please any way!

Travelling to the game today, anyone have any idea of travelling time? Starting from the Wirral

Travelling to the game today, anyone have any idea of travelling time? Starting from the Wirral

Bit late to be asking that. Have you tried doing some research yourself?

Travelling to the game today, anyone have any idea of travelling time? Starting from the Wirral

Allow 4 hrs min to get through all the fecking road works !

Looks as though Sturridge could start again in the league after reading this:

After overlooking him for most of last season, Jürgen Klopp claims Daniel Sturridge is now a vital part of his Liverpool plan.

Klopp rested Sturridge in midweek to keep him fresh for Saturday’s return trip to Leicester — after the midweek League Cup defeat there — in a sign of his new status.

The England striker’s Anfield fortunes have revived after it looked like he might leave because of his lack of opportunities. He made just seven league starts last season, with Klopp saying he had to learn the difference between injuries that were real and imagined.

Instead, fellow frontman Divock Origi went out on loan and Sturridge has asserted his position ahead of newcomer Dominic Solanke and fit-again Danny Ings in the pecking order.

Klopp spoke to Sturridge in the summer and insists he never wanted the former Chelsea hitman to go.

“Yes, we did talk and it was good,” said Klopp. “It was not a talk of him saying, ‘When can I go?’ or, ‘Where can I go?’ Not that talk, but about what we planned for this season.

“It is not he COULD be important. He IS important. But in the end, I have 11 players and stuff like this.

“We are fine.”

Sturridge is valuable to Klopp as he tries to plug the sizeable hole left in his attack created by Sadio Mane’s suspension — the Senegalese flyer completes his three-match ban with this game.

The German should also appreciate Sturridge’s worth because he is the best natural finisher at the club at a time when Liverpool’s wastefulness in front of goal is costing them dear.

Despite often looking like a round peg in a square hole in his system, Klopp says his only ever issue with Sturridge has been his fitness.

He claims he is playing more now because he is finally fully fit and able to train properly

“He’s always getting better because he can train all the time,” said Klopp.

“We decided not to take him to Leicester [in midweek] and that was a responsible decision. We would have taken him, but he would not have started. Maybe he would have had 10 minutes, 30 minutes or extra-time.

“But then we decided it was better to stay here and train twice, because he can get better physically.

Klopp is bidding to avoid a fourth defeat at the King Power Stadium in just 19 months, but he rejected talk of it being Liverpool’s bogey ground.

He could never win at Hamburg when he was Borussia Dortmund boss and was determined to be positive in the wake of Liverpool’s four-game winless run at Leicester, insisting their awful form there has to end some time.

“If you lose somewhere, it’s more likely that you will then win at some point,” he argued.

“It’s about performing. I don’t believe in bad places to go. If you think too much like that, then it can be like that.

“Dortmund won yesterday at Hamburg. When I was there we never won there one time and after my time they had a bad record.

“Obviously it changed. That’s how it is. Things can always change. I don’t believe in things like this.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/klopp-insists-sturridge-vital-role-11219933

I want a win - at the moment any win will do,

ideally one where we put away our early chances, refine from 193939 shots from 30 yards and where the defenders stand up to be counted and don't buckle under pressure.

The team I expect: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1

Mignolet

TAA
Matip
Klavan
Robertson

Henderson.
Wijnaldum.

Salah.
Coutinho.
Firmino.

Sturridge.

The team I expect: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1

Mignolet

TAA
Matip
Klavan
Robertson

Henderson.
Wijnaldum.

Salah.
Coutinho.
Firmino.

Sturridge.

I'd go with that. I said after the Tuesday game that if Sturridge was playing he would of lapped up those crosses that Robertson was putting in. If Robertson and Sturridge start and Robertson is allowed the same amount of space as the last game then I'm expecting a win today.

I'd go with that. I said after the Tuesday game that if Sturridge was playing he would of lapped up those crosses that Robertson was putting in. If Robertson and Sturridge start and Robertson is allowed the same amount of space as the last game then I'm expecting a win today.

If your expecting a win rather than hoping. Nip down to Corals, they offering 25/1 for a Liverpool win !
Clearly don't give us a chance. 😳

Can has been declared fit, matip has slight hammy and lovren still a doubt as well

So good news then 

If your expecting a win rather than hoping. Nip down to Corals, they offering 25/1 for a Liverpool win !
Clearly don't give us a chance. 😳

Seriously?

That's mental based on a pishy two weeks.

So good news then 

Injured players are never good news whether you rate them or not

Seriously?

That's mental based on a pishy two weeks.

Not mental, we're in sh*t form.

A fit Sturridge is an obvious starter. We are swamping teams but the attack lack focus. We need a 20 goals + a season from somebody. If Sturridge doesn't do it Klopp needs to buy a genuine out and out goal scorer in the Jan window.

Not mental, we're in sh*t form.

The Arsenal game gave a slightly false impression. They were crap, yes we played well but there wasn't much bite from Arsenal.
We now have to restart, refocus. Get serious and get a win.

When you look at the games already taking place today, two for Kane, one for Hernandez, another one for Lukaku, one for Morata etc it makes you wonder just where we'd be if we had a genuine centre forward who scores heavily. We'll be up against one today who has 15 league goals in his last 18 matches (I think I read somewhere), every top team has a centre forward who scores heavily.

As the site seems a bit quiet I'll have a row with myself.

H. I thought the owners played their hand to early with Coutinho.
A. You mean they didn't expect a £120m offer.
H. Yeah, they short sided themselves, they thought it might go to £85m or so and in saying he's not for sale at any price, they were appeasing the fans.
A. Possible, I think they would of taken the £100m+ but they snookered themselves.
H. Yes and I think the whole issue upset the squad, left Klopp keeping Coutinho out of it. To be fair he Klopp played his hand well enough. Just kept Coutinho out just long enough but the whole squad needs to sharpen up...a lot.
A. Owners will keep their powder dry in future...just turn down offers and do not reveal your hand to early.

Can't get myself hyped for the game today, maybe because I had to work today, I dunno.... hopefully a solid performance will boost me during the game!

I take it from the projected line up's the The OX is not getting a look in. Seems, even in this moneyed era, a bit much for a £40m player not to be in with a serious chance of a game.

Seems as if The Ox prefers center midfield...mmm...if we had stayed in the LC it might have been worth a try. He's not a great wide player. We have enough wide players with the addition of Salah. Has Markovic gone out on loan, if not I would of tried him...save £40m.

On today's issue, Robertson has to start and Sturridge and Co. must get on the end of those curling left footers Robo puts in.

Hoping for a reaction from the lads today. Think a lot depends on the guys up front, cause hard to see us keep a clean sheet. If Studge starts, need more from Bob that in other games where he's not started up front. Mane is a loss, but at least Salah has started in really good form from the off. But imho, depending on Cou to start hitting form, we have him for one more season, we need to get the very best out of him. Fingers crossed we stick one to this lot in their back yard...

As the site seems a bit quiet I'll have a row with myself.

H. I thought the owners played their hand to early with Coutinho.
A. You mean they didn't expect a £120m offer.
H. Yeah, they short sided themselves, they thought it might go to £85m or so and in saying he's not for sale at any price, they were appeasing the fans.
A. Possible, I think they would of taken the £100m+ but they snookered themselves.
H. Yes and I think the whole issue upset the squad, left Klopp keeping Coutinho out of it. To be fair he Klopp played his hand well enough. Just kept Coutinho out just long enough but the whole squad needs to sharpen up...a lot.
A. Owners will keep their powder dry in future...just turn down offers and do not reveal your hand to early.

That looks more like a debate than a row

Have win today or season over utd city spurs Chelsea winning games

We could be 8 points off top league Christ only September

https://twitter.com/Oliver__Bond/status/911610186200227840

https://twitter.com/Oliver__Bond/status/911610700870688768

Topic locked.....match thread here >>>> https://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,49888.0/topicseen.html