22nd October, 19:45. With Torres & Babel out, all we needed in midweek was a "must win" CL game!! Thankfully, this isn't, and I'd gladly settle for a draw in this game. However, the Reds have shown already this season that they can perform without some of their top players being involved. Hoping for another away European win.
Yeah, Liverpool don't need to win this game. Obviously a win would be great but we should be able to get enough points from the final 3 games to ease through the group. I'd be happy with a draw. Maybe give El Zhar a start on the right. He impressed in preseason and he did a fine job as a sub today. No harm giving the lad a shot.
Wipeout. They are down 0-1 after a few mins so they are going to have to chase this derby ! and now down to 10 men
So glad we got the 6 against Marseille and PSV. Great chance for Agger to find his feet some more in the run up to Chelsea. I think UEFA changed it back to Madrid as soon as they knew Torres was out. That said, 3 points from Wigan, imagine if we took all 9 from the 3 games!
I think UEFA changed it back to Madrid as soon as they knew Torres was out. yes of course they did - WTF
I said it in jest.......as it happens, they actually havent provided an alternative excuse, and the fact that they have turned it back means that their original response was poorly planned, disproportionate and ineffectual.
Chelsea game on sunday definatly more important so would take a 0-0 and no injuries we cant afford to lose anymore players
I think we have enough quality to go for a win. I have a feeling Keane will be rested and N'Gog will come in. El Zhar might have earned a shot too.
unfortunately El Zhar is not eligible to play in the CL as Rafa left him out of the squad.Still don't understand it, think he is a great talent, but what I do know.
cant play sami either which is absolutely insane. carra never gets rested though i suspect he would kill something if he was rested. is insua on the cl squad, dossena was rubbish today and starting a reserve ahead of him would be sending a message.
Because of that homegrown/local ruling. Here's our squad: Cavalieri, Reina,Dossena, Agger, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Carragher, Degen, Darby, Kelly, Irwin, Skrtel,Gerrard, Reira, Alonso, Benayoun, Pennant, Mascherano, Leiva, Spearing,Keane, Torres, Kuyt, Babel, Ngog Rafa can name a new squad if/when we qualify for the next round. Lads like Insua, El Zhar and Pacheco would probably have gotten a runout in the Atletico game were it not for this ruling. I'd like to see Rafa bleed a few of the younger lads anyway.
Watched the Athletico/Real game last night and have some decent players. They are though not great at the back. Hetinga looks very suspect when taken on at pace. I can see Lucas coming in for Alonso. I think Robbie should play as I dont think he will next Sunday. I suspect Rafa will go with Kuyt up front his own next Sunday with Masher, Alonso and Gerrard more advanced against Chelsea.
Has anyone here (maybe lads who live across the pond) ever seen these young lads playing: Darby, Irwin or Kelly? Are they up to the grade at all? Or is Rafa just filling the squad with token locals? I've seen Spearing play on telly I think, must have been a Carling Cup match, can't quite remember but he didn't impress as much as I'd expected he would from reports.
Keane will start as the lone man up front with 5 in midfield as point is great result with the reurn at home to wrap up the group El Zhar might have earned a shot too.[/QUOTE]- little bit of research needed for that one
dont think rafa will use this game as a platform for younger players,think you'll see a 4-5-1 formation,with masher coming in alongside alonso,gerrard infront of them,keane on his own upfront,and depending whos fit the usual back four,dont think babel will start so probably riera and kuyt on the wings.