Girona v Liverpool Champions League Tues 10th December 5:45 Kick Off

Girona up next after this weekends postponed game. We currently sit top of the Champions league table but a win here would confirm our place in the next round.

I’m expecting something like this:

Kelleher

Alexander-Arnold (Quansah)
Gomez
van Dijk (c)
Robertson

Gravenberch (Endo)
Jones

Salah (Chiesa)
Szoboszlai (Elliott)
Gakpo

Diaz (Nunez)

Subs:

Alisson (GK)
Jaros (GK)
Davies (GK)
Quansah (Alexander-Arnold)
Nallo
Elliott (Szoboszlai)
Endo (Gravenberch)
Morton
Nyoni
Jota
Nunez (Diaz)
Chiesa (Salah)

Injured:

Bradley
Konate
Tsimikas

Suspended:

Mac Allister

Nice break after Newcastle game almost a mid season break. Still think we will go strong and go for the win it's a great habit and the players are clearly happy.

I think we can relax a little - I would go with:

Trent
Gomez
Quansah
Robertson

Endo
Szob
Jones

Salah
Nunez
Gakpo

I think we can relax a little - I would go with:

Trent
Gomez
Quansah
Robertson

Endo
Szob
Jones

Salah
Nunez
Gakpo

Think id rather see vvd in there. Only because if it's not happening, and Quansah gets hooked early, it will no doubt screw up his confidence.
Lets get control and get ahead, sub vvd for quansah  60 mins or so.  Everything else I agree with. we really do want to win it, just so the bubble doesn't burst. Winning mentality and confidence and all that.

Not knowing much about this club, just took a look at La lima to see how they are doing.  Not terribly brilliant.
Played 16. won 6. drew 4. lost 6. Goals for 22. goals against 23. -1 goal difference.

Not exactly on fire are they, but you never know. Throw caution to the wind and we may get stung.
 
Lets get it won before making any radical changes. Its good to be top !

I think we can relax a little - I would go with:

Trent
Gomez
Quansah
Robertson

Endo
Szob
Jones

Salah
Nunez
Gakpo

Mate we’re good, we really are, but not that good that we don’t need a keeper !!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Kelleher
Trent Quansah Virgil Robbo
Endo Grav
Harvey
Chiesa Nunez Gakpo

Salah for Chiesa at HT
Szobo for Harvey and Diaz for Gakpo 60’
Nyoni for Grav 70’
Gomez for Trent 75’

For me we get the job done, am I right in saying we only need to draw to qualify? If so I’d go all guns blazing and tear Girona  asunder, tug the key players and Chuck on fringe, injury returnee’s and a couple of kids to see the job through,
It’s the mad season coming up so no point in risking injury to say Grav, Mo, Virgil, Macca, Gakpo, the more rest we get the fresher we’ll be, simple as that, I don’t believe Girona will pose too many issues but they are in the the CL on merit so we have to treat with respect,

Kelleher, Trent, Gomez, Virgil, Robbo, Grav, Macca Jones, Mo, Gakpo, Nunez,

Wasn’t too enamoured about Nunez V Toon so I’m hoping Arne has pulled him aside and worked with him on a one to one, he’s been here long enough now and has to start producing more than he is, he does work his sphericals off to be fair but we need him finishing better than he is, I’m not gonna throw the lad under the bus but he really needs to show us why we brought him in !!

So c’mon Darwin, let’s see what yer about against Girona ??


0-3 Mighty Redmen


YNWA

What a sh*te kick off time for a Tuesday.

Same here win the

For me we get the job done, am I right in saying we only need to draw to qualify? If so I’d go all guns blazing and tear Girona  asunder, tug the key players and Chuck on fringe, injury returnee’s and a couple of kids to see the job through,
It’s the mad season coming up so no point in risking injury to say Grav, Mo, Virgil, Macca, Gakpo, the more rest we get the fresher we’ll be, simple as that, I don’t believe Girona will pose too many issues but they are in the the CL on merit so we have to treat with respect,

Kelleher, Trent, Gomez, Virgil, Robbo, Grav, Macca Jones, Mo, Gakpo, Nunez,

Wasn’t too enamoured about Nunez V Toon so I’m hoping Arne has pulled him aside and worked with him on a one to one, he’s been here long enough now and has to start producing more than he is, he does work his sphericals off to be fair but we need him finishing better than he is, I’m not gonna throw the lad under the bus but he really needs to show us why we brought him in !!

So c’mon Darwin, let’s see what yer about against Girona ??


0-3 Mighty Redmen


YNWA

For me we get the job done, am I right in saying we only need to draw to qualify? If so I’d go all guns blazing and tear Girona  asunder, tug the key players and Chuck on fringe, injury returnee’s and a couple of kids to see the job through,
It’s the mad season coming up so no point in risking injury to say Grav, Mo, Virgil, Macca, Gakpo, the more rest we get the fresher we’ll be, simple as that, I don’t believe Girona will pose too many issues but they are in the the CL on merit so we have to treat with respect,

Kelleher, Trent, Gomez, Virgil, Robbo, Grav, Macca Jones, Mo, Gakpo, Nunez,

Wasn’t too enamoured about Nunez V Toon so I’m hoping Arne has pulled him aside and worked with him on a one to one, he’s been here long enough now and has to start producing more than he is, he does work his sphericals off to be fair but we need him finishing better than he is, I’m not gonna throw the lad under the bus but he really needs to show us why we brought him in !!

So c’mon Darwin, let’s see what yer about against Girona ??


0-3 Mighty Redmen


YNWA

For me we get the job done, am I right in saying we only need to draw to qualify? If so I’d go all guns blazing and tear Girona  asunder, tug the key players and Chuck on fringe, injury returnee’s and a couple of kids to see the job through,
It’s the mad season coming up so no point in risking injury to say Grav, Mo, Virgil, Macca, Gakpo, the more rest we get the fresher we’ll be, simple as that, I don’t believe Girona will pose too many issues but they are in the the CL on merit so we have to treat with respect,

Kelleher, Trent, Gomez, Virgil, Robbo, Grav, Macca Jones, Mo, Gakpo, Nunez,

Wasn’t too enamoured about Nunez V Toon so I’m hoping Arne has pulled him aside and worked with him on a one to one, he’s been here long enough now and has to start producing more than he is, he does work his sphericals off to be fair but we need him finishing better than he is, I’m not gonna throw the lad under the bus but he really needs to show us why we brought him in !!

So c’mon Darwin, let’s see what yer about against Girona ??


0-3 Mighty Redmen


YNWA

A win would mean two free games having already qualified.

Looking forward to this game on Tuesday, after a break, should beat an average looking Girona.

Qualifying early for the knockout stages, an added bonus.

Mate we’re good, we really are, but not that good that we don’t need a keeper !!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Why the negativity remember goalie in and out as a kid it's a tactical masterstroke

Macallister banned for our next two games, so misses Girona and Fulham.

Macallister banned for our next two games, so misses Girona and Fulham.

That'll do him the world of good because Arne would've kept on playing him when he clearly needs a rest, the amount of football and travelling since the Copa would take it's toll on any man.

NB: Team no longer available

I would insert Jones and Nyoni in the second half.

NB: Team no longer available

I would insert Jones and Nyoni in the second half.

Be a big boost if Kosti was back for this, but I doubt he's even close to being ready.

Should go strong and get the key players off if we go ahead by enough.

Game should absolutely not be played at 100% speed.

Friendly pace.

Playing on a Tuesday, instead of Wednesday, at least gives the players a three day break, before playing Fulham on the Saturday.

Just use the subs well surely Harvey gets 60 mins and 30 mins for Jota would be good ..Ali.to start in the sticks

Be a big boost if Kosti was back for this, but I doubt he's even close to being ready.

Yep, you are right. I wanted to do Robbo.

Probably can’t rotate as much as we’d like so it might be a case of going with a strong team and asking them to play within themselves a bit.

Hopefully the injuries will ease a bit by the two January European games and we can rotate heavily then.

Just like Klopp before it seems that Slot is taking the games seriously

We still need get some points on the board to ensure a top 8 and also top 2 spot

'Live Training: Liverpool Prepare For Girona | UEFA Champions League' - from LFC...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTv3emFa4bM



'LIVE UEFA Champions League Press Conference | Girona vs Liverpool' - from LFC...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjVwr38ULPo



'LIVE: Girona vs Liverpool | UEFA Champions League Pre-Match Coverage' - from LFC, scheduled for 4.30pm on Tuesday...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ok3v90oWAc




'Pre-Girona stats: Liverpool aiming for landmark European Cup victory' from LFC.tv...

www.liverpoolfc.com/news/pre-girona-stats-liverpool-aiming-landmark-european-cup-victory



'Confirmed: Liverpool's 19-man squad for UCL clash with Girona'...

www.liverpoolfc.com/news/confirmed-liverpools-19-man-squad-ucl-clash-girona


^ Liverpool travelling squad: Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, Robertson, Gravenberch, McConnell, Jaros, Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Norris, Quansah.

https://x.com/xxx/status/1866097276269330654?s=46&t=_4uI6CiVRqge8WqM7F37Iw

Ali in the squad that's travelled. Only new face is james norris, primarily a left back who can also play in midfield
 

Liverpool travelling squad:

Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, Robertson, Gravenberch, McConnell, Jaros, Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Norris, Quansah.
   

keep seeing these predicted teams online with people thinking endo elliott chiesa morton  (both haven't travelled of course) will start. Slot pretty much just confirmed there is going to be no rotating as there doesn't need to be...hmm not sure how i feel about that. can easily start endo in a game like this ( its pretty clear he doesn't rate him)

Arne's just hellbent on winning, that's the forefront of his mind.....as it should be tbh. His time at Feyenoord and how he managed his players there would suggest he sticks to the main core group of players for the league and europe and he'll cross that bridge of injuries and rotation when it comes to it. Fixative instead of pre-emptive.

Arne's just hellbent on winning, that's the forefront of his mind.....as it should be tbh. His time at Feyenoord and how he managed his players there would suggest he sticks to the main core group of players for the league and europe and he'll cross that bridge of injuries and rotation when it comes to it. Fixative instead of pre-emptive.

I mean that’s great, but he’s gotta rotate somewhere.  We’ve been bitten in recent seasons going for every trophy. We looked leggy at Newcastle. We play every single midweek. Hopefully we rotate heavily against Southampton next week. Good problems to have of course

I mean that’s great, but he’s gotta rotate somewhere.  We’ve been bitten in recent seasons going for every trophy. We looked leggy at Newcastle. We play every single midweek. Hopefully we rotate heavily against Southampton next week. Good problems to have of course

He's rotating where he believes he can and the drop in quality won't be as detrimental to the team, for me it's clear to see who he likes as squad options and who he doesn't/unsure about. Kelleher/Jones/Gakpo/Kostas no problems. Quansah/Gomez/Endo/Morton/Harvey/Bradley + other youngsters.....bit of a sticky point.

I actually don't think we were as leggy at Newcastle as most people are led to believe otherwise we wouldn't have got on top for most of that 2nd half, if it were not for a keeping howler at the end we come away with 3 points and there isn't even a discussion. We just let them get on top of us physically as we've seen so often with our lethergic first half performances.

We have to remember none of these players are his, and besides Chiesa who's never fit....he hasn't had any backing, so it's perhaps something we'll see more of over time when that starts happening.

We looked absolutely out on our feet v Newcastle (midfield especially) so the rest came at a good time. With this fixture being on a Tuesday we can still field a reasonably strong team and be fresh for Fulham on Saturday, ready to put on a display for Breeding Reds. Get the win, avoid injuries and move on.

keep seeing these predicted teams online with people thinking endo elliott chiesa morton  (both haven't travelled of course) will start. Slot pretty much just confirmed there is going to be no rotating as there doesn't need to be...hmm not sure how i feel about that. can easily start endo in a game like this ( its pretty clear he doesn't rate him)

Go strong as possible in this game and get qualification boxed off. Then you can start Endo, Morton, Nyoni, Danns etc.

We looked absolutely out on our feet v Newcastle (midfield especially) so the rest came at a good time. With this fixture being on a Tuesday we can still field a reasonably strong team and be fresh for Fulham on Saturday, ready to put on a display for Breeding Reds. Get the win, avoid injuries and move on.

We are low on quality central midfield options (4 for 3 places) so we are having to run the legs off them. Really we have to be looking to bring one in in January, namely the player from Sociedad if he is available. Thought in the summer we would be in trouble when we didn't bring one in but they have managed to navigate the season well so far. That Newcastle game though was the first time when you could see the lack of depth hurting us as we were firmly second best for an hour in midfield, which put immense pressure on the defence who were overworked as a result. We needed Dom in that game, but having run himself ragged against City that would have been asking too much.

Endo is at best a player we can bring on with 15 to go to play against tired legs. Harvey while technically gifted is not a central mid, and is physically too lightweight and slow to come up against athletic midfielders of this league. Tyler Morton is unproven, while Trey Nyoni is a young kid. In trying to win a league we have to be starting players as good as or better than what we come up against.

He's rotating where he believes he can and the drop in quality won't be as detrimental to the team, for me it's clear to see who he likes as squad options and who he doesn't/unsure about. Kelleher/Jones/Gakpo/Kostas no problems. Quansah/Gomez/Endo/Morton/Harvey/Bradley + other youngsters.....bit of a sticky point.

I actually don't think we were as leggy at Newcastle as most people are led to believe otherwise we wouldn't have got on top for most of that 2nd half, if it were not for a keeping howler at the end we come away with 3 points and there isn't even a discussion. We just let them get on top of us physically as we've seen so often with our lethergic first half performances.

We have to remember none of these players are his, and besides Chiesa who's never fit....he hasn't had any backing, so it's perhaps something we'll see more of over time when that starts happening.

That's exactly it. If he thinks there will be a big drop off he won't pick them, certainly in games with something riding on it.

At Newcastle, they ran 75k to our 71k, and were first to most 50/50s. They had the midfield for the first hour. See the second goal, Grav lost his man who was allowed to run at our back line and initiate an attack which resulted in Gordon scoring. The source of our issues in that game was midfield. Even with everyone fresh though that midfield of Curtis, Mac and Grav lacks running power. It's the same three that struggled at Arsenal last season (which we lost) and the first half of this season's game (which we were losing). Dom came on in the latter game just as he did at Newcastle and we were able to get more of a foothold in the game.

After the game Slot talked about the lack of intensity, and bigged up the subs (Dom, Luis and Trent, ideally three players that would have started had they been rested). We cannot keep relying on the same players though. We need an extra quality central mid brought in.

We looked absolutely out on our feet v Newcastle (midfield especially) so the rest came at a good time. With this fixture being on a Tuesday we can still field a reasonably strong team and be fresh for Fulham on Saturday, ready to put on a display for Breeding Reds. Get the win, avoid injuries and move on.

Hell yeah man. Super pumped

I've missed the Lads.

Can't wait to watch them cross that white line for KO.

Really hope

Quan, endo, Nunez and Harvey start (maybe not Harvey)

We need to play the fringe players

Mac should too as he is suspended

Endo-Mac and szob midfield is good enjoy

Nunez Salah and maybe gapko or Diaz or Harvey

I would start Trent but take him off just after half time

Really hope

Quan, endo, Nunez and Harvey start (maybe not Harvey)

We need to play the fringe players

Mac should too as he is suspended

Endo-Mac and szob midfield is good enjoy

Nunez Salah and maybe gapko or Diaz or Harvey

I would start Trent but take him off just after half time

Mac is suspended for this game as well

Allison

Trent
Gomez
VVD
Robbo

Grav
Jones
Dom

Mo
Nunez
Diaz

Surely a win or a draw will see us through to the knockout stages of the competition.

Winning is a good habit. Just play the strongest 11 for 60 mins the use subs send a message

Maconnell in midfield and Norris at left back .They're not kids, 20 & 21.

Kells...Gomez...Quansah. ..VVD...Norris....Jones. ..Elliott...McConell...D iaz...Nunez...Gakpo.

Alisson might get the last 30 or so. Gomez at RB, Quansah doing his 9-5 job.

Chiesa missed Monday's training session due to illness.

Incredible

Chiesa missed Monday's training session due to illness.

Incredible

Well it is that time of the season, at least he's over whatever was keeping him from training so if he's managed to resume today or tomorrow, then don't see why he couldn't be available for Saturday.

Don’t think we need to do anything crazy, especially since the game was called off on Saturday. As somebody said before, winning is a good habit and injuries can happen any time so not point fretting over it and trying to wrap everyone in cotton wool. Rhythm is important too. Having said that I wouldn’t mind seeing the likes of Endo and Elliot get minutes. Think Slot will go stronger than a lot of people think.

Chiesa missed Monday's training session due to illness.

Incredible

Plenty more of those to come with Chiesa. Need to move him on. You can see why nobody wanted to touch him even for 10m

Don’t think we need to do anything crazy, especially since the game was called off on Saturday. As somebody said before, winning is a good habit and injuries can happen any time so not point fretting over it and trying to wrap everyone in cotton wool. Rhythm is important too. Having said that I wouldn’t mind seeing the likes of Endo and Elliot get minutes. Think Slot will go stronger than a lot of people think.

Id play endo and elliott too ... plus morton. With Mac suspended at the weekend why risk jones grav or dom? Saturday is a world more important than this.

Its a pity we have no options defensively but id rest trent too ... use him from the bench.

Up top I'd go nunez diaz and salah. Wish we could give mo a breather and bring in chiesa but I dont see that ever happening.

I'm happy with the idea of going strong to start the game with. The players do need rhythm again, after 5/6 days without a game. Allison definitely needs a game back, and it will help Trent along too.

I do think that the likes of Endo will need to be used more, and maybe Elliott can pick up 30 mins too. Mac missing the next 2 games would suggest that he could get 30 in both games.

I'm happy with the idea of going strong to start the game with. The players do need rhythm again, after 5/6 days without a game. Allison definitely needs a game back, and it will help Trent along too.

I do think that the likes of Endo will need to be used more, and maybe Elliott can pick up 30 mins too. Mac missing the next 2 games would suggest that he could get 30 in both games.

Good to see harvey beck isnt it. As you say minutes here will do him good. Another option for saturday as well.

Good to see harvey beck isnt it. As you say minutes here will do him good. Another option for saturday as well.

Yeah great option to have, especially when coming off of the bench to inject some more energy again.

M-m-m-my Girona

Strong team selected . Ali back.where he belongs

I'm happy with the idea of going strong to start the game with. The players do need rhythm again, after 5/6 days without a game. Allison definitely needs a game back, and it will help Trent along too.

I do think that the likes of Endo will need to be used more, and maybe Elliott can pick up 30 mins too. Mac missing the next 2 games would suggest that he could get 30 in both games.

Hmm I’d play Endo from start but probably alongside Jones and Szoboszlai. Maybe Elliott if they think he is ready. But at the least get him the last half hour. As I say I don’t think we will do anything drastic with the team selection. Had a few extra days off and Slot will want to ensure some rhythm going in to Saturday.

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Alisson straight back in

Girona XI: Gazzaniga; Blind, Krejci, Juanpe, Francés; Miguel Gutiérrez, Oriol Romeu, Van de Beek; Danjuma, Asprilla, Bryan Gil.
Subs:

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Subs: Kelleher, Jaros, Quansah, Norris, Endo, McConnell, Elliott, Gakpo.



Girona Info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girona_FC & www.gironafc.cat & https://x.com/GironaFC_ENGL & www.youtube.com/@GironaFC/videos

Should be an easy game since they don't have any starters or subs.

Good, going full strength, let's get it done.