The Derby: Bitters v. Liverpool [R]

[Twenty26Six]

Sorry for being a wee bit obtuse. 26 got me right. I'd start Crouch and Fowler. Holding Kuijt back for PSV. But that's me.

I forgot about the PSV fixture and it will make this section a bit tricky to navigate.

I think all bets are off on who may play.

[royalstilton]

Not from Liverpool are you.............:)
well.........no. but you knew what i meant.

[Bobinhood]

Finally back at it, then 2 big games in 4 days. love it. Gotta win em both, otr at least it would be very sweet to do so. id say rafa will rest as many internationals as he thinks he can get away with. Say Fowler and Bellamy to start and Kuyt at 60 mins. Than Crouch and Kuyt for Tuesday.

Our subs can take care of these lot anyway :) Wonder what happens if he decides to rest sami....does he dare? is warnock healthy yet? i think he cant rest sami, not now.

[Suss]

My guess at a lineup would be this:

---------------Reina
Finnan--Hyppia--Agger--Warnock
Pennant--Gerrard--Sissoko--Gonzalez
-----------Fowler--Kuyt

Then I wouldn't be suprised to see Gerrard rested against PSV with Xabi coming back into the team. Then Rafa should have the entire squad to choose from for the Chelsea match.

[USvsIRELAND]

Fowler has to start this one. Its Everton and PSV on Tues.

[el-capitano]

Fowler has to start this one. Its Everton and PSV on Tues.

Agreed, Robbie won't start against PSV, so he will start against the Bitters. I would have him alongside Kuyt and save Crouchie for Tuesday, as he should be tired at the moment.

[ULL NEVER WALK ALONE]

Agreed, Robbie won't start against PSV, so he will start against the Bitters. I would have him alongside Kuyt and save Crouchie for Tuesday, as he should be tired at the moment.
i would rather save up crouch for next saturday......boy what a big week ahead.

[royalstilton]

My guess at a lineup would be this:

---------------Reina
Finnan--Hyypia--Agger--Warnock
Pennant--Gerrard--Sissoko--Gonzalez
-----------Fowler--Kuyt

Then I wouldn't be suprised to see Gerrard rested against PSV with Xabi coming back into the team. Then Rafa should have the entire squad to choose from for the Chelsea match.
i like the look of this, if Warnock can go. if it's gotta be Aurelio, then I hope Carragher can play. Physioroom.com is saying two days. what's the local story?

[AndSomeAreAngels]

My guess at a lineup would be this:

---------------Reina
Finnan--Hyppia--Agger--Warnock
Pennant--Gerrard--Sissoko--Gonzalez
-----------Fowler--Kuyt

Then I wouldn't be suprised to see Gerrard rested against PSV with Xabi coming back into the team. Then Rafa should have the entire squad to choose from for the Chelsea match.
We have a winner.

[Red Bird]

i like the look of this, if Warnock can go. if it's gotta be Aurelio, then I hope Carragher can play. Physioroom.com is saying two days. what's the local story?
Both Riise and Carragher have recovered but may not have not trained enough to be considered for this match.

Also a rumour that, with Crouch seemingly exhausted, Benitez may start with Kuijt and Bellamy.

[liverbird]

Both Riise and Carragher have recovered but may not have not trained enough to be considered for this match.

Also a rumour that, with Crouch seemingly exhausted, Benitez may start with Kuijt and Bellamy.

Official site report:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N153421060908-1412.htm

[Springbok FC]

I'd hate to see us rush either Carra or JAR back into the squad prematurely. Especially with PSV and Chelsea just on the horizon. My guess is that they'll continue to train, but not dress for tomorrow's match.

I still like Fowler's chances of starting a) because it's Bitters and b) because he's rested. I'd choose Kuyt to partner him upfront with Bellamy (always a sparkplug) used as a sub at roughly 65 mins. Nice to have Momo back.

Come on you Reds!

[chungt79]

With such a busy schedule I wouldn't expect Rafa to risk Carra and Riise.

I would like to see Kuyt in action after his display against WestHam but I think he will be better against PSV. I dunno who Rafa will pick but I would love to see Fowler at some stage.

That's all I want. Bitters Vs. Fowler. :D

[liverbird]

That's all I want. Bitters Vs. Fowler. :D

Hopefully he'll pass on snorting the line as he scores his hat trick :D

[Red Bird]

Riise's return would stiffen the left side of defence. Aurelio needs a few matches to adjust to the pace of the Premiership and the derby would not be the occassion to gain this useful experience. Bellamy would be the ideal player for a fiery encounter such as this, and given that Crouch and Kuijt played late mid-week, Fowler and Bellamy would be the probable starting strikers. But Benitez is nothing if not the master of surprise.

[USvsIRELAND]

The anticipation of the lineup is killing me!

[usscouse]

On awaiting Everton's arrival for a derby game at Anfield, Bill Shankly gave a box of toilet rolls to the doorman and said: "Give them these when they arrive – they'll need them!"

[royalstilton]

I vote for having Carragher and Riise come onto the pitch on crutches and then play. ;)

[Twenty26Six]

I vote for having Carragher and Riise come onto the pitch on crutches and then play. ;)

I'm sure Carra wouldn't mind. ;)

[USvsIRELAND]

I'm sure Carra wouldn't mind. ;)

And he'd play well too!

(Well he'd give everything he had. Some awesome sliding crutch tackles!)