Our biggest game of the season so far and could well be our last big game of the season if result goes against us. Benfica 2006 keeps springing to mind when I'm thinking of this game. They came to anfield to spoil the game and its exactly what happened. Big European nights in Anfield always have our players raring to go from the off. This will be no different on our behalf but you can imagine simeone's tactics all week will be slow the game down as much as they can to interrupt our rhythm. Everybody inside Anfield on Wednesday night has a part to play including ball boys and fans. Let's make it another special night and get us into the hat for the next round
Really looking forward to this game. They will sit in and look to hit on the break. An early goal would be nice to settle the neves .
Can't wait for this, was at Barca last year and this has the makings of another memorable night. With all going on it could be the last crowd we see inside Anfield this season, hoping it doesn't come to that. Crowd has a huge part to play in this one and I hope they really get behind the team. Atmosphere seemed a bit flat v Bournemouth
Everyone needs be on same sheet. Players and fans. Fans will need be patient and still be vocal backing team. This could be a long 90 mins, mo and mane back at best at weekend. So hopefully continue that. Our midfield gone Missing sum what since hendo went out injuried. Whoever comes in midfield step up to the mark. Leave everything on the pitch and we will win
Totally agree. Can we try to remember that a goal in the 91st minute is the same as a goal in the 1st minute. Easier said than done I know but these guys are going to be hard to break down. We'd all love an early goal but the crowd just like the players needs to stick to the task to the end and not create more pressure for the team.
Based on current form, I think we need to score 3 times here. Our high line will have to be more disciplined than recently too. I believe the crowd will play a huge part, and confident Teams often underestimate Anfield on evening nights and this is set to be another example
One of only three games not being played behind closed doors at the min... In better news, Klopp has confirmed Hendo is fit!!
Unless he is flying it in training I can't see Klopp starting Hendo. He is only back from injury and Klopp doesn't usually rush players back, thinks of their long term well-being. I personally think this game is crying out for a player to work the ball past Athletico through the middle with a dribble and/or pass and while a risk Keita gives us that more than anyone else in midfield. I probably wouldn't start him as I think the first 20mins require dogs of war and Miller more than most in there but after that we need to put the pressure on Athletico.
Whatever about actually needing 3, I think we will need to approach the game like we do. No point getting an early goal, or two, and then get hit with a sucker punch with the last kick of the game.
I've watched enough of those inside Anfield youtube vids (thanks @redabbey ) to wonder should Hendo and Klopp be getting into the refs head about the levels of fuckery expected from these . Its very important the ref is strong enough. We were unlucky to have the same sham ref away to psg last year and at the metro last game who practically encouraged shithousing. Other than that, play our game, play our part as supporters and get the job done. We're a country mile better than these.
I've watched enough of those inside Anfield youtube vids (thanks @redabbey ) to wonder should Hendo and Klopp be getting into the refs head about the levels of fuckery expected from these . Its very important the ref is strong enough. We were unlucky to have the same sham ref away to psg last year and at the metro last game who practically encouraged shithousing. Other than that, play our game, play our part as supporters and get the job done. We're a country mile better than these.
An early goal is great at anytime but it could be of particular importance tonight. The shithousing will be much easier for everybody to manage with a goal under our belts.
It must be 3 or 4 years ago I remember Klopp talking about how we finally managed to grasp game management in their final third. I can't remember the game but he also spoke about a game for Dortmund against Malaga in the CL were they scored twice in the last 5 minutes. The thing I remember most was he said they didn't commit a single foul in the last 15 minutes. That is the key, don't make challenges you have no chance of winning, don't square up to them and waste another 60 seconds, keep the game active for as long as you can.
Makes complete sense Bob but I still think refs in a game like this with opposition like these have a responsibility also and I'd like to think whatever way Henderson or Klopp may wish to raise the point, the ref will need informing. Could be way off on this and an honest Atletico have go at us but once bitten. I actually expect a bit of shithousing from ourselves if the game goes our way early doors so no point being a hypocrite I suppose.
Liverpool: Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane, Salah, Firmino. Subs: Lonergan, Fabinho, Milner, Minamino, Lallana, Origi, Matip.
A Madrid — Oblak, Trippier, Savic, Felipe, Renan Lodi, Koke, Saul Niguez, Thomas, Correa; Diego Costa, Joao Felix Subs: Adan, Gimenez, Morata, Lemar, Llorente, Carrasco, Vrsaljko