Liverpool Football Club 08/09

where did I say Insua shouldn't play?

Insua isn't available for the next month or so, Arbeloa is injured and Aurelio can't play every game so lucky for us we have Dossena

Glenn Hysén wrote:nonsense, Dossena will get more than one chance between now and the end of the season. His main problems have been positional which can be put down to being in a new side, speaking a new language and having an unsettled first XI. People are far too quick to write players off after a handful of matches. Build a time machine and go back to the summer and unsign him, but now he's here we have to give him a chance.

Come of it Glenn; it's obvious he can't play in the cold weather.

We shall see if its 'lucky' or not.... however you're absolutely correct that Insua is not around until the 7th February, i'd prefer to see Arbeloa there and Carra at right back, Skrtle and Agger in central defence.

Lets hope January flys by, and Insua returns fully fit and rareing to go

Dossena has been one of the better players on the pitch in the last few games he played. The poor guy is just an easy target at the minute.

He'll get plenty more games before the season is out to prove the doubters wrong. Rafa won't give up on him easily

a Sharabi Gunda to that my brother

Batman wrote:I agree with Glenn.

So Glenn is wrong

Glenn Hysén wrote:Insua is a kid, Aurelio is injury prone.

Arbeloa is a right back, he's a good tactical defender but he's not the best getting forward and as a left back he's best suited to the big games, man marking the likes of Messi or Robben.

I can't understand why people are writing Dossena off after a handful of mediocre games. Suddenly according to Ade he's costing us games. We've only lost 1 game this season. How bad can he be?

People are losing sight of the bigger picture, we almost certainly wont win the title this season, and it wont be down to Dossena.

I mean he is costing us games in the sense that we are not winning and conceding Glenn.

I have said in the past few games he has improved and long may it continue but as FG perfectly put it..

Football Genius wrote:Dossena can grow as a player, of course he can.

However we are the closest we have ever been to producing a league title in almost 20 years, and Ade is absolutely spot on.

I would not comprimise that for 'hopeing' on Dossena who has thus far looked anything but a replacement for Riise.

I fully agree with FG. Yes I'm guilty of bashing Dossena but the same people did the same with Lucas last season. I stood firm and defended the young lad. Hopefully Dossena takes a page out of Lucas book.

I have said numerous times before and during the season that finishing 2nd place would be an achievement and would show me signs of progress. Massive progress. If we are still in the same position come in the end of Feb then my opinion will change to be honest with you.

I pray to the footballing gods that Aurelio is fit for a month or plays at least in the big games. If Dossena comes in, well I wish all the best. With Insua gone he will get his chance and I hope he takes it.

Got tickets for the league merseyside derby today

Didn't think I had a chance as only been to 3 league games this year but it went down to all those with 2!

I will have been to the last 5 derby's at Anfield now. Can't wait, would have been nice to go the cup one but I'll settle for one

Did Udinese last season play mainly 3 at the back, with Dossena playing as a wing-back?

or was he left-back in a back 4?

Rafa is a fucking legend. He has a list and everything to read out about Fergie, he absolutely owned him.

Liverpool Confirm Icelandic Capture
The Reds have signed a hot prospect from a somewhat chilly part of the world...

Liverpool have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Victor Palsson, an 18-year old striker, from Danish club AGF Arhus.

The Icelandic youngster is yet to make a senior appearance in the Danish Superliga, but has been attracting plaudits and attention from all over Europe and is tipped for a massive future. He has represented his country at Under-17 level.

Palsson has inked a deal that will keep him at Anfield until June 30 2011, and will train with Gary Ablett's reserve team at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez (pictured) has confirmed that Martin Skrtel, Fernando Torres and Fabio Aurelio should all be fit to feature against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow, although Xabi Alonso's foot wound means that he is unlikely to play as he cannot currently wear football boots without discomfort.

"They can play. It depends on the other players but all three could start," said Benitez of Skrtel, Torres and Aurelio. "The competition for each position is good for the team. These are good players and big names, so the other players have to work really hard if they want to stay in the team.

"That is the difference between now and other seasons - we can change players without changing the level of the team."

Team I think will start today:

--------------------Reina------------------------

---Carra---------Hyypia----------Agger-------------Dossena----------

------------------Lucas------------Masch---------------------------------

----Kuyt------------------Gerrard-----------------Benayoun/Riera-----

--------------------------Torres-------------------------------------------

Torres will come off on 70 mins for Ngog....

It's a good test today for Liverpool, a late kick off away at a defensive side, can they show that they can win this title?

Shame Alonso is out of this one because I think retaining the ball will be vital today, Stoke are likely to try and close us down and make it difficult to find space so Xabi's balls over the top to Torres and Stevie could have been the difference. If Lucas starts which I think he will then he needs to keep the ball well and not make any stupid passes. The man up front can win us the game today - Sky seem to reckon he'll start the game and so do I.

Heard rumours Hyypia isn't travelling but i'd be amazed if that's true as Delap's long throws need to be headed away! Skrtel could start as Hyypia may need a rest though.

Well it hasn't been a good weekend for us, lets face it.

It's so frustrating to see the lack of urgency yesterday, we seemed content to pass it around a bit, we didn't create that many chances and it was almost an attitude as if "Oh Chelsea or United will drop points do it doesn't matter if we do". It should be we must win at all costs and then worry what everyone else is doing.

Against Everton we have to play both Torres and Keane IMO, I think those 2 plus Gerrard will cause all sorts of problems for Everton. How can you leave both strikers on the bench, imagine United leaving Rooney and Berbatov on the bench, OK they have Tevez but they still wouldn't leave both out if they were fit for selection.

It wasn't just that though, we were unfortunate that Gerrard had a shocker as did Benayoun, Mascherano (who's been off the boil for a while now) and we badly missed Alonso.

I think we should play this against Everton and get back to winning ways:

--------------------------Reina--------------------------------------

----Carra----------Agger-----------Skrtel------------Aurellio----------

------Benayoun-------Gerrard--------Alonso--------Riera------------

-----------------------Keane-------Torres------------------------------

I'd be amazed if that team doesn't beat Everton tbh, Can't be bothered with Kuyt anymore, save him for the away games.

Rafa will drop Kuyt because you are bored of him Lewis.

Have you noticed i have not posted a wind-up in the Liverpool Football Club 08/09 thread since the new year.

I am very tempted to do so today but i won't.

Have a nice day.

Luis wrote:Well it hasn't been a good weekend for us, lets face it.

It's so frustrating to see the lack of urgency yesterday, we seemed content to pass it around a bit, we didn't create that many chances and it was almost an attitude as if "Oh Chelsea or United will drop points do it doesn't matter if we do". It should be we must win at all costs and then worry what everyone else is doing.

Against Everton we have to play both Torres and Keane IMO, I think those 2 plus Gerrard will cause all sorts of problems for Everton. How can you leave both strikers on the bench, imagine United leaving Rooney and Berbatov on the bench, OK they have Tevez but they still wouldn't leave both out if they were fit for selection.

It wasn't just that though, we were unfortunate that Gerrard had a shocker as did Benayoun, Mascherano (who's been off the boil for a while now) and we badly missed Alonso.

I think we should play this against Everton and get back to winning ways:

--------------------------Reina--------------------------------------

----Carra----------Agger-----------Skrtel------------Aurellio----------

------Benayoun-------Gerrard--------Alonso--------Riera------------

-----------------------Keane-------Torres------------------------------

I'd be amazed if that team doesn't beat Everton tbh, Can't be bothered with Kuyt anymore, save him for the away games.

Maybe a stupid question but how often does Benitez play with two strikers? And when he does it, is one of them in reality a midfielder (like Tevez at Manutd)?

What has Rafa bought Keane for then if he doesn't play him as a lone striker or with a striking partner? what justifies him signing Keane for 20 million? I think he's an excellent player when he's playing with someone up top and is full of confidence but I can't understand why Rafa bought him and what he had planned for him.

Hem fet un.. wrote:

Luis wrote:Well it hasn't been a good weekend for us, lets face it.

It's so frustrating to see the lack of urgency yesterday, we seemed content to pass it around a bit, we didn't create that many chances and it was almost an attitude as if "Oh Chelsea or United will drop points do it doesn't matter if we do". It should be we must win at all costs and then worry what everyone else is doing.

Against Everton we have to play both Torres and Keane IMO, I think those 2 plus Gerrard will cause all sorts of problems for Everton. How can you leave both strikers on the bench, imagine United leaving Rooney and Berbatov on the bench, OK they have Tevez but they still wouldn't leave both out if they were fit for selection.

It wasn't just that though, we were unfortunate that Gerrard had a shocker as did Benayoun, Mascherano (who's been off the boil for a while now) and we badly missed Alonso.

I think we should play this against Everton and get back to winning ways:

--------------------------Reina--------------------------------------

----Carra----------Agger-----------Skrtel------------Aurellio----------

------Benayoun-------Gerrard--------Alonso--------Riera------------

-----------------------Keane-------Torres------------------------------

I'd be amazed if that team doesn't beat Everton tbh, Can't be bothered with Kuyt anymore, save him for the away games.

Maybe a stupid question but how often does Benitez play with two strikers? And when he does it, is one of them in reality a midfielder (like Tevez at Manutd)?

Keane and Torres started most games together til Torres got injured. At home he prefers 4-4-2, away it's usually the 4-2-3-1. But he likes to surprise us.

Cristiano Glennaldo wrote:

Hem fet un.. wrote:

Luis wrote:Well it hasn't been a good weekend for us, lets face it.

It's so frustrating to see the lack of urgency yesterday, we seemed content to pass it around a bit, we didn't create that many chances and it was almost an attitude as if "Oh Chelsea or United will drop points do it doesn't matter if we do". It should be we must win at all costs and then worry what everyone else is doing.

Against Everton we have to play both Torres and Keane IMO, I think those 2 plus Gerrard will cause all sorts of problems for Everton. How can you leave both strikers on the bench, imagine United leaving Rooney and Berbatov on the bench, OK they have Tevez but they still wouldn't leave both out if they were fit for selection.

It wasn't just that though, we were unfortunate that Gerrard had a shocker as did Benayoun, Mascherano (who's been off the boil for a while now) and we badly missed Alonso.

I think we should play this against Everton and get back to winning ways:

--------------------------Reina--------------------------------------

----Carra----------Agger-----------Skrtel------------Aurellio----------

------Benayoun-------Gerrard--------Alonso--------Riera------------

-----------------------Keane-------Torres------------------------------

I'd be amazed if that team doesn't beat Everton tbh, Can't be bothered with Kuyt anymore, save him for the away games.

Maybe a stupid question but how often does Benitez play with two strikers? And when he does it, is one of them in reality a midfielder (like Tevez at Manutd)?

Keane and Torres started most games together til Torres got injured. At home he prefers 4-4-2, away it's usually the 4-2-3-1. But he likes to surprise us.

ah ok.. I was just wondering because like Luis said then I think Keane is the type of player who needs to play off somebody and I don't think Torres is static enough to be that player to be honest. I rate both of them, but it just doesn't strike as a natural partnership. A bit like if we tried to make Eto'o and Henry lead the line together.. I am pretty sure it would fail.

Big week coming up for Liverpool, my preview:

Liverpool Vs Everton. Anfield. 19/1/09



This is the more important one for me and for most Liverpool fans i'm sure. And i'm going so fuck the cup

I think it's going to be a really tough game. Everton aren't at full strength, Yakubu and Fellaini are big misses but it's a derby and lets face it, I think Everton fans put this above any other game in their season so they'll be up for it.

The game for me will be won if Torres and Gerrard both start and are both on the top of their game. I think defensively we wont have much of a problem, they lack any real height in that team without the Afro and Carragher/Agger/Hyypia/Skrtel can all deal with that pretty comfortably IMO. Having Alonso back is a massive boost, you can see how much of a difference it makes when he doesn't play (Stoke). We need him there to keep things tidy, hold the ball for a bit and pick out a perfect pass to get Torres in on goal. The only problem is, will Rafa be cautious and save him for the Cup game as he's only just come back? I don't know, I think he will start in the league one and maybe sit out in the cup, we will see.

The question is whether or not Rafa will put any more faith in Keane. It would be a massive game to start and a goal in that would do him the world of good as anyone who scores in a derby is instantly liked by the fans. I would like to see Rafa start both Torres and Keane, 2 up top sends out a message to our rivals - that we are going to give this league challenge a real go, I don't see why we should play with one striker up front at home in a game that really we should be winning.

I think the team will be:

------------------------------Reina----------------------------------------

----Carra-----------Hyypia-----------Agger-----------Aurellio---------

---------------------Masch----------Alonso------------------------------

---------Kuyt-----------------Gerrard--------------Riera----------------

-------------------------------Torres--------------------------------------

I'm going to predict a 2-0 win for us, maybe 2-1, I just think psychologically Everton don't believe they can win at Anfield and will probably be content with a point.

Liverpool Vs Everton. Anfield. 25/1/09



This is going to be a special occasion. It's been a long while since the two teams met in cup competition and I think it's just what we needed to recapture the passion of the cup because lets face it since we won it in 2006 it's been a drab few seasons for us in this competition.

The prospect of 8000+ bitter blues at Anfield is fantastic, the more people to send home raging

I think we'll see a slightly different Liverpool side for this but not too many changes from the league one in all honesty. It will be interesting to see whether Rafa sticks with our sub Keeper or goes with Reina. I think he will stick with Cavlieri as i'm sure he promised him all cup games so it would be a bit of a slap in the face if he dropped him just because it's a more meaningful cup game than usual.

For some reason I don't quite fancy us in this game, I think it will be a tight affair and if i'm honest it will probably be a 0-0 which Everton fans would love i'm sure.

I'd say Rafa will go with:

-----------------------------Cavlieri-----------------------------------------------

------Carra-------------Agger-----------Skrtel--------------Aurellio-------------

-----Benayoun----------Lucas---------Gerrard--------------Babel---------------

---------------------Keane-----------------Torres----------------------------------

As I said before I'm going to predict 0-0, replay at Goodison and then 1-0 to someone there.

I doubt Agger will play on Monday, I think Arbeloa's back so he'll probably start with Carragher moved back into the middle.

Cristiano Glennaldo wrote:I doubt Agger will play on Monday, I think Arbeloa's back so he'll probably start with Carragher moved back into the middle.

Where have you heard this?

never you mind Lewis.

Also Degen will be in contention for the cup game, depending on the league result we could see a few fringe players in that game.

I expect Torres to be used from the bench in both fixtures.

Cristiano Glennaldo wrote:never you mind Lewis.

Also Degen will be in contention for the cup game, depending on the league result we could see a few fringe players in that game.

I expect Torres to be used from the bench in both fixtures.

If that happens then I'll be livid. Torres is clearly fit to play now, why not start him?

is he fit to play 90 minutes of a blood and guts derby without risking a repeat injury?

I'd rather have him from the bench than risk losing him if he's not 100% fit.

Cristiano Glennaldo wrote:is he fit to play 90 minutes of a blood and guts derby without risking a repeat injury?

I'd rather have him from the bench than risk losing him if he's not 100% fit.

It's stupid though if we keep saying 'ohh he's going to get injured' every game, I'd rather risk it, he said himself he is fit to start and bring him off after 60/70 minutes. If Torres doesn't start, Keane has to.

The Agger to Milan rumours are building steam

£75k a week is a lot of money to pay a defender but in Agger's case you would think somebody has the brains to think he is worth it.

Losing him for £8 million (£3 million less than Bridge) would almost feel like you had just been stabbed in the heart by Gary Neville. If Man City entered the race he would be worth about £40 million


With regards to Keane, I'm sick of people going on about him not playing. It seems to be the fallback excuse if we don't win a game these days. He has probably been on the pitch for 80% of our season so far and played well for a grand total of about 20 minutes. Even Dirk beats that. Keane isn't a first choice player now Torres is back so we'll just have to accept Rafa fucked up and get used to him looking smug on the bench. If he proves me wrong then happy days but I won't be getting my hopes up.

Agger wont go, and if we sell him then we're a fucking stupid football club.

What you're forgetting COTR is that beofore the Newcastle game Keane was given a chance whilst Torres was injured and scored 3 in 2 games. Rafa then for no reason left him out completely against Newcastle which although we won was pretty bizzarre and a massive way to dent confidence. He then gave him a go at Preston and admittadly he was shocking. He was absolute turd. But everyone has those games. Are you telling me Drogba's performance against United wasn't as bad as that?

When Torres is injured, Keane should be starting - simple as that, he's cost a lot of money, he has huge quality, but Rafa isn't putting faith in him as Ferguson has put faith in Berbatov.

Are planted questions the seed of Rafa's new rage at Ferguson?

Is Sir Alex Ferguson using Manchester United's official magazine to derail Liverpool's title bid?

That is the conspiracy theory being floated in the wake of Rafael Benitez's attack on the Scot's influence on referees and the football authorities.

The catalyst for Benitez's rant was Ferguson's jibe about Liverpool's staying power in the Teddington-based monthly - Inside United. It was the second time the mag had annoyed the Merseysiders, with Fergie previously using it to express "surprise" Robbie Keane's £20million move.

On both occasions, Ferguson was responding to fans' written questions, and his latest Liverpool dig came in reply to "Isobel from Bury", who asked: "Against West Ham earlier this season, Liverpool seemed affected by the chance to forge on in the title race -is it difficult to win a title when you're not used to leading the way?"

The conspiracy theorists suggest that for a fan to ask such a detailed question about another club is unusual. However, United sources insist Bury's Isobel (no surname provided) is a real person and all questions are genuine.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/article-23620211-details/Football+talk/article.do