Liverpool v. Manchester City, 5.03.03 [R]

[RedKnight]

The thread for Saturday's match starts here.

Fitness/injury updates:

Riise, Hamann and Dudek should be fit and available, after having skipped international duty due to minor injuries:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N140085030501-1427.htm

And Smicer looks to be doubtful:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N140086030501-1431.htm

No need to talk about what's at stake.

My XI:

…………….Dudek

Carragher—Hyypia—Traore—Riise

Murphy—Hamann—Gerrard—Diouf

………..Owen—Baros


Subs:

Arpexhad
Babbel (Biscan seems still to be out)
Heskey
Diao
Cheyrou

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[liverbird]

That'd be my choice. I suspect that GH will pick Heskey to pair with Owen. He'll say Mr. Em is rested and ready and that Milan played 90 for the Czechs.

[LiverpoolFanatic]

Originally posted by liverbird
He'll say Mr. Em is rested and ready and that Milan played 90 for the Czechs.

We all know he hasn't played enough football to be tired.

[RedKnight]

Originally posted by liverbird
That'd be my choice. I suspect that GH will pick Heskey to pair with Owen. He'll say Mr. Em is rested and ready and that Milan played 90 for the Czechs.

Afraid that you may be right.

However, I just saw the EPL Review Show--and for the first time, I saw Milan's second goal. If that doesn't keep him in the starting lineup for this weekend, I don't know what will.

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[Lanky134]

Originally posted by RedKnight
Afraid that you may be right.

However, I just saw the EPL Review Show--and for the first time, I saw Milan's second goal. If that doesn't keep him in the starting lineup for this weekend, I don't know what will.

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And it's not as if City's defense is any better than WBA's...

I predict big applause for Robbie on his return, and a smattering of boos for Not-So-St. Nick.

[liverbird]

Originally posted by Lanky134

I predict big applause for Robbie on his return, and a smattering of boos for Not-So-St. Nick.

That's kind of a sitter. Robbie was, after all, "God" for a while and a Scouser born. Barmby is probably still viewed a a Bluenose we borrowed for a short while.

[Lanky134]

Originally posted by liverbird
That's kind of a sitter. Robbie was, after all, "God" for a while and a Scouser born. Barmby is probably still viewed a a Bluenose we borrowed for a short while.

Psst.

Anelka.

Barmby's a White Shite.

[RedKnight]

Originally posted by Lanky134
And it's not as if City's defense is any better than WBA's...

Goals Allowed

Man City: 52 Overall, 27 Away
WBA: 62 Overall, 30 Away

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[Lanky134]

Originally posted by RedKnight
Goals Allowed

Man City: 52 Overall, 27 Away
WBA: 62 Overall, 30 Away

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Let's see. We put 6 past WBA last week and 2 at Anfield earlier this year. We scored 3 at Maine Road so I guess we'll win 1-0.

[RedKnight]

Originally posted by Lanky134
Let's see. We put 6 past WBA last week and 2 at Anfield earlier this year. We scored 3 at Maine Road so I guess we'll win 1-0.

That's more thought than I've put into any of my predictions this year.

I'll say 2-0.

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[owian]

Boy I hope he starts Baros. This game is crying out for it. At home against a team with a suspect defense that likes to open it up. This game does not need the big slow (well compared to baros) target man. Heskey still has a role but this game needs the speed of (and finishing) of Baros. And for the record since it worked last week I am going to say City will give us trouble.

[Theo]

Robbie's return makes this game even more interesting. why should Anelka receive boos? wasn't it Houllier who screwed him over? not that i am mad now that he's gone, but he played hard and quite effectively in his brief time with LFC.

i think City have been largely disappointing since the New Year, and i'd really like to see LFC take them apart...that being said, i say we win 3-1. Fowler scores on his return, but we win...best of both worlds :)

[Lanky134]

Originally posted by Theo
Robbie's return makes this game even more interesting. why should Anelka receive boos? wasn't it Houllier who screwed him over?
Upon signing with City, Anelka said that Houllier didn't want him because he doesn't want players who will stand up to him.

Um, Nick, you do realize that he's the boss, right?

[655321]

Nicolas wanted to play here. He worked harder here than at most clubs. I don't think the fans have any particular reason to boo him, nor do have good cause to give him tons of praise. Anyway, Robbie's return will overshadow it.

I'll be at the Mad Dog with the Treble jersey, no 9 on the back with "God" on top, and "Fowler" on the bottom.

Liverpool 3-1 Man City. And I hope Robbie gets one past us at the Kop end.

[RedKnight]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N140104030502-1456.htm

"Gerard Houllier is calling on the Anfield faithful to give Manchester City's ex-Reds a warm welcome tomorrow but then to throw their full support behind the current Liverpool players as they strive for three crucial points."

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[Lanky134]

Originally posted by 655321
Nicolas wanted to play here.

Of course he did. We had clinched a spot in the Champions League. But he also would've had to fight for a place and, when he's had to do that, he's usually sulked and wound up outstaying his welcome.

Originally posted by 655321
He worked harder here than at most clubs.

When he wanted to, yes. He was brilliant in the game at St. James' Park, and scored a wonderful equalizer in the Derby, which I couldn't even see because I was all the way in the opposite corner of the Main Stand. But the roar from the Kop and the curses from the Bluenoses was all I needed.

Originally posted by 655321
I don't think the fans have any particular reason to boo him, nor do have good cause to give him tons of praise.

Polite applause, probably.

Dave

[El Toro]

I was just wondering if Baros will be starting tomorrow? Sorry to barge in but I need info for my fantasy team and this seemed a logical place. Thanks in advance. :)

[655321]

Originally posted by Lanky134
Of course he did. We had clinched a spot in the Champions League. But he also would've had to fight for a place and, when he's had to do that, he's usually sulked and wound up outstaying his welcome.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not that upset that he's gone, despite the fact that we could have used him this year. But whatever, that's not my point.

And since it was mentioned, big deal about him saying that GH doesn't like players that stand up to him. It's true, we all know it.

[kopiteinkc]

Fowler will get a rousing reception, standing ovation throughout the ground, Anelka solid applause and then it's on with the match.

Oh and we are all supporting West Ham and Birmingham tomorrow and the scores from those matches will be posted in this thread during the Liverpool comms.

[Lanky134]

Originally posted by 655321
And since it was mentioned, big deal about him saying that GH doesn't like players that stand up to him. It's true, we all know it.
Right, but why should Anelka stand up to Houllier?