Pre-match: Watford V Liverpool [Saturday October 16th, 12:30]

NB: Team no longer available

Since Milner, Matip, AOC and Firmino are all fresh and fit, I would play them.

Jota and Thiago are still out. Allisson and Fabinho are highly unlikely to be able to play with them playing so late.

We need to win the match to have a good start after the break.

Kelleher between the sticks.

TAA back in at RB, Gomez or Konate alongside Virgil.

Hendo filling in for Fab, something he done so well doing during our title winning season.
Jones keeping his place and maybe Keita in the middle too.

Bobby in for the injured Jota.

Kelleher,

TAA, Gomez/Konate, Virgil, Robbo

Hendo, Jones, Keita

Salah, Bobby, Mane

Kelleher between the sticks.

TAA back in at RB, Gomez or Konate alongside Virgil.

Hendo filling in for Fab, something he done so well doing during our title winning season.
Jones keeping his place and maybe Keita in the middle too.

Bobby in for the injured Jota.

Kelleher,

TAA, Gomez/Konate, Virgil, Robbo

Hendo, Jones, Keita

Salah, Bobby, Mane

probably not far off the team that will start.

New manager bounce for them and us with a bunch of enforced changes that results in a ropey looking midfield, plus the early KO, all bodes for bad vibes for me.



2-0 to MIGHTY REDS

Trent is defo good to start so long as he has no reaction during next few days training.

Thiago still a slight doubt.

New manager bounce for them

Don’t want to tempt fate, but, does that even apply for Watford now? They have about 3-4 managers per season.

Kelleher between the sticks.

TAA back in at RB, Gomez or Konate alongside Virgil.

Hendo filling in for Fab, something he done so well doing during our title winning season.
Jones keeping his place and maybe Keita in the middle too.

Bobby in for the injured Jota.

Kelleher,

TAA, Gomez/Konate, Virgil, Robbo

Hendo, Jones, Keita

Salah, Bobby, Mane

Won't be far off would be surprised if Matip doesn't play though

                 Kelleher
Trent Matip VvD Robertson
                  Gomez
      Hendo               Naby
    Salah   Firmino    Mane

Hendo did a sterling job filling in for Fab previously, however without Thiago, Elliot, and probably Jones we'll need him in the engine room, so rather him being DM or the old fella Milner I'm giving Gomez a try, I've alluded to this before,  he ticks more boxes in this position than Hendo or Jimmy albeit without the experience,  but he has the pace, can obviously tackle and reads the game well,  I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work, and remember it is only a temporary measure, a suck it and see experiment, with Bobby in for Jota and the other two amigo's the disruption is down to a minimum,
Having Hendo as DM means probably Ox starting probably with Naby and for me that's weaker, and will probably get over run !!

Thought's plz fella's



                                 YNWA

Sneaky feeling the boss rests VVD

Kevin

Trent Konate Matip Robbo

   Hendo Naby Ox

Moses  Bobby  Minamino ( Mane if hes available)

Sneaky feeling the boss rests VVD

Would agree with this if we weren’t already without Alisson and Fab.

Won't be far off would be surprised if Matip doesn't play though

My thinking behind the Matip change was although he hasn’t played over the last couple of weeks, he was before the break. We are now getting into the realms of Konate and Gomez being involved in about 1 game(?) in the past month and with Atletico and United up soon, can see Matip getting a little more rest for those games.

Would agree with this if we weren’t already without Alisson and Fab.

My thinking behind the Matip change was although he hasn’t played over the last couple of weeks, he was before the break. We are now getting into the realms of Konate and Gomez being involved in about 1 game(?) in the past month and with Atletico and United up soon, can see Matip getting a little more rest for those games.

Yep either way will suit depends on which way round he plays them . Athletico the harder game but Watford more important for me given our start in CL

With no allison I cant see klopp messing about with CBs, Matip & VVD will start.

With no allison I cant see klopp messing about with CBs, Matip & VVD will start.

Who were the CBs when Kelleher started against Norwich? if Konate/Gomez then i can see him giving them a go again.

Who were the CBs when Kelleher started against Norwich? if Konate/Gomez then i can see him giving them a go again.

Think it was aye.

Still cant see it. But hey never know, loads of games coming up.

Sneaky feeling the boss rests VVD

Kevin

Trent Konate Matip Robbo

   Hendo Naby Ox

Moses  Bobby  Minamino ( Mane if hes available)

I really hope that Mane is available, isn't he?

Matip will play for sure.

I really hope that Mane is available, isn't he?

Matip will play for sure.

No reason why Mane wouldn't be

Most International players are back today, only Injury I think was jota, but he went injured.

Its just stupid brazil playing at stupid ocklock friday morning thats causing issues.

Pity about the lunch time kick off, still going to stick my neck out, by going for a 3  1 away win for the Reds, against struggling Watford.

Would agree with this if we weren’t already without Alisson and Fab.

My thinking behind the Matip change was although he hasn’t played over the last couple of weeks, he was before the break. We are now getting into the realms of Konate and Gomez being involved in about 1 game(?) in the past month and with Atletico and United up soon, can see Matip getting a little more rest for those games.

When is Thiago supposed to be back?

I really hope that Mane is available, isn't he?

Matip will play for sure.

Dont know mate with all the red list talk, think his name was mentioned with Kostas

When is Thiago supposed to be back?

Around this week I think, wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on the bench and maybe gets 20mins.

Around this week I think, wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on the bench and maybe gets 20mins.

Won't be involved in the Watford game, hasn't joined in training yet.

Won't be involved in the Watford game, hasn't joined in training yet.

Wouldn’t rule him out completely, what Klopp said was Thiago wasn’t ready to start, not that he wouldn’t be involved.

“Thiago needs probably a little bit longer, [he] was not in team training yet – that’s always not a good sign for starting the next game."


He’s back in training by himself, if he’s training with the team tomorrow/Friday then there’s a chance we will see him on the bench.

Don’t want to tempt fate, but, does that even apply for Watford now? They have about 3-4 managers per season.

One manager per win is about right.

Wouldn’t rule him out completely, what Klopp said was Thiago wasn’t ready to start, not that he wouldn’t be involved.

“Thiago needs probably a little bit longer, [he] was not in team training yet – that’s always not a good sign for starting the next game."


He’s back in training by himself, if he’s training with the team tomorrow/Friday then there’s a chance we will see him on the bench.

We need him!

Spanish FA have called off some games around players returning  late . Be interesting what other clubs like City do as they are in same boat but play 2.5 hrs later. I am not sure the pair are definite non starters

Just read some clubs have hired a private Jet to get the south American lads back ASAP.

Our lads still wont make the watford game.

Update, Fab & Ali are going straight to spain so they can play the champions league game. Rather than quarantining in a hotel in england.

What a clusterfuk.

Update, Fab & Ali are going straight to spain so they can play the champions league game. Rather than quarantining in a hotel in england.

What a clusterfuk.

F**k sake

F**k sake

Indeed. :-(

Update, Fab & Ali are going straight to spain so they can play the champions league game. Rather than quarantining in a hotel in england.

What a clusterfuk.

Not a bad idea given they wouldn’t have been playing against Watford.

Not a bad idea given they wouldn’t have been playing against Watford.

Agreed, under the circumastances, that's probably the beest outcome.

Not a bad idea given they wouldn’t have been playing against Watford.

YEA. All things considered.

Jota should be fresh, did not play in both of Portugal’s games.

Jota should be fresh, did not play in both of Portugal’s games.

Calm down, it's because he had a injury, it's not like he was just rested. He hadn't even been doing any training until he returned to the club.

Where is it saying they are going direct to Spain ?

Where is it saying they are going direct to Spain ?

Fabinho said about it in an interview.

Off topic here but as it goes, in the same interview, he also said he expected Raphinha to be signing for us this summer and hopes the move will still happen. Make of that what you will.

Calm down, it's because he had a injury, it's not like he was just rested. He hadn't even been doing any training until he returned to the club.

Oh  ok
Been in bed the last 3 weeks With Illness so been out of touch with what been going on.

Dont know mate with all the red list talk, think his name was mentioned with Kostas

He was seen in training

Fabinho said about it in an interview.

Off topic here but as it goes, in the same interview, he also said he expected Raphinha to be signing for us this summer and hopes the move will still happen. Make of that what you will.

Just scored a brace for Brazil this morning and Deco his agent looks like angling for  a move

Doesn’t sound great on Thiago..... sigh....

And the Curtis Jones thing sounds a total farce

Doesn’t sound great on Thiago..... sigh....

And the Curtis Jones thing sounds a total farce

What Curtis Jones thing ?

Sorry just seen  update . Looking a little stretched now Naby has played 3 games in six days so whether he  can play with Milner and Henderson God knows

What Curtis Jones thing ?

Well it was said before the England U21 game that he was an injury doubt and probably wouldn’t play, he came off the bench played 20 mins roughly and now he is injured. So seems like it’s made it worse. Groin problem I think ? Klopp clearly pretty pissed off about the whole thing

So Milner, Hendo and Ox in midfield?

Well it was said before the England U21 game that he was an injury doubt and probably wouldn’t play, he came off the bench played 20 mins roughly and now he is injured. So seems like it’s made it worse. Groin problem I think ? Klopp clearly pretty pissed off about the whole thing

Yeh sorry missed the presser . Should never have come off the bench seems Portugal handled the Jota situation much better

So Milner, Hendo and Ox in midfield?

If Naby OK he will play all depends on his fitness after international games played

So Milner, Hendo and Ox in midfield?

Hope not.

If Naby OK he will play all depends on his fitness after international games played

I now think he will start with that, and bring Naby lad on 2nd half.

So looks like Henderson, Keita and Milner in midfield not the worst but ffs International games.

So Milner, Hendo and Ox in midfield?

Would be surprised with that to be honest.

Think it’s more likely going to be Hendo, Keita and Ox. Alternatively we may go to a 4-2-3-1 with Hendo and Keita in the middle and then Jota, Bobby, Salah and Mane.

If Ox cant get a start tmrw its a real kick in balls for him.

If Ox cant get a start tmrw its a real kick in balls for him.

Perhaps that is what he needs. Just goes to show how thin on the ground our squad is

Perhaps that is what he needs. Just goes to show how thin on the ground our squad is

Well, MF squad is only a wee bit stretched the now cos a couple of minor injuries and Internationals\covid rules.

In a week we will be back to full strength in MF, just in time for a busy few weeks, before the next International break.

With them having the new manager bounce on their own ground, our light midfield and the fact it’s a 12.30 kick off I’d say this will be as difficult as the other two games we have this week.

Very nervous about it, just hope we can find a way to grind it out.

I predict we give them an absolute pumping. :-)

Let’s do these cu*ts

NB: Team no longer available

Let’s do these cu*ts

NB: Team no longer available

That team should have no issues taking care of Watford.

That team should have no issues taking care of Watford.

Oh! Where’s that irritating Troy Deeney? Troy, are you around? Troy?

Still feel the pain of the 0-3 defeat away, well beaten that day. So not complacent going into this one.
If AOC ends up starting, we know we're down to the bare bones, but don't think he will.
Seems crazy to be missing two big players because of a bog standard F***ing national team game.

Kelleher
TAA Joel VVD Robbo
Jones Hendo Milly/Keita
Salah/Bob/Mane [assuming Jota not avail]

Need the 3 points.

Still feel the pain of the 0-3 defeat away, well beaten that day. So not complacent going into this one.
If AOC ends up starting, we know we're down to the bare bones, but don't think he will.
Seems crazy to be missing two big players because of a bog standard f**king national team game.

Kelleher
TAA Joel VVD Robbo
Jones Hendo Milly/Keita
Salah/Bob/Mane [assuming Jota not avail]

Need the 3 points.

Jones won't be playing I am afraid

Jones won't be playing I am afraid

sh*t.
Though listening to Jürgen's pre-match, looks like Jota is available, so I'd prob start him ahead of Bob.

I’m extra nervous for this one for some reason, think it’ll be close… I’ll go for a 1-0 win.

Oh! Where’s that irritating Troy Deeney? Troy, are you around? Troy?

Given he plays for Birmingham, I’m guessing not

Would be surprised with that to be honest.

Think it’s more likely going to be Hendo, Keita and Ox. Alternatively we may go to a 4-2-3-1 with Hendo and Keita in the middle and then Jota, Bobby, Salah and Mane.

I feel like half my attention tomorrow is hoping nobody gets injured. The amount of football the modern-day schedule asks of players. For the players from the big clubs who are also playing internationals, it's barbaric.

I feel like half my attention tomorrow is hoping nobody gets injured. The amount of football the modern-day schedule asks of players. For the players from the big clubs who are also playing internationals, it's barbaric.

We need a win, 2 draws in a row is not good and we need to turn it around.

Morning all. We don't have a good record for these 12:30 Saturday kick offs so iv gone for a draw 1:1. Would be great to have Jones available. If not its Hendo for Fab with Keita and Milner. Even if Jota is available I'd start Bobby.

Dislike these 12 30 Ko especially after an international break . Could be  a tight one this and gone for us to nick it

Going for a 1-0 win, praying I’m right.

I’m so nervous - Watford are good against us at vicarage road

We need a win, 2 draws in a row is not good and we need to turn it around.

Even worse when you consider we’ve had the lead 4 times in those 2 games and failed to win either. Some big issues going on with the defensive side of our game at the moment.

Just go all out full throttle and we’ll win this.

I’m not too enamoured if AOC starts if I’m honest, in the main he has been out of sorts and struggling to get game time, so for me he would be a liability if he is entrusted to a role in today’s engine room, coming off the bench for me offers his best opportunity to give everything he has for whatever  time Jürgen afford’s to give him, Naby though has at least got some game time behind him and although still not pulling up any trees he’s ahead of Ox anyway and IF he can get somewhere near his best he offers more solidity, and a better balance, so for that reason I think we’ll start with Hendo, Millie & Naby lad, HOWEVER!!….


….we’re obviously  down to the bare bones in midfield and for us to continue supplying Mo, Mane, Bobby & Jota with ammo, we really need to think about creating opportunities for them to do their stuff, Hendo, Millie & Naby somewhat stifles that creation, so how do we combat this and at least provide decent link up play from midfield and attack, it’s unlikely that Jürgen will try anything new or promote from the ressies so maybe it’s a case of making the most out of a bad situation….before a ball is kicked I’m telling you now we’re going miss Fabinho, Ranieri that old fox, will have noticed he’s missing and I’m guessing he’ll target this area knowing it’s a weak link,

Now I’ve been a advocate of Joe Gomez playing the DM role previously , it seems none of you guys have a opinion on it, that’s ok, but can someone please explain to me why he isn’t a very good stand in for a time like this, he ticks all the boxes for me, and that would allow us to perhaps throw Hendo further forward and link up with our attack, I just feel it would make more sense having a defensive  minded player playing in front of the back 4 rather than a midfielder, who could easily get caught out unawares?

I’d be very interested in your opinions good or bad ?




                                                                         Y  N  W  A

Maybe we can start with the front 4, with Milner and Henderson tucked up in midfield? That could work

I’m not too enamoured if AOC starts if I’m honest, in the main he has been out of sorts and struggling to get game time, so for me he would be a liability if he is entrusted to a role in today’s engine room, coming off the bench for me offers his best opportunity to give everything he has for whatever  time Jürgen afford’s to give him, Naby though has at least got some game time behind him and although still not pulling up any trees he’s ahead of Ox anyway and IF he can get somewhere near his best he offers more solidity, and a better balance, so for that reason I think we’ll start with Hendo, Millie & Naby lad, HOWEVER!!….


….we’re obviously  down to the bare bones in midfield and for us to continue supplying Mo, Mane, Bobby & Jota with ammo, we really need to think about creating opportunities for them to do their stuff, Hendo, Millie & Naby somewhat stifles that creation, so how do we combat this and at least provide decent link up play from midfield and attack, it’s unlikely that Jürgen will try anything new or promote from the ressies so maybe it’s a case of making the most out of a bad situation….before a ball is kicked I’m telling you now we’re going miss Fabinho, Ranieri that old fox, will have noticed he’s missing and I’m guessing he’ll target this area knowing it’s a weak link,

Now I’ve been a advocate of Joe Gomez playing the DM role previously , it seems none of you guys have a opinion on it, that’s ok, but can someone please explain to me why he isn’t a very good stand in for a time like this, he ticks all the boxes for me, and that would allow us to perhaps throw Hendo further forward and link up with our attack, I just feel it would make more sense having a defensive  minded player playing in front of the back 4 rather than a midfielder, who could easily get caught out unawares?

I’d be very interested in your opinions good or bad ?




                                                                         Y  N  W  A

It is worth consideration Billy, but my question would be whether Gomez has the range of passing needed to play in this role under Jürgen's system(s). The setup that Jose Mourinho implemented at Porto and then Chelsea, made good use of this windshield wiper/destroyer type position with Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel perhaps most famously filling the role. They managed to physically dominate the middle of the park, especially in their half of it, and it was a formula that took a while to overcome as Jose used it in Italy and Spain as well.

I think now thought the #6 role on a top team requires someone more like Fab, who can be hard on opposing attackers but also instrumental in transition, switching the field and even getting forward to support the attack at times. I don't know if Joe can fill that part of the role.

While I'm a fan of Hendo, I have my doubts as to how effective he would be anymore as a primary attacking player. I think his main role would be helping cover for the fullbacks. Still, as you say, we are down to bare bones in midfield and will have to accept not everyone will be in their optimal role for the time being.

HuytonRed's birthday today so I don't think anything less than 3 points is remotely acceptable.

Can't wait to see the line up....!

It is worth consideration Billy, but my question would be whether Gomez has the range of passing needed to play in this role under Jürgen's system(s). The setup that Jose Mourinho implemented at Porto and then Chelsea, made good use of this windshield wiper/destroyer type position with Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel perhaps most famously filling the role. They managed to physically dominate the middle of the park, especially in their half of it, and it was a formula that took a while to overcome as Jose used it in Italy and Spain as well.

I think now thought the #6 role on a top team requires someone more like Fab, who can be hard on opposing attackers but also instrumental in transition, switching the field and even getting forward to support the attack at times. I don't know if Joe can fill that part of the role.

While I'm a fan of Hendo, I have my doubts as to how effective he would be anymore as a primary attacking player. I think his main role would be helping cover for the fullbacks. Still, as you say, we are down to bare bones in midfield and will have to accept not everyone will be in their optimal role for the time being.

You have a good point regarding Joe's passing ability particularly long range and i guess if push came to shove and he did play as a temporary DM a sacrifice would have to be accepted and although not ideal making things do would get us through, I was more in favour of his defensive abilities and prevention rather than his curtailed attacking prowess hence having a defender rather than midfielder in the same position,  we could of course play him next to Hendo and have Naby in front in a 4-2-1-3 that might work but we do have to remember that it would be entirely temporary and a case of trying to find a solution in a one off situation.



                                    YNWA