Pre-Match: Liverpool v Crystal Palace (24 June 2020 - 8:15pm)

Liverpool take on in form Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday.  A win would move the reds to within 2 points of the Premier League title.

Palace have the best form record in the league - having won their last four games.

They are 4 points behind 5th placed Man United.

Since the restart they beat Bournemouth away 2-0 in the UK's first live game on terrestrial TV for 32 years.

Liverpool narrowly beat Palace 2-1 after an 85th minute winner by Roberto Firmino back in November.

The game is live on Sky in the UK.

Beating a very poor Bournemouth side is no indication of whether they are in form or not, this is a really tough game to call but I feel like we'll bounce back from the Everton game, not that we were that terrible.

We'll have Mo and Robbo back and that should make a big difference, give us that cutting edge back in attack.

I'm going for a 3-1 win to us.

Beating a very poor Bournemouth side is no indication of whether they are in form or not, this is a really tough game to call but I feel like we'll bounce back from the Everton game, not that we were that terrible.

We'll have Mo and Robbo back and that should make a big difference, give us that cutting edge back in attack.

I'm going for a 3-1 win to us.

Yup, Bournemouth are relegation material and look worse by the game.

Robbo and Mo will make a huge difference to our attacking threat on both flanks.

If we don't put at least 2 past Palace I'd be a little worried.

City have scored 8 goals in two games to draw level with us on GD.

Perhaps that will be the rocket up the a...e for the lads to kick on. 



Shouldn't need it though. We are so close I can nearly touch it !

We've won only once in the last 5 games.

Be nice to see us play good football and score a few goals. My nerves need it.

1 win in the last 5 games in all competitions, time we hit good form again and what better way than to virtually clinch the title vs the team that played a big part in us missing out 5 or so years ago.

Doesn’t matter. 5 more points from 8 remaining matches. We can crawl our way there. I’ll take 5 boring draws and lose 3 up to the very last day. Call me out for lack of ambition or a disgrace to be associated with you. As long as we celebrate eventually, I don’t really care even if we lose 5-0 here or pick up sloppy points here and there. We’re looking at the big picture and end result. The war. Not the battle.

NB: Team no longer available

We need to win this because nervous will creep in.

NB: Team no longer available

We need to win this because nervous will creep in.

You better believe it, God forbid we would lose this game going into the City game with the way they have opened up.

I'm just simply baffled as to why we have found it so hard to batter teams like we used to. Don't think it's time to panic, but if we don't get 3 points in this game, it's going to start getting nervy.

You better believe it, God forbid we would lose this game going into the City game with the way they have opened up.

I'm just simply baffled as to why we have found it so hard to batter teams like we used to. Don't think it's time to panic, but if we don't get 3 points in this game, it's going to start getting nervy.

Exactly, we need to gel again. We are short of match fitness. Come on Reds. Without our fans they will find it more difficult.

I'm just simply baffled as to why we have found it so hard to batter teams like we used to.

Because we’ve become quite predictable and can’t really mix it up because our options on the bench and to come into the tram aren’t good enough.

We very much only have one way of playing.

Defo missed Robbo's energy down the left, so hopefully should create a lot more with him playing, and for me Gomez and Van dijk all day long,and hopefully Firmino can find some form, thought he was way off it,on sunday, should still have more than enough for Palace

Because we’ve become quite predictable and can’t really mix it up because our options on the bench and to come into the tram aren’t good enough.

We very much only have one way of playing.

We mix it up all the time.
We go wide, long, short, quick, slow, direct, depending on the shape of the opposition at any given moment in a match.

Our failures have been an inability to take advantage of opponents mistakes, because they have sometimes been able to recover more quickly than we can exploit.

We're on track for a club and league record points haul, which I'd say refutes any notion that we can't "mix it up".

Not expecting a fluid performance again - as I said on Sunday it will take a while for us to get going.

Hopefully have enough to get the job done though.

So if we beat Palace and city fail to beat Chelsea, we are the champs? I'd prefer winning if we are playing (unlike the way Leicester which was ironically when they are relying on Chelsea to not lose), but I'm being so picky 

We mix it up all the time.
We go wide, long, short, quick, slow, direct, depending on the shape of the opposition at any given moment in a match.

Our failures have been an inability to take advantage of opponents mistakes, because they have sometimes been able to recover more quickly than we can exploit.

We're on track for a club and league record points haul, which I'd say refutes any notion that we can't "mix it up".

Well clearly the way we’ve been going about it hasn’t been good enough lately because we have 1 win in 5 games which says to me we’ve been found out a bit. Watford, Bournemouth, Everton, Atlético and Chelsea all knew to sit deep and wait to hit us on the counter. When teams are just sat with everyone behind the ball we may well try changing it up but it isn’t working of late is it.

Though admittedly on my behalf, it was badly written because in terms of “mixing it up”, it was in reference to using our bench effectively when we need to change a game. I didn’t word my post very well.

The Hendo Fabinho combo isn't always the answer.Playing the Ox with these two poses a problem as if the Ox has to play wide he isn't very effective. Very often the front 3 pick themselves but the 3 midfield are in constant flux.

Hendo,Keita,Fab,Gini,The Ox, Lallana, Shaq...Jones maybe. We all have our midfield line up and sometimes the Gaffa gets the balance slightly off. For this game my front 6 is: Mane,Firmino,Salah,Hendo,Ox,Gini.

I want the Ox in the hole just off the front 3..Hendo and Gini supporting but deeper with Hendo playing off the back 4. That's my shout anyway.

It's a game we should win so heads down and get it done

I'd like to see us shoot more.

“As soon as we lose it bodies around it and play it out that area. Everything we do, highest tempo today. “Doesn't matter who scores, we score, they score, every kick off is a trigger for us.”

If a team was top of the table and leading the 2nd place team by 14 points with six matches to go, should that leading team be nervous?

Well clearly the way we’ve been going about it hasn’t been good enough lately because we have 1 win in 5 games which says to me we’ve been found out a bit. Watford, Bournemouth, Everton, Atlético and Chelsea all knew to sit deep and wait to hit us on the counter. When teams are just sat with everyone behind the ball we may well try changing it up but it isn’t working of late is it.

Though admittedly on my behalf, it was badly written because in terms of “mixing it up”, it was in reference to using our bench effectively when we need to change a game. I didn’t word my post very well.

Are people really still peddling the 1 in 5 stuff 

We have had a massive break inbetween ffs

Been found out ?! Is this some sort of joke


What the hell has gone on during the lockdown ?

We have lost once all season in the league , lost in the FA Cup with half a strong team and a couple of GK errors knocked us out of the CL

https://twitter.com/rkingy77/status/1275459045005103104?s=20
The kop looks great.
Hopefully that clown that had that terrible printed 'lost property' banner on the kop before the break feels like an idiot when he sees this, how its supposed to be done!

Are people really still peddling the 1 in 5 stuff

Okay then, 1 in 4, because that 1 game since lockdown makes a massive difference.

Been found out ?! Is this some sort of joke

Teams know to sit back, stay compact and try to hit us on the break, and it’s been working. It’s not hard to understand.

If you think a scraped 2-1 win vs Bournemouth, in a game where we went behind after again being hit on a break, as our only win in that span of games isn’t a slight cause for concern that’s up to you, but I’m not going to sit in denial and pretend that there isn’t something that isn’t quite clicking.

Unless you think everything has been fine for the last 4, or 5 games depending on whether you want to include the Bitters and we don’t need to improve our performances? That our goals haven’t been drying up? That we haven’t been conceding too many?

I apologise for wanting to see us go back to where we were assured and confidently seeing off games with win after win and clean sheet after clean sheet.

couple of GK errors knocked us out of the CL

I thought the narrative was it wasn’t Adrian’s fault?

Okay then, 1 in 4, because that 1 game since lockdown makes a massive difference.


Teams know to sit back, stay compact and try to hit us on the break, and it’s been working. It’s not hard to understand.

If you think a scraped 2-1 win vs Bournemouth, in a game where we went behind after again being hit on a break, as our only win in that span of games isn’t a slight cause for concern that’s up to you, but I’m not going to sit in denial and pretend that there isn’t something that isn’t quite clicking.

Unless you think everything has been fine for the last 4, or 5 games depending on whether you want to include the Bitters and we don’t need to improve our performances? That our goals haven’t been drying up? That we haven’t been conceding too many?

  My god you are serious

Lost for words , really staggered


We had a couple of scrappy games 3 months ago where we lost once in the league , lumping cup games together is irrelevant , it was months ago

And then we come back for our first game after a long lockdown in a Derby that’s always going to be a tight bitty affair


It’s almost as if people were desperate to be that critical.


All that matters is getting 5 points , it can be 5 scrappy draws for all I care and don’t understand why people being a bit too critical of a team that is on track to break the points tally in a season.

My god you are serious

Lost for words , really staggered


We had a couple of scrappy games 3 months ago where we lost once in the league , lumping cup games together is irrelevant , it was months ago

And then we come back for our first game after a long lockdown in a Derby that’s always going to be a tight bitty affair


It’s almost as if people were desperate to be that critical.


All that matters is getting 5 points , it can be 5 scrappy draws for all I care and don’t understand why people being a bit too critical of a team that is on track to break the points tally in a season.

I don’t know what the issue is. Why is it so long as everyone is praising the team, saying how much the sun shines out of everyone’s arse, saying how good we are etc then it’s happy days all around. But the second anything critical, that has become apparent because we are used to having such a high standard now, the backs go up, the chests come out and people go shooting on up to that moral high ground with the sarcasm and snideness right up there with them...”where’s this come from?”, “how can you say that after we’ve done this and that”.

It’s not a bad thing being critical and it’s only because we are used to such a high standard and want to maintain it. You think Klopp doesn’t remind the players they need to maintain their levels? Doesn’t tell them their standard has slipped a bit despite all we’ve achieved? Of course he does!

Really is pathetic.

I don’t know what the issue is. Why is it so long as everyone is praising the team, saying how much the sun shines out of everyone’s arse, saying how good we are etc then it’s happy days all around. But the second anything critical, that has become apparent because we are used to having such a high standard now, the backs go up, the chests come out and people go shooting on up to that moral high ground with the sarcasm and snideness right up there with them...”where’s this come from?”, “how can you say that after we’ve done this and that”.

It’s not a bad thing being critical and it’s only because we are used to such a high standard and want to maintain it.

I could understand it if there wasn’t a 3 month break in between the games - if the Derby was straight after getting Knocked out of the CL and FA Cup but it’s world away now , the squad has been away for ages and unfortunately for us the first game back was the Derby at their place where they were always going to be 11 behind the ball. It was close to a pre season game.

If in 2/3 weeks time the performances are still suffering then it’s potentially time to look but let’s give them time to at least get back up and running again.

I could understand it if there wasn’t a 3 month break in between the games - if the Derby was straight after getting Knocked out of the CL and FA Cup but it’s world away now , the squad has been away for ages and unfortunately for us the first game back was the Derby at their place where they were always going to be 11 behind the ball. It was close to a pre season game.

If in 2/3 weeks time the performances are still suffering then it’s potentially time to look but let’s give them time to at least get back up and running again.

I don’t get it, that’s a much more reasonable reply without all the snideness. Why not have just said that in the first place?

That’s why I wasn’t focussing just on the Derby, it’s clear as day to see that we weren’t at our best before the break and as a result we got eliminated from 2 competitions and got battered by Watford. Saying we slipped from our high standard and hit a patchy bit of form isn’t needed to be taken so personally by people. If you are getting results like that compared to winning every week, hammering home the goals, letting in barely any goals then it’s obvious something isn’t quite right and is showing that we have room for improvement and need to get more clinical, stay more concentrated, be sharper etc.

I know there was a break of however long, but IMO, the performance vs Everton was far too similar to what we were playing like in the games before the break, that was my issue. I think I just expected to see a bit more urgency and determination. Perhaps I was expecting too much given the break, I don’t know.

If we were still playing to our capabilities then do you think that spell of games would have ended the way they did? I don’t, not a chance because we’ve shown all season up to that point what we are capable of.

It just seems that the second someone reads something slightly critical, they go full on defensive without thinking “yeah actually, we aren’t playing to the level we can”.

If you employ someone and they are a great worker for you, if you notice they aren’t quite as good for a month or whatever are you going to let it slide or are you going to think “okay something isn’t quite right here”?. It’s the same principle.

Hopefully vs Palace we can be a bit more back to our old selves which we have become so used to seeing now.

Defo missed Robbo's energy down the left, so hopefully should create a lot more with him playing, and for me Gomez and Van dijk all day long,and hopefully Firmino can find some form, thought he was way off it,on sunday, should still have more than enough for Palace

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

I honestly don't know why anyone's worried. We're always slow returning from a one or two week break, never mind a three month one and having our first game back against a bag of sh*te that think a draw against us is a win, win wasn't ideal.

In the second half against the ev I could see the old Liverpool turning the screw and pushing them back, unfortunately they had a couple of chances and remarkably they upped their game as soon as the right wing stalwart lovren came on, when a whole team ups their game when they see one of your players come on then you know you've got a problem.

We'll be golden, we'll win by a two goal margin tonight easily.

Yes we are slow after a break but why, If you look at City then its obvious that its possible to hit the ground running so why don't we? I know our play is quite technical but then so is City's.

Anyway as for the game I'm nervous but I do think we'll win this, it could actually be quite comfortable as well, but it depends how rusty Mo is but even if he is he'll be dragging defenders all over the place, leaving gaps for Sadio and the others. Having Robbo back will also make a big difference although he'll no doubt be rusty as well, but same as Mo it will still be a big distraction for their defenders at the very least.

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

When he’s on form, there isn’t anyone better !
And as for.....
First game back, Derby, bitters 11 behind the ball tactic. Poor performance has to be expected.
That may be so, but I foresee most teams playing that tactic against us now.
We just need to be able to overcome it, not sure if that’s down to us changing tactics, or just personnel !
Feeling a bit nervy about tonight’s game to be fair, as I’m sure Woy will set them up similar to bitters.

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

You're talking about a guy who is the best at what he does in the League, possibly Europe, and you want Chamberlain there after one tight Derby game?

On a wind up again I imagine.

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

Come on, as if you actually think that

Well clearly the way we’ve been going about it hasn’t been good enough lately because we have 1 win in 5 games which says to me we’ve been found out a bit. Watford, Bournemouth, Everton, Atlético and Chelsea all knew to sit deep and wait to hit us on the counter. When teams are just sat with everyone behind the ball we may well try changing it up but it isn’t working of late is it.

Though admittedly on my behalf, it was badly written because in terms of “mixing it up”, it was in reference to using our bench effectively when we need to change a game. I didn’t word my post very well.

Thing is, ever since Klopp really got his system going, I've been hearing (or reading) about how we've been "found out" every time we hit some patchy form.

The fact is, that we've found a way to win more often than not.

Teams have been parking the bus against us for years, and we still keep getting results for the most part.

It's football, there'll be times when it doesn't quite come off for us, for a variety of reasons, so I think the "found out" thing is a bit overblown.
Same with bench options.
I'm sure we'd all like top quality options off the bench, but it's not going to happen for the foreseeable, and what we have has served us pretty well so far.

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

Ox can't play the false no.9 role as he doesn't link play they way Bobby does and it would be a waste of his explosive speed and power to play him up top.

I think Minamino can play this role but he's still learning Klopps system so will need more time to get to Bobby's level of understanding.

Yes we are slow after a break but why, If you look at City then its obvious that its possible to hit the ground running so why don't we? I know our play is quite technical but then so is City's.

City played two absolute rubbish teams since we've restarted.

We've played away to one team who are in good form with a good manager who set them up to defend for 90 mins while we were missing two key players.

So it's hardly a like for like situation.

Let's see how we get on tonight before we berate our team for not restarting as fast as City have.

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

WTF

So let me get this right

When we didn’t sign Werner you cried and cried about not having good back up and players on the bench not good enough to step in and you included Minamino in that list

And now you suggest he could be better than Bobby 


At first I thought you were just a bit clueless and maybe something is lost in translation now  I just think you are on a wind up

Couldn't give a F**k about city.

I'm interested in LFC, not F***ing crying about other teams.

5 more points.
COYR

                                                          Alisson
                                 
                                          Trent   Gomez   Virgil   Robbo

                                                       Henderson
                                            Keita.                      Gini

                                              Salah.    Bobby.    Mane


                     Bench; Adrian, Matip, Williams, Fabinho, Ox, Origi, Elliot


This to me is one of if not the best X1’s we can use to get us back on track albeit still a bit rusty, a midfield of Keita & Minamino with Hendo didn’t work for me, the one above is more experienced and has a better balance about it, I was tempted to play AOC, but Naby played well V Blueshite and needs a run of games to see him at his best,
the derby is always a tough encounter at the best of times, playing one after a 3 month break will never produce a classic performance or allow us to play like the well oiled machine we were previously,  it will take us 2/3 games to get our flow back so I’m not to worried about the outcome of initial re-start matches,

Having said that there is no doubt that the neg-heads will have sharpened their claws waiting for us to F**k things up, we have 8 games left with a maximum of 24 Pts on offer, we need 5 of them, so there is absolutely no pressure at all or to get our panties all twisted up,

I can see a better all round performance tonight with plenty more endeavour & passion, Palace will be more open than Blueshite were although for Woy he’ll veer on the side of caution, they have a decent record against us but I seriously doubt they will up to the level they will need to do us.




3-0 Champions





                                                                              Y  N  W  A

THIS is the key match on the run-in for me.

Get a win, 1-0, 2-1, 6-0, don't care what or how, just get the win.

We would then need 1 win or 2 draws to seal the deal and, more to the point, City could afford no slip up (not that they've looked much like slipping since the restart!) as any dropped points would give us the title.

Had a ticket for this match so be bitter-sweet watching this tonight but it's all about the result.

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

That won't happen

City played two absolute rubbish teams since we've restarted.

We've played away to one team who are in good form with a good manager who set them up to defend for 90 mins while we were missing two key players.

That's not entirely true!  No team was in good form due to the 3 month lay-off and Everton hadn't won in their last 3 prior to playing us.

More accurate would be to say the away derby is always a tough game for us hence we've only won 1 of the last 8 or 9, mainly ending in draws.

                                                          Alisson
                                 
                                          Trent   Gomez   Virgil   Robbo

                                                       Henderson
                                            Keita.                      Gini

                                              Salah.    Bobby.    Mane


                     Bench; Adrian, Matip, Williams, Fabinho, Ox, Origi, Elliot


This to me is one of if not the best X1’s we can use to get us back on track albeit still a bit rusty, a midfield of Keita & Minamino with Hendo didn’t work for me, the one above is more experienced and has a better balance about it, I was tempted to play AOC, but Naby played well V Blueshite and needs a run of games to see him at his best,
the derby is always a tough encounter at the best of times, playing one after a 3 month break will never produce a classic performance or allow us to play like the well oiled machine we were previously,  it will take us 2/3 games to get our flow back so I’m not to worried about the outcome of initial re-start matches,

Having said that there is no doubt that the neg-heads will have sharpened their claws waiting for us to f**k things up, we have 8 games left with a maximum of 24 Pts on offer, we need 5 of them, so there is absolutely no pressure at all or to get our panties all twisted up,

I can see a better all round performance tonight with plenty more endeavour & passion, Palace will be more open than Blueshite were although for Woy he’ll veer on the side of caution, they have a decent record against us but I seriously doubt they will up to the level they will need to do us.




3-0 Champions





                                                                              Y  N  W  A

Yeah, I'm with you on that starting line-up Billy

                                                          Alisson
                                 
                                          Trent   Gomez   Virgil   Robbo

                                                       Henderson
                                            Keita.                      Gini

                                              Salah.    Bobby.    Mane


                     Bench; Adrian, Matip, Williams, Fabinho, Ox, Origi, Elliot


This to me is one of if not the best X1’s we can use to get us back on track albeit still a bit rusty, a midfield of Keita & Minamino with Hendo didn’t work for me, the one above is more experienced and has a better balance about it, I was tempted to play AOC, but Naby played well V Blueshite and needs a run of games to see him at his best,
the derby is always a tough encounter at the best of times, playing one after a 3 month break will never produce a classic performance or allow us to play like the well oiled machine we were previously,  it will take us 2/3 games to get our flow back so I’m not to worried about the outcome of initial re-start matches,

Having said that there is no doubt that the neg-heads will have sharpened their claws waiting for us to F**k things up, we have 8 games left with a maximum of 24 Pts on offer, we need 5 of them, so there is absolutely no pressure at all or to get our panties all twisted up,

I can see a better all round performance tonight with plenty more endeavour & passion, Palace will be more open than Blueshite were although for Woy he’ll veer on the side of caution, they have a decent record against us but I seriously doubt they will up to the level they will need to do us.




3-0 Champions





                                                                              Y  N  W  A

Plus it's always nice to get one over on Hodgson.

I'd prefer to see Henderson in front of Fabinho.
Fabinho grew into the match on Sunday, after a couple of dodgy moments, and our attack looked better when Henderson was further up driving it and dictating the pace, while also offering valuable support on the right to Minamino and TAA.

         they have a decent record against us but I seriously doubt they will up to the level they will need to do us.

Used to be thought of as a bit of a bogey side, but the truth is we've won the last 6 matches against Palace and furthermore, we've won the last 7 at their place!

That's not entirely true!  No team was in good form due to the 3 month lay-off and Everton hadn't won in their last 3 prior to playing us.

More accurate would be to say the away derby is always a tough game for us hence we've only won 1 of the last 8 or 9, mainly ending in draws.

Ok but Arsenal and Burnley were particularly abysmal in comparison to other teams in the restart.

1 point away in the derby isn't even a bad result. I doubt City would have wolloped the Mancs away first game back.

The Hendo Fabinho combo isn't always the answer.Playing the Ox with these two poses a problem as if the Ox has to play wide he isn't very effective. Very often the front 3 pick themselves but the 3 midfield are in constant flux.

Hendo,Keita,Fab,Gini,The Ox, Lallana, Shaq...Jones maybe. We all have our midfield line up and sometimes the Gaffa gets the balance slightly off. For this game my front 6 is: Mane,Firmino,Salah,Hendo,Ox,Gini.

I want the Ox in the hole just off the front 3..Hendo and Gini supporting but deeper with Hendo playing off the back 4. That's my shout anyway.

Both Oxo and Naby are excellent carriers of the ball normally, which gives us a different way to break out than the long pass. Both have what it takes to add important goals. Oxo is only a moderately good passer, though. Naby is an excellent short-medium passer, but not so much long. So I think we lose something in the passing game when they both play in MF. If our regular long passing game isn't working, we come up short, and that was the situation in Trent's case. Two kinds of pass have featured heavily in his effectiveness; the 'out ball' to Salah down the right touch-line, and the cross-field switch to Robertson. Against Everton I think the lack of those two players hurt our effectiveness just in Trent's effectiveness alone. Mino's touchline effectiveness isn't the same as Salah's, and I think Klopp needs to find a better way to use him, probably more in-field.

I'd like to see us shoot more.

But the chances have to be genuine, otherwise the ball hits legs and torsos all the time. Finding that final pass has been a feature of our game for a couple of years, and we were a bit ineffective in that area. Our shooting-range free kicks need to be a bit sharper, too, though Fabinho of all people came close. Salah and Trent need to bring more to this.

Are people really still peddling the 1 in 5 stuff 

We have had a massive break inbetween ffs

Been found out ?! Is this some sort of joke


What the hell has gone on during the lockdown ?

We have lost once all season in the league , lost in the FA Cup with half a strong team and a couple of GK errors knocked us out of the CL

It's called "We were so close just before the lockdown and we are anxious because our victory celebration after 30 years of drought has been delayed by a cruel trick of fate". Or something like that. In my rational moments I'm cool. Then the anxiety sets in, and I play all the "what if" scenarios as to how it can still go wrong. Sure, why worry over what isn't likely to happen? But we are human, so we do it.

NB: Team no longer available

If i was Klopp, but thank god I am not.

1-0 win for us not a bad side palace, a side full of proper athletes.

Could be tricky, i'm sure they will park the bus and hit us on the break with the pace of Zaha.

I'll go for a hopeful 2-0

YNWA

I could understand it if there wasn’t a 3 month break in between the games - if the Derby was straight after getting Knocked out of the CL and FA Cup but it’s world away now , the squad has been away for ages and unfortunately for us the first game back was the Derby at their place where they were always going to be 11 behind the ball. It was close to a pre season game.

If in 2/3 weeks time the performances are still suffering then it’s potentially time to look but let’s give them time to at least get back up and running again.

Your 'pre-season' comment gets to the core of the issue, in my opinion. In a normal summer pre-season, teams would build up slowly to fitness, play lots of friendlies to get in shape, and be properly rested with lots of player changes. This situation is like a second pre-season, without the time for full preparation. It has shown up in the lower quality of the play in general since the restart. And in the injuries that most teams have suffered in the first one or two games. The teams with the greatest depth have the best chance to shine, and I think it's generally working out that way. Doesn't necessarily favour our club; we lack depth in the front line and the wide defenders compared to, say, Man. City.

I'd actually be quite tempted to play Minamino or Ox instead of Bobby, I think they could be equally good at being that link man, perhaps even better.

Bobby adds so much just be drawing defenders away out of their comfort zone. His quick touch is so important in turning the play upfield to exploit the space behind him that another forward has run into. He looks a bit rusty, but I think you are better to play him to get the rust off. I can't see Oxo playing that kind of role, to be honest; he's a straight-ahead speed merchant, with power and a shot. Mino can play Bobby's game, but he needs practice at it with these players. As a sub in that role, definitely. Bobby is the hardest of our players to replicate, in my opinion, because what he does isn't found in other teams.

Doesn’t matter. 5 more points from 8 remaining matches. We can crawl our way there. I’ll take 5 boring draws and lose 3 up to the very last day. Call me out for lack of ambition or a disgrace to be associated with you. As long as we celebrate eventually, I don’t really care even if we lose 5-0 here or pick up sloppy points here and there. We’re looking at the big picture and end result. The war. Not the battle.

Exactly ruth. dont care how we get over the line.

You're talking about a guy who is the best at what he does in the League, possibly Europe, and you want Chamberlain there after one tight Derby game?

On a wind up again I imagine.

No I'm not on wind-up, when Bobby plays well I agree he is the best at that position but very often he isn't at his best, and on those occasions why not try Minamino, MInamino is certainly not a wide player.

Ok but Arsenal and Burnley were particularly abysmal in comparison to other teams in the restart.

1 point away in the derby isn't even a bad result. I doubt City would have wolloped the Mancs away first game back.

Arsenal are a team lacking confidence, and they don't look as though they are capable yet of playing the kind of game the coach wants. Some decent players in there, particularly up front, and some promising kids. If they stick with the coach, it's take 3-4 years at least to be a top 4 challenger. Burnley look bad enough to actually go down after losing all their remaining games. They look very dispirited, and not intent on trusting the coach. There's something not right at that club.

Could be tricky, i'm sure they will park the bus and hit us on the break with the pace of Zaha.

I'll go for a hopeful 2-0

YNWA

Yeah. And I think they will reinforce Zaha with another physical player to gang up on Trent. Fab will have to give our RB cover. The match could hinge on this, in my opinion.

You're talking about a guy who is the best at what he does in the League, possibly Europe, and you want Chamberlain there after one tight Derby game?

On a wind up again I imagine.

Not exactly. It's called "no room for error and a stick management style". The idea is all sloppiness has to be penalised and punished. It works efficiently on lazy people. So assume we penalize Bobby.

But more often than not, it sounds like this will yield the best results in theory. However the person will soon learn that this is the fastest way for his soldiers to walk out on him or worse, team up and shoot him down. Because he has no bloody patience and he does not trust his players.

Great idea. I have no patience I want the best results. Try implementing it and your players will soon lose you the match. Probably effective in simulation. But when players with egos are managed like that, tough. And good luck for being a proud and strict disciplinarian. No empathy. No Klopp hug.

Mate, seriously, don't get wound up because that's the desired response. The vast majority of what comes out of it runs against the groove just so it can start an argument.

I have to admit that I'm being a tad selfish here as well because I've got him on ignore and every time he winds somebody up they quote him and then I have to F***ing read it.

Rookie error there mate.

Now he knows he's on ignore, he'll keep replying to your posts or plussing you to try and get a reaction.
Been doing it to me for years, or trying to anyway.

Anyway, enough of the WUM.

5 more needed, I'll be chuffed if we get 3 of them tonight.

Not exactly. It's called "no room for error and a stick management style". The idea is all sloppiness has to be penalised and punished. It works efficiently on lazy people. So assume we penalize Bobby.

But more often than not, it sounds like this will yield the best results in theory. However the person will soon learn that this is the fastest way for his soldiers to walk out on him or worse, team up and shoot him down. Because he has no bloody patience and he does not trust his players.

Great idea. I have no patience I want the best results. Try implementing it and your players will soon lose you the match. Probably effective in simulation. But when players with egos are managed like that, tough. And good luck for being a proud and strict disciplinarian. No empathy. No Klopp hug.

Must explain why City have had such poor results the last few years!!

No, what is much more dangerous my friend is having players who know they can play a sh*t game without any fear of being dropped, the prime candidates in that regard are our front three, as long as they aren't injured they play, thank God they are all hugely motivated and skilful players but when Bobby is in a slump, which does happen from time to time, then wouldn't it be nice to replace him with someone else of a similar quality?  If Bobby was so sensitive that this would make him leave the club then so be it, he clearly would not have enough determination and passion, but we all know that isn't true.

No I'm not on wind-up, when Bobby plays well I agree he is the best at that position but very often he isn't at his best, and on those occasions why not try Minamino, MInamino is certainly not a wide player.

Well I'd have the Ox playing just off the front 3, in the hole. That way he can use his strong running and shooting,also can mix it up with Bobby and Sadio and Mo. We don't get the best out of the Ox if he has to stay wide. He's a bigger threat coming thru the middle.

Poses a problem in who to play the holding/playmaker. It's Hendo for me with Gini.

Rookie error there mate.

Now he knows he's on ignore, he'll keep replying to your posts or plussing you to try and get a reaction.
Been doing it to me for years, or trying to anyway.

Anyway, enough of the WUM.

5 more needed, I'll be chuffed if we get 3 of them tonight.

are you referring to me???

In what way am I being a WUM, I genuinely want competition for places so that makes me a wind up artist, what a bunch of snowflakes!

Well I'd have the Ox playing just off the front 3, in the hole. That way he can use his strong running and shooting,also can mix it up with Bobby and Sadio and Mo. We don't get the best out of the Ox if he has to stay wide. He's a bigger threat coming thru the middle.

Poses a problem in who to play the holding/playmaker. It's Hendo for me with Gini.

I think I agree, Ox probably would not suit the Bobby role, but from what I have seen of Minamino so far I think he could. The Ox would be better playing as a very advanced AM just behind Sadio and Mo, as you indicated.

I think I agree, Ox probably would not suit the Bobby role, but from what I have seen of Minamino so far I think he could. The Ox would be better playing as a very advanced AM just behind Sadio and Mo, as you indicated.

Mini by all account showed up well in the virus manufactured pre season but I don't think the Boss will see him in the false No.9 position. Think Mini is prone to getting eased off the ball to much.Still in development mode for me and it won't be easy for him to really get established here.I like the player and once the title is wrapped up he will get more game time.

Obviously Roy will have them ready to take advantage if we don't cut thru them. Not quite up to the job when he was here but he is doing very well at Palace. I like him regardless but we should be putting teams like Palace in their place. Roy has an ace in Zaha, have to keep him out the game.

No I'm not on wind-up, when Bobby plays well I agree he is the best at that position but very often he isn't at his best, and on those occasions why not try Minamino, MInamino is certainly not a wide player.

 

Are you taking the piss ?


He has been massive for us to be this close to winning the title.

Is the match on any Freeview channels  guys ?

No mate, sky only.

Bugger,  thanks anyway Bud

Think we will see a more fluid performance tonight, after a nervy start. going for an in the end convincing 3-1 win.

Hot , bothered, tired and extremely nervous. If we don't win tonight I am off to live in a monastery for the next month

Warm evening, not used to the English game in this heat!

Not exactly. It's called "no room for error and a stick management style". The idea is all sloppiness has to be penalised and punished. It works efficiently on lazy people. So assume we penalize Bobby.

But more often than not, it sounds like this will yield the best results in theory. However the person will soon learn that this is the fastest way for his soldiers to walk out on him or worse, team up and shoot him down. Because he has no bloody patience and he does not trust his players.

Great idea. I have no patience I want the best results. Try implementing it and your players will soon lose you the match. Probably effective in simulation. But when players with egos are managed like that, tough. And good luck for being a proud and strict disciplinarian. No empathy. No Klopp hug.

Not for the first time you've lost me.

Wouldn't surprise me if Bobby doesnt start tbh and Mini plays there

Wouldn't surprise me if Bobby doesnt start tbh and Mini plays there

Seen that rumour on Twitter,  not for me I'm afraid.

Wouldn't surprise me if Bobby doesnt start tbh and Mini plays there

H suggested that and got slated for it.If the Gaffa does do that I think it's a mistake. It'll be tough on Bobby as he has had a great season. Mini is still in the development stage, still lacks a bit of strength on the ball. Mini will get games once the league is wrapped up, but not at this vital few games.

Wouldn’t mind this tbh...

           Alisson
Trent Gomez Dijk Robbo
      Fabinho Hendo
  Salah Minamino Mane
            Firmino

Did anyone know there won’t be a crowd tonight? Only heard sky mention it 29 times in half an hour

Not for the first time you've lose me.

It's the fine art of semi gibberish sarcasm posting, in a pisstake of some who make demands because they feel entitled to as "fans" on a forum.

I find it pretty funny.

He can reply to me all he wants, I won't see them and he can send me lovely little hearts all day but he won't get a response. Him and his ilk, including the Tory tw*t, who are on my ignore list can all play together and I'll be in ignorant bliss.

As for tonight, I've got a good feeling we're getting all three tonight.

Certainly hope. Nerves are starting now.

Or I might just be hungry.
Hard to tell at my age.

H suggested that and got slated for it.If the Gaffa does do that I think it's a mistake. It'll be tough on Bobby as he has had a great season. Mini is still in the development stage, still lacks a bit of strength on the ball. Mini will get games once the league is wrapped up, but not at this vital few games.

It would be interesting to see if some of the people on here criticise Klopp if he does that.

In all seriousness it depends how Bobby has been in training etc, when in form he is of course the best at the false 9 role but Minamino shows a lot of promise.

Did anyone know there won’t be a crowd tonight? Only heard sky mention it 29 times in half an hour

Don't be daft mate, it's a sell out....tight squeeeezzzzzzzee..

It would be interesting to see if some of the people on here criticise Klopp if he does that.

In all seriousness it depends how Bobby has been in training etc, when in form he is of course the best at the false 9 role but Minamino shows a lot of promise.

From my point of view I wasn't criticising you for mentioning Minamino as a player to play where Firmino plays.

It was the Chamberlain option I find weird.

H suggested that and got slated for it.If the Gaffa does do that I think it's a mistake. It'll be tough on Bobby as he has had a great season. Mini is still in the development stage, still lacks a bit of strength on the ball. Mini will get games once the league is wrapped up, but not at this vital few games.

Bobby has had numerous off games before the break do you really think he has a had a great season ?

Bobby has had numerous off games before the break do you really think he has a had a great season ?

Even when he has an off game, he still does the job well of creating space for Mane and Salah, dropping deep, making runs etc

Unless he's absolutely knackered, or injured he plays every time for me, because his game under Klopp is as much about what he does without the ball as with it.

Even when he has an off game, he still does the job well of creating space for Mane and Salah, dropping deep, making runs etc

Unless he's absolutely knackered, or injured he plays every time for me, because his game under Klopp is as much about what he does without the ball as with it.

Fair enough maybe need someone else like that but such a rarity to find that work ethic

F**k all the caution, I’m going for 3:0.
Let’s batter these and send out a message, we mean business !

H suggested that and got slated for it.If the Gaffa does do that I think it's a mistake. It'll be tough on Bobby as he has had a great season. Mini is still in the development stage, still lacks a bit of strength on the ball. Mini will get games once the league is wrapped up, but not at this vital few games.

He didn’t get slated for suggesting it

He got slatted for suggestions that Bobby doesn’t play well often and that Minamino could be better

It would be interesting to see if some of the people on here criticise Klopp if he does that.

In all seriousness it depends how Bobby has been in training etc, when in form he is of course the best at the false 9 role but Minamino shows a lot of promise.

Remarkably different from what you were saying in the Werner thread when dismissing our options from the bench

Fair enough maybe need someone else like that but such a rarity to find that work ethic

oh I dunno, our whole team works pretty hard.
It's more the nuances of his play, like knowing when to drop deep to draw the defender out, or when to go on the defenders shoulder etc then mixing it all up.
He must be a nightmare for them, and all the time, they have to keep Mane and Salah in mind, plus the 2 FB's and a midfield runner
Firmino knits all that together, and while I have high hopes for Minamino, he's a long way off that standard at the moment.

https://twitter.com/rkingy77/status/1275459045005103104?s=20
The kop looks great.
Hopefully that clown that had that terrible printed 'lost property' banner on the kop before the break feels like an idiot when he sees this, how its supposed to be done!

Kop looks spot on with all the banners laid out.

Remarkably different from what you were saying in the Werner thread when dismissing our options from the bench

L I P, he changes his mind all the time, I'm sure it is to get a reaction, does my head in.