Liverpool FC Forum

[Ciggy]

So back to normality at last we need these 3 points badly to get up in the top half of the table, but Pompey also need the points even more so than us or their manager Perrin is looking at the sack.
They will be playing like dogs of war I should imagine, usually I would say we are guarenteed these 3 points and Pompey will be easy, but they are a bogey team, and with most of our first team being on Internaionals this week it wont be no walk over.
On the injury front Riise will be out for a week with a head injury, so he will miss saturday and the CL game against betis.
Luis Garcia picked up a knock he didnt play last night, I am not to sure if he will play on saturday, maybe Rafa will keep save him for the Betis game on wednesday.
Xabi Alonso played the full 90 mins last night and probably wont return to training till tomorrow.
Harry Kewell is still in Australia they where having a tour and then youve got the long haul flight, he wont be a starter.
So it looks like Zenden will come in and hopefully we will see Didi return to the squad god I miss him.

[stoney]

I just hope that Rafa plays Warnock instead of Traore at left back

[Paul C]

I just wonder who will be up from Nando or Crouch with Cisse.

[bigmick]

I would play Hamman for sure in the centre. He must however play in there with someone who has the legs to do the donkey work. A central pairing of Zenden and Hamman would be a huge mistake and I could see us getting overrun. Sissoko with Hamman in the centre, Gerrard right and if we must play Zenden (and at 35k a week I guess we must occasionally at least), then play him left. Front two of Crouch (fresh and I fancy him to score at last) and Cisse, who still looks like our most likely striker.

[Paul C]

I would play Hamman for sure in the centre.

Rafa's logged on as Mick..... FOR SURE 

[bigmick]

I would play Hamman for sure in the centre.

Rafa's logged on as Mick..... FOR SURE 

Sorry mate. What I meant to say was that it is important that the players show a good mentality. Of course you like to win and to score goals, but first you must control the game and the football.

[Ciggy]

Think we could give Pongolle a game TBH, we are at home he needs games, can score goals maybe he will get the nod for Luis?

[bigmick]

Think we could give Pongolle a game TBH, we are at home he needs games, can score goals maybe he will get the nod for Luis?

Yeah Pongo's not a bad shout actually Lynds. Could play right-side with Stevie G in the centre, or upfront with one of the other lads.

[Paul C]

Think we could give Pongolle a game TBH, we are at home he needs games, can score goals maybe he will get the nod for Luis?

Good point Lynds, I complete forgot about his as he hasn't been mentioned for a while. 

[Ciggy]

Think we could give Pongolle a game TBH, we are at home he needs games, can score goals maybe he will get the nod for Luis?

Good point Lynds, I complete forgot about his as he hasn't been mentioned for a while. 

Last time he played for the ressies he scored but also got a 3 match ban, so it would'nt be a bad idea to play him, he's a crackin little player and a very handy little player to have as back up. Would like to see more of him TBH.

[SouthCoastShankly]

I'm looking forward to the game, shoudl be a clash of the titans according to our friend Pompey!   But personally i think we have turned the corner of mediocre performances against lower opposition and our league form is starting to show fruitage. I would imagine Rafa will play:

                          Reina

Finnan     Carragher      Hyypia      Warnock

Gerrard       Alonso       Sissoko       Zenden       

              Morientes       Cisse         

I think although Cisse missed some obvious chances for France he is clearly getting his scoring touch back. Shame about Kewell, i tend to agree CGGY I think jet lag is going to play too much of a factor and he'll be on the bench max

Prediction: 2-0

[2520years]

It's a good opportunity to pick up our momentum again after the international break.  We're good at home and Portsmouth aren't great.  This is a game we should win quite easily.  It's a great chance for our strikers to make the headlines.

IMO Shankly's team looks good, but I think Crouch will be fresher than Morro.

p.s.  At least the Spanish contingent don't have to put up with the frost for too long.  I wish I was going to the World Club Championship!

[BringBackTiti]

Peter Crouch today admitted he'll feel like jumping in the Kop to celebrate with the fans when he nets his first goal for Liverpool. 
The Reds' striker is hoping to open his scoring account for his new club against Portsmouth this weekend when Rafael Benitez's side will go in search of their third straight league win of the season.
 
Crouch insists he's strong enough to shake off the criticism which has come his way from outside Anfield this season, but he admits he'll feel a huge sense of relief when he finds the back of the net for the Reds.
 
"I'm really looking forward to that moment and the sooner it comes the better," he said. "How will I celebrate? I'll want to jump into the Kop I think.
 
"There's been a lot said about me of late but a lot of people have supported me as well. The manager here, the England coach, Wayne Rooney and Kenny Dalglish have said nice things, so when you hear positive comments from people you respect then it makes it easier to ignore the other rubbish from people whose opinions don't really matter as much.
 
"The Liverpool fans have been great with me. Everyone knows how loud they are but when they're singing your name it's a really amazing experience. Hopefully I can score for them this weekend." 


of lfc.tv

I hope he does score gets poeple of his back am looking forward to the return of domestic football feels like its been ages since we last played

[Scottbot]

Think we could give Pongolle a game TBH, we are at home he needs games, can score goals maybe he will get the nod for Luis?

Pongo and Crouchy up-front. I still reckon it could be our most effective combo up front.

[Ace Ventura]

Think we could give Pongolle a game TBH, we are at home he needs games, can score goals maybe he will get the nod for Luis?

Good point Lynds, I complete forgot about his as he hasn't been mentioned for a while. 

Last time he played for the ressies he scored but also got a 3 match ban, so it would'nt be a bad idea to play him, he's a crackin little player and a very handy little player to have as back up. Would like to see more of him TBH.

Is Pongolle fit ?
He was due to play for the France u21's against England in the first leg on saturday and i'm sure they said he pulled out last minute injured.
I might be wrong, but seem to remember the commentator saying something.
Le Tallec took his goal well in that game by the way.
Also CGGY it said on sky sports news that Pongolles sending off for the reserves wouldnt carry over to the premiership for some reason.