Reina
Kelly Carragher Skrtel Johnson
Maxi Lucas Aurelio
Meireles
Kuyt Suarez
Goals:
Meireles 24'
Gohouri 65'
All good things must come to an end. Would you rather have taken a draw at Stamford Bridge and a win today?
This was one of those frustrating games we've seen all too often. For some reason, they keep occurring against Wigan, who Liverpool haven't beaten in the last three attempts. Liverpool never looked wholly comfortable and ended up paying for it. Pick your cliché about the fragility of a one-goal lead. With Gerrard and Agger missing, Dalglish reverted to four at the back, handing Suarez his first start. Meireles was the most attacking midfielder in a formation best-described as 4-3-1-2.
It took 15 minutes for the home side to gel, ignoring a fourth-minute penalty "shout" when Suarez went down in the box. The Uruguayan was at the center of Liverpool's attack, constantly looking to play clever one-twos, but couldn't quite make the breakthrough despite some very smart touches and an excellent work-rate.
Kuyt's bobbled effort from the top of the box in the 18th marked the turn in fortunes, with Liverpool starting to take control, and Meireles soon opened the scoring yet again with his fifth goal in six matches. Gohouri could only half-clear Aurelio's cross, setting up a crashing volley past Al-Habsi. Four of Meireles' five goals have been volleyed strikes if we count the bouncing bazooka which won last Sunday's match.
Three minutes later, the lively Suarez cannoned off the foot of the far post after dismembering a Wigan defender with a shoulder feint. But Liverpool couldn't get the always-needed second goal, and Wigan ended the half stronger after 20 or so minutes of Liverpool dominance.
Liverpool stayed slightly ahead on the balance of play after the interval, but were again punished against the run of play in the 65th after scrambling a free kick clear. N'Zogbia sent a cross back in, Alcaraz ever-so-slightly flicked on, and an offside Gohouri was on hand to tap in at the far post. After a few deep breaths, it's almost understandable that the linesman missed the touch which put Gohouri offside. Nonetheless, it's a harsh way to lose the lead.
Substitutions also hurt Liverpool today. Meireles had to come off in the 54th because of "sickness," but both his and Kuyt's exit could be blamed on midweek exertions and an eye on Thursday's Europa League match. Neither Ngog nor Jovanovic could make anywhere near the needed impact.
With 10 defenders permanent ensconced in Wigan's half, Liverpool's best chances following the equalizer came from free kicks. Aurelio and Maxi wasted theirs wildly over the bar, while Suarez hit the woodwork for the second time with 10 minutes remaining. Opportunities from open play were next to nonexistant; crosses and shots were quickly blocked by diving defenders. Wigan could have been down to 10 men prior to Suarez's free kick – Caldwell should have seen a second yellow for again fouling the new #7 – but Kevin Friend did Liverpool few favors today.
We saw the detriment of international friendlies today. The break halted the momentum built up over the last four games. Not only did Liverpool miss Agger – a surprise omission – but players were clearly tired, especially Kuyt and Lucas.
Suarez was lively, and he'll be scoring from the positions he got into today before we know it. The way he looked to link up with other attackers, playing those quick one-twos and bursting forward will align well with the talents of Gerrard, Meireles, and Carroll. Meireles continued his hot vein of form. Kelly again played beyond his tender age. But no matter the positives, today's result still feels like a loss. There are no easy matches in the Premier League, but two points dropped at home to Wigan is regrettable to say the very least.
It's still six games without a loss – only Arsenal can boast the same results over that period – but today was an expected victory after last week's triumph. Liverpool's now dropped seven points from winning positions in Dalglish's seven league games – against Blackpool, Everton, and now Wigan. Comparably, the side dropped nine during Hodgson's 20 games. At least Liverpool are getting into winning positions more often.
Liverpool now have two weeks before the next league match, a trip to West Ham against another a relegation candidate. Both legs of the Europa League knock-out round will be played prior. By then, everyone should be fit, hopefully including Liverpool's £35m signing. Let's hope momentum is as easily restarted as it was lost today.
12 February 2011
11 February 2011
Liverpool v Wigan 02.12.11
10am ET, live in the US on FSC
Last four head-to-head:
1-1 (a) 11.10.10
0-1 Wigan (a) 03.08.10
2-1 Liverpool (h) 12.16.09
1-1 (a) 01.28.09
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 Chelsea (a); 2-0 Stoke (h); 1-0 Fulham (h)
Wigan: 4-3 Blackburn (h); 2-2 WBA (a); 0-0 Bolton (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Kuyt, Meireles 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Ngog 2; Cole, Johnson, Skrtel, Suarez 1
Wigan: Rodallega 7; N'Zogbia 4; Cleverly, McCarthy, Watson 3; Alcaraz, Gomez, Moses, Stam 1
Referee: Kevin Friend
Guesses at a line-up:
if 3-5-2
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger
Johnson Gerrard Lucas Meireles Aurelio
Suarez
Kuyt
if 4-3-3/4-2-3-1
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Johnson
Lucas Gerrard
Maxi Meireles Suarez
Kuyt
Will Liverpool stick with three at the back? That I'm listing two guesses for lineups should demonstrate my uncertainty. The match against Stoke proved three at the back can be attacking despite an excess of defenders, but Stoke presented far different challenges than Wigan will. Wigan often play 4-5-1, as the Potters did, but don't have the height or set play threat that Stoke provides. Rodallega is a completely different forward than Carew.
What seems certain is that we'll finally see Suarez unleashed. I can't help but wonder how he'd fit into the 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-1-1. He rarely, if ever, played as a lone striker for Ajax or Uruguay. Suarez's entrance against Stoke saw a shift to a more-orthodox 3-5-2, but the game was far more stretched as Liverpool had taken the lead.
Injury concerns have increased in the last week. Shelvey's definitely out. Skrtel, Gerrard, and Kelly are questionable after knocks against Chelsea; all three pulled out of mid-week internationals. The BBC seem to think that Kelly and Gerrard are likely to play, while Skrtel's the biggest concern. The former two will probably be late decisions taken tomorrow.
Depending on the formation, Gerrard would be replaced by Maxi or Aurelio (3-5-2) or Poulsen or Spearing (4-3-3/4-2-3-1). As usual, I find it hard to believe the captain will be absent. Skrtel could be replaced by Kyrgiakos or Kelly if Liverpool stick with three centerbacks; I wouldn't mind seeing Kelly as the right-sided CB, knowing he can get forward as Agger and Skrtel did against Stoke. If Liverpool go with four at the back – which I think is slightly more likely – he'd probably be dropped for a Carra/Agger pairing anyway.
With 12 games to play, Wigan find themselves in the relegation zone on goal difference. They've won on the road twice all season – the last on Boxing Day – but have as many draws as losses away from home. The Latics have the same number of total losses as Liverpool – 10 – but like Birmingham, Wigan are near the bottom of the table because of too many draws both home and away.
Hugo Rodallega has been a constant thorn in Liverpool's side, while N'Zogbia's also capable of magic, although often over-elaborate. James McCarthy's return is a huge boon, with two goals in Wigan's last match – including an absolute beauty (starts at 00:17). Marking the attacking midfielder will fall under Lucas' brief. Defender Gary Caldwell has a fractured cheekbone, while last summer's supposed target Mayner Figueroa is carrying a hamstring problem.
Liverpool have struggled at the DW Stadium in recent years, drawing twice and losing once in the last three games, but have taken all three points at Anfield in four of the five meetings since Wigan's promotion in 2005.
Liverpool have an away match in Prague on Thursday, the start of the Europa League knock-out rounds, but I expect more "rotation" there than tomorrow. There are 15 days until Liverpool's next league match at West Ham. We've seen a marked improvement in form – four successive wins with four successive clean sheets – and Liverpool are finally playing the sort of football we know this squad is capable of. But resting on laurels after Sunday's accomplishment could see Wigan pull one over on the club yet again, no matter the manager or starting XI.
Last four head-to-head:
1-1 (a) 11.10.10
0-1 Wigan (a) 03.08.10
2-1 Liverpool (h) 12.16.09
1-1 (a) 01.28.09
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 Chelsea (a); 2-0 Stoke (h); 1-0 Fulham (h)
Wigan: 4-3 Blackburn (h); 2-2 WBA (a); 0-0 Bolton (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Kuyt, Meireles 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Ngog 2; Cole, Johnson, Skrtel, Suarez 1
Wigan: Rodallega 7; N'Zogbia 4; Cleverly, McCarthy, Watson 3; Alcaraz, Gomez, Moses, Stam 1
Referee: Kevin Friend
Guesses at a line-up:
if 3-5-2
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger
Johnson Gerrard Lucas Meireles Aurelio
Suarez
Kuyt
if 4-3-3/4-2-3-1
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Johnson
Lucas Gerrard
Maxi Meireles Suarez
Kuyt
Will Liverpool stick with three at the back? That I'm listing two guesses for lineups should demonstrate my uncertainty. The match against Stoke proved three at the back can be attacking despite an excess of defenders, but Stoke presented far different challenges than Wigan will. Wigan often play 4-5-1, as the Potters did, but don't have the height or set play threat that Stoke provides. Rodallega is a completely different forward than Carew.
What seems certain is that we'll finally see Suarez unleashed. I can't help but wonder how he'd fit into the 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-1-1. He rarely, if ever, played as a lone striker for Ajax or Uruguay. Suarez's entrance against Stoke saw a shift to a more-orthodox 3-5-2, but the game was far more stretched as Liverpool had taken the lead.
Injury concerns have increased in the last week. Shelvey's definitely out. Skrtel, Gerrard, and Kelly are questionable after knocks against Chelsea; all three pulled out of mid-week internationals. The BBC seem to think that Kelly and Gerrard are likely to play, while Skrtel's the biggest concern. The former two will probably be late decisions taken tomorrow.
Depending on the formation, Gerrard would be replaced by Maxi or Aurelio (3-5-2) or Poulsen or Spearing (4-3-3/4-2-3-1). As usual, I find it hard to believe the captain will be absent. Skrtel could be replaced by Kyrgiakos or Kelly if Liverpool stick with three centerbacks; I wouldn't mind seeing Kelly as the right-sided CB, knowing he can get forward as Agger and Skrtel did against Stoke. If Liverpool go with four at the back – which I think is slightly more likely – he'd probably be dropped for a Carra/Agger pairing anyway.
With 12 games to play, Wigan find themselves in the relegation zone on goal difference. They've won on the road twice all season – the last on Boxing Day – but have as many draws as losses away from home. The Latics have the same number of total losses as Liverpool – 10 – but like Birmingham, Wigan are near the bottom of the table because of too many draws both home and away.
Hugo Rodallega has been a constant thorn in Liverpool's side, while N'Zogbia's also capable of magic, although often over-elaborate. James McCarthy's return is a huge boon, with two goals in Wigan's last match – including an absolute beauty (starts at 00:17). Marking the attacking midfielder will fall under Lucas' brief. Defender Gary Caldwell has a fractured cheekbone, while last summer's supposed target Mayner Figueroa is carrying a hamstring problem.
Liverpool have struggled at the DW Stadium in recent years, drawing twice and losing once in the last three games, but have taken all three points at Anfield in four of the five meetings since Wigan's promotion in 2005.
Liverpool have an away match in Prague on Thursday, the start of the Europa League knock-out rounds, but I expect more "rotation" there than tomorrow. There are 15 days until Liverpool's next league match at West Ham. We've seen a marked improvement in form – four successive wins with four successive clean sheets – and Liverpool are finally playing the sort of football we know this squad is capable of. But resting on laurels after Sunday's accomplishment could see Wigan pull one over on the club yet again, no matter the manager or starting XI.
07 February 2011
Chelsea Chalkboard Review
As most are aware, I frequently trawl through Liverpool's chalkboards after games looking for inspiration. Stats never tell a full story, but often help color in between the narrative's lines. Today I thought I'd show how Liverpool controlled yesterday's game by using Chelsea's chalkboards.
Average Position:
Liverpool (3-1-5-1):
Sunderland (4-5-1):
Having three at the back was obviously the main difference, man-marking both Chelsea strikers with an additional CB to pick up the pieces, but Lucas' role also blunted Chelsea's effectiveness. The deep-lying midfielder was able to control Chelsea's attacking pivot – Anelka. Sunderland's unbalanced 4-5-1 saw Sessesgnon – ostensibly the left winger – more often inside, creating a midfield diamond with Malbranque, Richardson, and Henderson while Elmohamady provided width on the right. But none of those four midfielders had a strictly defensive brief; all four prefer to get forward to join the attack. Without an out-and-out holding player, Anelka had the freedom of the pitch.
Anelka:
Man of the match mid-week with a goal and assist, Anelka attempted 16 more passes against Sunderland, completing 12 more, and was busier in all areas of the opposition half. Against Liverpool, he was restricted to a smaller section of the pitch, far more central, where Lucas could stay in front of him.
Lampard and Essien:
Meanwhile, Chelsea's other "attacking" midfielders – Lampard and Essien, the sides of the diamond – were also far less potent. There is a distinct pattern to their play against Sunderland: Lampard stayed primarily on the left, Essien on the right. Both players had a higher pass completion rate against Liverpool, but both perpetually roamed instead of staying in defined roles, trying to force a break-through, unable to come to terms with Liverpool's stymieing formation. In addition, far more passes from both are either sideways or backwards against Liverpool compared to against Sunderland.
Torres v Kalou:
Yikes. Bad day at the office. To be fair, it was Torres' debut. But still. Yikes. It goes without saying that a striker needs to be more diligent when the team's struggling. But Torres doesn't go looking for chances; he needs to be presented with them. And Chelsea's creators couldn't do so. Which is why Chelsea's record signing was hauled off with the score level and a third of the game left to play.
Shots:
All together, it led to a far reduced attacking output, which was clearly Liverpool's intent. Chelsea took eight less shots on Sunday. Half of those shots came from outside the box. None of the shots from distance found the target. Only one – when Anelka put Malouda through in the 73rd minute – forced a save from Reina, and with Malouda pushed to a narrow angle, it wasn't a difficult save. When Liverpool went ahead by a goal, the wing-backs quickly converted to more orthodox full-backs, shutting down another area of the pitch and congesting the final third, limiting Chelsea chances even further. Against Sunderland, Chelsea created shots from all angles, with four goals from nine attempts on target.
After Wednesday's match against Stoke, most assumed Liverpool's 3-4-2-1 was a one-off tactic. Now we're wondering if that match was a preview for stopping Chelsea or hearkened a tactical revolution devised to reinvigorate a shaky defense. It worked as planned in both matches, but I'm still skeptical that it's a long-term solution, especially when Suarez and Carroll come into the fold.
We'll find out a lot more on Saturday, when Liverpool host struggling Wigan. At home against a side that almost always plays 4-5-1 – without the aerial threat Stoke provides – Liverpool seem likely to focus on attack rather than defense.
Average Position:
Liverpool (3-1-5-1):
Sunderland (4-5-1):
Having three at the back was obviously the main difference, man-marking both Chelsea strikers with an additional CB to pick up the pieces, but Lucas' role also blunted Chelsea's effectiveness. The deep-lying midfielder was able to control Chelsea's attacking pivot – Anelka. Sunderland's unbalanced 4-5-1 saw Sessesgnon – ostensibly the left winger – more often inside, creating a midfield diamond with Malbranque, Richardson, and Henderson while Elmohamady provided width on the right. But none of those four midfielders had a strictly defensive brief; all four prefer to get forward to join the attack. Without an out-and-out holding player, Anelka had the freedom of the pitch.
Anelka:
Man of the match mid-week with a goal and assist, Anelka attempted 16 more passes against Sunderland, completing 12 more, and was busier in all areas of the opposition half. Against Liverpool, he was restricted to a smaller section of the pitch, far more central, where Lucas could stay in front of him.
Lampard and Essien:
Meanwhile, Chelsea's other "attacking" midfielders – Lampard and Essien, the sides of the diamond – were also far less potent. There is a distinct pattern to their play against Sunderland: Lampard stayed primarily on the left, Essien on the right. Both players had a higher pass completion rate against Liverpool, but both perpetually roamed instead of staying in defined roles, trying to force a break-through, unable to come to terms with Liverpool's stymieing formation. In addition, far more passes from both are either sideways or backwards against Liverpool compared to against Sunderland.
Torres v Kalou:
Yikes. Bad day at the office. To be fair, it was Torres' debut. But still. Yikes. It goes without saying that a striker needs to be more diligent when the team's struggling. But Torres doesn't go looking for chances; he needs to be presented with them. And Chelsea's creators couldn't do so. Which is why Chelsea's record signing was hauled off with the score level and a third of the game left to play.
Shots:
All together, it led to a far reduced attacking output, which was clearly Liverpool's intent. Chelsea took eight less shots on Sunday. Half of those shots came from outside the box. None of the shots from distance found the target. Only one – when Anelka put Malouda through in the 73rd minute – forced a save from Reina, and with Malouda pushed to a narrow angle, it wasn't a difficult save. When Liverpool went ahead by a goal, the wing-backs quickly converted to more orthodox full-backs, shutting down another area of the pitch and congesting the final third, limiting Chelsea chances even further. Against Sunderland, Chelsea created shots from all angles, with four goals from nine attempts on target.
After Wednesday's match against Stoke, most assumed Liverpool's 3-4-2-1 was a one-off tactic. Now we're wondering if that match was a preview for stopping Chelsea or hearkened a tactical revolution devised to reinvigorate a shaky defense. It worked as planned in both matches, but I'm still skeptical that it's a long-term solution, especially when Suarez and Carroll come into the fold.
We'll find out a lot more on Saturday, when Liverpool host struggling Wigan. At home against a side that almost always plays 4-5-1 – without the aerial threat Stoke provides – Liverpool seem likely to focus on attack rather than defense.
06 February 2011
Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Reina
Carragher Skrtel Agger
Kelly Gerrard Lucas Maxi Johnson
Meireles
Kuyt
Goals:
Meireles 69'
"Down Goes Frazier! Down Goes Frazier! Down Goes Frazier!" Yet again, David beats Goliath. And it couldn't have been sweeter.
So much for not seeing three at the back for a second-straight match. More important, so much for the notion that the game had passed Kenny Dalglish by.
Liverpool's tactics again blunted the opposition, leading to a cagey first half at the Bridge. Three defenders did well to silence Drogba and Torres while Lucas marked Anelka up and down the pitch. Carragher and Agger each picked up a striker while Skrtel picked up the pieces as Chelsea struggled to create chances. The home side had more possession throughout, but as against Stoke, Liverpool got better as half went on, especially as they settled and cut out the cheap giveaways – such as Maxi's which presented Torres a chance after less than two minutes.
The hearts-in-mouth moment of the half came from a Liverpool attack, one which should have seen the Reds take the lead into the break. On the counter, Johnson's cross deflected to Gerrard, whose dangerous ball across the face of goal found Maxi at the far post. With an unlucky bobble at an inopportune time, the Argentinean could only side-foot off the bar from two yards out.
It looked like Liverpool would rue that opportunity after the break. That seemed to be the chance. While Chelsea's front line was silent – the best opportunity for either striker came when Carragher dove in to block Drogba's 54th minute shot – the Blues upped the threat through set plays and shots from distance. Dead balls routinely found Ivanovic's head, while Anelka, Essien, and Cole blasted either high or wide from outside the area.
Yet Reina remained remarkably unthreatened. And in the 69th minute, Raul Meireles again turned the game on its head. Kelly started the move by finding Gerrard with a long ball down the touchline. Gerrard's threatening cross failed to reach Kuyt, but neither Cech nor Ivanovic could clear when under pressure from the Dutchman, and Meireles was on the spot to smash in with his left foot. That'd be four goals in the last five games.
Pinned back for the final 20 minutes, sending on Aurelio for Maxi and Poulsen for Meireles, Chelsea still struggled to create openings. We'll hear complaints about two penalties not given – an incidental handball by Lucas (with his arms at his side) and a shove by Johnson, both of which could have been called – but that was about all the offense the home side created. According to Opta Sports, it's been two years since Chelsea created so little at home, with only one of their 14 shots on target. Meanwhile, Liverpool still looked to break when possible, with Aurelio forcing Cech in a neat save on a right-footed blast with 10 minutes remaining, but a second obviously wasn't the priority as Liverpool rode out the storm.
From Liverpool's point of view, today's match wholly lived up to the hype. Maxi had a tough match, but every other player was outstanding, especially Carragher and Lucas. Either could be man of the match, as could Gerrard for creating Liverpool's two scoring chances or Meireles for the goal. The entire side fought diligently throughout. Once again, we saw a cohesive unit instead of individuals playing for themselves. And we saw intelligent, fluid tactics which stifled the opposition instead of an archaic, static 4-4-2 which only hoped (and often failed) to keep the score-sheet blank.
From Chelsea's point of view, today was a utter failure. Torres had no impact thanks to Liverpool's bright defenders, hauled off right before Liverpool's winner. Anelka had zero space to weave magic as against Sunderland with Lucas in his shadow. Neither Cole nor Boswinga could provide enough width in the 4-3-1-2 system because of Liverpool's wingbacks and packed midfield. The narrow play helped Liverpool and hurt Chelsea. Exactly how it was drawn up.
Liverpool have now won more away games under Dalglish than Hodgson. Two wins in three matches compared to one win in 10. It's the fourth consecutive victory and fourth consecutive clean sheet. Questions remained after beating three teams in the bottom half of the table, but a victory over the defending champions validates Dalglish's renaissance. An unlikely double, to say the least.
Liverpool are now up to sixth, only six points behind Chelsea and Spurs albeit having played an extra game. If one of the top four win either the Carling or FA Cups, that position would qualify Liverpool for the Europa League. Less than a month ago, that seemed implausible if not impossible. I doubt Liverpool will be satisfied with that accomplishment, though.
It's nice to believe again.
Carragher Skrtel Agger
Kelly Gerrard Lucas Maxi Johnson
Meireles
Kuyt
Goals:
Meireles 69'
"Down Goes Frazier! Down Goes Frazier! Down Goes Frazier!" Yet again, David beats Goliath. And it couldn't have been sweeter.
So much for not seeing three at the back for a second-straight match. More important, so much for the notion that the game had passed Kenny Dalglish by.
Liverpool's tactics again blunted the opposition, leading to a cagey first half at the Bridge. Three defenders did well to silence Drogba and Torres while Lucas marked Anelka up and down the pitch. Carragher and Agger each picked up a striker while Skrtel picked up the pieces as Chelsea struggled to create chances. The home side had more possession throughout, but as against Stoke, Liverpool got better as half went on, especially as they settled and cut out the cheap giveaways – such as Maxi's which presented Torres a chance after less than two minutes.
The hearts-in-mouth moment of the half came from a Liverpool attack, one which should have seen the Reds take the lead into the break. On the counter, Johnson's cross deflected to Gerrard, whose dangerous ball across the face of goal found Maxi at the far post. With an unlucky bobble at an inopportune time, the Argentinean could only side-foot off the bar from two yards out.
It looked like Liverpool would rue that opportunity after the break. That seemed to be the chance. While Chelsea's front line was silent – the best opportunity for either striker came when Carragher dove in to block Drogba's 54th minute shot – the Blues upped the threat through set plays and shots from distance. Dead balls routinely found Ivanovic's head, while Anelka, Essien, and Cole blasted either high or wide from outside the area.
Yet Reina remained remarkably unthreatened. And in the 69th minute, Raul Meireles again turned the game on its head. Kelly started the move by finding Gerrard with a long ball down the touchline. Gerrard's threatening cross failed to reach Kuyt, but neither Cech nor Ivanovic could clear when under pressure from the Dutchman, and Meireles was on the spot to smash in with his left foot. That'd be four goals in the last five games.
Pinned back for the final 20 minutes, sending on Aurelio for Maxi and Poulsen for Meireles, Chelsea still struggled to create openings. We'll hear complaints about two penalties not given – an incidental handball by Lucas (with his arms at his side) and a shove by Johnson, both of which could have been called – but that was about all the offense the home side created. According to Opta Sports, it's been two years since Chelsea created so little at home, with only one of their 14 shots on target. Meanwhile, Liverpool still looked to break when possible, with Aurelio forcing Cech in a neat save on a right-footed blast with 10 minutes remaining, but a second obviously wasn't the priority as Liverpool rode out the storm.
From Liverpool's point of view, today's match wholly lived up to the hype. Maxi had a tough match, but every other player was outstanding, especially Carragher and Lucas. Either could be man of the match, as could Gerrard for creating Liverpool's two scoring chances or Meireles for the goal. The entire side fought diligently throughout. Once again, we saw a cohesive unit instead of individuals playing for themselves. And we saw intelligent, fluid tactics which stifled the opposition instead of an archaic, static 4-4-2 which only hoped (and often failed) to keep the score-sheet blank.
From Chelsea's point of view, today was a utter failure. Torres had no impact thanks to Liverpool's bright defenders, hauled off right before Liverpool's winner. Anelka had zero space to weave magic as against Sunderland with Lucas in his shadow. Neither Cole nor Boswinga could provide enough width in the 4-3-1-2 system because of Liverpool's wingbacks and packed midfield. The narrow play helped Liverpool and hurt Chelsea. Exactly how it was drawn up.
Liverpool have now won more away games under Dalglish than Hodgson. Two wins in three matches compared to one win in 10. It's the fourth consecutive victory and fourth consecutive clean sheet. Questions remained after beating three teams in the bottom half of the table, but a victory over the defending champions validates Dalglish's renaissance. An unlikely double, to say the least.
Liverpool are now up to sixth, only six points behind Chelsea and Spurs albeit having played an extra game. If one of the top four win either the Carling or FA Cups, that position would qualify Liverpool for the Europa League. Less than a month ago, that seemed implausible if not impossible. I doubt Liverpool will be satisfied with that accomplishment, though.
It's nice to believe again.
04 February 2011
Liverpool at Chelsea 02.06.11
11am ET, live in the US on FSC
Last four head-to-head:
2-0 Liverpool (h) 11.07.10
0-2 Chelsea (h) 05.02.10
0-2 Chelsea (a) 10.04.09
4-4 (a; CL) 04.14.09
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-0 Stoke (h); 1-0 Fulham (h); 3-0 Wolves (a)
Chelsea: 4-2 Sunderland (a); 1-1 Everton (a); 4-0 Bolton (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi, Meireles 3; Kyrgiakos, Ngog 2; Cole, Johnson, Skrtel, Suarez 1
Chelsea: Drogba, Malouda 9; Kalou 7; Anelka 6; Essien, Ivanovic, Lampard 3; Terry 2; Alex, Benayoun, Ramires 1
Referee: Andre Marriner
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Johnson
Gerrard Lucas
Maxi Meireles Suarez
Kuyt
I highly doubt Liverpool will stay with same formation deployed against Stoke, whether 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2. Primarily, Liverpool will have a lot less of the ball and the defenders will be up against the likes of Drogba, Anelka, Malouda, and yes, Fernando Torres instead of John Carew. Agger and Skrtel won't be bombing forward to join the attack as on Wednesday. If Chelsea continue with the 4-3-1-2 used against Sunderland, a three-man back line makes some sense on its face, with the center-backs canceling out two strikers and Lucas marking the withdrawn play-maker (probably Anelka). But Chelsea's pace on the flanks from full-back, specifically in Ashley Cole, would pin back the wingbacks, while both Lampard and Essien can join in from deep, overrunning the midfield and forcing at least one of the free attacking midfielders back to help out.
Yet Liverpool can still replicate some of the positives against Stoke in Dalglish's "original" 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation: width from fullbacks, Kuyt up front, and Gerrard/Meireles freely getting forward (although one will have more holding duties), among others. The fullbacks will be crucial; Kelly was masterful against Cole and Malouda when these sides met in November. Kuyt will also have a big role to play in bringing others into the attack, especially if new signing David Luiz starts at CB.
With Suarez starting, Liverpool will look even more a like a 4-3-3 than the 4-2-3-1 I often use for convenience. Suarez will ostensibly play on the left, cutting inside on his preferred right foot. Maxi would provide balance on the other flank, slightly deeper and able to move inside, but also clever enough to stretch play and contribute crosses. In addition, Kuyt will drop deep and shift positions in his all-action style, almost as a false nine.
Only fit enough for the bench against Stoke, I'm again guessing Carragher will return. It seems impossible that Carra would be available and not face Chelsea, even if he hasn't played in more than two months.
Top of the table when these two club met on November 7, Chelsea took 19 points from the next 13 games, falling to fourth. Comparably, even destitute Liverpool have earned 20 points since then, albeit having played one more match. But the Blues took nine of those points in their last three games, beating Blackburn, Bolton and Sunderland by a combined 10-2 margin.
Of course, all focus will be on Chelsea's new number nine. I forget his name. There's no assurance that guy will even start – at least Ancelotti refused to give assurances in today's press conference – but I'll be stunned if he doesn't. There's no way you pay £50m for a player and leave him out six days after signing just because his old team is the opposition. You'd think that'd be a bonus in Chelsea's eyes.
With what's-his-name in the lineup, Chelsea will probably play some variation of the diamond formation, which we saw a preview of against Sunderland last Tuesday. Drogba and Kalou formed a front two, while Mikel held the midfield, flanked by Essien and Lampard. It prompted the perpetually-enlightening Zonal Marking to run an article about Anelka as potential trequartista. Injury-wise, Ramires (who'd fit into this formation flawlessly) is out, along with long-term absentees Alex and Benayoun.
The hullabaloo over Torres will dominate airways, but the match is obviously bigger than one trophy-hunting mercenary. Liverpool have unmistakably improved under Dalglish, but let's not forget that the three wins came against the likes of Wolves, Fulham and Stoke – currently 20th, 12th, and 11th in the table. It's far more difficult to do it against the 4th-placed side on their ground. At least Liverpool have plenty of motivation.
Last four head-to-head:
2-0 Liverpool (h) 11.07.10
0-2 Chelsea (h) 05.02.10
0-2 Chelsea (a) 10.04.09
4-4 (a; CL) 04.14.09
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-0 Stoke (h); 1-0 Fulham (h); 3-0 Wolves (a)
Chelsea: 4-2 Sunderland (a); 1-1 Everton (a); 4-0 Bolton (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi, Meireles 3; Kyrgiakos, Ngog 2; Cole, Johnson, Skrtel, Suarez 1
Chelsea: Drogba, Malouda 9; Kalou 7; Anelka 6; Essien, Ivanovic, Lampard 3; Terry 2; Alex, Benayoun, Ramires 1
Referee: Andre Marriner
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Johnson
Gerrard Lucas
Maxi Meireles Suarez
Kuyt
I highly doubt Liverpool will stay with same formation deployed against Stoke, whether 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2. Primarily, Liverpool will have a lot less of the ball and the defenders will be up against the likes of Drogba, Anelka, Malouda, and yes, Fernando Torres instead of John Carew. Agger and Skrtel won't be bombing forward to join the attack as on Wednesday. If Chelsea continue with the 4-3-1-2 used against Sunderland, a three-man back line makes some sense on its face, with the center-backs canceling out two strikers and Lucas marking the withdrawn play-maker (probably Anelka). But Chelsea's pace on the flanks from full-back, specifically in Ashley Cole, would pin back the wingbacks, while both Lampard and Essien can join in from deep, overrunning the midfield and forcing at least one of the free attacking midfielders back to help out.
Yet Liverpool can still replicate some of the positives against Stoke in Dalglish's "original" 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation: width from fullbacks, Kuyt up front, and Gerrard/Meireles freely getting forward (although one will have more holding duties), among others. The fullbacks will be crucial; Kelly was masterful against Cole and Malouda when these sides met in November. Kuyt will also have a big role to play in bringing others into the attack, especially if new signing David Luiz starts at CB.
With Suarez starting, Liverpool will look even more a like a 4-3-3 than the 4-2-3-1 I often use for convenience. Suarez will ostensibly play on the left, cutting inside on his preferred right foot. Maxi would provide balance on the other flank, slightly deeper and able to move inside, but also clever enough to stretch play and contribute crosses. In addition, Kuyt will drop deep and shift positions in his all-action style, almost as a false nine.
Only fit enough for the bench against Stoke, I'm again guessing Carragher will return. It seems impossible that Carra would be available and not face Chelsea, even if he hasn't played in more than two months.
Top of the table when these two club met on November 7, Chelsea took 19 points from the next 13 games, falling to fourth. Comparably, even destitute Liverpool have earned 20 points since then, albeit having played one more match. But the Blues took nine of those points in their last three games, beating Blackburn, Bolton and Sunderland by a combined 10-2 margin.
Of course, all focus will be on Chelsea's new number nine. I forget his name. There's no assurance that guy will even start – at least Ancelotti refused to give assurances in today's press conference – but I'll be stunned if he doesn't. There's no way you pay £50m for a player and leave him out six days after signing just because his old team is the opposition. You'd think that'd be a bonus in Chelsea's eyes.
With what's-his-name in the lineup, Chelsea will probably play some variation of the diamond formation, which we saw a preview of against Sunderland last Tuesday. Drogba and Kalou formed a front two, while Mikel held the midfield, flanked by Essien and Lampard. It prompted the perpetually-enlightening Zonal Marking to run an article about Anelka as potential trequartista. Injury-wise, Ramires (who'd fit into this formation flawlessly) is out, along with long-term absentees Alex and Benayoun.
The hullabaloo over Torres will dominate airways, but the match is obviously bigger than one trophy-hunting mercenary. Liverpool have unmistakably improved under Dalglish, but let's not forget that the three wins came against the likes of Wolves, Fulham and Stoke – currently 20th, 12th, and 11th in the table. It's far more difficult to do it against the 4th-placed side on their ground. At least Liverpool have plenty of motivation.
03 February 2011
Stoke Chalkboard Review: A Tale of Four Partnerships
Liverpool's tactical chess against Stoke, well-analyzed by Noel from Liverpool Offside, worked a treat yesterday. Best described as a 3-4-2-1, it was interesting to see the roles played by each in the new formation.
What caught my eye in the chalkboards was how roles overlapped and fit together, increasing the side's overall cohesion. Both Agger and Skrtel played as supplementary center-backs, bordering on orthodox fullbacks. Kelly and Johnson were up and down the pitch as wingbacks. Lucas and Aurelio formed the base of the central midfield square, while Gerrard and Meireles each fluidly roamed in a free role.
Most notable was how Agger and Skrtel supplemented the attack with Stoke pinned back. Both chalkboards look more like orthodox, deep lying fullbacks rather than center-backs. With Kyrgiakos man-marking Carew into invisibility, Agger and Skrtel both had license to get forward. That's a major part of Agger's game, but one hilarious moment saw Skrtel charging towards goal a la Mark Lawrenson, beating defenders before striking a pitiful shot wide.
But Liverpool prospered in each section. Gerrard was everywhere in a familiar free role. Lucas steadily ran the show, with an 89% completion rate against pressing, physical Stoke. Liverpool could have done with more end product from both wingbacks – Kelly looked more comfortable on his preferred side, only to have crosses routinely fail to find heads – but each worked diligently to give Liverpool real width.
The greatest compliment I can bestow is that Liverpool looked wholly comfortable in this unfamiliar system. Benitez infrequently threw tactical curve balls, such as the 3-4-3 in an 0-1 loss to Sunderland and the 3-4-2-1 which beat Portsmouth 3-2 in 2009. But in those matches, whether win or loss, it took time for Liverpool to come to grip with the changes. Yesterday, the team looked like they'd be doing this all season, taking 30 minutes to adapt and duly threaten Stoke. That's a credit to Dalglish and assistant manager Steve Clarke. As is the fact that Liverpool have kept three successive clean sheets for the first time all season.
A couple more notes of interest:
• While it doesn't fit with the overall theme of "partnerships," Reina's passing rate needs to be highlighted
35 of 39 – 90% – is an incredibly high completion rate for a goalkeeper. And it's not as if all were short passes out to a defender. Out of 11 attempts over the halfway line, Reina completed seven, which is a credit to Kuyt's play as the lone striker. Against Fulham, he completed 16 out of 24. Against Wolves, 14 out of 35. Just a wonderful display from a keeper who's already superlative when distributing the ball. And to think we were worried when his passing rate plummeted under Hodgson and Mike Kelly.
• Following the Wolves match, I wrote about the decreasing number of passes since Dalglish took the reins. Last night put paid to that notion. Liverpool attempted 578 passes, completing 449 – a 78% rate. Compare that to 379 attempted at Wolves, 434 attempted against Everton, and 517 against Blackpool. The number of passes rose against Fulham – to a similar 459 completed out of 574 – but Liverpool were far more effective yesterday, evident in both the style of play and score line.
• Glen Johnson attempted the fewest passes of any Liverpool starter with 36. Only one Stoke player – fullback Andy Wilkinson, with 43 – attempted more than Johnson. The midfielder with the most completed passes was Pennant, with 22, the same number of passes Liverpool's deepest center-back completed. It's not hyperbolic to suggest Liverpool passed Stoke into submission.
Welcome back, Liverpool.
What caught my eye in the chalkboards was how roles overlapped and fit together, increasing the side's overall cohesion. Both Agger and Skrtel played as supplementary center-backs, bordering on orthodox fullbacks. Kelly and Johnson were up and down the pitch as wingbacks. Lucas and Aurelio formed the base of the central midfield square, while Gerrard and Meireles each fluidly roamed in a free role.
Most notable was how Agger and Skrtel supplemented the attack with Stoke pinned back. Both chalkboards look more like orthodox, deep lying fullbacks rather than center-backs. With Kyrgiakos man-marking Carew into invisibility, Agger and Skrtel both had license to get forward. That's a major part of Agger's game, but one hilarious moment saw Skrtel charging towards goal a la Mark Lawrenson, beating defenders before striking a pitiful shot wide.
But Liverpool prospered in each section. Gerrard was everywhere in a familiar free role. Lucas steadily ran the show, with an 89% completion rate against pressing, physical Stoke. Liverpool could have done with more end product from both wingbacks – Kelly looked more comfortable on his preferred side, only to have crosses routinely fail to find heads – but each worked diligently to give Liverpool real width.
The greatest compliment I can bestow is that Liverpool looked wholly comfortable in this unfamiliar system. Benitez infrequently threw tactical curve balls, such as the 3-4-3 in an 0-1 loss to Sunderland and the 3-4-2-1 which beat Portsmouth 3-2 in 2009. But in those matches, whether win or loss, it took time for Liverpool to come to grip with the changes. Yesterday, the team looked like they'd be doing this all season, taking 30 minutes to adapt and duly threaten Stoke. That's a credit to Dalglish and assistant manager Steve Clarke. As is the fact that Liverpool have kept three successive clean sheets for the first time all season.
A couple more notes of interest:
• While it doesn't fit with the overall theme of "partnerships," Reina's passing rate needs to be highlighted
35 of 39 – 90% – is an incredibly high completion rate for a goalkeeper. And it's not as if all were short passes out to a defender. Out of 11 attempts over the halfway line, Reina completed seven, which is a credit to Kuyt's play as the lone striker. Against Fulham, he completed 16 out of 24. Against Wolves, 14 out of 35. Just a wonderful display from a keeper who's already superlative when distributing the ball. And to think we were worried when his passing rate plummeted under Hodgson and Mike Kelly.
• Following the Wolves match, I wrote about the decreasing number of passes since Dalglish took the reins. Last night put paid to that notion. Liverpool attempted 578 passes, completing 449 – a 78% rate. Compare that to 379 attempted at Wolves, 434 attempted against Everton, and 517 against Blackpool. The number of passes rose against Fulham – to a similar 459 completed out of 574 – but Liverpool were far more effective yesterday, evident in both the style of play and score line.
• Glen Johnson attempted the fewest passes of any Liverpool starter with 36. Only one Stoke player – fullback Andy Wilkinson, with 43 – attempted more than Johnson. The midfielder with the most completed passes was Pennant, with 22, the same number of passes Liverpool's deepest center-back completed. It's not hyperbolic to suggest Liverpool passed Stoke into submission.
Welcome back, Liverpool.
02 February 2011
Liverpool 2-0 Stoke
Reina
Skrtel Kyrgiakos Agger
Kelly Lucas Aurelio Johnson
Gerrard Meireles
Kuyt
Goals:
Meireles 47'
Suarez 79'
Liverpool's lineup prompted a barrage of pre-match questions. Seeing three central defenders, three full-backs, three central midfielders, and one striker-turned-right winger left many questioning exactly what formation Liverpool would use.
Today's XI most resembled the 3-4-2-1 drawn above, with width provided by the wing-backs, spending far more time in Stoke's half, supplemented by Skrtel and Agger striding forward from defense. Lucas played quarterback, holding from deep, completing pass after pass after pass, while Gerrard, Meireles, and Aurelio popped up all over the pitch. Kuyt did well as the main striker, comfortable with back to goal, holding up play for midfielder runners. The fluid movement gave Liverpool more opportunities to carve open the ten men permanently ensconced behind the ball.
Deploying three at the back fell out of use because of the proliferation of lone strikers. But Liverpool weren't out-numbered in other areas of the pitch because of how Skrtel and Agger joined the attack, often leaving Kyrgiakos in a one-on-one battle with John Carew, who spent the majority of the match nearly 20 yards away from teammates.
That the half ended goal-less aptly demonstrates Stoke's resiliency. Liverpool took time to adapt to the new formation, only pinning Stoke back in the last ten minutes of the half. The home side's lone threat in the first 35 came from a set play, when Kyrgiakos' header from Gerrard's corner was cleared off the line in the the 7th minute. Liverpool were delightfully fluid at times, but opportunities from open play were hard to come by, par for the course when facing the Potters.
Begovic was finally called into action in the 36th minute, brilliantly palming away Johnson's close-range header. Less than a minute later, Kuyt flicked a header wide of the far post on Kelly's second successive dangerous cross. Gerrard and Kuyt nearly sliced through a packed penalty box in the 39th, but Kuyt volleyed high and wide when the ball wouldn't come down. The rush subsided when Huth put two feet straight through Johnson's ankles, a tackle no different from the one where Gerrard saw red against United. Unsurprisingly, the defender only received a yellow.
Liverpool were able to maintain momentum after the interval – unlike the seven minutes which doomed the Everton result – taking little time to break the deadlock. Meireles claimed his third goal in four games after a scrambled set play: Gerrard's free kick found Kyrgiakos, who smartly set up the Portuguese midfielder instead of turning and blasting wildly towards goal.
Unwilling to ease off the gas, fully aware of how precarious a one-goal lead is, Dalglish handed Suarez his debut in the 63rd minute, shifting Liverpool to a more "orthodox" 3-5-2. Coupled with Stoke making all three changes – Delap, Collins, and Fuller for Diao, Faye, and Wilson – switching to 4-4-2, it led to an eminently watchable, increasingly open game. That Liverpool were rarely threatened, and rarely out of possession, made it even more fun to watch.
With 11 minutes to play, after demonstrating some clever touches and a much-needed burst of pace, Suarez marked his first game in the best-possible manner. Kuyt cleverly released the Uruguayan, who rounded the keeper only to scuff his shot, allowing Wilkinson time to make what looked to be a goal-saving tackle. But the fullback could only help it into the net. That the shot was initially on target should confirm a debut goal for the Kop's new hero.
Less than sixty seconds later, Reina made the one save he needed to make, smartly keeping out Walters after Carew turned Kyrgiakos and chested a cross into the striker's path. Shelvey and Gerrard nearly added more gloss in the dying minutes, each shooting narrowly over the bar (with Begovic getting fingertips to Shelvey's effort).
All the fears over whether Dalglish had been gone from the game for too long look wholly unfounded. He demonstrated a willingness to adapt to the opposition (I wouldn't expect to see this formation on Sunday), which wholly nullified Stoke. Liverpool blunted every problem the Potters caused in this season's first meeting, out-muscling the rugged side while conceding very few dangerous free kicks or throw-ins. Liverpool are playing fluid, attractive football for a change. And youth has been given a chance with Kelly's sixth-consecutive start and Shelvey's sixth-consecutive substitute appearance. This side – which has taken 10 points from its last five games – is completely unrecognizable to the one which sputtered through the first half of the season.
Liverpool are now two points from sixth, equaling Sunderland's goal difference. A third-straight league win, for the first time this season, is cause for celebration, but it goes without saying that little has been accomplished so far. Other than completely reviving the club's shattered confidence and laying down a cohesive blueprint for the future, of course.
Skrtel Kyrgiakos Agger
Kelly Lucas Aurelio Johnson
Gerrard Meireles
Kuyt
Goals:
Meireles 47'
Suarez 79'
Liverpool's lineup prompted a barrage of pre-match questions. Seeing three central defenders, three full-backs, three central midfielders, and one striker-turned-right winger left many questioning exactly what formation Liverpool would use.
Today's XI most resembled the 3-4-2-1 drawn above, with width provided by the wing-backs, spending far more time in Stoke's half, supplemented by Skrtel and Agger striding forward from defense. Lucas played quarterback, holding from deep, completing pass after pass after pass, while Gerrard, Meireles, and Aurelio popped up all over the pitch. Kuyt did well as the main striker, comfortable with back to goal, holding up play for midfielder runners. The fluid movement gave Liverpool more opportunities to carve open the ten men permanently ensconced behind the ball.
Deploying three at the back fell out of use because of the proliferation of lone strikers. But Liverpool weren't out-numbered in other areas of the pitch because of how Skrtel and Agger joined the attack, often leaving Kyrgiakos in a one-on-one battle with John Carew, who spent the majority of the match nearly 20 yards away from teammates.
That the half ended goal-less aptly demonstrates Stoke's resiliency. Liverpool took time to adapt to the new formation, only pinning Stoke back in the last ten minutes of the half. The home side's lone threat in the first 35 came from a set play, when Kyrgiakos' header from Gerrard's corner was cleared off the line in the the 7th minute. Liverpool were delightfully fluid at times, but opportunities from open play were hard to come by, par for the course when facing the Potters.
Begovic was finally called into action in the 36th minute, brilliantly palming away Johnson's close-range header. Less than a minute later, Kuyt flicked a header wide of the far post on Kelly's second successive dangerous cross. Gerrard and Kuyt nearly sliced through a packed penalty box in the 39th, but Kuyt volleyed high and wide when the ball wouldn't come down. The rush subsided when Huth put two feet straight through Johnson's ankles, a tackle no different from the one where Gerrard saw red against United. Unsurprisingly, the defender only received a yellow.
Liverpool were able to maintain momentum after the interval – unlike the seven minutes which doomed the Everton result – taking little time to break the deadlock. Meireles claimed his third goal in four games after a scrambled set play: Gerrard's free kick found Kyrgiakos, who smartly set up the Portuguese midfielder instead of turning and blasting wildly towards goal.
Unwilling to ease off the gas, fully aware of how precarious a one-goal lead is, Dalglish handed Suarez his debut in the 63rd minute, shifting Liverpool to a more "orthodox" 3-5-2. Coupled with Stoke making all three changes – Delap, Collins, and Fuller for Diao, Faye, and Wilson – switching to 4-4-2, it led to an eminently watchable, increasingly open game. That Liverpool were rarely threatened, and rarely out of possession, made it even more fun to watch.
With 11 minutes to play, after demonstrating some clever touches and a much-needed burst of pace, Suarez marked his first game in the best-possible manner. Kuyt cleverly released the Uruguayan, who rounded the keeper only to scuff his shot, allowing Wilkinson time to make what looked to be a goal-saving tackle. But the fullback could only help it into the net. That the shot was initially on target should confirm a debut goal for the Kop's new hero.
Less than sixty seconds later, Reina made the one save he needed to make, smartly keeping out Walters after Carew turned Kyrgiakos and chested a cross into the striker's path. Shelvey and Gerrard nearly added more gloss in the dying minutes, each shooting narrowly over the bar (with Begovic getting fingertips to Shelvey's effort).
All the fears over whether Dalglish had been gone from the game for too long look wholly unfounded. He demonstrated a willingness to adapt to the opposition (I wouldn't expect to see this formation on Sunday), which wholly nullified Stoke. Liverpool blunted every problem the Potters caused in this season's first meeting, out-muscling the rugged side while conceding very few dangerous free kicks or throw-ins. Liverpool are playing fluid, attractive football for a change. And youth has been given a chance with Kelly's sixth-consecutive start and Shelvey's sixth-consecutive substitute appearance. This side – which has taken 10 points from its last five games – is completely unrecognizable to the one which sputtered through the first half of the season.
Liverpool are now two points from sixth, equaling Sunderland's goal difference. A third-straight league win, for the first time this season, is cause for celebration, but it goes without saying that little has been accomplished so far. Other than completely reviving the club's shattered confidence and laying down a cohesive blueprint for the future, of course.
01 February 2011
Liverpool v Stoke 02.02.11
3pm ET, live in the US on FSC
Last four head-to-head:
0-2 Stoke (a) 11.13.10
1-1 (a) 01.16.10
4-0 Liverpool (h) 08.19.09
0-0 (a) 01.10.09
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 Fulham (h); 3-0 Wolves (a); 2-2 Everton (h)
Stoke: 1-0 Wolves (a); 0-2 Fulham (a); 2-0 Cardiff (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Meireles, Ngog 2; Cole, Johnson, Skrtel 1
Stoke: Jones 5; Etherington, Huth 4; Fuller, Walters 3; Whitehead 2; Delap, Faye, Higginbotham, Wilson 1
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Johnson
Gerrard Lucas
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Ngog
Don't expect immediate gratification from Liverpool's new £58m strike force. Andy Carroll's out for a couple of weeks with a lingering thigh strain. Liverpool haven't dropped any hints, but as long as the paperwork's completed, Luis Suarez should be available. However, he's just coming off a two-month vacation thanks to a seven-match ban for biting an opponent. The Uruguayan's most likely to come off the bench if he sees action at all.
Except for the gaping hole in the center of the attack after Torres pranced off to West London, the side should look very similar to the team which faced Fulham. Ngog seems the most natural replacement, having been the understudy for the last two seasons, but he's seen limited action since Dalglish took the reins, with only two late substitute appearances coming against United and Blackpool. I wouldn't be wholly surprised to see Dirk Kuyt revert to his previous role as main striker, where he played before Torres arrived. Liverpool has few options up front until Carroll's fit.
Wednesday could see the return of Jamie Carragher, back in training after dislocating his shoulder in November. I wonder if he'd be better served eased back into the lineup, but with Skrtel still shaky and Chelsea on Sunday, if Carra's available, Carra will play. Lucas should also return to the starting XI after a slight knock kept him out against Fulham.
Stoke, in 10th, are two points behind Liverpool with a game in hand. The Potters finish January having added John Carew while losing Tuncay and Gudjohnsen. As usual, Stoke is Stoke is Stoke: physical, hard-working, and perpetually dangerous on set plays. Carew only adds to that; he, Jones, and Fuller are all handfuls. Danny Higginbotham is Stoke's only injury concern now that Sidibe's back from an extended absence, while center-back Shawcross is suspended.
Liverpool can't ruminate on one player's dramatic exit or look past Stoke to Sunday's enormous match at the Bridge. The season's still in a tenuous state, with Liverpool having finally, narrowly worked their way up to the heady heights of seventh. The bottom of the table's still far closer than the top, and Liverpool have only won two consecutive games. Plus, there's still an embarrassing 0-2 result from the reverse fixture to avenge.
Last four head-to-head:
0-2 Stoke (a) 11.13.10
1-1 (a) 01.16.10
4-0 Liverpool (h) 08.19.09
0-0 (a) 01.10.09
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 Fulham (h); 3-0 Wolves (a); 2-2 Everton (h)
Stoke: 1-0 Wolves (a); 0-2 Fulham (a); 2-0 Cardiff (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Meireles, Ngog 2; Cole, Johnson, Skrtel 1
Stoke: Jones 5; Etherington, Huth 4; Fuller, Walters 3; Whitehead 2; Delap, Faye, Higginbotham, Wilson 1
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Johnson
Gerrard Lucas
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Ngog
Don't expect immediate gratification from Liverpool's new £58m strike force. Andy Carroll's out for a couple of weeks with a lingering thigh strain. Liverpool haven't dropped any hints, but as long as the paperwork's completed, Luis Suarez should be available. However, he's just coming off a two-month vacation thanks to a seven-match ban for biting an opponent. The Uruguayan's most likely to come off the bench if he sees action at all.
Except for the gaping hole in the center of the attack after Torres pranced off to West London, the side should look very similar to the team which faced Fulham. Ngog seems the most natural replacement, having been the understudy for the last two seasons, but he's seen limited action since Dalglish took the reins, with only two late substitute appearances coming against United and Blackpool. I wouldn't be wholly surprised to see Dirk Kuyt revert to his previous role as main striker, where he played before Torres arrived. Liverpool has few options up front until Carroll's fit.
Wednesday could see the return of Jamie Carragher, back in training after dislocating his shoulder in November. I wonder if he'd be better served eased back into the lineup, but with Skrtel still shaky and Chelsea on Sunday, if Carra's available, Carra will play. Lucas should also return to the starting XI after a slight knock kept him out against Fulham.
Stoke, in 10th, are two points behind Liverpool with a game in hand. The Potters finish January having added John Carew while losing Tuncay and Gudjohnsen. As usual, Stoke is Stoke is Stoke: physical, hard-working, and perpetually dangerous on set plays. Carew only adds to that; he, Jones, and Fuller are all handfuls. Danny Higginbotham is Stoke's only injury concern now that Sidibe's back from an extended absence, while center-back Shawcross is suspended.
Liverpool can't ruminate on one player's dramatic exit or look past Stoke to Sunday's enormous match at the Bridge. The season's still in a tenuous state, with Liverpool having finally, narrowly worked their way up to the heady heights of seventh. The bottom of the table's still far closer than the top, and Liverpool have only won two consecutive games. Plus, there's still an embarrassing 0-2 result from the reverse fixture to avenge.
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