Liverpool FC Forum

[SouthCoastShankly]

This is our final pre-season friendly prior to our CL qualifier next week. LFC.TV report that Rafa is expected to play his strongest team for the majority of the game as he looks to step up their fitness levels.

Mainz finished 11th in the Bundesliga last year so we aren't playing against walkovers, probably the equivalent of a Charlton / West Ham. Obviously with a senior team playing and not the reserves our performance is going to be more confident and less rushed.

One thing we lacked against Grasshoppers, until Gerrard and co came on, was fluidity in our passing. I reckon a comfortable 3-1.

Thoughts?

[Hotrod]

Yea Mainz won't be an easy game, but as the lads are saying its only pre-season about getting fit and getting sharp soi am also not that bothered.

I would like to see some of our world cup stars getting a decent run out maybe 50 mins or so with the qualifier coming up.
GK=Reina
LB=Riise
CB=Palletta
CB=Carra
RB=Kromkamp
LM=Gonzo
CM=Gerrard
CM=Alonso
RM=Garcia (if he is fit or pennant)
CF=Crouch
CF=Fowler

[anti-hero]

Rafa should field our strongest eleven.

I really want to know how strong the team can be at full throttle, and I shall expect nothing but a win against Mainz. To see a Liverpool, improved in the right wing, with our generals running the show again, its going to be such a joy to watch.

Its a demolished Mainz we shall see after the whistle blows!

Besides, its already two losses in a row..   Time to get back to winning ways!!

[tubby]

What time is it?

[48-1119859832]

What time is it?

It's 8:53 am.

[SouthCoastShankly]

Bav are you a Chico fan?

[tubby]

What time is it?

It's 8:53 am.

You lost me!!!

I thought the match was today

[Anfield Kop]

Yea Mainz won't be an easy game, but as the lads are saying its only pre-season about getting fit and getting sharp soi am also not that bothered.

I would like to see some of our world cup stars getting a decent run out maybe 50 mins or so with the qualifier coming up.
GK=Reina
LB=Riise
CB=Palletta
CB=Carra
RB=Kromkamp
LM=Gonzo
CM=Gerrard
CM=Alonso
RM=Garcia (if he is fit or pennant)
CF=Crouch
CF=Fowler

The gaffer might be tempted to play Bellamy upfront with Robbie instead of Crouch.

I'm not too sure Rafa will be willing to risk Garcia for the game.

[flipmode]

I hope we batter them!!!

[Ace Ventura]

Is this game on anything other than lfc.tv ?

[PureLoneWolf]

Not sure - Kick off is at 20:30 out here, so 19:30 back in blighty. I hope they put out the full squad as I am gonna be there, taking the kids to their first match :D:D

[SouthCoastShankly]

Channel 5 i think

[48-1119859832]

Channel 5 i think

It's not on C5 according to my TV guide.

[SouthCoastShankly]

Your right only DSF from the looks of it

[account deleted by request]

Good news about Xabi and Dan Agger but looks like Robbie still has problems


Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger are expected to play a part in Friday's friendly with FC Mainz after recovering from injury. 
Alonso, who was one of a number of players given a longer summer break following his part in the World Cup, is yet to make an appearance in pre-season due to an ankle problem.
Meanwhile, Agger has also been suffering with an ankle injury which has kept him out of the friendly campaign to date but he has also made good progress and could feature in Germany.

Rafa Benitez is set to name a strong side as he prepares for next week's Champions League qualifier with Maccabi Haifa. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Peter Crouch are all due to play an hour.

Both Fabio Aurelio (calf strain) and Robbie Fowler (knee) are expected to sit out once again.