Stevie out. Lineup: Dudek Carra H-H D-Jimmy Diouf DiDi Spuds Riise Heskey Owen Arphexad Smicer Baros Diao Biscan
Took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out that reference. Whoever we put out there--and I agree with liverbird's lineup--we need to come out with the same attacking, positive play with which we started our last two matches. If so, 2-0 to the Pool. PS: We'll know our possible next round opponent by the end of today. PPS: Gerrard is out, of course; but I didn't realize Vlad was as well. GH has already confirmed that Owen will start. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N138846030204-1321.htm So I'd change the subs from Smicer to Cheyrou. ----
I'd contemplate Riise at left back and Cheyrou out wide left. If we start out aggressive and control the ball from the outset, Cheyrou would be more useful then Riise in midfield and Riise can move forward from his spot at left back. Provided we're not playing hoof the ball to Emile and try to win it from there. If that's the case, Cheyrou needs to be on the bench. He can't win the ball outright like that and regardless, that's not his game. If we're playing with the possession, Cheyrou could use Stevie G's suspension to become more familier with the speed of the game in England and with one of the opponents in the suspension being Birmingham, I'd be inclined to give him a short run to speed up the process. If he starts to play like he did with Lille, then when Gerrard comes back from suspension, that's a midfield glut I'd be proud to have. 5-6 players all commanding a spot. (7 if you move Riise to mid). Anyway, I'd just go with Cheyrou in place of Riise and Riise in place of Traore.
In other news, Kolinko won't play for them after refusing to play on Staurday in a dispute over re-imbursement for expenses! I thought about Cheyrou, but frankly I don't know if he's got the gonads for this kind of Cup tie. A lot will depend on hoe GH decides to play it. Riise is a dangerous 7th attacker from fullback but if we are playing that way then we might give up something at the back.
Bascombe intimates that Cheyrou is going to get the start on the left, which I guess would keep Riise in the back.
No Matt Clark!! Soccernet reports on the Palace goalie situation, http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=256933&cc=5739 Sorry to hear Matt isn't playing in this one!!
Leeds v. Gillingham [R] And, should we advance, we will be playing... (spoiler space) Leeds. They beat Gillingham 2-1
Crystal Palace have done well to get this far and earn a replay but at Anfield, they will be no match for us.
Got to like you for posting this one Cat. All fingers will point to you should we have a problem...!!!
Goal #1: Fowler, at the edge of the center circle in his own end, sends a perfectly weighted ball to Smicer down the left. He shakes his defender, takes two touches, and buries it far post.
Goal #2: Jari crosses it from just outside the box on the left to find the right boot of Murphy, who buries it on the volley near post.
Goal #3: Biscan heads it to Fowler, who traps it beautifully and sends Biscan through with a lovely backheel(!). Biscan's shot from 18 yards out goes under a sprawling Kolinko.
Goal #4: Gerrard heads it to Fowler, who chests it down for Murphy. Danny breaks towards the goal while Jari stands there, avoiding being called for offside, which confuses the defense. 15 yards out, Murphy puts in his second of the night.
Goal #5: It was only fitting that Robbie would get one (he owned this competition, after all), and shortly before time he connects. Patiently passing it around with the swagger of a team going to Cardiff, Gerrard finds Fowler wide open at the top of the D. He turns around and slips it through the keeper.
Dudek Carragher Henchoz Hyypia Riise Diouf Hamman Murphy Cheyrou Heskey Owen Diao Traore Arphexad Baros Biscan
Berthelin Granville Popovic Symons Buterfield Derry Johnson Mulins Powell Adebola Gray Freedman Kronin Black Thomson Akinbiyi