Steau away 2/12/10

[Malzheimer]

There is a game tomorrow isn't there?

Hopefully see some of the young uns get a chance blended with a bit of experience too.

Liverpool squad: Pepe Reina, Brad Jones, Martin Hansen, Fabio Aurelio, Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Ryan Babel, Lucas, Danny Wilson, Christian Poulsen, Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Pacheco, David Ngog, Martin Kelly, Nathan Eccleston, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson.

Pepe
Aurelio Wilson Soto Kelly
Jovanovic Lucas Shelvey Pacheco
Cole
Babel

I'm guessing Poulsen will play instead of Lucas though. Also the Soto Skrtel pairing could be an option to get used to each other for upcoming games. I'd like to see Skrtel rested though as we can't afford to lose him now with Carra out.

[Derekc]

There is a game tomorrow isn't there?

Hopefully see some of the young uns get a chance blended with a bit of experience too.

Liverpool squad: Pepe Reina, Brad Jones, Martin Hansen, Fabio Aurelio, Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Ryan Babel, Lucas, Danny Wilson, Christian Poulsen, Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Pacheco, David Ngog, Martin Kelly, Nathan Eccleston, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson.

Pepe
Aurelio Wilson Soto Kelly
Jovanovic Lucas Shelvey Pacheco
Cole
Babel

I'm guessing Poulsen will play instead of Lucas though. Also the Soto Skrtel pairing could be an option to get used to each other for upcoming games. I'd like to see Skrtel rested though as we can't afford to lose him now with Carra out.

Decent team mal, i'd give poulsen a start over lucas purely on the basis he did okay against westham and i'm sure we'll need him at some stage throughout the season so i'd like to see him inolved somewhat.

I'd like to see Jova closer to the goal too and not start left side, lil harsh that he's being player as a left winger when he's not really one so i'd like to see him as a second striker or up top.

[barrydoherty]

Liverpool squad: Pepe Reina, Brad Jones, Martin Hansen, Fabio Aurelio, Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Ryan Babel, Lucas, Danny Wilson, Christian Poulsen, Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Pacheco, David Ngog, Martin Kelly, Nathan Eccleston, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson.

Would personally play the following, give rest to your senior players.

Brad Jones
Martin Kelly
Danny Wilson
Kyrgiakos
Fabio Aurelio
Babel
Jonjo
Jovanovic
Pouslon
Joe Cole
Pacheco

[Beanokelly]

Roy has comfirmed that Pepe will captain liverpool in tomorrow nite's game

[tea&toast]

Roy has comfirmed that Pepe will captain liverpool in tomorrow nite's game

fully deserved that

[redabbey]

Roy has comfirmed that Pepe will captain liverpool in tomorrow nite's game

Is their a source for this? I don't see any mention on the offal.

[Paddser]

Lucas tweeted that they only did a light session because the pitch was frozen

[Phil!]

Delighted for Pepe. Hope to see Wilson and Shelvey get a decent bit of game time. Judging by first time we played these well able to get a result there!

[redabbey]

Lucas tweeted that they only did a light session because the pitch was frozen

The last time we were out there in 2003 the game was in some doubt up to the last minute that it would go ahead because of a waterlogged pitch.

Djime Troare scored for Liverpool that night. As far as I am aware it was his only goal for the club? But I could be wrong I am of course excluding the FA cup OG of course.

3A1nRXIPPvQ

[Paddser]

We played there last season Lionel ;)

[stamullen red]

With carra gone for 3 months i would like to see the lad wilson given a few games and as i posted before the spurs game we have problems in the full back area's and i know that roy might not want to play too many first teamers but in these games he would be able to have a look at kelly/johnson on the right and konky/aurellio but looking at the squad this wont happen again we all know that we are giving away soft goals from wide positions and this sort of game should be used to try different formations etc,if the squad is the one that has been posted then lets have a look at some of the talent coming through the ranks



PEPE

KELLY WILSON THE GREEK ROBINSON

POULSON

SHELVEY COLE JOVANOVIC

BABEL PACHECO

[redabbey]

We played there last season Lionel ;)

I knew that Paddy but I was not talking about Unirea probably should have mentioned it.

[Paddser]

Only messing Lionel! Great goal from Djimi all the same

[MrsPepe]

* Reds issue weather warning

Liverpool Football Club Stadium and Operations Manager Ged Poynton tonight urged fans travelling to Bucharest for the Europa League clash with Steaua to ensure they're prepared for the adverse weather conditions in the Romanian capital.

The Reds were greeted by sub-zero temperatures as they arrived in Bucharest on Wednesday afternoon, as well as rain, sleet and snow.

Ice formed on the ground has created treacherous conditions around the stadium, and Poynton has advised fans travelling to the game to take care.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "First and foremost, my advice is to wrap up. If you think England is in a cold spell, we got a shock today when we arrived.

"It's very, very cold, icy and we've had some rain, hail and sleet this afternoon.

"With these conditions, you need to take precautions and need to be very conscious of the weather conditions as they're very treacherous.

"Make sure you're wearing suitable clothing, good footwear, head protection and definitely a waterproof coat because we could get any form of weather tomorrow, as we did today."

Liverpool fans attending the match at the Steaua Stadium will be exposed to the elements as the terrace is uncovered.

Poynton added: "It's a very old stadium and has deteriorated in places. Icy conditions will create addition problems for fans.

"When you arrive at the stadium, take care and make sure you get in safely because it's not the best facility and the weather conditions are grim to the say the least.

"It could be a long night and a cold night."

[KK1977]

The last time we were out there in 2003 the game was in some doubt up to the last minute that it would go ahead because of a waterlogged pitch.

Djime Troare scored for Liverpool that night. As far as I am aware it was his only goal for the club? But I could be wrong I am of course excluding the FA cup OG of course.

3A1nRXIPPvQ

Yeap, that's his only goal, in competitive games at least.

[Fowler-9-]

The last time we were out there in 2003 the game was in some doubt up to the last minute that it would go ahead because of a waterlogged pitch.

Djime Troare scored for Liverpool that night. As far as I am aware it was his only goal for the club? But I could be wrong I am of course excluding the FA cup OG of course.

3A1nRXIPPvQ

We had a left back called Traore :D:D

[bono]

The last time we were out there in 2003 the game was in some doubt up to the last minute that it would go ahead because of a waterlogged pitch.

Djime Troare scored for Liverpool that night. As far as I am aware it was his only goal for the club? But I could be wrong I am of course excluding the FA cup OG of course.

3A1nRXIPPvQ

Great find took it well

Whats the weather like over there?

[Phil!]

Is KO 6pm?

[bono]

Is KO 6pm?

yeah thats correct.

[Phil!]

That'll break up the day nicely! Won't be leaving the house!

[barrydoherty]

Is KO 6pm?

Hate the 6.00pm kickoffs :( will catch the 2nd half maybe If leave work early

[bono]

Any word on the team?

[KK1977]

Reina

Kelly
Wilson
Soto
Aurelio

Poulsen
Lucas

Jovanovic
Cole
Shelvey

Babel

[eegorbishcan]

Sorry I should refrain from my cynicism, these type of games are when we should be using Poulson, but I was looking forward to seeing pacheco get a run out tonight!

I like the backline though it should be good to see how Wilson gets on there in the centre, hope he puts in a solid shift.. great to see Reina take the Reigns tonight, well deserved and delighted for him!!

[barrydoherty]

Is this only on ESPN the night? Not channel5 no?

[graham]

If that is the team then you'd seriously have to wonder why Pacheco isn't in the lineup presuming he's fit

[prendy]

Is this only on ESPN the night? Not channel5 no?

3e have it also.
Seen an add for it on tv3 last night.

[barrydoherty]

3e have it also.
Seen an add for it on tv3 last night.

Alrite don't even think I can get that, Have TV3 but how do you get E3?

[bono]

Sorry I should refrain from my cynicism, these type of games are when we should be using Poulson, but I was looking forward to seeing pacheco get a run out tonight!

I like the backline though it should be good to see how Wilson gets on there in the centre, hope he puts in a solid shift.. great to see Reina take the Reigns tonight, well deserved and delighted for him!!

Was looking foward to seeing Dani myself he might get some sort of run out
on Wilson backed him to score the 1st goal @ 40/1 but would also take a good performance & a clean sheet from the lad hope he does well & gives Roy somthing to think about.

[Beanokelly]

Would rather see Pacheco then that useless (unt babel.I think we'll get the win tonite I'll go with 2-1

[Molby Is a Legend]

Alrite don't even think I can get that, Have TV3 but how do you get E3?

Channel 105 on the ROI sky box but your probably on the uk one are ya? think its different? You can add it on extra channels if you get the codes mate? there is a thread on here somewhere that has all the codes

[KK1977]

Starting lineup:

Reina, Kelly, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Poulsen, Shelvey, Jovanovic, Pacheco, Cole, Babel. Subs: Jones, Lucas, Ngog, Skrtel, Eccleston, Flanagan, Robinson.

[djdwainec]

what time does coverage start at ?

[MrsPepe]

Great to see Pacheco playing

[barrydoherty]

Yeah liking the starting 11 now.

[MrsPepe]

what time does coverage start at ?

555pm

[prendy]

Starting lineup:

Reina, Kelly, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Poulsen, Shelvey, Jovanovic, Pacheco, Cole, Babel. Subs: Jones, Lucas, Ngog, Skrtel, Eccleston, Flanagan, Robinson.

Alright Ryan, here you go prove to us you can put in a shift up front.

nice to see wilson and pacheco getting a run.

[loppy]

Looking forward to seeing Pacheco playing, babels chance to prove himself up front.

[Rover 609]

2 0-0s away so far in this competition,-50 degrees or whatever with a pretty sterile line up,ive just lobbed a tenner on no goalscorer at 9s on betfair.

[graham]

Delighted with tonights lineup.
Looking forward to the game now.
Be interesting to see if he defends deeply without Carra in the team

[bono]

Will there be any links going for this game given it's a europa league clash.

[Phil!]

Ha hack of Roy walkin down that hill on ESPN

[loppy]

Will there be any links going for this game given it's a europa league clash.

It's on 3e.

[bono]

It's on 3e.

Yeah thats what I thought.

[Phil!]

Interesting to see another Liverpool lad Flanagan in the squad.

http://assets.liverpoolfc.tv/uploads/players/john_flanagan.jpg

First Name John
Surname Flanagan
Position Right Back
D.O.B. 1 Jan 1993
Town of Birth Liverpool
Nationality English



John is a tough tackling right-back who hails from Liverpool.
He is known for his aerial ability and composure on the ball and made a huge impression during his first campaign with the U18s.
The teen full-back has since featured for the reserves on a number of occasions and played his part in the second-string's double Senior Cup success of 2010.

[MR KING KENNY]

Have babel to score at 6-1

[MrsPepe]

and espn

[mascherIANO]

any links lads? please

[CHRIS1892]

Come on boys!!!!!!

[Carroll9]

and espn

Only on upc.:(

[Carroll9]

any links lads? please

http://www.fromsport.com/v-0/12/78/v-127957.html

[Phil!]

Fcukers with a laser on Pepe

[CHRIS1892]

Some cnut is shining laser pen in Pepe's eyes every kick out!!!

[bono]

What was that pass about from Poulsen?

[mascherIANO]

link doesnt seem to be workin. anywhere else i could try im searching everywhere?

[Skintown Red]

Feck can't get a link to work

[CHRIS1892]

link doesnt seem to be workin. anywhere else i could try im searching everywhere?

Ain't missing much Masch! 15 mins, nothing to report.

[stevieg]

Steaua left back looks a bit like Ribery, also a hint of Silvestre thrown into the mix.

[barrydoherty]

http://www.sportpenet.com/lsh.htm

[bono]

That was a chance free header no one picking him up.

[CHRIS1892]

Goal Jovanovic!

[stevieg]

1-0 Jovanovic

[Carroll9]

Get in there.Jova.Well done Babel.Nice cross.

[CHRIS1892]

Good header!!!!!

[glen]

great goal by jova love the celebration telling the fans he is staying with us

[LFC Lad]

Great goal Jovanovic, get in there!

[bono]

Get in Jova good header what was the celebration about good ball in by babel.

[Phil!]

Get in Jova!!! Good ball by Babel!! Nice celebration too!

[stevieg]

Against the run of play that goal for us - will take it without a doubt.

[loppy]

Great finish!! What was he trying to say with the celebration??

[Phil!]

Get in Jova good header what was the celebration about good ball in by babel.

He's staying put!

[Carroll9]

Jovanovich scored against Northampton.Will someone tell Welch it's not his 1st goal.

[Fantana]

Good news also that we've signed Ivanovic from Chelsea and he just scored for us.... according to Trevor Welch! Twat

[Skintown Red]

Happy days.

This seems to be working now

http://atdhe.net/index.html

[MrsPepe]

http://www.espa.tv/embed.php?channel=viptv5&width=780&height=560

[CHRIS1892]

Good news also that we've signed Ivanovic from Chelsea and he just scored for us.... according to Trevor Welch! Twat

Every game he does he calls Lucas LOOOOKKAAASSSSSS! Muppet! That's why ESPN's on!

[Skintown Red]

Missed the celebration. What did he do?

[CHRIS1892]

WTF Cole?

[Phil!]

Waste there! Ryan Babel playing well

[Carroll9]

Should have been 2-0.

[glen]

should of been 2-0 they fcuked that 1 up

[Fantana]

Every game he does he calls Lucas LOOOOKKAAASSSSSS! Muppet! That's why ESPN's on!

ESPN blocked by SKY. Boo

[Carroll9]

Every game he does he calls Lucas LOOOOKKAAASSSSSS! Muppet! That's why ESPN's on!

At least you have the option.Espn is blocked on Sky for the Europa League.

[Rover 609]

Who's that Mick Falvey lad playing for Steaua,is he from Granard?

[CHRIS1892]

At least you have the option.Espn is blocked on Sky for the Europa League.

I know, but UPC have loads of other games blocked too!

[CHRIS1892]

Utrecht 2-1 up

[Phil!]

Utrecht winning 2-1. Currently stands:

Liverpool 11
Utrecht 6
Steau 5
Napaoli 3

[bono]

Utrecht 2-1 up

3-1 now

[Phil!]

Wouldnt like to be going to the Utrecht game needing a win to top the group tbh

[CHRIS1892]

Steaua offered nothing since goal, but our passing at times is poison!

[CHRIS1892]

3-1 now

That was quick!

[bono]

That was quick!

Must be some game 3-2 now.

[CHRIS1892]

Must be some game 3-2 now.

Sounds it!

[Phil!]

Too close!

[miked]

We were lucky there, dunno how he missed it

[CHRIS1892]

First mistake from Kyrgiakos, lucky!

[glen]

good first half for us happy with that score away from home with that team

[stevieg]

1-0 Liverpool - halftime.

[CHRIS1892]

Laser pen still on Pepe! Good half.

[Phil!]

Take that so far. Good goal by Jova well taken and Babel havin a good game. Cole has been pretty poor

[Carroll9]

Lucky to be leading at half time but delighted to see Jova get on the score sheet with an assist from Babel.

[miked]

Anyone want to see Ray Houghton talking bollox about Liverpool his on http://www.atdhe.net/29726

Really trying stir up trouble over Jovas celecration saying there is obviously big probelms at the club

[glen]

houghton is a muppet always talks bollox about liverpool

[sallycinnamon]

Anyone want to see Ray Houghton talking bollox about Liverpool his on http://www.atdhe.net/29726

Really trying stir up trouble over Jovas celecration saying there is obviously big probelms at the club

what was up with his celebration ? cant get a link working so didn't see it or the goal

[Crown Paints]

Houghton is honestly the most negative football pundit/commentator I've ever come across and he clearly has negative feelings about the club too. I simply can't watch a game if he's involved. He just winds me up too much.

In summary Ray Houghton is a ****.

[miked]

what was up with his celebration ? cant get a link working so didn't see it or the goal

Kissed and pointed at the badge on his shirt, kinda saying that his staying and wants to be at the club but Ray the f**king muppet reads that as ,ajor problems at the club.

[glen]

nothing wrong with jova's celebration he ran to the fans kissed the badge pointed to the jersey and then to himself to indicate he was staying nothing wrong with it great celebration

[bono]

Were lucky this lot are rubbish at shooting.Need a 2nd goal just to be sure of a win.

[miked]

nothing wrong with jova's celebration he ran to the fans kissed the badge pointed to the jersey and then to himself to indicate he was staying nothing wrong with it great celebration

I know there wasnt, just saying Houghton is trying to make something of nothing.

[CHRIS1892]

Lucky again!

[bono]

Great save another free header.

[miked]

Good save by Pepe

[Crown Paints]

10th corner :(

[djdwainec]

10th corner :(

was just about to say we have conceded some amount of corners tonight, need to play the ball around a bit, giving the ball back too easily.

[CHRIS1892]

FFS Pepe!!!!!!

[Crown Paints]

what a ****ing awful goal to concede.....

FFS

[djdwainec]

jesus christ, what were we at there :( pepe :(

[glen]

bad mistake by pepe our away hoodoo strikes again

[Crown Paints]

more than a hint of offside to be fair

[miked]

Unlucky pepe, he was expecting the player in front of him to get a touch and he didnt so misjudge the flight.

[sallycinnamon]

Kissed and pointed at the badge on his shirt, kinda saying that his staying and wants to be at the club but Ray the f**king muppet reads that as ,ajor problems at the club.

Bit of a silly assumption from Houghton there

[MrsPepe]

I dont believe it!!!!

[Carroll9]

Pepe doesn't make many mistakes but when he does they are usually big ones.Think the lad in front was off side but it doesn't excuse the mistake.

[Carroll9]

more than a hint of offside to be fair

He still should have stopped it.

[glen]

not offside wilson played him on unlucky there soto

[Carroll9]

Bad luck Soto.Great effort.

[miked]

Unlucky from the greek

[CHRIS1892]

Unlucky Soto!

[miked]

Bit of a silly assumption from Houghton there

I agree, would use a stronger word though :)

[Crown Paints]

the Greek has some head on him


Funny how we always ALWAYS sit back with a 1-0 lead and then start playing again when the momentum shifts

It can only be coming from the manager and I'd really love to hear his reasoning because to me it just seems ridiculous.

[1one80eighty]

Just in from work - just at the point of Pepe's howler. Good response from the reds to be fair, they've used the ball well the last 5 minutes.

For absolute comedy gold, use this link to watch the game - http://www.espa.tv/embed.php?channel=viptv5&width=780&height=560 - the commentary is unbelievable.

[bono]

3-3 in the other group game.

[glen]

am i right in saying a draw will put us through ill take that now

[Phil!]

Poor performance so far in the 2nd half

[Tconroy]

am i right in saying a draw will put us through ill take that now

yep a point puts us thru

[CHRIS1892]

Mistakes at the back could cost us!

[djdwainec]

am i right in saying a draw will put us through ill take that now

think so, thats what roy seems to be playing for anyway , why wont he make a change!! poulsen has been anonymous

[Carroll9]

am i right in saying a draw will put us through ill take that now

Would have taken that before the game.

[CHRIS1892]

Poor performance so far in the 2nd half

Flatter than a puncture!

[sallycinnamon]

just saw the replay of their goal. That's not like our Pepe at all ! pressure of captaincy got tp him I think :p

[glen]

ole is very quite i know he is only coming back from injury good to see ngog come on thats positive

[Phil!]

Joe Cole wasnt happy

[djdwainec]

cole off ngog on, don't agree with that at all

[Carroll9]

Ngog on for Cole.

[sallycinnamon]

Joe Cole not too happy there !

[CHRIS1892]

Cole "FFS" when he saw his number!

[travis]

Fell asleep there , have I missed much ???

[Phil!]

Eccelstone coming on now

[Carroll9]

Fell asleep there , have I missed much ???

Besides a howler from Pepe not much.

[glen]

good header away by kelly

[Phil!]

Disappointed to see Jova come off

[CHRIS1892]

Jova off, Eccleston on

[glen]

for once we have pace up front ngog bable and eccelstone on

[Crown Paints]

Oh Roy. You crazy man.

[miked]

Oh Roy. You crazy man.

He is gone mad, all that pace on, fair play Roy.

[Gray72]

Couple of words, absolute garbage!!!!!

Normally when you blood your reserves somebody stands out, well nobody!

When we did create we couldn't take our chances, again. There is no guile in our midfield, Pachecho is a spectator, Jovanovic went missing yet again and Babel just never threatens the goal.

This is just dispressing and yes, I am depressing as well!!

[glen]

i think fabio is having a great game just back from injury he stands out for me

[Carroll9]

I would like to see him start in place of PK on Monday night.

[miked]

i think fabio is having a great game just back from injury he stands out for me

Just going to say it, great to see him last the 90 mins, looks very composed on the ball after such a long layoff

[glen]

dani was never off side there

[CHRIS1892]

Lucas for Pacheco

[Carroll9]

Lucas on for Pacheco.Holding out for draw.

[CHRIS1892]

I would like to see him start in place of PK on Monday night.

Get your note off to Santa!

[midg23]

Liverpool will be lucky to get a draw tonight, to be 100% honest, they're terrible tonight

[djdwainec]

shocking tonight, waste of 90 mins, not happy with the draw yeah its enough to get throught but if we cant beat these teams , if we do make it back into the cl in the next 2/3 years we will really struggle

[GaryMc]

Couple of words, absolute garbage!!!!!

Normally when you blood your reserves somebody stands out, well nobody!

shocking tonight, waste of 90 mins, not happy with the draw yeah its enough to get throught but if we cant beat these teams , if we do make it back into the cl in the next 2/3 years we will really struggle

largely second string players have comfortably qualified for the next phase unbeaten with a game to go and would have won tonight only for a howler, is that garbage or shocking:confused:

[CHRIS1892]

Promised much after Jova's goal, but a very poor 2nd half. That said we're through, so one big positive!

[glen]

well done lads good result where true 10 games unbeaten in euorpa this season

[barrydoherty]

Couple of words, absolute garbage!!!!!

Normally when you blood your reserves somebody stands out, well nobody!

When we did create we couldn't take our chances, again. There is no guile in our midfield, Pachecho is a spectator, Jovanovic went missing yet again and Babel just never threatens the goal.

This is just dispressing and yes, I am depressing as well!!

Babel was probably our best player out there tonight.

Not too disappointed with a point. We are throught to the next stage with a game in hand.

[sallycinnamon]

Missed the first half , wasn't a great 2nd half from what I saw . Don't remember us creating too many chances and passing was pretty poor/sloppy

[Carroll9]

Another away draw against very poor opposition.Having said that I would have accepted it before the match started.Jova took his goal well and Babel and Fabio both had decent games.It worries me that every time we take the lead we keep sitting back and inviting the opposition to attack.

[leonsdaddy]

If villareal win later pepe's howler has cost me 220 euro.

[mushypea]

Considering it was a team of kids mixed with players lacking any real match sharpness then i think over all that was a job well done by the team.

Not a good game by any means but i'll take the positives which were Babels & Aurelios performance.

Oh...and the other positive, throught to the knockout with a game to spare. Credit to Roy & the boys.

[dazzlermac]

Joe cole didnt look in the slightest bit happy comin off,but was professional bout it....im no lip readin expert but "ah for fcuk sake" was wat i got.....which is good imo.not a good visual game,not a bad result tho.unlucky for pepe but it rarely happens and it wont cost us in the long run........

[SUPERFAN]

Do lpool top the group now no matter what happens in the last game?
If so I won't be too disappointed at all if they lose the last game and them dirty cnuts napoli don't get through...

[vincenzo]

Job done...bring on Villa.

[Gray72]

Babel was probably our best player out there tonight.

Not too disappointed with a point. We are throught to the next stage with a game in hand.

Babel always flatters to decieve! He got on the ball a lot tonight but never threatened. He set up the equaliser but too often over does it when the easy ball will do.

Jovanovic is a skillful player for a big lad but tends to stand out wide and not get involved with the play. I was glad to see him score and thought he would kick on from there but he disappeared again.

Pachecho is such a gifted little footballer but he just didn't cut it tonight. Yes he was played out right but he didn't show for the ball and really didn't contribute at all. He was a passenger and the next four weeks will be make or break for him. If he had broken through when we were playing well it would be different. unfortunately he has found himself playing in a poor team and is struggling like everyone else.

Again I thought our back four looked solid and it was good to see Wilson get a game. The problem is when you get chance after chance and don't take them it puts added pressure on the back four. Pepe will be fuming tonight but we don't see that too often from him.

I know I said it was absolute garbage, that may have been harsh. But in a season when we are looking for any bright moments from all this dire it just never seems to happen. Steau are a woeful team and we should be beating them easily and we struggling to get forward in the second half. The draw thats us through but we need to start seeing some good 90mins!

It's done now on to Villa on Monday night. Now after a rest you expect to see Miereles, Torres, Maxi, Kuyt and johnson firing on all cylinders.

[Carroll9]

Do lpool top the group now no matter what happens in the last game?
If so I won't be too disappointed at all if they lose the last game and them dirty cnuts napoli don't get through...

Looks that way but I can't see us lose to Utrecht no matter what side we field.I get what you're saying about not wanting napoli to go through but we will need Steaua to get a draw against them.

[clayton]

pity didn't get the win... howler from Reina

[reddy]

Just in so missed the game. BY what I"ve read they were not
too great to watch ?. Ah,,,we are through and can now just
think re the league for the next couple of months . Good on
ya Reds . Babel played ??? name a fkuc :eek:. Some one ,any
one , please buy him .

[KEITHO M]

Not a great performance tonight but we're through and I'm happy with that. Thought Fabio played well tonight, good to see he lasted 90 mins and hopefully he'll start against Villa on Monday. No one else really stood out for me for the right reasons. Joe Cole was very poor again tonight hardly touched the ball, he has been very dissapointing for us.

[The Pernicious One]

Great to qualify.
Though some players missed a great opportunity to impress.
Cole was poor, probably due to lack of games since injury.
Pacheco to me didnt do anything to suggest that the constant calls for promotion to the first team squad on a regular basis are justified.
Wilson looked shakey the more the game went on, but its a big ask for an 18 year old in only his second game of the season.
Pepe, yeah he was blinded by the man in front, but he should do better.

On a brighter note, Shelvey looked composed, Poulsen didnt actually score an own goal, give away a penalty or kill anyone, and Aurelio had a fine game (put him in against villa Roy).

[ISTANBUL VET]

I think Hodgson picked the team most fans wanted--giving kids a chance etc.
Terrible game to watch and very hard to judge players because of the standard of the opposition.
We got the job done and the next phase will get interesting at least.
Obviously Pepe's mistake but ffs the guy was in an offside position in front of him.
I've said it before;Joe Cole --overrated,overhyped,overpaid and unfortunately over here.

[glen]

that guy was never off side wilson played him on off camera pepe said it himself it was his mistake but he doesnt make many he is world class down to the last 32 now and we should try and win it this and the fa cup are massive for us this season and with us playing the mancs away itll be tough going there and getting a result so we should go all out to win this comp and be the only team to win it 4 times

[ISTANBUL VET]

Side issue.
My calculations would make the next EL game for us the 24th Feb.
Am I right?

[redabbey]

Side issue.
My calculations would make the next EL game for us the 24th Feb.
Am I right?

Posted this just after the match finished last night in the cheap flights for 10/11 season.

Even if LFC lose in the next game and Steaua win Liverpool will finish above Steaua in the table as a result of the head to head results.

By topping the table Liverpool are a seeded team in the last 32 draw and will face either a team finishing 2nd in the Europa Group stages (excluding the 2nd place team in their group) plus the 5th to 8th 3rd place teams from the Champions League groups and also excluding any team from the same country.

They away leg will be first on the 17th February and the home tie will be on the 24th February.

[Liverpool-law]

Well done, second string get an away draw, unbeaten in the group without playing the big guns, valuable experience for the youngsters, top the group regardless of the last match, could play the under 18s against utrecht if he wanted, can focus on the League until february apart from the FA Cup tie against the scum. Cole gets a match for fitness, Jovanovic scores.

Just thought I'd throw in a few positives ;)

[ISTANBUL VET]

Posted this just after the match finished last night in the cheap flights for 10/11 season.

Even if LFC lose in the next game and Steaua win Liverpool will finish above Steaua in the table as a result of the head to head results.

By topping the table Liverpool are a seeded team in the last 32 draw and will face either a team finishing 2nd in the Europa Group stages (excluding the 2nd place team in their group) plus the 5th to 8th 3rd place teams from the Champions League groups and also excluding any team from the same country.

They away leg will be first on the 17th February and the home tie will be on the 24th February.
Cheers.The West Ham game is scheduled for 26th so I would imagine that would change to 27th.

[redabbey]

Cheers.The West Ham game is scheduled for 26th so I would imagine that would change to 27th.

or a Monday

also the FA Cup 5th round tie will also have to be moved as well (how is that for positive thinking.)

[redspider]

Steaua Bucharest 1 Liverpool 1
- Jovanovic 19
Eder 61

This was a workman-like performance from Liverpool’s 2nd string selection, and they got a draw although they hardly deserved it, yielding most of the possession and indeed the better of the chances to the home Steaua side.

Hodgson went for a 2nd string team, backed by Reina and seeing the returns of Aurelio and Cole. Babel was given the attacker berth, so Liverpool lacked recognisable strikers in a 4-2-3-1 formation which perhaps suited Cole.

------------------- Reina -------------------
Kelly - Kyrgiakos – Wilson - Aurelio
--------- Shelvey -------- Poulsen ----------
-- Pacheco ---- Cole ------- Jovanovic --
----------------- Babel ---------------------

Subs: N’Gog for Cole (75), Eccleston for Jovanovic (78), Lucas for Pacheco (89)

Liverpool had the better of the opening exchanges even if slight. Steaua went close from a close range header before Babel crossed in from the right to find an unmarked Jovanovic who steered his header well to the right of their keeper from all of 8 yards out to make it 0-1 to us. It was Liverpool’s first notable attack and the scoreline flattered us.

Babel was involved again when he latched onto a clearance slipping a pass to Cole who had a great chance but his touch let him down, and the chance went a-begging as it ended in a shot wide from Pacheco. Cole didn’t have a good match all round, lacking match sharpness after a long lay-off. He gave the ball away all too easily and little wonder Steaua’s possession stats were around the 60% mark at the end of the match.

Steaua had a chance before half-time but missed a good opportunity after a bad shot. Then in the early part of the second half they had a header but it was steered straight at Reina who saved easily. Liverpool weren’t doing much at all, and although Steaua had the better of the game, they also lacked quality.

And then they got an equaliser out of little. Another cross was headed by Bonfim straight at Reina but it squirmed right under our keeper and embarrassingly between his legs. An awful goal to give away to make it 1-1 and typical of Liverpool’s season thus far. It was what Steaua had deserved though.

Aurelio had a good game I thought, clearing well usually and providing some width, and it was from one of his corners which was met by a Kyrgiakos header late on that crashed against their bar. This, if it would have gone in, would have been a steal for the Liverpool side.

The game played out and Liverpool collected a point, which is enough to see us through to the next round of Europa League knockout matches - we are 3 points ahead of the 2nd-placed Steaua. The tally at the end of the match read Steaua Bucharest’s 10 attempts to Liverpool’s lowly 4.

So what can Liverpool take from this match? Nothing new really. Kelly did okay in defence, as did Aurelio. Wilson was perhaps caught out at times for aerial balls in but did okay. Poulsen and Shelvey did okay. Reina was at fault for the goal. Pacheco was quiet. Jovanovic was physical but cutting inside rather than providing width. Cole wasn’t sharp at all. And Babel unfortunately was his usual self - he is no central striker. Hodgson can take some solace from the result and the safe passage of the team, but he cant get really excited about any of the player developments. By the way, Eccleston did reasonable I thought.

So what next for Liverpool? After the loss at Tottenham, Liverpool have ground to make up in the league, which they can do at home against Aston Villa and then away at Newcastle. Villa are no great shakes this season and Newcastle are blowing hot and cold, and cold when a team gets at them. Liverpool’s target from these two matches is 6 points. Anything less will not be satisfactory, and the only saving grace from any dropped points would be spectacular performances that deserved the wins in each match.

This season is listing along ….
And unlike the festive season coming up soon, its not the ‘season to be jolly’ ….
And there can be few ‘tra-la-las’ ….

-Redspider