Ah, back down to earth with another cup final. Fulham, another gritty team at home with a lot to lose. I hope the team have got over the euphoria of last nights big win and are ready for the mundane! I'm sure (I think) Jurgen can find a balance. Pump up the GD here.
Glad this is on Sunday as a Wednesday night Munich trip backing up to a Saturday London trip would have been tough on the lads. 3 points is necessary. As I said in another thread, had we not advanced in the CL I think our heads would have dropped and the race would be over. But, as it stands, it is fully game on and the boys will feel vindicated and energized for the challenges to come. 0-3 to the good. Salah to break his duck, Milner with a penalty, and VvD to continue his goalscoring form.
I surmised as much in another thread too... But now there should be a good vibe going forward .... (just no injuries on this upcoming stupoid international break please ....)
I would mix it up here - get Shaq on the pitch and Keita if healthy. Wijnaldum needs a rest. I'd even rest Robertson - if he is going on international duty.
Midfield selection questions again. Hendo seemingly would be out. Perhaps Keita was rested to make sure he was ready for Fulham, but the club seems to mislead a lot when it comes to injury duration, so who knows. I guess the question is whether he asks Gini to go again as he looked a step off the pace last night, especially on the ball. I could see Shaq coming in for this one, then it would be a question of who partners Fabinho. If not Gini, we'd be looking at Keita or Milner. I'm not sure it matters though, as we should have more than enough for them. I'm sure Babel will do what he can to help.
Yep , I think Fulham is a perfect opportunity to rest a few of the regulars and give some back ups a run out. The likes of Shaq , Keita , Lovren , Lallana , Origi all need games . I wouldn't expect all of them to start but for me at least two or three of them.
I'd like to do something like this as well, maybe a good time for the 4-2-2-2? To hopefully instantly get on front foot with early goal? I'm into it. But either way, winning is the only acceptable result. There's no way Fulham should be in this match at all.
We have a minor selection issue in midfield. Henderson is out, which hopefully means he withdraws from the England squad as well. Klopp intended to rest Fabinho against Bayern, but he had to come on. Klopp said Gini looked tired after Burnley and he’s played another 90 minutes since. Good chance that Lallana starts. It might be worth starting Lovren to get him a game. Team could be: Allison Trent Lovren Virgil Robertson Fabinho Milner Lallana Salah Firmino Mane He could also go with just 2 in midfield and bring in either Origi or Shaqiri.
Keita wasn't in training pics - so no chance he starts - might not make the bench either. Lallana is definitely starting.
#LFC starting XI v #FFC: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Salah, Mane, Firmino Subs: Mignolet, Lovren, Moreno, Milner, Shaqiri, Origi, Sturridge
No rest for Wijnaldum? He’s almost become indespensable, isn’t he? Although, it cannot help that Keita and Henderson are struggling with injuries, and Milner cannot be asked to play that many games is such a short space of time.