Last ever derby at Goodison Park. It is the Wednesday night to Saturday morning turnaround that Klopp always complained about. This time, Everton have to deal with the same thing, and it is harder for them because they are not used to it. Klopp's record at Goodison wasn't great. I think Slot's more calm and less emotional approach to football might serve us well in this fixture. We need to ask some of these players like Robertson to go one more time, before some rotation midweek in Girona. Mac Allister suspended. Kelleher Trent Gomez Virgil Robertson Gravenberch Jones Szoboszlai Salah Diaz Gakpo
I say this every time - I effing hate these games. but this one I'm hating even more. after last night's results these guys will be on a high, and for them that means increasing the physicality even more than they do usually. meanwhile we - need Robbo to play 3 games in a week, when he's been struggling recently coz we have no easy options* apart from taking Joe out of CB - have Trent not yet back to full fitness - rely on Mo magic again and again while putting tons of minutes on him (they'll be on him like rabid dogs) - have tiring legs in all midfield players and as Suss said, no Mac to call on I need a bigger couch to hide behind. * possibly Endo at LB for 60 minutes, although he has played LB before, doing it for us would almost be an experiment
We've seen a similar scenario not too many seasons ago where we pick up a few injuries to some defenders. Then the rest are forced to be overplayed due to our intense schedules causing yet further injuries until we're down to the bear bones. I still believe we needed at least one summer signing of a player capable of playing cb and lb when needed just to give us that extra depth when the games start coming hard and fast.
There is the potential for the game to be called off. Storm warnings have been issued in the Liverpool area - dangerous winds around 70mph, possibly endangering life, along with tons of rain. I guess it'll be a game-time decision for the officials. I'm torn between getting this fixture out of the way, and postponing it until our guys are able to rest up a bit and get some injuries taken care of, but there aren't many gaps in the schedule of course.
70 mph winds is nuts. We've had 30 and 35 the last two days here and they canceled the practices for the kids up at the SoccerPlex. Weather does seem to be the great equalizer for teams.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot: "Alisson is not ready but will be soon. "Diogo Jota and Fedrico Chiesa are close. The others are a bit further behind."
Slot on his first Merseyside derby: "It is going to be special for everyone. For all the fans, players and the managers involved. To be part of the game is already special but it being the last one at Goodison makes it even more special. "It’s only a nice experience if the result goes your way. That is what we are working on the most. I never speak about three points before the game and especially not if you face a side like Everton that have been keeping clean sheets. "We know we have to be ready against a tough team. The fans will be loud. We have to be prepared for everything in this game. "You need to be aggressive in a smart way. Last season, because I've re-watched the game, we were very aggressive when we went out there. I was surprised after 30 minutes because Liverpool had the ball the most but they had committed more fouls. "Everton are a big threat in set pieces. Unnecessary free kicks are not smart for us. We want to be aggressive but in a concentrated and smart way."
As read on Bluesky Sean Dyche is asked what’s your plans for the season? "To stay in the premier league" Slot is asked What’s your plans? “Win the Premier league, FA Cup, Champions League & League Cup” Interviewer: "Aren't you being a bit too optimistic? " Slot: “He started it!”
Wouldn't mind this being postponed, honestly... stick it in somewhere else, when LFC are in a better position re: injuries and the weather will be a bit fairer. Not bad to have a game in hand against Everton.
obviously necessary, but from a selfish-Liverpool-supporter perspective I'm fine with this. Our lads will really benefit from the extra rest and recuperation time. We'll have to deal with the rabid Bitters later whenever the schedule can squeeze it in.
Logistic-wise, travel, hotels, flights etc., if there’s a good away game to be postponed at short notice, I suppose it’s this one.
Alexis Mac Allister will now serve his one game ban against Fulham. He’s also suspended for the Champions League game against Girona. That’s a long break without a game for him.
Will now be interesting how Slot handles Girona midweek. Does he choose to give certain players like Gravenberch an extended rest? He may have already promised that game to Endo.
Every title race, City had a game in hand against whatever orphanage was in 17th, so it’ll be nice to have that going for us this season
Saw some quotes from Endo saying he had talks with Slot about his role in the team. I’m sure they would discuss where his games are going to come from. Girona this week and league cup the week after are definitely opportunities for the likes of Endo and Elliott. That could change now that the first eleven didn’t get to play today.