Pre-Match: Brentford vs Liverpool [Sat 25th of September 5:30pm]

With our first choice players rested we should be able to run out the following:

Alisson
Trent, Matip, Virgil, Robbo
Fab, Hendo, Curtis
Mo, Jota, Sadio (sorry Brez!)

Only choices here I wonder somewhat about are:

1. Diogo Jota who was really of it last match (and somewhat the match before). Bobby has returned to team training this week and maybe Jürgen returns him to the first XI, but I think it's more likely he starts this one on the bench.
2. James Milner could start rather than Curtis Jones, but I hope not.

Keita and Thiago are out injured.

Brentford have started fairly well at two wins, two draws from five matches.  Let's start off on the front foot.

With our first choice players rested we should be able to run out the following:

Alisson
Trent, Matip, Virgil, Robbo
Fab, Hendo, Curtis
Mo, Jota, Salah

Only choices here I wonder somewhat about are:

1. Diogo Jota who was really of it last match (and somewhat the match before). Bobby has returned to team training this week and maybe Jürgen returns him to the first XI, but I think it's more likely he starts this one on the bench.
2. James Milner could start rather than Curtis Jones, but I hope not.

Keita and Thiago are out injured.

Brentford have started fairly well at two wins, two draws from five matches.  Let's start off on the front foot.

Yep, looks like the most likely X1, I’d be be happy fielding that side, I’m looking  forward to this match, Brentford are a exciting outfit playing without fear, and it’s great to see, Thomas Frank is a very good manager and his players clearly enjoy playing for him, but this is a massive test for them, and dare I say the biggest scalp probably they would love to take in their short prem history, however, we are miles ahead of them for quality and experience, so I expect them to come at us with plenty of gusto but once the game settles I can see us dominating and will win comfortably.


0-3 Mighty Redmen



                                                                             Y  N  W  A

Teams gonna depend on all the sick notes , but won't be much different to that noted above I expect.

These will let us play, thatll suit us.

Id keep Taki in, 2 goals will have him buzzing, give him the nod see how he goes.

Place on my bench for Morton to after last night. If Trent doesnt make Joe at right back

Alisson

Trent Joel VVD Robbo

    Hendo Fab Thiago

     Mo     Taki  Sadio

Keita and Thiago are out injured.

Keita hasn't been ruled out has he? Last I saw Klopp said he had to be taken off yesterday because he kicked the ground but its nothing really.


Alisson
Trent, Konate, Virgil, Robbo
Hendo, Fab, Keita/Jones
Salah, Jota, Mane


All season the CB options have been anyone's guess and now we can add LB to that scenario too. Robbo is the better of the two players but Kostas has made a better start to the season and his confidence is growing. I thought Robbo was certain to start this game but then Kostas got taken off in the 2nd half vs Norwich so literally have no clue.

Don't think it's going to be an easy game, they've made a good start to the season and have nothing to lose so would expect them to cause us a few problems.

Thiago aint making this game. Hopefully trent & Milner have got over the colds or whatever they had.

Didnt sound like naby lad injury was too bad, he will probably start.

            Allison
Trent-Matip-VVD-Robbo
---------- Fab -----------
---- Hendo - NabyLad --
-- Salah- Jota - Mane --

Keita hasn't been ruled out has he? Last I saw Klopp said he had to be taken off yesterday because he kicked the ground but its nothing really.


Alisson
Trent, Konate, Virgil, Robbo
Hendo, Fab, Keita/Jones
Salah, Jota, Mane


All season the CB options have been anyone's guess and now we can add LB to that scenario too. Robbo is the better of the two players but Kostas has made a better start to the season and his confidence is growing. I thought Robbo was certain to start this game but then Kostas got taken off in the 2nd half vs Norwich so literally have no clue.

Don't think it's going to be an easy game, they've made a good start to the season and have nothing to lose so would expect them to cause us a few problems.

You'll have to forgive me for assuming the worst about Naby's  availability. Hopefully you are correct.

Agree that left back could get interesting as we move forward.

Teams gonna depend on all the sick notes , but won't be much different to that noted above I expect.

Except we won’t be able to play both Mo and Salah as Robbie suggested 😂😂

Except we won’t be able to play both Mo and Salah as Robbie suggested 😂😂

Mo Salah

Mo Salah

Running down both wings.

Don't think it's going to be an easy game, they've made a good start to the season and have nothing to lose so would expect them to cause us a few problems.

Not too many problems I hope. I’ve gone for 4-0 to us in the predictions 😊

Except we won’t be able to play both Mo and Salah as Robbie suggested 😂😂

missed that I did.

Except we won’t be able to play both Mo and Salah as Robbie suggested 😂😂

Corrected. I was trying to emphasize the interchangeability of our forwards. 

Mo Salah

Mo Salah

Running down both wings.

Damn. You lot are unforgiving.

Maybe that new sports scientist from Bayern Munich has cloned him. Would be like a new signing, Havent thought about that, have you!?!

If everyone's healthy 10 of 11 names pick themselves.

The only spot that's really open for debate is the No.8 spot next to Henderson. Jones played 90 against Norwich which probably rules him out to start. Keita came off after 45 which suggests he was being saved for the weekend and should start. Milner was rested too but that seems to have been precautionary to guard against Trent possibly not being able to feature again at RB.

I'd expect to see this lineup, which is essentially our strongest team:


                 Allison

Trent   Matip   Van Dijk  Robertson

                Fabinho

         Henderson  Keita

Salah          Jota          Mane

Bench: Kelleher, Konate, Gomez, Tsimikas, Milner, Jones, Ox, Firmino, Minamino

Injured: Neco, Thiago, Elliott
Not in squad: Bradley, Morton, Gordon, Origi


One would think that the lineup for Porto in midweek would then be something like the lineup below. Depending on how strong Klopp wants to go against Porto perhaps he'll rotate one or two players in the Brentford game, but whatever the case I'd expect the Brentford lineup to be close to our Best XI, and the lineup against Porto to be the one that features more rotation. We're in a good position in the CL group and have City on the horizon after all, so it makes sense to have that approach.

                  Allison

??      Konate     Gomez     Tsimikas

                     ??

              ??          Jones

Salah          Firmino           Origi

                         

Maybe Minamino in midfield?

Big game this as it kicks off a run of 6 fixtures where 5 are away from anfield.
And the one game at anfield is against Manchester City.
The away games are porto, Watford, athletico Madrid and Manchester United.

I think the way Brentford play could play into our hands.
As long as we match them for effort the rest should take care of itself.
1-2 win.

Maybe Minamino in midfield?

Minamino's performance was good, but it hasn't launched him ahead of two of Mane, Salah, Jota, and Firmino for a start in the PL or CL. Nor is he going to be a regular midfielder ahead of our regular midfielders.

What he's probably earned in Klopp's eyes is the opportunity for a cameo off the bench at some point, perhaps in Porto depending on how things are going. That said, Klopp will likely want to get Firmino back to match sharpness ahead of the City game so he'll likely be the first name Klopp considers as a sub in the next couple of games.

If the front 4 are healthy for a while it could possibly take until the Preston game for Minamino to get his next start, as fixtures until then are really tough (Brentford A, Porto A, City H, Watford A, Atletico A, United A).

I’d be surprised if Bobby gets on the pitch against Brentford I think it’s too soon maybe 30mins against Porto.

Mo Salah

Mo Salah

Running down both wings.

This has me cracking up. Very wity

Minamino's performance was good, but it hasn't launched him ahead of two of Mane, Salah, Jota, and Firmino for a start in the PL or CL. Nor is he going to be a regular midfielder ahead of our regular midfielders.

What he's probably earned in Klopp's eyes is the opportunity for a cameo off the bench at some point, perhaps in Porto depending on how things are going. That said, Klopp will likely want to get Firmino back to match sharpness ahead of the City game so he'll likely be the first name Klopp considers as a sub in the next couple of games.

If the front 4 are healthy for a while it could possibly take until the Preston game for Minamino to get his next start, as fixtures until then are really tough (Brentford A, Porto A, City H, Watford A, Atletico A, United A).

Actually can see taki and divock starting at Porto, maybe subbed on 60mins if needed, or even a planned 45mins sub, seen as can use 5 subs in Europe.

Actually can see taki and divock starting at Porto, maybe subbed on 60mins if needed, or even a planned 45mins sub, seen as can use 5 subs in Europe.

If Taki and Divock start, which two of Mo, Sadio and Jota do you sit for a Champions League game?

NB: Team no longer available

I would play like this if noone is back from the injuries.

We will have enough for them but they are no pushovers.

If Taki and Divock start, which two of Mo, Sadio and Jota do you sit for a Champions League game?

Depends on fitness and niggles. And training before the game. Could actually use all 6 forwards in 1 game given the 5 sub rule now.

Keita hasn't been ruled out has he? Last I saw Klopp said he had to be taken off yesterday because he kicked the ground but its nothing really.


Alisson
Trent, Konate, Virgil, Robbo
Hendo, Fab, Keita/Jones
Salah, Jota, Mane


All season the CB options have been anyone's guess and now we can add LB to that scenario too. Robbo is the better of the two players but Kostas has made a better start to the season and his confidence is growing. I thought Robbo was certain to start this game but then Kostas got taken off in the 2nd half vs Norwich so literally have no clue.

Don't think it's going to be an easy game, they've made a good start to the season and have nothing to lose so would expect them to cause us a few problems.

I think that was just game time for Robbo - remember he's just back from injury too.

Id leave Jota out and Go Minamino Saturday, see if he can build confidence to let the player in there break out. We done this to him last year after Palace away. Played well scored a couple then got binned off

Id give him proper chances. God forbid we lose lads for important games we need to know can he step in

Id leave Jota out and Go Minamino Saturday, see if he can build confidence to let the player in there break out. We done this to him last year after Palace away. Played well scored a couple then got binned off

Id give him proper chances. God forbid we lose lads for important games we need to know can he step in

I completely agree with this! Minamino took his chance and delivered. Deserves at start for me

Don't think he will start, but can see him defo getting on the park for longer 2nd half. half hour or so.

Don't think he will start, but can see him defo getting on the park for longer 2nd half. half hour or so.

Even that would be ok.

Id leave Jota out and Go Minamino Saturday, see if he can build confidence to let the player in there break out. We done this to him last year after Palace away. Played well scored a couple then got binned off

Id give him proper chances. God forbid we lose lads for important games we need to know can he step in

Is right Brian, always rated Minamino and he deserves more outings.
Those goals were well taken and a sure sign of the increased confidence the lad has at being selected.

Is right Brian, always rated Minamino and he deserves more outings.
Those goals were well taken and a sure sign of the increased confidence the lad has at being selected.

Not that I want Jota dropped, just feel the more time Minamino gets the more well see the player that impressed us so much for Salzburg, he cant do it in 5 minute cameos..Give him an hour Sat then throw on Diogo

If klopp has confidence in all 6 strikers, we will see much more rotation, its a great situation to be in, long may it continue. Especially considering were losing the african lads for a few games at some point, be great if taki & origi are still impressing then.

Alisson
TAA-Matip-VVD-Robbo
Hendo-Fab-Keita
Mo-Jota-Mane

This is our best team (in my book Jota > Bobby and Keita > Thiago, though close in both cases). Let them play and get rhythm for the City game. Rotation is for CL, now that we won the first game and do not have pressure.

Alisson
TAA-Matip-VVD-Robbo
Hendo-Fab-Keita
Mo-Jota-Mane

This is our best team (in my book Jota > Bobby and Keita > Thiago, though close in both cases). Let them play and get rhythm for the City game. Rotation is for CL, now that we won the first game and do not have pressure.

There's certainly an argument to be made for spreading the rotation out across the Brentford and Porto games, rather than going full strength against Brentford and rotating heavily against Porto.

That said, I'm also in the camp of going strongest XI vs Brentford and rotating against Porto. We're in a great position in the CL group, and have a massive opportunity to open up a gap on City this week.

If they lose at Chelsea on Saturday and we beat Brentford then City will be coming to Anfield 6 points behind us in the league, and they'll be coming off aways against Chelsea and a midweek game against PSG. That would set up an early opportunity for a hammer blow against City early on, to go 9 points clear.

That opportunity is enticing and should take priority at this stage. We need to take care of business against Brentford which is no guarantee of three points, so I'd field our first XI. Brentford are something of an unknown entity in the league as well so I'd opt for our best team for that reason too.

Also worth considering that the CL allows 5 subs, so we can start a weakened XI against Porto and then bring on our big guns to decide the game in the 2nd half.

I’d be surprised if Bobby gets on the pitch against Brentford I think it’s too soon maybe 30mins against Porto.

Firmino is very important to our off-ball movement and pressing, especially in big fixtures, so I reckon Klopp will want him to be as sharp as possible against City. Thus, if he's fit he'll start getting minutes off the bench against Brentford, and then possibly 30-60 minutes against Porto in midweek to give him the option of starting against City.

Actually can see taki and divock starting at Porto, maybe subbed on 60mins if needed, or even a planned 45mins sub, seen as can use 5 subs in Europe.

Good point on the 5 subs, that certainly increases the chances of Minamino featuring. I'd be surprised though if both Minamino and Origi start.

With Firmino working his way back to full fitness he'll be in contention, and I don't think Klopp will want to rest three of the front 4 against Porto.

I'd envisage that we'll see something like this in the next 3 games:

Brentford: Mane --- Jota -- Salah
Porto:       Origi -- Firmino - Salah
Man City: Mane -- Jota/Firmino -- Salah

Mane gets two starts, Jota and Firmino split duties at CF, and Salah starts all three but gets subbed early against Porto to keep him fresh for City. Minamino to come off the bench either against Brentford or Porto depending on the scorelines.

I think that was just game time for Robbo - remember he's just back from injury too.

Yeah, Klopp clearly wanted Robertson to get some minutes on the pitch ahead of Brentford given that he also missed the Palace game.

Had Robertson not featured against Norwich he wouldn't have any minutes in his legs since Sept.15th against Milan, which would have had him coming in a bit rusty against Brentford after 10 days without any game time which wouldn't have been ideal. A 25-30 minute cameo was exactly what he needed to stay match sharp.

Id leave Jota out and Go Minamino Saturday, see if he can build confidence to let the player in there break out. We done this to him last year after Palace away. Played well scored a couple then got binned off

Id give him proper chances. God forbid we lose lads for important games we need to know can he step in

Minamino played 90 minutes in midweek so it would be extremely surprising to see him get the start at the weekend ahead of a rested Jota.

Jota could also probably do with another start asap as he'll want to make amends for missing the sitter against Palace and get back to scoring goals as he hasn't scored since the first couple of games.

Good point on the 5 subs, that certainly increases the chances of Minamino featuring. I'd be surprised though if both Minamino and Origi start.

With Firmino working his way back to full fitness he'll be in contention, and I don't think Klopp will want to rest three of the front 4 against Porto.

I'd envisage that we'll see something like this in the next 3 games:

Brentford: Mane --- Jota -- Salah
Porto:       Origi -- Firmino - Salah
Man City: Mane -- Jota/Firmino -- Salah

Mane gets two starts, Jota and Firmino split duties at CF, and Salah starts all three but gets subbed early against Porto to keep him fresh for City. Minamino to come off the bench either against Brentford or Porto depending on the scorelines.

aye could be something like that. 

Firmino is very important to our off-ball movement and pressing, especially in big fixtures, so I reckon Klopp will want him to be as sharp as possible against City. Thus, if he's fit he'll start getting minutes off the bench against Brentford, and then possibly 30-60 minutes against Porto in midweek to give him the option of starting against City.

Aye bobby will get some sub appearances, no real need to rush him back, which is brilliant position to be in tbf.

Could be a tough fixture, away at Brentford. With Minamino & Origi in the squad, I think a 2  1 the Reds, could be on the cards.

         Alisson
TAA Matip VVD Kostas
  Hendo Fab Jones
   Salah Jota Mane


Hopefully TAA will be ready and back.
I'd prob start Kostas, Robbo still looks a little rusty still and Kostas delivery and set pieces has been really good.  While he's holding his own, no need to rush Robbo back, and Robbo could still start against Porto instead. In saying that, would think Jürgen would want to get games into Robbo, so he'll prob start him. But it's much of a muchness imho.
Hendo and Fab to play, so would bypass Keita and give Jones more game time. Keita 'kicked grass' so remains to be seen if he'll recover anyway.

Up front, with the CL match coming up, hard to know if Jürgen will start Salah Jota Mane. Thought Taki and Origi took their goals really well against Norwich, but don't think their general play is a match for the 3 lads. Of the two though, think Origi would be most likely to get a start. Don't think AOC should figure in either game, I'd have Gordon ahead of him.

Brentford have started really well, so will be lively, but hopefully we can go there and do another professional job.

         Alisson
TAA Matip VVD Kostas
  Hendo Fab Jones
   Salah Jota Mane


Hopefully TAA will be ready and back.
I'd prob start Kostas, Robbo still looks a little rusty still and Kostas delivery and set pieces has been really good.  While he's holding his own, no need to rush Robbo back, and Robbo could still start against Porto instead. In saying that, would think Jürgen would want to get games into Robbo, so he'll prob start him. But it's much of a muchness imho.
Hendo and Fab to play, so would bypass Keita and give Jones more game time. Keita 'kicked grass' so remains to be seen if he'll recover anyway.

Up front, with the CL match coming up, hard to know if Jürgen will start Salah Jota Mane. Thought Taki and Origi took their goals really well against Norwich, but don't think their general play is a match for the 3 lads. Of the two though, think Origi would be most likely to get a start. Don't think AOC should figure in either game, I'd have Gordon ahead of him.

Brentford have started really well, so will be lively, but hopefully we can go there and do another professional job.

Interesting idea re: the leftback spot, though I think you're overstating how rusty Robertson is. Tsimikas has been good, and yeah Robertson was a little wayward with a couple of passes in his cameo against Norwich, but Tsimikas has started the last two games and Robbo is rested, so I would be surprised if Robertson doesn't start against Brentford. He even got the 30 minute cameo against Norwich in midweek to get him warmed up for the weekend too.

Looking ahead at upcoming fixtures I'd also be wanting to get Robertson in the best possible shape to start the Man City game, in which case giving him the Brentford game and Tsimikas the midweek Porto game makes the most sense.

Whatever the case, how refreshing it is to have two really good leftbacks! Been ages since we had this 'problem', and long may it continue.

Whatever the case, how refreshing it is to have two really good leftbacks! Been ages since we had this 'problem', and long may it continue.

Yea, it's great at FB on that side, Kostas is putting proper pressure on Robbo.

At least one of our strikers should hit form, against Brentford on Saturday. There will be plenty of talent on the bench !

If Jota doesn't improve on Saturday, I would expect Bobby to start vs. Porto.

This is how I'd rotate the squad for the next 3 fixtures:

Brentford
 
                 Allison
Trent*    Matip    Van Dijk   Robertson
                 Fabinho
        Henderson* Keita
  Salah         Jota            Mane

Subs (max 3): Milner for Trent, Jones for Henderson, Firmino for one of the front 3.



Porto

                    Allison
Trent*   Konate   Gomez   Tsimikas
                 Henderson*
             Milner     Jones
    Salah*       Jota*       Origi

Subs (max 5): Fabinho for Henderson, Firmino for Jota, Mane/Minamino for Salah/Jota. Maybe Trent subbed off as well if scoreline allows.



Man City

                 Allison
Trent    Matip    Van Dijk   Robertson
                 Fabinho
         Henderson  Thiago
  Salah       Firmino         Mane

Subs (max 3): Jota and Keita at some point for fresh legs.



Asterisks (*) denote that the player should be subbed reasonably early to keep them fresh for the next game.

Trent should be able to play 3 games in 8 days (Sat-Tue-Sun) after being rested the last couple of games, but he'd ideally be subbed early once or twice if scorelines permit.

Henderson might be a bit overplayed in this rotation so perhaps his minutes should be shared a bit more among other midfielders. For example maybe Henderson and Fabinho split the minutes in the Porto game, with Henderson starting and Fabinho coming off the bench.

Up front I think we'll have some good options with Firmino back. I'd expect him to gradually build up his minutes with a view to start against City, starting with a cameo against Brentford and then 30-60 minutes against Porto.

If Thiago isn't fit by the City game then Keita would slot into midfield instead.

The Porto lineup is the tricky one to get right, but I think the team above should have enough to get a result in Porto. The back 4 is a bit new but still features quality at fullback and a very solid CB partnership, with Henderson shielding. Jones and Milner should keep us ticking along, and the front 3 should have enough to get goals. The bench will also be very strong should we need to ramp things up in the last 30 to win the game.

Naby and Thiago ruled out Saturday so expect Jones maybe

Naby and Thiago ruled out Saturday so expect Jones maybe

Think it will be Jones, but I guess there is also the possibility of a 4-2-3-1 and Taki or Origi keeping their place in the team. Origi started vs Milan unexpectedly so who knows.

It’s refreshing that unlike last season, we actually have a variety of options to select from.

Naby and Thiago ruled out Saturday so expect Jones maybe

What's the word on Naby? how long are we looking at for kicking the grass?

What's the word on Naby? how long are we looking at for kicking the grass?

Probably back in time for AFCON

Naby and Thiago ruled out Saturday so expect Jones maybe

Source? I can easily imagine it in Thiago‘s case, but Naby?

Source? I can easily imagine it in Thiago‘s case, but Naby?

Naby probably not. It’s not a serious thing but we have to wait until the pain settles, pretty much. We will see about that. Thiago, no chance,” the boss told Liverpoolfc.com.

“Bobby trained already for two or three days, so he is back in contention, let me say it like this. We used him a little bit as a ‘joker’ [in training].

“But he will be in the normal training and then we have to make a decision if we take him with us or not. Porto, 100%. Brentford, we have to see.”

Taki scored in the midweeker, let Jota come on as a sub, start Taki, his confidence will be right up whereas Jota just seems a tiny, tiny bit off at the moment.

But, I don't see it happening. I think the last 2 times Taki has played, he has scored and the very next game has been left out. Expect that to continue.

I think this isn't gonna be as easy as we all hope. I haven't seen any of their highlights, so don't know much about them but have seen their last couple of scores and they will definitely have their confidence up.

Time for us to put them back in their place!!! COYR

Taki scored in the midweeker, let Jota come on as a sub, start Taki, his confidence will be right up whereas Jota just seems a tiny, tiny bit off at the moment.

But, I don't see it happening. I think the last 2 times Taki has played, he has scored and the very next game has been left out. Expect that to continue.

I think this isn't gonna be as easy as we all hope. I haven't seen any of their highlights, so don't know much about them but have seen their last couple of scores and they will definitely have their confidence up.

Time for us to put them back in their place!!! COYR

Brentford's expected Goal difference per 90 this season is +0.58 which is the third best in the league behind City and us. Their good start to the season is no fluke, this will be a legit game.

Well at least we got a month out of Naby before he got injured again.

Doesn't sound like Bobby will be ready to start so I think it'll be Jota although you could make the case for Taki given how poor Jota has been since the Burnley game.

Brentford's expected Goal difference per 90 this season is +0.58 which is the third best in the league behind City and us. Their good start to the season is no fluke, this will be a legit game.

Yeah thay showed against Wolves that they're dangerous on the counter and have quick, tidy players up front.

This may be a bit of a banana-skin, but I expect us to come through.

So Thiago and Keita out (Klopp, press conference). And with both of them better expect a couple of weeks than days. So I hope Jürgen plays who he also want to play against City to get rhythm.

Alisson
TAA-Matip-VVD-Robbo
Hendo-Fab-Jones
Salah-Jota-Mané

Robbo/Tsimikas and Jones/Milner feels like a coin toss though.

he actually says he has no idea when Thiago will be back 😭
The way he limped off wouldn’t surprise at all if it’s 6 weeks.
Keita just same as usual. 3 big games this week and suddenly we’re 3 midfield options down

Injuries happen to most players during the season, none are that bad, missing a few games here or there is fine, that's what the squad is for.

Thiago will be back after international break, naby will be back next week. All good. Gives Jones & the ox a chance.

So Thiago and Keita out (Klopp, press conference). And with both of them better expect a couple of weeks than days. So I hope Jürgen plays who he also want to play against City to get rhythm.

Alisson
TAA-Matip-VVD-Robbo
Hendo-Fab-Jones
Salah-Jota-Mané

Robbo/Tsimikas and Jones/Milner feels like a coin toss though.

Out of interest.....why would Robbo/Tsimikas be a coin toss?

Injuries happen to most players during the season, none are that bad, missing a few games here or there is fine, that's what the squad is for.

Thiago will be back after international break, naby will be back next week. All good. Gives Jones & the ox a chance.

Yep.

We still have

Fabinho
Henderson
Milner
Jones
Chamberlain

And Minamino can play as an 8 as well.

That's without even looking at the younger players.

Yep.

We still have

Fabinho
Henderson
Milner
Jones
Chamberlain

And Minamino can play as an 8 as well.

That's without even looking at the younger players.

Exactly. 

Out of interest.....why would Robbo/Tsimikas be a coin toss?

Robbo starts 100%, Greek doing brilliant as cover, very reliable so far.

Exactly. 

I think it City had three comparable midfielders out they'd be in a similar position.

For me tomorrow it's:

Allison

Trent    Matip     Virgil     Robertson

Fabinho

Hendo       Jones

Salah       Jota       Mane

Injuries happen to most players during the season, none are that bad, missing a few games here or there is fine, that's what the squad is for.

Thiago will be back after international break, naby will be back next week. All good. Gives Jones & the ox a chance.

Klopp said Naby will probably miss Porto and City as well.

Klopp said Naby will probably miss Porto and City as well.

Made of glass that guy

At our best, we will be too strong for newly promoted Brentford !

Klopp said Naby will probably miss Porto and City as well.

wtf. Nancy Keita indeed.

This is why I would NOT extent Keita‘s contract. He‘s taking away a spot in the team and almost never healthy for some significant amount of time.

As to Robbo vs. Kostas: It is Robbo < Kostas for me. Kostas is just better offensively and for me the offense is the best defense. I‘d only play Robbo for sentimental reason or to maintain team chemistry.

This is why I would NOT extent Keita‘s contract. He‘s taking away a spot in the team and almost never healthy for some significant amount of time.

As to Robbo vs. Kostas: It is Robbo < Kostas for me. Kostas is just better offensively and for me the offense is the best defense. I‘d only play Robbo for sentimental reason or to maintain team chemistry.

‘Sentimental reasons’ ha ha what are you talking about. Madness

Klopp said Naby will probably miss Porto and City as well.

possibly.

This is why I would NOT extent Keita‘s contract. He‘s taking away a spot in the team and almost never healthy for some significant amount of time.

As to Robbo vs. Kostas: It is Robbo < Kostas for me. Kostas is just better offensively and for me the offense is the best defense. I‘d only play Robbo for sentimental reason or to maintain team chemistry.

All about opinions I suppose. but ffs. 

As to Robbo vs. Kostas: It is Robbo < Kostas for me. Kostas is just better offensively and for me the offense is the best defense. I‘d only play Robbo for sentimental reason or to maintain team chemistry.

I don't really understand how people are even comparing Kostas with Robbo. Robbo has proven his value for several years, was one of our best players last year, and is one of if not the best left-back in the world. Kostas is a very good sub, he's going through a good moment but don't think is fair to compare him with Robbo.

And if you're really worried about midfield options there's always the opportunity to go 4 2 3 1

Henderson     Fabinho

Salah       Minamino       Mane

  Jota

And if you're really worried about midfield options there's always the opportunity to go 4 2 3 1

Henderson     Fabinho

Salah       Minamino       Mane

  Jota

I would like to see it more often, especially against weaker teams which defend with 11 players.

Not sure about Minamino, he needs to work on his physicality. I know he scored 2 goals, but apart from that he wasn't really involved in the game.

Allison

Trent    Matip     Virgil     Robertson

Fabinho

Hendo       Jones

Salah       Jota       Mane

Agreed.  And with a decent bench too.  Origi, Minamino, and Tsimi have all looked sharp recently.  Gomez/Konate are great CB options to have in reserve.  Ox and Millie are always reliable when coming on with 15-20 minutes left to see out a game.  Good times 

We need this match so much because the next one will be very difficult and Chelsea and City are playing earlier against each other.

All three of our best AM's out at the same time is pretty unfortunate, especially for the City game. Hopefully at least one of Ox, Jones, or Milner can step up. If not I could see Klopp being tempted with going 4231 with Firmino in the no.10 against City, and Mane, Jota, Salah up front. Think we did that last year actually iirc

Edit: yeah checking the lineup of our game at the Etihad in November we had Gini and Henderson holding, with the front 4 up front. The game finished 1-1 in what was a pretty stalemate sort of game, with both teams seemingly settling for the draw.

I don't really understand how people are even comparing Kostas with Robbo. Robbo has proven his value for several years, was one of our best players last year, and is one of if not the best left-back in the world.

Nobody cares about yesterday. In the present your „best left back in the world“ fails to deliver decent corners. Kostas provides them better and more consistently. His crosses are better as well and he has more vertical drive than Robbo. Robbo is better defensively because he has years of PL under his belt and is more experienced there. But for me we look more dangerous with Kostas. Time will tell who is right because if Jürgen agrees with me then at one point he will switch to the Greek for important games just like he dumped Moreno back then.

Time will tell who is right because if Jürgen agrees with me then at one point he will switch to the Greek for important games just like he dumped Moreno back then.

1. I don’t think it’s a case of Klopp agreeing with you…your view is irrelevant to him.

2. Your talking out you’re arse.

Nobody cares about yesterday. In the present your „best left back in the world“ fails to deliver decent corners. Kostas provides them better and more consistently. His crosses are better as well and he has more vertical drive than Robbo. Robbo is better defensively because he has years of PL under his belt and is more experienced there. But for me we look more dangerous with Kostas. Time will tell who is right because if Jürgen agrees with me then at one point he will switch to the Greek for important games just like he dumped Moreno back then.

It's an interesting take. We know that Klopp and his staff leave no stone unturned in their quest to squeeze every last drop out of this squad, including leaning a lot on throw-in coaches and set piece specialists, not to mention their extremely analytical and calculated approach to transfers. So it would seem logical that their analysts would find marginal gains all over the squad, and it's certainly possible that they identified that we could have more of a threat from crosses at LB. Robbo is no Trent at crossing after all, though he does whip a good one in from time to time.

It's an interesting take. We know that Klopp and his staff leave no stone unturned in their quest to squeeze every last drop out of this squad, including leaning a lot on throw-in coaches and set piece specialists, not to mention their extremely analytical and calculated approach to transfers. So it would seem logical that their analysts would find marginal gains all over the squad, and it's certainly possible that they identified that we could have more of a threat from crosses at LB. Robbo is no Trent at crossing after all, though he does whip a good one in from time to time.

Doesn't he have more assists over last 2/3 seasons than Trent?

Both best in the world btw.....

Robbo starts 100%, Greek doing brilliant as cover, very reliable so far.

Yup. Kid has kicked on smashing

It's an interesting take. We know that Klopp and his staff leave no stone unturned in their quest to squeeze every last drop out of this squad, including leaning a lot on throw-in coaches and set piece specialists, not to mention their extremely analytical and calculated approach to transfers. So it would seem logical that their analysts would find marginal gains all over the squad, and it's certainly possible that they identified that we could have more of a threat from crosses at LB. Robbo is no Trent at crossing after all, though he does whip a good one in from time to time.

I guess people are focusing on a specific aspect (crosses) and forgetting about all the other things. I agree that Kostas is a better crosser, but that’s it. I don’t see Kostas providing the same energy for 90 min that we get from Robbo, the way he presses and how quick he reacts when we lose or win the ball. Kostas is really good but Robbo still the number one for me. But as always, I’ll trust Klopp and his team to decide what’s best for the team.

I guess people are focusing on a specific aspect (crosses) and forgetting about all the other things. I agree that Kostas is a better crosser, but that’s it. I don’t see Kostas providing the same energy for 90 min that we get from Robbo, the way he presses and how quick he reacts when we lose or win the ball. Kostas is really good but Robbo still the number one for me. But as always, I’ll trust Klopp and his team to decide what’s best for the team.

I agree with that. 

I think it City had three comparable midfielders out they'd be in a similar position.

For me tomorrow it's:

Allison

Trent    Matip     Virgil     Robertson

Fabinho

Hendo       Jones

Salah       Jota       Mane

Reminds me of the first post on the thread. 

We need this so much to build 3 points cushion from everyone.

Anybody got a stream?

Anybody got a stream?

The game only starts in 2 hours mate.

This page is a useful reference for links though: https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=345769

Anybody got a stream?

All streams will be available here closer to kick off.

https://redi1.soccerstreams.net/event/brentford-liverpool-live-stream/699209

Jones starts. The rest of the squad is predictable. Keita misses out due to injury. Firmino is back on the bench.