Liverpool v. West Ham [R]

[liverbird]

Lineup:

--------Reina
Finnan---Sami---Agger--Aurelio
Pennant---Gerrard--Xabi---Gonzalez
----------Bellamy---Fowler

Dudek
Crouch
Zenden
Kromkamp
Paletta

[Red Bird]

Lineup:

--------Reina
Finnan---Sami---Agger--Aurelio
Pennant---Gerrard--Xabi---Gonzalez
----------Bellamy---Fowler

Dudek
Crouch
Zenden
Kromkamp
Paletta
My line-up too. The bench has that thread-bare look, again. Maybe Garcia on the bench instead of Zenden, whose poor form I hops is just early season rustiness.

But I'm also positive. Agger is looking better with each match. Gerrard and Alonso will boss that midfield. Bellamy and Fowler will terrorise Carrol And Konchesky's love of going forward will be the platform for Pennant to get behind the defence and feed the front two. Last night Pardew emnployed an odd formation 5-3-2 and nearly paid the price. He'll not be so naive this time.

Time to arrive at the party.

EDIT: Actually, Kuyt wouldn't look too bad on the bench, either. And <RANT MODE> Another midday kick-off<END OF RANT MODE>

[dcc134]

Shouldn't Kuyt be at least on the bench for this one?

[liverbird]

I'm playing off Rafa's comment to wait til after the international interval to see an improved Team. So I expect him to work with Kuijt a little before he throws him in.

[lackadaisical]

I'd rather see Crouch than Fowler.

[Springbok FC]

Last night Pardew emnployed an odd formation 5-3-2 and nearly paid the price. He'll not be so naive this time.


Indeed! Watford gave them all sorts of problems on the flanks. Firmly expecting a 1-0 victory with perhaps less theatrics than the last time we played West Ham (if only for my frazzled nerves).

Still looking for a Crouch/Bellamy team-up in attack.

[catenaccio_L'pool]

Lineup:

--------Reina
Finnan---Sami---Agger--Aurelio
Pennant---Gerrard--Xabi---Gonzalez
----------Bellamy---Fowler

Dudek
Crouch
Zenden
Kromkamp
Paletta
I'd just put in Crouch for Fowler

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

I'd just put in Crouch for Fowler
No matter who (fowler or Crouch) sits or starts the starter will probably replaced by the man on the bench. Either Crouch on for the starting fowler or fowler on for Crouch. All depends on how the game is going.

[ULL NEVER WALK ALONE]

yeah, i to would like to see a crouch-bellamy partnership.im glad aston is out,cause hes a real class player.I agree with the midfield,and it does realy look strong with the 2 wingers.well,the only problem would be if we have another CB injured..i mean, we relay dont have any back-up cause even palleta is injured.fingers crossed that we dont suffer any more injuries.

[Red Bird]

Given last night's outcomes, this title race could be very interesting. And all the top teams will need to keep their wits about them at the Riverside ;)

[mbrossetti]

Given last night's outcomes, this title race could be very interesting. And all the top teams will need to keep their wits about them at the Riverside ;)

They did the same thing last season and even in the broadcast they mentioned how boro performed there last season. Until proven differently, this season should progress in a similar manner: teams finding it hard away to boro and a mediocre boro whilst they travel the countryside. The title race is interesting only if teams perform outside their norms of the last season. So far, everything in games 1 and 2 have been the norm.

So with that said, we still need the three points from this game to maintain status quo.

[lgsshedden]

With the injuries to Riise, Warnock, Carragher and Sissoko (and Kewell too), team selection is a bit simpler this week. With Crouch having played the full 90 in Kiev and Fowler looking off the pace last week, I would expect this to be a perfect game for Rafa to try Kuyt up front with Bellamy, or at least have him on the bench to take over at the 60 minute mark if Crouch starts. Garcia, Kronkamp, Zenden the other guys on the bench tp provide cover if (gasp) anyone else picks up a knock. It will be a nice game to see Gerrard and Alsonso in the middle with two outside wingers in Pennant and Gonzalez, especially with the striking partnership of Kuyt/Bellamy or Crouch/Bellamy to feed off them. Look for Gonzalez to have a break out game.

[Ghostface]

I'd rather see Crouch and Fowler.

Fixed to how i'd like to see it.

[Red Bird]

So with that said, we still need the three points from this game to maintain status quo.Yep.

I'd normally be quick to pick out one or two peculiar weaknesses in the Chavski and Arsenal make-ups [from what I saw last night] but seeing as we haven't exactly set the stage alight ourselves, I'll keep my counsel for a while.

[el-capitano]

THE Lineup:

--------Reina
Finnan---Sami---Agger--Aurelio
Pennant---Gerrard--Xabi---Gonzalez
----------Bellamy---Kuyt

Dudek
Crouch
Garcia
Kromkamp
Zenden

[Red Bird]

Benitez's enthusing (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N153289060825-1459.htm)about Kuyt. I reckon he'll play some part in tomorrow's proceedings, off the bench maybe as I reckon Fowler and Bellamy will start.

[Springbok FC]

No doubt Kuyt comes on as a sub tomorrow. Crouch looked good on Wednesday against Haifa. Do you really rest him, now, or ride his good play? I'd opt for the latter.

[ForeverRed]

No doubt Kuyt comes on as a sub tomorrow. Crouch looked good on Wednesday against Haifa. Do you really rest him, now, or ride his good play? I'd opt for the latter.

I agree but I wouldn't want that to come at the expense of Kuyt not getting any playing time...its early in the season which is a good time for a player like him, coming from Holland, to get the feel of the league.

[Springbok FC]

I agree but I wouldn't want that to come at the expense of Kuyt not getting any playing time...its early in the season which is a good time for a player like him, coming from Holland, to get the feel of the league.

Agreed, which is why I'd like to see a Crouch/Bellamy partnership to start the match with Kuyt coming on in the latter stages. Fowler the odd man out in this one.

[mbrossetti]

Agreed, which is why I'd like to see a Crouch/Bellamy partnership to start the match with Kuyt coming on in the latter stages. Fowler the odd man out in this one.

I see robbie playing as crouch played and is going to have to link up w/england as bellamy will with wales and kuyt with the dutch. not that that will determine the lineup, but with crouch playing midweek, i think it may be bellamy/fowler with kuyt on the bench. don't think he'd start kuyt with either of them, but he did throw moro straight in against united when he wasn't at 100%, so he may be thinking of kuyt to start. I guess we'll find out in about 16.5 hours.