Big game this on sunday, hopefully Torres is fit after his scans. Lucas will prob start i imagine, has to be 3 points tho from this, if not it is gonna be a even bigger struggle with them for 4th spot
I would imagine that he'll start Lucas instead of Masch and if Torres is fit the rest of team will most likely be the same. Could be interesting if Torres is out because Benitez would have to change a few more things around but hopefully he'll be all good. Hard to see crouch being happy about all the bench time he's been getting lately but he wouldn't fit in with the current system at all.
they will be happy with 0-0 and they'll line up accordingly. If we could get an early goal they'll have to come and play a bit. Cahill (or Kayhill as the commentators pronounce it) offers such a threat from midfield, he'll have to be watched closely, the sort of player mascherano would noramlly have in his pocket. Any sort of win will do, 5 points clear and I dont think they'll catch us.
Everton are not playing as well in recent games but no doubt will lift it for Sunday, Torres may be rested with three Arsenal games coming up very quickly, a win is a must to put us further ahead of Everton.
Well i reckon that Benitez will probably play his strongest team against Everton at the weekend, it wouldnt make sense for him not to. If we can get to 5 points ahead with them still to face arsenal and chelsea we should be ok but it will be one hell of a tough game and and i'd say the lads are wrecked from all the games recently. Hopefully have Masch available for the Champions league games against the gunners so he should be able to keep Fabregas on a tight leash.
everton To be honest lately evertons form has taken a big dip and even without Torres we should still have enough to beat them.
"To be honest lately evertons form has taken a big dip and even without Torres we should still have enough to beat them." this kiss of death !!!!!
Cant see it been a classic game, very scrappy and stop start etc but we should dig a result out anyways.
I'd agree with that but can see Rafa leaving Stevie in behind Torres and bringing Lucas in for Mascherano.
A few of us said the exact same thing about United and look what happens. This obviously won't be an easy game for us. Just lets hope the lads are well up for it after what happened on Sunday, and they can win it.
will be flying back from a stag so will miss the first half hopefully be then the game will be over. I think Crouch deserves a start with torres, Gerrard and Alonso in the middle, Riise and Pennant on the wings
our home form hasnt been the greatest this season but i think we have enough to beat them. Form usually goes out the window in derby games anyway and hopefully we can score in 1st haf and build on it in the 2nd
I'd be surprised if Rafa changes the formation again. Lucas is well able to slot into Maschers place. Anyone think Sami might come back into the team?