What would be the most effective lineup that lfc could implement? Personally I'd like to see Hyypia, Henchoz, Carragher, Riise in the back. Diouf on the left, Hamann and Cheyrou in the middle and Gerrard on the right. Owen and Heskey up top. That would leave attacking options of Berger, Smicer, Baros, Murphy and Litmanen. Whats you're opinion?
I would imagine Babbel will force his way back into the back four, either pushing Carragher to the bench or Riise to midfield. I think Riise may end up as left midfield with Diouf fighting Heskey for a starting position up front. However, it may well be Baros challenges both of them. Though I see him as cover for Owen. We essentially have two teams now, with cover at all positions. Any squad player should be able to come in and cover if necessary. Ok, I am going on holiday for a week, be back in time for the new season next week.
id like to see: Dudek Babbel Hyypia Henchoz Vignal Cheyrou Hamman Gerrard Riise Owen Diouf (keeping in mind Cheyrou is two-footed)
I would put Carragher on the left to reinstate the treble winning backline. On the money with the rest. Diouf has past Heskey in my mind.
It's great to have all these options, with little or no loss of quality anywhere you look. Houllier has got the team he wants now I think.
Very good thread idea. I'll have a go at a 4-3-3, which we played for a few games in Hamman's abscence last season, and a few more in the stretch run to our second place. It's not for every game, of course, but it's fun. Babbel--Henchoz--Hyppia--Riise ----Gerrard--Hamman--Cheryou ------Owen--Diouf--Heskey This could be a devastating 11 and a formation that many, many teams will have problems with. Riise pushes up from the left back spot, at times giving us a four man midfield of Stevie G, Didi, Cheryou and Riise. These 4 servicing the strikers - Michael paired with and interchangeable duo of Heskey and Diouf available anywhere, anytime, on the left. With hope in my heart indeed. Riise, Cheryou, and Diouf or Heskey in tandem up the left side of the park is a night thought..... Getting REALLY excited about the season now. And YanksFC........ Vignal??? You shock me!
we should play wingback formation with 3 at the back ------------------Dudek------------------- ---------Babbel---Hyypia---Henchoz-------- ----Gerrard-------------------------Riise---- ---------Murphy--Hamann--Cheyrou--------- -------------------Diouf-------------------- ---------------Owen----Baros-------------- you could swap murphy for smicer and baros for heskey if you wish
With an extra man on the pitch, Liverpool might never lose! But I think scouserathearts lineup is the most practical for the long haul. Call me crusty but I'm kind of a 442 purist. I think it's important to have Riise playing in the midfield, not in the back four, and of course that lineup is reliant upon the fact that Cheyrou is truly up to snuff, and that Babbel fully regains form.
If you move Riise to the midfield, which is his best postion, IMO, who plays left back? Can Djimi Traore play on the outside? He may have been our best defender so far.
And to that end, I, for one, was very encouraged by Vignal's showings last year and will optimistically point to his potential upside. Also, it would be great to regain the kind of stability in the back four that I feel was very important to the treble. I've said it before, but bookend H&H with whomever you please, and just keep it the same as long as possible. With all the choices, I wouldn't be suprised if we find ourselves witnessing some strategic front six change-ups in various competitions, as LFC now have a variety of weaponry that could be mixed & matched to best capitalize on particular opponent's weaknesses, or conversely, to counter opposing teams strengths.
C Shield With this weekends action, LFC lined up with a back four of Xavier, Hyypia, Henchoz and Traore. Three Midfielders wer Gerrard, Hamann and Riise. Diouff, Heskey and Owen up top. For a lineup with three strikers, they lacked offensive punch until they were a goal down. Cheyrou should have started on the left with Riise in the back attempting to overlap. We need some creativity out of the midfield. Also, reinstate Babbel at the right back. He came in and instantly got into the fray.