Liverpool FC Forum

[Emerald Red]

Vs

Saturday 10th 17:30 KO


After the so called debacle that was Stoke's visit to Anfield earlier in the season where they parked the proverbial bus in front of our goal thus resulting in a draw which was proclaimed as a set-back of sorts for us. Debatable - which it was - we now travel to the Britannia Stadium looking to set that minor "set-back" right. We're sitting pretty at the summit of the league, so no more of these minor "set-backs" against the so called minor teams of the league can be afforded lightly. With Torres returning to the first team in goal scoring fashion, no more excuses can be given should the "bus be parked". Let's continue to assert ourselves at the top. No complacency. Three points are a must.

[roberto green]

I actually go into the games against the small teams AWAY with a lot more optimism than if we were playing at HOME against them cos as has been stated we have a lot more room to play in away from home.

[Greavesie]

3 points here with Torres and Stevie to score

2:0 Redmen and Chelsea and Man U to draw, good weekend coming up!

[Owzat]

They'll be on a low, their main 'tactic' is suffering from a lingering injury worry, they're in the bottom three and just got humbled in the FA Cup. They're bound to use the draw at Anfield as their motivation and inspiration, but undoubtedly they'd settle for a repeat dose of nil-nil.

Stoke beat Arsenal at home, but lost to Chelsea (2-0) and Man Utd (1-0) at home. Our away form is better than their home form, but they are not easy to beat at home and we need to win. In fact only Chelsea (2nd), Man Utd (3rd) and the bitters (6th) have beaten them at home in the Premiership. Hull (8th) drew there, villa (4th) and Arsenal (5th) both lost there, so they have played most of the top eight at home already

Stoke (h) P10 W5 D2 L3 F12 A11 PTS 17
Liverpool (a) P10 W7 D2 L1 F19 A7 PTS 23

We must make most of the rivals playing each other, I'd prefer a Chelsea win if either side were to win it. We can't keep relying on our rivals dropping points and we need to start winning the games we have a silly habit of drawing. The bare faced fact of the matter is the mancs could move within a point of us if they win their (both home) games in hand and then we have to go to their's. We're top but we need to start stringing results together and try to move away from them - that means more wins and fewer draws. Top by a few points is putting no pressure on them whatsoever, they'll see us dropping points at the same time as them as keeping them well in the chase as much as it keeps us top.

[Owzat]

As for team selections, I might give Kuyt a place on the bench and start with Babel or Pennant on the right - test them with a bit more pace. I might be tempted to play 4-4-2 but we control games well with five across the middle and we have goalscoring options from midfield - Kuyt (7) and Gerrard (13) have as many or more goals than Keane (7) so extra strikers doesn't guarantee extra goals.

Same back four as PNE, unless Arbeloa is fit enough in which case I'd be tempted to either rest Carra or revert to him at CB. If either Alonso or Mascherano isn't fit then Lucas to start, if neither is fit then we might have to play 4-4-2 with Gerrard alongside Lucas or maybe drop Gerrard into that role and play Benayoun in the Gerrard role. Boy do we have a fair few permutations these days

[Dundalk]

This weekend coming up could prove to be very significant in the race for the Premiership.

If we win this game we will be 6 points ahead of Chelsea and 10 ahead of United before they face each other on the Sunday. I think we would take a draw in that one

As for our game, it will be a very tough one and I can see Hyypia keeping his place in the back four and Rafa going for a cautious formation. A tight game but we should nick it.  1-0

[Effes]

Thinking of the Man U - Chelsea game, obviously the draw is the preferred result, but
if not then I'd take a Chelsea win over a Man U win.

[roberto green]

3 points here with Torres and Stevie to score

2:0 Redmen and Chelsea and Man U to draw, good weekend coming up!

i forgot about them playing eah other.If one had to win I would choose Chelsea cos i think they are on a downward turn and they are more prone to dropping points than the Mancs.

[redsince2001]

we win... chelsea manu draw ...5 pts clear for the time being

[tubby]

This is a must win as it could be a chance to widen the gap between us and the others. Torres to start.

[metalhead]

Torres starts, let us win this game and hope manc and chelsea draw. Hopefully the Manc v Chelsea ends up 0-0

[Sabre]

I share the revenge feelings that Emerald describes in the thread starter, and I share the view it's a great opportunity to increase the gap.

Yes, I want revenge for the game at home. A dominant team, when is insulted at home, must go away and send a message in the form of a spanking. I'd like to see a 0-4.

As a mate has mentioned it may be actually easier to face Stoke at their stadium. Most English teams I've seen are very generous in the physical effort and passion, and when they're home, they feel more pushed to go to attack than continental teams, who sometimes park the bus even at home.

A must win.

[Zidane]

We better dominate these bums

[Kash_Mountain]

must go away and send a message in the form of a spanking.

[Madmax]

3-0 nice and easy no hassle .. Torres to get on scoresheet and stevie aswel.