Liverpool (a) Pre-Match Thread

[Adlab123]

We need to do something to surprise them. Although I hate to say it do you remember when Ferguson changed the team and tactics for big games and how often it (sadly) worked. He did this regularly against us and in European games. We should do the same. For example, if he is fit enough, play Delph to press Henderson or something similar. It still doesnt stop one thinking about our defence and keeper.
Come on Pep show me you are the best manager. We have enough decent players (keeper apart).

 

[Adlab123]

By the way is this the battle of the two worst keepers in the league?

 

[Ezra]

Yes these,rags,and spuds I detest over anyone Milner own goal in the 94th min to win it for us would do lovely

This^ but after a Raheem treble!

 

[@BluePhil8]

Never forget...

 

[waspish]

Mike Riley must be on the take some of the referees he is choosing to referee our games stinks!

 

[BusterPhillips]

Jack Pitt-Brook has written a decent article in today's Independent:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...gen-klopp-at-anfield-a7502606.html#r3z-addoor

This bit could be particularly pertinent, as Guardiola mentioned about Liverpool attacking the inside channels, rather than out wide, in yesterday's press conference.



Wonder if he'll pack the midfield tonight for similar reasons? Not sure we've got the players to do it, and wouldn't like to see the return of a back three, but get the feeling Guardiola won't pick the team that most are predicting on here.

Good balanced read, thank you.

I really hope we adjust and pack the midfield and hopefully win comfortably, it would show the other teams in the league how to play against Liverpool in the same way Celtic showed how to play against us which was copied several times over.

 

[Adlab123]

Mike Riley must be on the take some of the referees he is choosing to referee our games stinks!

Dont be surprised. When do we ever get a fair ref? Hardly ever.

 

[lancs blue]

By the way is this the battle of the two worst keepers in the league?

No.

 

[BusterPhillips]

That's where my head is.

Also Augero is typically a slow burner when he returns from absence, usually takes him 2-3 games to get in his groove.

 

[Ric]

Dont be surprised. When do we ever get a fair ref? Hardly ever.

Which ref(s) would you be happy with? Genuine question, by the way.

 

[kaz7]

Nerves are kicking in,not hopeful but COME ON BLUEBOYS and don't concede first please

 

[Ric]

Also Augero is typically a slow burner when he returns from absence, usually takes him 2-3 games to get in his groove.

There's also the issue that his indiscipline has cost us his services for 7 games already this season. Perhaps Guardiola will want to make a point that he can't just walk straight back into the team. Just speculating of course - I think he should (and probably will) start.

 

[BusterPhillips]

If we go down the 361 route could see this set up being effective:

Bravo

Clichy
Stones (if fit)
Otamendi

Kolarov
Silva
Fern #1
KDB
Fern #2 or Yaya
Sterling

Augero

 

[Powello]

bricking it already

 

[leth]

--------------------Bravo------------------
Sagna - Otamendi - Kolarov - Clichy
---------Fernandinho - Toure----------
Sterling ------ De Bruyne ------- Silva
------------------- Aguero----------------

Subs: Caballero, Zabaleta, Stones, Fernando, Nolito, Navas, Iheanacho

Klopp and the home crowd will have Liverpool incredibly fired up and they'll be running like maniacs for the first 25 minutes or so. I wouldn't even try to go toe-to-toe with them on this. We should be smart, try to get the ball and keep it constantly moving without risking pushing too many men forward. Frustrate them and let them knacker themselves out and take the sting out of the crowd in the first half. Invite them onto us somewhat and i'd fancy our front four against their defence all day long if we can hit them occasionally on the break, especially with Sterling and Aguero's pace and one-on-one abilities. But mostly if we can get to half time without conceding, their intensity will drop after the 60 minute mark and this is where we can throw off the shackles, go at them and win the game.

 

[Adlab123]

Which ref(s) would you be happy with? Genuine question, by the way.

Mike Dean perhaps. Frankly none, 8mins Atkinson?
The standard is so poor.

 

[waspish]

Which ref(s) would you be happy with? Genuine question, by the way.

Anthony Taylor just because he will hate Liverpool more than city plus he cant be that Bias in favour of the opposition ever again.

 

[Neville Kneville]

We are not supposed to get anything out of this game.

Just do it City. Don't let these mafia fucks win.

 

[stonerblue]

I dont know why we bother going to turn up. Everybody in the press, on TV and virtually all on here reckon we are going to get stuffed. I think this is because we were so poor against Chelsea and Spurs (in defence). That may be true but why shouldnt we win. We have top players paid a fortune and apparently the worlds best manager.
If Pep gets his tactics right AND the players are capable of implementing them why shouldnt we get a result. If we take the game to them I am not sure they have a plan B. What is vital is that we dont allow them to score after 5 mins.
Ive said a couple of times on here I cant stand Klopp and would love it (as somebody once said) if we could shut the b.....d up.

Err, i've predicted a win

 

[Powello]

the thing is try not to panic, they'll throw every thing they can at us for the first 20 - 30 minutes, keep calm dont do anything silly try an keep the ball make them chase it,
when they get it, they'll whip it about at speed, we've got to make sure everyone hurries to get back behind the ball, get crowd quiet then slowly take the game to them. then hit them bang, bang, bang