Live in the US on espn2 at 3pm ET.
Last four head-to-head:
0-0 (a) 02.21.10
2-2 (h) 11.21.09
1-1 (h) 02.22.09
3-2 Liverpool (a) 10.05.08
Referee: Phil Dowd
Guess at the line-up:
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Kelly
Kuyt Lucas Mascherano Jovanovic
Gerrard
Torres
Obviously, the main question is who plays in the hole with Cole banned for the next three league games, as I don't expect Hodgson to change the 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1 formation used in every game so far. I would have guessed Aquilani prior to his loan, but now it seems that the options are Gerrard, Maxi, Pacheco, or maybe even Kuyt. After getting used to Gerrard behind the striker for the last two seasons, that's my initial guess, but it's impossible to be certain so soon into Hodgson's tenure. That Torres looked fit in his 45-minute cameo against Trabzonspor can only be a good thing, and without news to the contrary, I'm hoping he finally makes his return to the starting XI.
With Mascherano likely to play despite picking up a minor injury against Arsenal and if Gerrard's likely to play in the hole, the other midfield spot would be filled by either Poulsen or Lucas. I'm naturally inclined to believe the marginally more-creative (and more Liverpool-experienced) Lucas will start, but on the road against tough opposition, Hodgson may want two out-and-out destroyers. However, Poulsen's lack of match fitness after a full game on Thursday makes his participation improbable.
As much as I think Agger's a far stronger option than Aurelio or Kelly at the moment, if he's had a grade two concussion, I don't want him anywhere near the field for his own sake. It may have been a week since the injury, but I doubt it's been a week since his headaches cleared up. I've had concussions (you may be able to tell from my writing style); it is not an injury to be trifled with. That Aurelio, lacking match practice and looking out-of-sorts for long stretches on Thursday, played 90 minutes against Trabzonspor leads me to question his availability tomorrow. Even in the best of circumstances under Benitez a couple of years back, Fabio rarely played two games in four days. Which would leave Kelly as the lone option. It's a big ask for the youngster to start at left back against Manchester City in Manchester, but that's the squad depth at the moment, and, honestly, I'd trust Martin Kelly a lot more than most youngsters based on past performances.
City played 4-3-3 against both Tottenham and Timisoara. Barry, De Jong, and Yaya Toure were the midfield three in both; Tevez, Silva, and Wright-Phillips were up front against Spurs while Tevez, Silva, Adebayor started on Thursday. Balotelli picked up a knock late in the Europa League, after scoring the winner on his debut, which makes him questionable, but likely to play, for Monday. Boateng, Bridge, and Kolarov all are injured, making Zabaleta the likely left-back, although Lescott can do the job there if needed.
City's money, and the players they've purchased, make tomorrow a tough ask, even if they haven't quite gelled and needed some spectacular saves from Joe Hart to come away from Tottenham with a 0-0 draw. This will be their first home match of the season and they'll undoubtedly up for it, no matter which of Mancini's millionaires starts.
Hopefully, they'll continue to need time to settle as a team, and Liverpool can take advantage will a well-drilled defense and quick counter attack. Hodgson's record, despite being with "smaller clubs," shows that he'll first and foremost set up to be tough to beat, which is probably the right way to go about this match. If Torres is fit and if Gerrard is playing further forward, anything can happen on the break. Because no matter how hard of a start to the season Liverpool has or the circus still surrounding the club, a draw and a loss would be no way to start the league season.
11 comments :
Fuck that midfield, fuck it right in the face.
In favor of?
Gerrard and Masche with Aquilani in front.
Oh yes, I should have realized.
FYI everyone else: If you want to see what the angrier version of my Aquilani post would have looked like, go see Georger's version from when the news broke: http://avoidingthedrop.com/2010/08/19/the-italian-screwjob/
Ha, Mike's midfield would've suited me fine, and I'd be lying if I wasn't slightly happy when Cole was suspended because I thought it was the only way for Aquilani to get in and prove his worth. Oh well, instead we gave him and 5 mil to Juventus for Paulsen.
Speaking of, I think I agree with your second thought that Paulsen will be in with Mascherano. If that's the case, along with Barry, de Jong, and Yaya it won't be the prettiest game. We'll have to wait on the inevitable defensive fuck up from City and then hope Joe Hart doesn't play savior again this week.
You should be glad you aren't a City blogger, trying to figure out who is going to play would be a headache. Plus, you'd be a City fan.
The one benefit to being a City blogger would be continuing to despite all things United.
I like that lineup a lot, Nate (in terms of a prediction; I would rather have Aquiliani as well). I think a different set-up would require something entirely unexpected (such as Mascherano at RB) but that would go against everything I have read and heard about Hodgson's road mentality. This game is a big one because it will set the tone for Liverpool's road performances the rest of the season which, as we all remember, were horrible last season.
I'd be a terrible City blogger. It took for 4-5 hours after I wrote this to remember Milner, who's likely to make his debut. Whether he plays in midfield or on the wings is up for debate, but I probably should have mentioned the over-priced tree stump.
Good formation. We may probably play that today. One probable change in your formation could be that we could really play 4-4-2 Gerrard and Mascher in the midfield and Torres and Ngog up front. Ngog would get invaluable experience working with Torres and his holp up play would certainly help Torres :) ...
It should have been hold up play... damn the morning chillness...
Mascherano for 12 mil pounds plus 2 guys Barca is getting rid of anyway is a joke. Hleb was a good player, he should add depth at least, but he's no better than Aquilani. Know nothing about the Uruguayan.
I hate European football and transfer rumors. I'm sorry, but I can't get used to having players force their way to other teams even though they're under contract. I understand Masch had a handshake agreement from last year, but if the price isn't met...
Well it won't be Masche in the midfield. He is "on strike."
This really burns me up. Liverpool - regardless of their management fiascos - deserve to negotiate a fair price. Stunts like these don't help. Masche may want away, but this doesn't help.
Post a Comment