Napoli v Liverpool v thur- K.O. 6pm

[ROCCO]

LIVERPOOL SQUAD: Reina, Konchesky, Aurelio, Cole, Pacheco, Jovanovic, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Babel, Wilson, Carragher, Ngog, Jones, Spearing, Poulsen, Shelvey, Kelly, Skrtel, Eccleston,



Roy Hodgson urges LFC fringe players to grab chance against Napoli in Europa League



ROY HODGSON has urged his fringe players to grab their chance to shine in tomorrow night’s Europa League showdown with Napoli.

The Liverpool boss will make wholesale changes for the match against the fourth placed Serie A outfit with one eye on Sunday’s vital league clash at home to Blackburn Rovers.

There are likely to be starts in Italy for Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, Milan Jovanovic, Ryan Babel and David Ngog, while left-back Fabio Aurelio is in line to make his first appearance since he suffered an Achilles injury away to Trabzonspor in August.

“I’ll leave some players out, that’s for sure,” Hodgson said.



“Some of the more important senior players won’t travel because their participation on Sunday is going to be so important to us.

“It’s not just a question of playing three matches in a week it’s also a question of injury. I don’t think our squad is so strong that I can afford to risk them.

“But it’ll still be a strong team we put out there and I think it’s a chance for some players who have been on the fringes, like David Ngog and others like Ryan Babel who has had very few chances.

“It’s yet another opportunity for these players to blast their way into the team and force me to look at them in a different light, to make sure they are players that are first on the list and not down the pecking order.”

Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger, who both missed Sunday’s Merseyside derby defeat at Goodison, won’t fly with the squad to Italy today.

Johnson is hampered by a quad injury he picked up in training last week, while Agger has recovered from a knock he suffered on international duty but now has a sickness bug.

Dirk Kuyt is still sidelined with ankle ligament damage but Hodgson is able to welcome back midfielder Christian Poulsen, who missed the derby due to a virus.

“Glen Johnson is still out injured but I saw he is running today and I would hope he would be back in training when we return on Friday,” Hodgson said. “He’s not ruled out for Sunday but he is for Thursday.

“After being injured, Agger is now sick, so he has ruled himself out.

“Dirk Kuyt has a wicked ankle injury. Everyone tells me it looks worse than it really is and I certainly hope that is the case because it does not look good. It is still very badly swollen.

Reina

Kelly Kyrgiakos Cara Aurelio

Spearing Poulsen

Babel Cole Jovanovic

Ngog



LIVERPOOL RESERVES last night. 3-3: Darby,, Wilson, Amoo (subbed71), (Pacheco sub on 25), Eccleston.

Wonder will any of the lads from the reserves be playing , thought if so they would have been rested last night ?

Pacheco was on the bench to start so maybe he was earmarked to play on Thursday ?

[sean]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/19/napoli-pitch-vandalised-liverpool-europa-league

[Derekc]

do well to get a draw out of this, napoli are decent side with decent players

[bono]

Not looking foward to this hope we come back with somthing.

[sean]

do well to get a draw out of this, napoli are decent side with decent players

Away to a side 4th in Serie A with a team that will probably resemble the side that lost to Northampton. If I have any sense tomorrow I'll stay in some Piazza supping on cheap Peroni and pizza and give the San Paulo a skip :rolleyes:

[sallycinnamon]

You just expect defeat at this stage, if lucky a draw. It's very hard to be optimistic

[kingofthekop]

It's a sad day when there is no optimism at all. I hope some ody does something to spark a bit of hope. A spirited performance needed

[Malzheimer]

Can't see anything other than a loss here.

[Derekc]

Can't see anything other than a loss here.

sad but true. first time for a long time i'm expecting us to lose in europe

[eoinlfc101]

sad but true. first time for a long time i'm expecting us to lose in europe

i agree napoli have a strong midfield and have a good quick attack i hate going into everygame expecting a failure

[Axel96]

Not nice going into a game, expecting to lose...really hope the team that is put out puts in a strong performance and we can get something out of this game....

[eoinlfc101]

no gerrard or torres i would like to see shelvey play instead of poulson

[glen]

not expecting anything from tomorrows game now with that squad gone out ill be praying for a draw

[ROCCO]

Mate said there pitch was ruined by fans the other night by digging holes up all over the pitch , has been fixed since ....


http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/19/napoli-pitch-vandalised-liverpool-europa-league

[ROCCO]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/gerrard-and-nando-left-out


Gerrard Meireles Lucas Agger (illness) and Glen (hamstring) Kuyt (injured) and Torres left out ....





http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/10/20/roy-hodgson-has-left-out-steven-gerrard-fernando-torres-and-raul-meireles-for-the-trip-to-naples-100252-27509776/#ixzz12tSXqUuj


LIVERPOOL SQUAD: Reina, Konchesky, Aurelio, Cole, Pacheco, Jovanovic, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Babel, Wilson, Carragher, Ngog, Jones, Spearing, Poulsen, Shelvey, Kelly, Skrtel, Eccleston,

[barrydoherty]

Has the squad been released? Really wish hadn't of put Liverpool in my Accum now I thought we would be playing a full team maybe to get some confidence back. Hope to see Babel starting anyway.

[Malzheimer]

Has the squad been released? Really wish hadn't of put Liverpool in my Accum now I thought we would be playing a full team maybe to get some confidence back. Hope to see Babel starting anyway.

Sounds like Roy is admitting defeat in this one already by not bringing our top players. Wouldn't of gone near us in even with a single at any price even with a full strength squad away to Napoli.

Can't understand why Torres isn't in the squad, he needs games.

Edit- just seen your accum bet in gambling thread, fingers crossed for ya barry but doesn't look great. Maybe cover the bet by backing Napoli +1, keep it quiet on here though!

[jammer]

i cant believe hes resting d lads again,when a few players are not firing on all cylinders the best thing to do is give them more time not rest them,if torres got a goal or 2 tomoro night that would build his confidence an d teams going into d game against bburn any way il say a prayer think wel need 1

[mushypea]

We're in for a hiding.

I'd take a 2-0 loss with maybe a bit of pride being shown for the shirt which would be nice. This is my level of expectation from a game which is the lowest its ever been since i've been supporting this club for over 20 years.
Its sickening.

Considering this is the only chance for some silverware why has he left out half the first team?

[ROCCO]

i cant believe hes resting d lads again,when a few players are not firing on all cylinders the best thing to do is give them more time not rest them,if torres got a goal or 2 tomoro night that would build his confidence an d teams going into d game against bburn any way il say a prayer think wel need 1

Right decision imo ..

Last time Torres played away on the Thursday , he got injured within 5-10 Min's into the game Blackpool game .

And we can still turn things around if needed in the Europa cup group stage.

Imo premier league comes first ..

[Dzer2]

This team seem to perform better in the europa league that the premiership. Maybe there is a better atmosphere around when all the big names are not there. Think a draw is on the cards 1-1 they could all be playing for places now that we arre sh1te in the premiership.

[jammer]

Right decision imo ..

Last time Torres played away on the Thursday , he got injured within 5-10 Min's into the game Blackpool game .

And we can still turn things around if needed in the Europa cup group stage.

Imo premier league comes first ..

ah yeah prem comes 1st and i know we dont have d back up if he get injured but any1 can get injured at any time even warmin up so i dont think he should rest him he needs to play as much as possible this restin players shit is ridiculous

[teedeepee]

I just hope we play with a bit of energy and passion. We've been bloody hard to watch so far this season, and not just because of the results.

[ROCCO]

ah yeah prem comes 1st and i know we dont have d back up if he get injured but any1 can get injured at any time even warmin up so i dont think he should rest him he needs to play as much as possible this restin players shit is ridiculous

Not imo when it comes to a player with has been plagued by injures over the last 18 months , playing away on a Thursday and then on a Sunday and away on a pitch that had 50 holes dug in it the other night that wont be bedded in proper so soon.
Look at the players rested mostly players that have played in the world cup during the summer and players that have been injured numerous time before ....


Not worth the risk imo.

[miked]

Probably going to set the team out ultra defensivly and hope to god for a draw

[ROCCO]

Probably going to set the team out ultra defensivly and hope to god for a draw

A draw will be a very good result ... would keep a 2 point gap with us a Napoli and them still to come to Anfield.


Edinson Cavani {striker on loan}and Marek Hamsik { attacking mid /goal scorer} the 2 danger men imo would have both at Liverpool .

Also looking forward to seeing Lavezzi play .

[ISTANBUL VET]

Would have to be very pessimistic about this one.Napoli are 4th in Serie A and we are well......

[ROCCO]

A draw will be a very good result ... would keep a 2 point gap with us a Napoli and them still to come to Anfield.


Edinson Cavani {striker on loan}and Marek Hamsik { attacking mid /goal scorer} the 2 danger men imo would have both at Liverpool .

Also looking forward to seeing Lavezzi play .

Think this dude is reading this thread .. 15.37pm


http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Team-focus-The-Napoli-players-to-worry-Liverpool/11451/

[gav003]

Team being flown by Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickenson... that is all:)

[Axel96]

Is this game on TV? 3E?

[Ron1892]

Is this game on TV? 3E?

3E And ITV 4

[Axel96]

3E And ITV 4

Cheers mate..

[KEITHO M]

Draw at best but hope I'm wrong. Sad isn't it.

[ROCCO]

Would take the draw ... leaving us in a strong position in the group

[ROCCO]

LIVERPOOL SQUAD: Reina, Konchesky, Aurelio, Cole, Pacheco, Jovanovic, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Babel, Wilson, Carragher, Ngog, Jones, Spearing, Poulsen, Shelvey, Kelly, Skrtel, Eccleston,



Reina

Kelly Kyrgiakos Cara Aurelio

Spearing Poulsen

Babel Cole Jovanovic

Ngog





With Napoli playing 3 at the back and conceding 9 goals in the first 7 games with their defence the weakest part of their team , i hope we put speed on wings and get Ryan down the right with Dossena on the left of their 4 in midfield and with 3 centre backs i think both Ryan and the Snake {Jova} can expose them down the flanks.
Especially Ryan V Dosenna.

[Tilly]

propagandaphoto

Two Liverpool fans were stabbed last night by Napoli hooligans, British press pack also intimidated by a gang of Ultras.

[ROCCO]

Two Liverpool Fans Stabbed In Naples

Two Liverpool fans are in hospital with stab wounds after clashes overnight in Naples, it has emerged.Another four fans injured in the fighting ahead of tonight's Europa League game refused hospital treatment.

Liverpool are in the southern Italian city for the tie at Naples' San Paolo Stadium.

Further reports added that a third fan was in hospital in a non-serious condition involving a gang of youths armed with knifes who approached the English supporters.

English tourists mistaken for Liverpool fans were also accosted by locals at a restaurant, with reports that stones were thrown.

Italian police will be on high alert later at the ground, where youths damaged the goals and the pitch during a break-in over the weekend.

More follows...

[david_w]

Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Babel
Spearing
Poulsen
Jova
Cole
N'gog

[ROCCO]

Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Babel
Spearing
Poulsen
Jova
Cole
N'gog

Only Difference i have is Soto for Skrtel and that was a toss of a coin ..;)

That your 11 or early news ITK ?

[barrydoherty]

I actually think that team is not to bad, Come on the pool 3 points tonight and win me a few hundred :)

[padski08]

I actually think that team is not to bad, Come on the pool 3 points tonight and win me a few hundred :)

:eek:

Must be an accum?

[barrydoherty]

:eek:

Must be an accum?

Yeah a 1 quid accum (Tip Thread) from Tuesday night, I'm mad in the head putting Liverpool in it but we are due a win sure :D

[david_w]

Only Difference i have is Soto for Skrtel and that was a toss of a coin ..;)

That your 11 or early news ITK ?


The lad who usually posts the team and get's it spot on provided this so I presume it will be the team.

Is there any doubts that Reina might not play though? Hope he does, a no show from Pepe in goal might spark more rumours and speculation.

[ROCCO]

The lad who usually posts the team and get's it spot on provided this so I presume it will be the team.

Is there any doubts that Reina might not play though? Hope he does, a no show from Pepe in goal might spark more rumours and speculation.

On Irishkop or RAWK {djphal }

[prendy]

Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Babel
Spearing
Poulsen
Jova
Cole
N'gog

great to see Aurelio back in the first 11.

would rather anyone but Poulson but other than that its a strong line-up. Want to see some passion from the lads tonight. A cole goal wouldnt do any harm either, he needs to find a bit of form quickly!!!

[clayton]

Jones is in goals tonight i heard

[ROCCO]

Jones is in goals tonight i heard

Interesting

[clayton]

Interesting

i've heard Reina questioned him about tactics or something, so benched him. From usually a decent source, but we shall see.

[prendy]

Jones is in goals tonight i heard

why bring Reina out there if your not going to play him?
surely if he was rested he'd be left in Liverpool?

[Kop On]

i've heard Reina questioned him about tactics or something, so benched him. From usually a decent source, but we shall see.

Wouldn't surprise me in the least. Reina has been left exposed all season. We are inviting teams onto us and have forgotten how to defend!

[ROCCO]

i've heard Reina questioned him about tactics or something, so benched him. From usually a decent source, but we shall see.

ROY ....:o

[ROCCO]

Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Soto
Konchesky
Spearing
Poulson
Shelvey
Jovanovic
Babel
Ngog



The only source i trust DJPHAL from rawk ..... hasn't got the side wrong in a very long time ... if ever.
{got this of TIA }




....................Reina

Kelly........Soto....Carra....Konchesky

...........Spearing...Poulsen
..................Shelvey
Babel................................Jovanovic
...................N'Gog

[clayton]

just saying what i heard. You know yourselves, when we see the team sheet later he could be starting.

But if Reina isn't, this defo could be the end of Roy. Losing the dressing room etc.

[ROCCO]

just saying what i heard. You know yourselves, when we see the team sheet later he could be starting.

But if Reina isn't, this defo could be the end of Roy. Losing the dressing room etc.

Djphals 11 has become like Gospel over the last while ... but last minute changes can happen as seen before ..

[clayton]

i see gangs of napoli ultra's set out to attack liverpool supporters last night in the city.

Can someone answer me this, WHY ?

[smarten]

Is the match been shown on any Irish TV channels tonight? Dont have sky sports :(

[The Pernicious One]

Be happy to see Shelvey play if that team is accurate.

[graham]

If that line up is correct then WFT does Pacheco have to do to get a game :mad:
We convinced him to stay in the summer and he's barely gotten a run

[byrnetred]

Is the match been shown on any Irish TV channels tonight? Dont have sky sports :(

3e

[KEITHO M]

Its on 3e

[RedWally]

ITV4 also for anyone with Freesat.

[dk.lfc]

Am worried about this game tonight for us if we play anything like we did on Sunday we will be tought a serious lesson. Would happily take a point now and just get the fcuk out of there. People's health & safety is a lot more importantant than the result of this game or any game for that matter.

[djdwainec]

yesterday we were 2/1 , now we are 3/1 on pp?? must be due a win sometime! time for ngog to show roy he's wrong for keeping him on the bench, also time for babel to step up

[barrydoherty]

yesterday we were 2/1 , now we are 3/1 on pp?? must be due a win sometime! time for ngog to show roy he's wrong for keeping him on the bench, also time for babel to step up

I have a sneaky feeling that Babel is going to come good tonight put in a good shift and get on the scoresheet. What this space as I will be quoting this when he does :D

[Beanokelly]

Just seen the team on the offical site jonjo shelvey starting in the midfield

[reddave]

Pepe Reina, Martin Kelly, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Paul Konchesky, Jay Spearing, Christian Poulsen, Jonjo Shelvey, Milan Jovanovic, Ryan Babel, David Ngog

[aquaman]

great to see shelvey getting a start.cant wait to see him!

[Carroll9]

I'm not really confident of getting the win tonight given our performances so far this season but still feel we should have enough to get a draw.I'll go for 1-1.

[gav003]

Not confident of a win- just hoping for a performance and everyone getting home ok.

[Phil!]

This is gonna be a very tough game

[LFC Barry]

Subs - Jones, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Maxi, Cole, Eccleston.

[djdwainec]

Subs - Jones, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Maxi, Cole, Eccleston.

where is pacheco? would rather see cole starting and poulsen dropped

[barrydoherty]

Stonger team then I actually thought. Defensive is solid

[ISTANBUL VET]

I still get that buzz .

[Paul]

Spearing and Poulsen in the middle.......Dear Lord

[kingofthekop]

Shelvy is the new Gerrard.

Wait and see :D

[barrydoherty]

Spearing and Poulsen in the middle.......Dear Lord

I don't mind Spearing to much at least he shows heart, watched a reserve game there few weeks back and he was man of the match by a mile was everywhere

[ISTANBUL VET]

Shelvy is a beast of a lad.Lot to learn but I think he can be a good un.

[smarten]

3e

Its on 3e

ITV4 also for anyone with Freesat.


Cheers lads, will watch now on 3E

[Clerk]

....................Reina

Kelly........Soto....Carra....Konchesky

...........Spearing...Poulsen
..................Shelvey
Babel................................Jovanovic
...................N'Gog

Great that Shelvey is starting & Kelly too.

[Carroll9]

Didi Hamann on ITV 4.

[gav003]

Great that Shelvey is starting & Kelly too.

My only slight criticism is the lack of Pacheco.

[clayton]

my apologies..

Teams - Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Spearing, Poulsen, Jovanovic, Babel, Shelvey, Ngog. Subs: Jones, aurelio, cole, Kyrgiakos, Rodriguez, Wilson, Eccleston.

[MrsPepe]

Did Pacheco play in the reserve game the last night?

[Carroll9]

Did Pacheco play in the reserve game the last night?

Came on as sub after 25 minutes for Bruna.

[SuperCool]

Ha.

Watching on 3E and Third Rock From The Sun was on beforehand.
It flashes up from the end, that it's a Casey/Warner production.

As in our Tom Warner.

Had to laugh.

[glen]

almost game time lets get behind the boys now lets be optomistic where gonna win 1-0

[barrydoherty]

almost game time lets get behind the boys now lets be optomistic where gonna win 1-0

I'll take that :)

[Ron1892]

This should be fun..I can see the front 3 of Napoli having alot of fun with us...

[MrsPepe]

Came on as sub after 25 minutes for Bruna.

cheers Zogg

[gav003]

anyone got a good stream?

[Carroll9]

anyone got a good stream?

http://atdhe.net/26189/watch-napoli-vs-liverpool

[gav003]

http://atdhe.net/26189/watch-napoli-vs-liverpool

Cheers- trying to get that one going for a while

[Ron1892]

anyone got a good stream?

http://www.tv3.ie/3e/live2.php

[glen]

great ball from jay unlucky ryan

[Ron1892]

Kelly is having abit of success down that side, if he could just pass the ball properly now..
Some atmosphere there i must say...

[barrydoherty]

Good start to the game, We are playing well

[glen]

yeah happy enough with the start

[CHRIS1892]

We're doing ok so far, hope Mark Wright isn't putting the kiss of death on 3E "nothing being offered by Napoli"

[glen]

napoli havent shown me anything to frighten me there resorting to long ball stuff

[MrsPepe]

http://premier-games.net/

[CHRIS1892]

Babel showing he's not played much lately

[Carroll9]

1st time an English team has played in that stadium since Italia 90.Where have Napoli been hiding since then.

[glen]

did they not get banned and relegated for fixing games

[djdwainec]

let him through too easy there, why is jovanovic on the right?

[CHRIS1892]

Haven't been in Europe since time they had Maradona I think!

[glen]

let him through too easy there, why is jovanovic on the right?

because he is brutal on the left:p

[djdwainec]

because he is brutal on the left:p

:) , not doing much on the right either... need to get a better delivery from free kicks... subs: Aurelio :rolleyes:

[Carroll9]

Haven't been in Europe since time they had Maradona I think!

Mainly intertoto for them.

[glen]

i taught that was a foul on bable i hope the ref isnt a homer

[djdwainec]

how was that not a free kick on babel???

[Carroll9]

It's a decent performance so far.Spearing looks very comfortable.

[CHRIS1892]

Poor again from Babel!

[glen]

great ball in by koncheskey where having a good spell

[prendy]

Babel gives the ball away ALOT.

[djdwainec]

great ball by konchesky
would babel stop trying so many tricks and just turn the player and use his pace :(

[Ron1892]

Jesus Babel is ****ing annoying me..

Does any one think Laverazzi is very heavy for Napoli??

[Carroll9]

Jesus Babel is ****ing annoying me..

Does any one think Laverazzi is very heavy for Napoli??

I see what you mean.

[Ron1892]

fcuk me our build up play is so slow..

[CHRIS1892]

Any slower we'd be going backwards!

[Carroll9]

Babel is so infuriating.Every time he has the ball you expect him to do something but he lets you down.

[fermoyred80]

Babel is so infuriating.Every time he has the ball you expect him to do something but he lets you down.

He just tweeted he next movement so the defender knows exactly what hes gonna do:D

[Carroll9]

PK got away with that.:eek:

[Carroll9]

He just tweeted he next movement so the defender knows exactly what hes gonna do:D

:D
It wouldn't surprise me.

[glen]

bit of a flap there by there keeper we could exploit him tonight

[glen]

why didnt ngog shoot great ball by jonjo

[TrueRed92]

great ball by shelvey :)

[Carroll9]

bit of a flap there by there keeper we could exploit him tonight

You're right.He looks very shaky.

[glen]

good ball by bable a bit more like it

[CHRIS1892]

Blessed

[Podgecheco]

Shelvey looks decent, lucky there

[djdwainec]

jesus , too close... i know he wont make one but would anyone swap joe cole for poulsen or spearing?

[Carroll9]

Thought that was over.Good work by PK.Looks like a good decision.

[LFC Lad]

Good block Koncheskey.

[Ron1892]

****ing jim belgin putting the mockers on us...

[glen]

fcuk me off the line still good half for us barr that im happy enough with that no score in our other group game

[Carroll9]

jesus , too close... i know he wont make one but would anyone swap joe cole for poulsen or spearing?

Not before the 80th minute.:)

[TrueRed92]

tat was close... great clearance from pk...

[GaryMc]

Roy will settle for a point in this game. Safe pair of hands

[ROCCO]

Shelvey's looked impressive only 18 , looks a great buy ..

Babel backing to his frustrating best

[ROCCO]

Think Roy has got the tactics spot on ...

[Ron1892]

carra is off...

[djdwainec]

kyriagos on for carra....??
also cole did an extensive warm up at ht?

[Ron1892]

why the hell is Ngog wearing the wrong number???

[Carroll9]

why the hell is Ngog wearing the wrong number???

Not anymore.

[reddy]

Napoli are shite lads ,,,,,we should sting em with a bit of luck .

[djdwainec]

way too easy there, come on lads ffs

[CHRIS1892]

Babel, no one near him turns & gives the ball back! Very poor tonight so far

[Carroll9]

That looked nasty.

[Carroll9]

Jesus.That was close.

[Ron1892]

Jesus Cavini was unlucky there..Some bullet of a header...

[reddy]

Babel, no one near him turns & gives the ball back! Very poor tonight so far


Dont like running our own down *** BUT***,,the lad breaks me
bleedin heart.

[LOU2]

never noticed before but ngog has a fit body always thought he was a bit scrawny but he's some six pack there:o

[djdwainec]

about time he made a sub, need joe cole on or maxi tho , come on roy!

[Carroll9]

Fabio on for PK.

[richie_lfc]

Carra off at half-time and not injured?

[CHRIS1892]

Getting pushed back a bit now, they're getting a bit of momentum. Good to see Aurelio!

[LOU2]

Babel you lazy git thats disgracefull

[MrsPepe]

I want Pepe's jersey, its class

In fact, just give me Pepe

[irishman123]

2 subs and both defenders that says it all

[Ron1892]

fcuks sake babell.....Jesus christ...ooooooooooo im mad...

[CHRIS1892]

Fcuk!

[djdwainec]

oh my ****ing god......

[Tarabuses]

What a miss by Babel!

[LOU2]

I want Pepe's jersey, its class

In fact, just give me Pepe

tis nice all right :D

[reddy]

Babel ?????FFS

[reddy]

Come on Reds

[Carroll9]

Babel to score the winner.

[CHRIS1892]

Babel to score the winner.

On Xbox later!

[LFC Lad]

Cole coming on.

[Carroll9]

On Xbox later!
:D

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Babel to score the winner.

Not now anyway

[Carroll9]

JC on for Babel.Well he won't score now.:o

[CHRIS1892]

Unlucky!

[djdwainec]

good effort there by ngog

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Lovely skill there from Ngog, shame he couldn't finish it

[reddy]

Oh,,,hard luck that

[Ron1892]

Ngog was unlucky there.Great bit of skill...

[reddy]

Think we may have these

[Carroll9]

Pompey on loan.

[CHRIS1892]

Pompey on loan.

Thought he looked familiar!

[djdwainec]

shocking, to be happy with a draw against these is awful

[Carroll9]

shocking, to be happy with a draw against these is awful

There was a time when a draw in Italy would be considered a great result.Not now though.

[GaryMc]

ZZZZzzzzzz...... Babel should have buried his chance.

[Ron1892]

we got what we deserved...Shelvey was good,Spearing was good and so was Kelly..

The way we have been playing a point is decent..Nothing to celebrate though..

[CHRIS1892]

We didn't concede but still, POOR!

[prendy]

over, I suppose its a good point in the end but these lads were there for the taking.

[reddy]

They were crap. we deserved more.

[LFC1979]

0-0 not a bad result

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

There was a time when a draw in Italy would be considered a great result.Not now though.

There was a time when a draw away against Real Madrid before the match started would have been a good result, from a team who exceeded expectations to this is just depressing.

[Carroll9]

Hard to believe Napoli finished 6th last season.Italian football has really deteriorated.

[gav003]

shocking, to be happy with a draw against these is awful

There was a time when a draw in Italy would be considered a great result.Not now though.

Disagree- a clean sheet away in Europe is always ok in my book unless a win is required for qualification of course. The issue is the lack of goals, not just tonight but overall this season so far.

[reddy]

Ah,,,without our big guns - got to be happy yeh???

[Carroll9]

There was a time when a draw away against Real Madrid before the match started would have been a good result, from a team who exceeded expectations to this is just depressing.

Painfully depressing and in such a short period as well.

[leixlip kopite]

Bored outta my bin watching this. Surely we cant get any worse. Nobody can score for us. Everyone says give Babel a chance. How many bloody chances does he need. Has to go in January, end of.

[rev]

Yawn

[Carroll9]

Disagree- a clean sheet away in Europe is always ok in my book unless a win is required for qualification of course. The issue is the lack of goals, not just tonight but overall this season so far.

I would have been happy with the draw before the game but that Napoli team were very poor.

[MR KING KENNY]

well that was very poor, just pissed me off there with 10 mins to go, cole wins the ball and had to turn back cos there was noone up front with him, and that was at the halfway line, giving teams like this respect is really pissing me off, should be going out for 3 points and nothing less.

[garyc]

Ah,,,without our big guns - got to be happy yeh???

The sad thing is our"big guns" have made shag all differencr this year!!
There's no marked improvement in our play with or with out them!!!

[Tarabuses]

Considering this thread started with expectations of us being trounced I am glad to see that we took an away point with a weakened team.

[KOPSTAR]

Babel Sh-t Again the sooner he gone the better Dirt

[travis]

What time does the match start lads ?

[torrard89]

The way things have been going and the shocking performances, I,m happy enough with the point.

[Paddser]

Moan, moan, moan on here. Everyone was confidently predicting a tanking from the mighty Napoli. We then put out an even weaker team than expected, and had Babel done his job we'd have won 1-0. So why are we still moaning. It's like your just having a go for having a goes sake.

I took heart from decent performances from Shelvey and Spearing, and generally thought we did ok. We lack an attacking bite, but we kept a bloody clean sheet at least.

[ISTANBUL VET]

Well done tonight....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlqJc8qYU_o

[this]

What time does the match start lads ?

;)

Was in meetings all morning and missed the whole bloody thing myself.

Can anyone tell me how Shelvey played?

[Sea Bass]

That was boring, hell I'd nearly take Rijkaard now just to jizz things up. The type of football we play is dated. It was a good result but performance was still not up to scratch.

[Dzer2]

Lads I thought that was a decent result considering all thats gone in the last few weeks thought all the lads put it in for the team tonite. It was what i was expecting said it in a earlier post that they would draw the young lads would put in a show if we defended that well on sunday we would have got a point. The problem is there will be 5 changes for the next game so there will be no consistancy

[gav003]

;)

Was in meetings all morning and missed the whole bloody thing myself.

Can anyone tell me how Shelvey played?

Thought he did quite well

[this]

That was boring, hell I'd nearly take Rijkaard now just to jizz things up. The type of football we play is dated. It was a good result but performance was still not up to scratch.

:eek:

I really hope you meant 'jazz', nevermind him spitting in peoples hair, thats going too far!

[KEITHO M]

Would of taken a point before the game so I'm not too disappointed. Napoli are not a good team I'd be surprised if we don't beat them at Anfield. Thought Kelly, Spearing and Shelvey played well. Think Shelvey could have a good future with the club as he looked comfortable tonight and that was his debut. Babel was poison never tried to beat his man with his pace and missed our best chance of the game. Anyone know what happened to Carra?

[reddy]

Babel gettin shredded on LFC TV . I hope he has played his last game **BUT**
he is human and being treated like this from our own is a disgrace. The times
they are a changing all right.

[Derekc]

not a great game but decent draw away with team we put out so not gonna complain. thought shelvey was pretty good.

[randywatson]

the first half was pretty good

but no guile what so ever going forward

the second half was back to normality, we sat back and absorbed everything and played for the draw,

the plus sides are we didnt lose, the negatives are we still look as dangerous as a teddy bear going forward

[stevieg]

Missed the game, but based on the scoreline a good result considering the team we had out.

Good to see Shelvey & Kelly get more first team games - two players I hope can be regulars in the future.

[rafalabamba]

Boring game alright, but happy enough with the results and some of our regular subs done ok- shelvey, kelly, spearing, at least we're still on top of the group, should of won it though with Babel's chance

[D7Hooper]

How many snooze fests did we sit through in europe away under Rafa or certainly GH? Plenty. To go to Italy and come away with a clean sheet and stay top of the group is acceptable.

Edit: Jaysus Dossena has lost some weight hasn't he.

[Andrew]

:eek:

I really hope you meant 'jazz', nevermind him spitting in peoples hair, thats going too far!

:D

[prendy]

any word on why carra went off at HT?

[randywatson]

Boring game alright, but happy enough with the results and some of our regular subs done ok- shelvey, kelly, spearing, at least we're still on top of the group, should of won it though with Babel's chance

do be fair, they had 2 fairly good chances to, so lets not make out we had the only chance of the game

i thought shelvey looked very good, as did Ngog

Babel was shite, and that Poulsen fella really is aiming to be the shittest signing since Sean Dundee

[Derekc]

any word on why carra went off at HT?

itv4 saying it was always scheduled that he'd come off at home time, seems strange

[prendy]

itv4 saying it was always scheduled that he'd come off at home time, seems strange

cheers.


that sounds strange alright, why start him if your going to take him off at HT, its not like he needs game time of anything.


Maybe I'm reading too much into stuff but that sounds strange.:confused:

[crumlin red]

didnt see the game as i was training a draw is a decent result in italy considering how were playing at least we kept a clean sheet

[glen]

good result tonight considering 7 changes lets take that positive result into sunday and take 3 points off fat sam

[LFC Barry]

Decent result considering our form and the team we had out. Thought Roy got his tactics pretty spot on.
I still have no confidence that we'll beat blackburn though

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Best performance of the season for me.Why?Napoli showed us too much respect and gave us time on the ball which suited us perfectly.We had a team made up of hungry youngsters and fringe players looking to prove themselves-not an XI largely made up of half-arsed millionaires.

Keep Kelly and Shelvey in the team for Sunday.

[barrydoherty]

Decent Result but its terrible how we played for a draw we had a throw in the 89th minute around 20 yards to their goal and we passed the ball back to reina from there. Very boring game, A good result probably would of loved the win for 2 reasons or should I say 336 reasons.

[Gray72]

I suppose you'd have to be happy with that bearing in mind how we've been going. The real concern is a team that don't hasve any goals in them. We didn't really look like scoring.

[redspider]

Napoli 0 Liverpool 0

This was a reasonable result in the Europa League given the dire straits we find ourselves in and the 2nd string that was put out. Hodgson had made his excuses pre-match but at least was brave enough to be prepared to shoulder the blame if the result should not go our way. It wasn’t a great game despite a couple of chances that could have been scored by both sides but a draw was a fair result. We also got a favour as the other match in the group was also a draw, so we remain top.

There were quite a few changes to the team as Hodgson gave starts to 2nd string players and asked them to impress if they want to become part of the 1st team setup. So Kelly, Spearing, Shelvey, Babel and arguably Jovanovic and N’Gog. Aurelio also when he came on. The 4-2-3-1 line-up was as follows:

------------------ Reina ---------------------
Kelly --- Carragher – Skrtel - Konchesky
--------- Spearing ----- Poulsen -----------
Shelvey ----- Babel ---------- Jovanovic
----------------- N’Gog --------------------

Subs: Kyrgiakos for Carragher on 46 mins, Aurelio for Konchesky on 65 mins, Cole for Babel on 77 mins.

Liverpool started this match so-so but so did Napoli, and it was fairly evens. There was a big early chance but when the ball was slid to Babel his touch let him down (where have we heard that before, he doesn’t have a 1st touch!) and the chance went a-begging. This was a match for Babel to shine but he didn’t grasp it and typically for him he gave the ball away far too often.

Next up to miss for Liverpool was N’Gog who missed a chance when at the far post. Liverpool were struggling but so were Napoli and the game was of few chances. Napoli had a great chance though just before half-time when the shot from Hamsik was cleared off the line by Konchesky, and just barely. That could have been awarded or could have gone straight in with Reina beaten, so it was a let off.

Napoli were better in the 2nd half and had a close shot and a header. The game opened up and Babel had another great chance but his side foot was weakish and was saved by their keeper’s foot. Really, Babel cant complain that he hasn’t been given enough chances at Liverpool FC. He just hasn’t delivered.

Then N’Gog had a glimpse of some skill in the box and he was about to test the keeper with his left peg but his shot was blocked. Cole did well when he came on and Liverpool enjoyed control of the game for appreciable periods as the Neapolitans were satisfied to allow the ball to be passed around.

Rightback Kelly was enterprising as he carried out his defensive duties plus then got forward whenever possible whilst Spearing was reasonably assured in midfield. This was in contrast to Poulsen who was there more for the journey, perhaps another player dissatisfied? Carra was taken off at half-time to rest for the weekend, which is our No.1 priority. Although both Jamie and Kyrgiakos are lacking in pace.

Aurelio got a reasonable run-out at left back. He clearly has more skill going forward than Konchesky but he is out of the game. Shelvey did okay, but the right side was often left bereft with 2 players ganging up on Kelly. Cole impressed when coming on as many of the Napoli players lacked energy. There were a few huffs and puffs at the end by both teams but a draw was a fair result. The tally at the end of the match read Napoli’s 7 attempts to Liverpool’s 6.

Interestingly, one of Napoli’s reasonable bright sparks was Dossena, remember him?

So, what now for Liverpool? The NESV takeover ‘soap’ has died down, its bread and butter time as the players have stayed the same. Hodgson has been given backing but his tenure is up for grabs given the state of results. All managers deserve a chance though and have we really given Roy a fair crack of the whip? Perhaps not yet. Clearly, he doesn’t enamour me, or most people, but we should give him some more time to redeem himself. No Liverpool manager has ever been judged on a few weeks.

Back to the league …. Any type of win will do …..

Redspider

http://LiverpoolRedspider.wordpress.com

[teedeepee]

Decent sum up redspider; Babel looked lively but just reinforced my belief that he's not technically good enough; first touch like a baby elephant, and consequently he always looks like he's off balance and doesn't know what he's gonna do next.

Shelvey looked good, as did Spearing, but in all fairness Napoli weren't up to much.

Having said that, it was one of the few games I've watched this season where I haven't been looking around for something else to do.

[Axel96]

Good performance tonight, thought Shelvey done well...ran out of steam near the end...some strange subs from Roy! Kelly looked solid as well..
So disappointed with Babel again tonight, had a great chance to score and didnt take it and was poor for most of game...

[ROCCO]

Dam you Babel , had you at 9-1 to score first ... frustrating fcuker

Every Time he starts and gets a chances he just fails to deliver , time to move on imo.


special mention to Shelvey , fantastic performance even more so for a 18 year old .
And also Kelly , much better when he gets forward and has a go at taking on the full back . keep it up.
Would also rather see the snake {Jova}play up front with Torres than on the left wing and drop Stevie back .

Reina

Kelly ....Skrtel ....Agger .....Aurelio

Cole ...Meireles ....Kuyt

Gerrard

Torres ....Jovanovic

[sallycinnamon]

Was training last night so missed the game but happy with the result. Optimism is scarce these days and thought we would get beat. I gather from reading the thread a bit that Babel was useless again but sounds like with better finishing we could have won by a couple of goals? How come the fella we signed from Rangers Wilson doesn't get a look in ?

[jammer]

was well impressed with jonjo las night obviously will take time for him to develop into a player of gerrard quality but ya could defo see that hes 1 for d future,i think babels days are numbered overall he think it was a good result as were still top of the table

[prendy]

was well impressed with jonjo las night obviously will take time for him to develop into a player of gerrard quality but ya could defo see that hes 1 for d future,i think babels days are numbered overall he think it was a good result as were still top of the table

+1
jonjo did very well.
I also agree on Babel, any chance Birmingham will come back with their 8m?



was pacheco injured? I cant understand why he doesnt see more game time, he has played 6 mins in the league so far.

If he was with Arsenal he's be plaing every week by now.

[clayton]

jonjo was very good last night, he is very raw - but to me, he looks like a proper talent.

babel is shocking, a lazy so so.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Dam you Babel , had you at 9-1 to score first ... frustrating fcuker

Missing the chance was bad enough but then the gobshite just stood offside with his hands on his head for 10 seconds with his back to the game going on a few metres away.

Definitely needs to go in Jan.

[Beanokelly]

Moan, moan, moan on here. Everyone was confidently predicting a tanking from the mighty Napoli. We then put out an even weaker team than expected, and had Babel done his job we'd have won 1-0. So why are we still moaning. It's like your just having a go for having a goes sake.

I took heart from decent performances from Shelvey and Spearing, and generally thought we did ok. We lack an attacking bite, but we kept a bloody clean sheet at least.

Well said Paddser

[Andrew]

I imagine people are more moaning about out general form and this being the most recent match, is getting the brunt of it. Also, the harshest comments were, as usual, made immediately after the match when emotions are still running high.

When you look at our form since the win against Steaua it's hard not to feel down about another D or L being added to the list.

L L D D L L D

People should be more positive, you've got to see the silver lining and take every game for what it is and never mind form or table positions BUT people are fed up with how we are playing and it's easier to see the flaws in our side than the good.

[bono]

I imagine people are more moaning about out general form and this being the most recent match, is getting the brunt of it. Also, the harshest comments were, as usual, made immediately after the match when emotions are still running high.

When you look at our form since the win against Steaua it's hard not to feel down about another D or L being added to the list.

L L D D L L D

People should be more positive, you've got to see the silver lining and take every game for what it is and never mind form or table positions BUT people are fed up with how we are playing and it's easier to see the flaws in our side than the good.

It's hard to feel positive about the way we have been playing how many chance's did we create last night 1.It is a good thing the younger lads are getting a run because they could be our future & imo our best young player out there last night was Kelly he is the only one whom I'd say should start on sunday Shelvy did alright but he barely got a touch 2nd half.Just feel we can do better than what we have been doing lately hope it happens for us on sunday.

[Gray72]

I don't think many supporters are that bothered about Europe this season and we would sacrifice the lot for points in the league. However that aside when we turn out against anyone in any competition we want to see a team competing. Napoli are a good team but they paid us far too much respect and were there for the taking.

I thought we have a lot of good performnaces on the pitch last night but we don't look like winning matches and scoring goals. Thankfully we were solid at the back for a change and Skertel actually had a decent game for a change. I though Spearing did a job as did Shelvy without being spectacular. However too many of those seasoned pros and internationals again failed to show!

Ngog is truely woeful! His first touch poor, movement static, goal threat zero and effort little. He is what I would call a lazy player and doesn't do enough off the ball to get into those positions on the park. He needs to shoulder more effort up top and make it stick and bring in the midfield runners, he doesn't. Jovanovic and babel are both terrible. Babel at least is consistent, every game he plays he gives the ball away and runs up blind alleys. This is were we are really struggling this season.

We have watched as Rafa brought in and shipped out numerous wide men and left a team who play one up front and depend on midfield runners with no creativity and goal threat from the wide positions. All the top teams have filled this position very well and have goals in abundance. We have watched Maxi, Pennant, Gonzalez, Kewell, Jovanovic, Cole, Zenden, Babel, Riera and so on and so on. Not one creates goals and scores regularly. Whgern you look a Tottenham with Bale, Man Utd with Nani, Arsenal with Nasri, Man City with Johnson/Milner, Villa with Young and even Etherington at Stoke you have creative players svoring goals and performing regularly. We swap round every week. I know Roy inherited the squad in the main but surely to god he should have addressed it in the transfer window?

We're short up front as well so we have nothing in reserve. When you look at Wilshire at Arsenal you wonder what has been going on at our acedemy? We played possession football well against Napoli and you expect that with Spearing and Poulsen playing short simple passes. But when we got into advanced positions we look clueless. I understand why we rested Torres and Gerrard but get Miereles and Cole on the park. No one is performing and I know he fears injuries but these players need confidence and a win at Napoli would set us up well against Blackburn.

I was happy with the 0-0 and our defensive performnace but our attacking play is woeful, non existenct. I can't see goals coming from anywhere and understand exactly why people moan. What supporters want is a complete performance in all areas of the park and not just in some. What people find hard to swallow is the consistent poor performnaces from these big earners at the club like babel and not Shelvey, Kelly and Spearing. Babel must rate as one of our worst ever buys by way of value for money. A screamer every 30 games is just not good enough.

Take it from me if we draw at home on Sunday people will be really gunning for Roy. Has he got the know how with a squad of players who just don't look like they want to play?