Pre-Match: Liverpool V Porto (06/03/18 - 19:45) 2nd Leg, Round of 16 (Agg. 5:0)

Honestly thought I would have seen this posted already.



Time to crack on but I'd expect an altered side for this one in advance of the game at the weekend. I'd like to see Ward get the nod for this one game but Klopp mightn't want to disrupt either.

NB: Team no longer available

Possibly swap Lallana in for Ben, or if you want a stronger strikeforce play one of Bobby/Mane/Mo.

NB: Team no longer available

Either way it should be a decent game, and reckon we can do them again like we did at their ground.

 

I'd rest anyone who started Saturday bar one/two as that is the team I would go with for United.

We still want to go into that game with a positive result. 3-1 Reds. 

Just read that Jürgen intends to rest nobody!

What does that say to the squad players on the fringes? I don't trust you to see out a 5-0 lead!

Sigh.

TBH think Jürgen Klopp should start off with a strong side, at least for the first half anyway. Chance to make substitutions, at the half way mark, or after 60 minutes. Interesting though to see what actually his starting line up will be, on the night.

Just read that Jürgen intends to rest nobody!

What does that say to the squad players on the fringes? I don't trust you to see out a 5-0 lead!

Sigh.

What are you sighing about?  It's a Champions League game at home...you reckon the likes of Salah, Firmino or Mane want to miss out on that?  Porto will come out and attack, our front three will have a field day, score lots of goals and keep the momentum going for the United game.

Making wholesale changes would be ridiculous IMO.

rather get a few goals, go 7-0 on agg before bringing on ings or solanke etc..  if we put out weakened side we might be getting a 5-0 hammering just like we gave to Porto. If it's 0-0 at 60 minutes triple sub no problem.

rather get a few goals, go 7-0 on agg before bringing on ings or solanke etc..  if we put out weakened side we might be getting a 5-0 hammering just like we gave to Porto. If it's 0-0 at 60 minutes triple sub no problem.

Yeah I think start fairly strong then rest players.

What are you sighing about?  It's a Champions League game at home...you reckon the likes of Salah, Firmino or Mane want to miss out on that?  Porto will come out and attack, our front three will have a field day, score lots of goals and keep the momentum going for the United game.

Making wholesale changes would be ridiculous IMO.

He was willing to rest top players for a Merseyside Derby this season but won't for a game we have already won.

Bigger fish to fry. I don't care if they want to play. He is the manager and a rest would do them good. It will be the only game remaining we can realistically rest players.

Think it’s a bit odd going full strength for this. Should be resting Bobby and Salah at the very least.

We made 59 changes to our starting line up from the start of the season to the end of December. Only one team in recent history has made more in their opening 16 games (Man Utd in 2001/02). As Klopp said in Marbella a few weeks back, we've done most of the resting and rotation, so expect to see strong teams throughout the rest of the season. With that said, and despite what Klopp's said already about the Porto game, I think we'll see a few changes like Lallana starting for fitness and maybe one of the front three on the bench.

“We made our rotation in the winter—in November and December—to be now 100 percent fit,” he said.

“Now we are 100 percent fit the best players will play all the time.”

https://www.thisisanfield.com/2018/02/Jürgen-klopp-explains-plans-rotation-premier-league-champions-league-run/

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/292893-Jürgen-klopp-porto-champions-league-rest-team

I don’t think Klopp will make wholesale changes and i don’t think it’s a good idea losing not good for momentum for the big game on Saturday. Porto will want to exact some sort of revenge and bearing in mind they are a free scoring side ( wouldn’t have thought it in the first leg mind).

VVD has not played many game so he doesn’t need resting, Matip has been getting plenty of rest so should be playing.
TAA looked a bit jaded in the last game and will be better suited for Mancs so Gomez comes in if fit.
Moreno can also come in.

Pick of Gini, Lallana, Milner and Can, I would rest Henderson.

Up front Solanke for Firmino and then take off Salah and Mane after 60mins.

Full strength team apparently. Right decision IMO. Start off full strength, then bring on subs to rest Salah, Bobby, Mane.

He was willing to rest top players for a Merseyside Derby this season but won't for a game we have already won.

Bigger fish to fry. I don't care if they want to play. He is the manager and a rest would do them good. It will be the only game remaining we can realistically rest players.

Aye and what happened in that game?  We dropped points.

We've only got three league games for the rest of March.  And all this coming off a 10 day break after the first Porto game.  If anyone needs a rest then I give up.

We can go full strength tomorrow and coast through the game in about fifth gear.

Well, I'd be resting some key players. We're away to Man U on Saturday and we should be maximising our chances of winning that game. I think it's pretty well established that teams find it harder to pick up the points at the weekend after a midweek European game, so the fact this one is basically already won is a bonus that we should be taking full advantage of. It's also a great chance for Ings, Solanke etc to get some game time and CL experience. We're so far ahead I'm not even worried about putting Moreno in there.

                     Ward

Gomez   Matip      VVD    Moreno

  Lallana        Gini        Milner 

         Ings     Solanke  Woodburn

     

Klopp more or less said after the Porto game that he will be fielding a strong team. He won't short change people who pay hard cash to see the top players. Also the resting of players is over. It's full steam ahead.

He may have a few on the bench or whatever but it will be a strong team. Keep the winning habit going. Little bit risky going into the United game.....little bit risky..

...on second thoughts this campaign has played havoc with my nerves and I think I might need to ready myself for the Mancheater game...yeah..so I'll rest myself for the Porto game...hot bath, clip me toenails, scratch me arrrse....check the score bout 10 ish...all set for the weekend battle..

Changes will probably be at outside back (Gomez and Moreno) and midfield (Milner, Gini and Lallana). I expect him to start the terrific trio unless one of them is "ill." He never calls it "resting" players and always says "I went with the side that gives us the best chance of winning.

We will play to win the match.

I wouldn't make changes for this. Certainly not wholesale changes to the extent that it resembles a League Cup eleven. This is the CL knockouts after all and as great as the first leg result was it is as important to win this leg and not lessen chances of victory and with it our current momentum. Porto are still a good side despite what happened to them in the first leg. They'll want to make amends, he'll bent on not wanting the aggregate score line not to get any bigger. On that basis it's right that we start a team in anticipation of these challenges and not least a side fitting of a CL knockout tie at Anfield.

Could do with giving run outs to likes of Lallana , maybe Gomez, Moreno, Clyne and Ings

Where we can rest the big guns, I would do so - Man U at the weekend is a bigger challenge, and could cement top 4, and set us up for 2nd

The way we are playing, could even think of resting players, for the trip to Old Trafford. Although I obviously said that with tongue in cheek.  No strongest side for both games, they are both important fixtures.

We don’t need guys rested to beat the Mancs, let them go out and give Porto a whipping, they will be ready for the game against the scum. Good call on Klopp’s part IMO.

Not a fan of fielding a lesser side in the 2nd leg of a game especially at home, irrespective of a 5 goal lead,

I'd field a full strength side to see the game through, and if we're 3 up by HT I'd move things around then, and only then,

Porto are fu**ed mentally, they know it and we certainly know it, however, we still should do the professional thing and see the tie out with the upmost respect to them,
I'd  go thus.....

                           Karius
       Gomez Lovren Van Dijk Robertson
                 Milner          Wijnaldom
                              Can
           Salah       Firmino       Mane

Bench: Ward, Matip, Henderson, Oxlade, Lallana, Woodburn, Ings

Lets get the job finished then perhaps we can rest one or two, i want us to be utterly and totally ruthless irrespective of the first leg result  !!

4-0 MIGHTY REDMEN


YNWA

                           

Club statement says Gini and Woodburn will not be available for this one as they recover from illness.

Club statement says Gini and Woodburn will not be available for this one as they recover from illness.

Yeah,  f***in pish flaps, just read that, that fu**ed my side up 😁,

That gives Oxlade a berth, and Solanke on the bench .

YNWA

Full strength for me, fielding a weakened side and potentially getting beat could ruin the confidence and momentum we've built up.

Strong side, give them another beating and take all that confidence with us and give the Mancs a beating too.

We've just had a 10 day break, for gods sake, no need to rest anyone.  If we go 2 up, then maybe, and besides, does anyone actually think that if your not picked for the first team, that you dont do anything, and have energy to spare?.  No no, they're working their arse off trying to be picked

We've just had a 10 day break, for gods sake, no need to rest anyone.  If we go 2 up, then maybe, and besides, does anyone actually think that if your not picked for the first team, that you dont do anything, and have energy to spare?.  No no, they're working their arse off trying to be picked

The way i see it is that Porto will field a starting 11 filled with fringe players trying to get in to the team proper, they will be trying to empress flying into tackles... It is not so much about resting players,though that would help. It is more about avoiding injuries 

I'd show some respect to Porto & field our strong 11.. Make the necessary changes later on in the game...

Playing an important match before another important game will keep our sharpness & a reminder we cannot take our foot of the gas..

Robbo sat out training today so Moreno almost certain to get the start at left back. I would expect Gomez on the other side.  Sounds like he may be thinking of starting Salah on the bench as well.

Lots of comments about how easy this is going to be  I'm not convinced. You have to remember in the first leg, they had their top striker and probably their most creative midfield player out injured. If they are now fit, and they are gonna give it everything from the off, it might just not be the stroll in the park some are thinking. I think we have to start with our strongest 11, get at least 1 goal to sit them back on their heels a bit, then make changes later on if we feel the need.
Can't be too complacent, we'd be a laughing stock if they pulled it off wouldn't we. 

Think i'll go for a hard fought 3;1 with a few surprises thrown in.

If we could batter them  4 or 5 nil with their strongest side out, the Mancs won't be looking forward to seeing us arrive at old toilet next Saturday thats for sure. 

Karius

Gomez   Van Dijk   Lovren   Moreno

Lallana   Milner   Chamberlain

Salah   Firmino   Mane

Subs: Mignolet, Clyne, Robertson, Matip, Can, Solanke, Ings.

Four changes but still a strong team. Take the match seriously and get an early goal and then rest the front three ahead of United at the weekend. Job done professionally and respectfully. I know people want to play a virtual reserve side but win this match and we lay down a marker for the next round as well as extending our winning run.

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

Ah f**k mate that's terrible sorry to hear. Hope it comes through or one of the forum folk can look after you at least.

Karius

Gomez
Lovren
VVD
Moreno

Hendo
Lallana
Milner

Ox
Solanke
Ings

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

Makes me sick to my stomach when I hear something like that mate! There’s too many scumbags out there taking advantage.

A couple of quick goals will knock the stuffing out of Porto after that it will be like a stroll around Anfield.

Makes me sick to my stomach when I hear something like that mate! There’s too many scumbags out there taking advantage.

Told the kid this morning.
Heartbroken 😔

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

What is frickin’ wrong with some parts of the human race?

Parasites.

Fingers x’d for you buddy - 9 is too young to be finding out some people are lying, cheating bas**rds.......

Plenty time for that later 🙄

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

I've asked a couple of friends for you & soon as I get an answer I'll let you know..

sh*t news that..

I've asked a couple of friends for you & soon as I get an answer I'll let you know..

sh*t news that..

Appreciate that. Gutted

Lots of comments about how easy this is going to be  I'm not convinced. You have to remember in the first leg, they had their top striker and probably their most creative midfield player out injured. If they are now fit, and they are gonna give it everything from the off, it might just not be the stroll in the park some are thinking. I think we have to start with our strongest 11, get at least 1 goal to sit them back on their heels a bit, then make changes later on if we feel the need.
Can't be too complacent, we'd be a laughing stock if they pulled it off wouldn't we. 

Think i'll go for a hard fought 3;1 with a few surprises thrown in.

If we could batter them  4 or 5 nil with their strongest side out, the Mancs won't be looking forward to seeing us arrive at old toilet next Saturday thats for sure. 

Exactly my train of thought,strongest side for me also,a 5-0 lead is a handsome one & while the likelyhood of these sticking 6 past us without reply may seem remote I certainly don't expect Porto to roll over & throw the towel in I fully expect them to at least have a go.
I appreciate we play utd  on Saturday but I just can't see the boss  fielding anything other than the core players
That's got us playing boss footie ,we've built up quite the momentum and i don't think he will want to unsettle that,get a few early goals then rest the  players.
3-1

Told the kid this morning.
Heartbroken 😔

Hope you get this sorted for you & your lad mate,absolute sh*t situation  to be in to say the least.

Appreciate that. Gutted

So very sorry to hear that Racer. My heart goes out to you and your boy.

Appreciate that. Gutted

Can you PM me mate..

Will be crossing fingers and toes for Racer and his lad tonight.

First competitive match I will miss in years as I will be on a plane to Melbourne, gutted about that.

Hoping when I touch down I will see a reds win of any margin, onwards and upwards redmen.

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

Sorry to hear that mate. Will keep my fingers crossed for you that you get something sorted out.

Lets not be complacent and think the game has been won. It is still 90 minutes to go and plenty of things can happen. Stranger things have happened in football. I would say play full strength to keep everyone in good shape to prepare for next week's game. Score 3 goals then start to rest some key layers, by then Porto would have to score 8 goals to draw level and 9 goals to advance, somewhat difficult.

It would be arrogant and a bit unfair on the supporters to field a weakened side. Although Klopp has indicated only a few changes, which sounds about right. Keep the consistency level going, with the weekend's game in mind.

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

That's just awful mate. I do know for sure that this forum has the best people to help out, so fingers crossed for you and your little fella.

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

Truly awful news, hope that something can be sorted out for you and your son, by tonight.

I'd show some respect to Porto & field our strong 11.. Make the necessary changes later on in the game...

Playing an important match before another important game will keep our sharpness & a reminder we cannot take our foot of the gas..

Shabs, I am showing respect to Porto...

If they were 3-0 down I would expect a full strength team, but at 5-0 down with a title at stake and not a League,or domestic trophy wins since 2013/14; as a a manger what would you do...?

The Supporters will forgive him if he wins the League, after all over turning a 5-0 home defeat is unlikely to put it mildly... and with managers being stacked left,right and centre these days what would the owners do if by playing a full strength side it cost Porto the League title along with failing to over turn a impossible goal deficit...?

Remember players will be playing not only to be noticed by their clubs, but also to be noticed by their national team (World Cup Squads)

There will be a few hard tackles going in and a few bookings and we can ill afford to lose any of the front three... IHO it is and unnecessary risk, especially given the chance to give some of the squad that CL experience which you may need to draw on further down the line

Shabs, I am showing respect to Porto...

If they were 3-0 down I would expect a full strength team, but at 5-0 down with a title at stake and not a League,or domestic trophy wins since 2013/14; as a a manger what would you do...?

The Supporters will forgive him if he wins the League, after all over turning a 5-0 home defeat is unlikely to put it mildly... and with managers being stacked left,right and centre these days what would the owners do if by playing a full strength side it cost Porto the League title along with failing to over turn a impossible goal deficit...?

Remember players will be playing not only to be noticed by their clubs, but also to be noticed by their national team (World Cup Squads)

There will be a few hard tackles going in and a few bookings and we can ill afford to lose any of the front three... IHO it is and unnecessary risk, especially given the chance to give some of the squad that CL experience which you may need to draw on further down the line

Porto are a dangerous team, your not giving them much credit & I would not sit back on a 5-0 win,you think if we went down 5-0 at home and the following fixture we would field a weakened team?, where's the self respect in such a defeatist attitude..?

Porto will want to regain some pride after their home thumping by us...I'm expecting our strongest 11 out tonight & I sure Klopp would not be complacent or the team..

I think Klopp will go with full force.

Appreciate that. Gutted

I got two spares (me and my old man can't go) but I'm in Preston at work until 6pm then I'm heading North straight after. God damnit I wish drone delivery was a thing.

I know standing ovations/applause is rare for opposition players but it could be Casillas last European game. Top keeper for a long time.

I'd rest Salah  and Bobby tonight. Play Mane cos he's hitting form again so he needs game time to keep that up. Rest Hendo and play Can Milner and Ox or possibly Lallana.

In Liverpool.
Waiting to see match today.
Still no tickets.
Found this.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.onlineticketexpress.com

I have my son with me and feel sick.

I am so sorry to hear, and knowing your son is there too really upsets me I hope something can be sorted for you.

I got two spares (me and my old man can't go) but I'm in Preston at work until 6pm then I'm heading North straight after. God damnit I wish drone delivery was a thing.

+ 100000000000000000000 if this can be pulled off.

Firmino deserves a rest. Had to put up with all the Holgate crap. Mentioned this in the Klopp thread.

Strong team yes but Klopp will use common sense and rest vital players.

2-2..

I got two spares (me and my old man can't go) but I'm in Preston at work until 6pm then I'm heading North straight after. God damnit I wish drone delivery was a thing.

Can't you phone the club, give in the ticket number and ask can they be given to racerx24...who is in Liverpool with his lad but has no tickets...just a thought..

Can't you phone the club, give in the ticket number and ask can they be given to racerx24...who is in Liverpool with his lad but has no tickets...just a thought..

Sounds like something that could be possible. I can give it a go if Racer still is without? He's been offline a while. I'll happily give LFC a call and see if it can be done if needed though

Breaking News: Racer is sorted for tonight's match after ticket fiasco

Think he has confirmed on twitter that he has been sorted for tonight..

Breaking News: Racer is sorted for tonight's match after ticket fiasco

Think he has confirmed on twitter that he has been sorted for tonight..

Awesome. I'll stand down and actually do some work

Awesome. I'll stand down and actually do some work

We've all been waiting for him to break it to us on the forum proper tense stuff...

As you were troops

I think he'll go semi strong.

Keep the Karius-VVD partnership in operation and whoever Klopp wants to parter VVD on Saturday won't play today. I think it'll be Lovren that will start Saturday and Matip today. Moreno is going to play and I think it will be TAA to play tonight as Gomez will come in on Saturday. Gomez is a bit sturdier and not as weak in the air so will be needed against United.

Midfield he is kind of forced into playing one of Henderson or Can as Gini is out. Milner, Lallana and an other.

Up front, Mane is playing himself into form along with Ox so they will be on the wings. Maybe Ings will get a start. Salah & Firmino get a run out near the end to keep themselves ticking over.

Porto won't want to play tonight. Travelling away for a dead rubber. Couple of early goals and we can coast through the game. Players like Lallana, Solanke, Ings, Ox, Mane will be itching to get on the scoresheet and play their way into a starting sport for the rest of the season.

--------------------Karius---------------------
TAA------Matip----------VVD---------Moreno
--------------------Can-----------------------
---------Milner-----------Lallana-------------
Ox----------------Ings------------------Mane




We're on the march in Europe this season. We shouldn't be afraid of any of these. Win 2-0 tonight, draw & beat Real in the 1/4s and we have a CL semi final to look forward to.

Google Maps says it is a 60-minute drive from Liverpool to Preston. In the movie, I'd have hired a car, only to realize that a Hydra Agent had left an Infinity stone in the back seat, setting up wild chase through the English countryside whilst I was driving north to pick up the tickets, dodging bad guys in Everton shirts the entire way. The dramatic final scene, off-roading a shortcut through Stanley Park, handing the tickets out the window to racer and his son in front of Arkles 10 minutes before kickoff, then using Captain America's shield to bounce a death ray back at Sam Allardyce, now revealed as the bumbling head of the evil Hydra, would leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

What you you have to pay outside the ground for tickets. Double? triple the price?

Get the game well and truly killed off in the first half!

What you you have to pay outside the ground for tickets. Double? triple the price?

If you were there tonight and got into the last 30 mins before kick off I'd imagine you'd pay less than face value.

Anyhows, gone for a tentative 2-1 tonight.  Has to be a formality to get into the quarter finals.

Google Maps says it is a 60-minute drive from Liverpool to Preston. In the movie, I'd have hired a car, only to realize that a Hydra Agent had left an Infinity stone in the back seat, setting up wild chase through the English countryside whilst I was driving north to pick up the tickets, dodging bad guys in Everton shirts the entire way. The dramatic final scene, off-roading a shortcut through Stanley Park, handing the tickets out the window to racer and his son in front of Arkles 10 minutes before kickoff, then using Captain America's shield to bounce a death ray back at Sam Allardyce, now revealed as the bumbling head of the evil Hydra, would leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

If you were there tonight and got into the last 30 mins before kick off I'd imagine you'd pay less than face value.

Anyhows, gone for a tentative 2-1 tonight.  Has to be a formality to get into the quarter finals.

Going for a draw 2-2..

Question for our American fans. Which tv station is showing the game over there! I can get all the US and Canadian sports channels, but my BT sports isn't working.

Question for our American fans. Which tv station is showing the game over there! I can get all the US and Canadian sports channels, but my BT sports isn't working.

 

Foxsports2,think i'm heading out to the pub to watch it.

 

Foxsports2,think i'm heading out to the pub to watch it.

Cheers mate 👍Don't drink too much 😀

Cheers mate 👍Don't drink too much 😀

 

That's always the plan......always fail.

Karius, gomez, lovren, matip, moreno, can, milner,hendo, lallana, bobby and mane subs migs, trent, vvd, ox, salah, ings and lord klavan