Match Preview: Liverpool v. Manchester United, 02.11.12

Our top scorer, Craig Bellamy; 6 goals.

Their top scorer, Wayne Rooney; 15 goals.

Not even close, eh? Fuck this season's finishing. That bit of shiteness aside, I'm sure we'll hammer em or at least come away with a draw. As was said earlier, rising to the occasion hasn't been one of this season's problems, it's actually been one of few bright spots. Working overnight today, so I'm just gonna stay up for the 7:45am kickoff and collapse afterwards, either in celebration or depression. 

Well, we've had a real change on the pitch over the last couple of months.  

Early season we were creating chances for fun, mid season we struggled with consistency from losing our DMs and not filling that gap.  Our chance creation falling away somewhat.

Now we've started to get some consistency in our performances though the opposition means less chance creation.  

However, against that, the strikers are coming into focus with Carroll almost looking dangerous, Kuyt turning up when it mattered and Suarez now coming back in.

I do really feel like we can be more of a threat on goal.  We're not as direct as newcastle but there's something there and we do play reasonable possession football, we just need to pull it out on the day.

Carroll does get a shot, Suarez causes havoc and gets snap headers when Stevie G is the service and Bellars has a finish on him.

We can do this if we pull it all together, particularly in midfield, keep Rooney and the wingers contained.  As usual, we'll need 2 goals for a result.

I'm going for Carroll and Suarez to start with Bellars coming on later.  I'm expecting Hendo and Spearing but we might yet get Adam!

Normally I'd agree with that 2-goals-for-a-result requirement.  But this season we've been pretty damn solid at the back.  Even daring to sit back against Man City and actually pull it off with a bit of luck.  

I wouldn't discount our chances of keeping a clean sheet and nicking it 1-0.

Though of course if they get a customary OT penalty then perhaps the 2 goal minimum would make sense.

I can't remember the last time they didn't score a goal against us and they will have their tails up what with Rooney and Young being available again.

Didn't see the chelski game, how did the blues get their goals?  Was it inept defending or just chelsea taking their opportunities?

Regarding Chelsea, it was one own goal and two well-taken chances. But the own goal was mostly created by Sturridge.

2-0 at Anfield in Rafa's last season, but your point still stands. 

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news...

look at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pictures.

What ON EARTH is Charlie Adam doing dressing like this? 

Do you think he is completely terrified of cold weather? 

Could it be that he thinks he is some kind of footballing ninja? 

Has Charlie Adam been kidnapped and they are trying to keep the story from breaking by having someone mummifying themselves in LFC training gear and impersonate him? (If so, does this impersonator play defensive midfield, and could we put an away shirt on him tomorrow morning?)

I like the pic 5th from the bottom.  

Gerrard checks his [lack of] gentleman vegetables in the cold weather and the boys have a good laugh.

Just wish Adam has a twin who plays like Lucas....

Must be fraternal twins, of course.

I'd like to see Andy crowd De Gea on set pieces like he did against United in the FA cup.  He hasn't been doing it in the last few games, but against United it directly lead Agger's goal from a corner kick and and De Gea seemed flustered for the rest of the match.  

me too, but s.a.f is probably gonna disappoint us all by playing lindegaard. (who is equally 'meh', but in a less exiting way. like they have ben foster back on loan with a more interesting name.) 

That banner is so damn sensual. I mean, damn. Of course my life is too busy for Liverpool at the moment, or it's trying to pretend like it is. So I'm missing the match. 

But here are audition results. Thank you everyone for trying out. Sorry Rooney, you're acting ability is out of Liverpool's league. 

-----------------Reina-------------------
Kelly---Skrtel-------Agger-------Glen 
----------------Spearing----------------
---------Hendo-----------Gerrard-------
--Kuyt---------Carroll---------Bellamy--

Suarez will come on sometime, if the match calls for it. Peepz be sayin' that he needed to come on earlier against Tottenham. If that proves true tomorrow, Dalglish should be more on the ball about getting him on aboard. Kuyt gets the start due to his energy levels and his little striptease last week. Run 'em ragged and then Suarez comes in through the legs. Filthy. 

Please Please Please. No Fucking Charlie Adam. In DM. He's bad enough in his best position, don't make it worse by playing him out of position. For god's sake. Carra isn't playing this time, he gave it his best last week but he looked out of place and it caused us to waste a substitution. 

I wouldn't mind staying with Kelly on the right and Glen on the left. It worked against Adam Johnson, it might help against Valencia. Enrique didn't have the best game last week and let Valencia walk on through. I think Glen and Kelly are both coming through as two of our best performers. Might as well give them so momentum to prove that. 

I'm just sitting here waiting for the call from David Berstein offering me the England job. Have you boys heard anything? Will he be calling Saturday or Sunday. Another big job for me. Can't wait to get started. England needs me. I know I have Trev's, jonnysingapores and Latortillablanca's support. Ask Kenny to speak to Fergie tomorrow. The FA will do whatever he says. Right. Let me know what you boys hear.

Woy, me ol' china! Can't think of a better match than you and the FA, chief. Be sure and employ the old 35 years of experience every bit as effectively as you did at our beloved LFC...and if that pesky Lampsy doesn't bundle one in off the keeper's backside, well, you remember to throw him under the bus in the post-match presser. Club England and Woyston....the dweam combo!

I'm all for it. Carlton Cole deserves another English call up. 

So do Joe Cole and Paul Konchesky. Also, I've heard rumors that Christian Poulsen is a dual citizen.

Ooh, and Paul Konshevsky could back up Andy Cole on the left. And what about Joe Cole? I'm salivating about the new Roy Hodgson England. The only problem is Roy's too much of a gentleman; he might rein in Wayne.

Couldn't be more jacked up about tomorrow, and I like our chances for a result - particularly if we play w/ the line-up you suggest, Ed. 

Busy convincing myself that Kenny left Hendo on the bench solely to keep him rested for the weekend, though even Adam's fat ass should be able to play a full 90 on Monday and start the following Saturday - anything Gerrard's groin can do, he can do better?

Here's to seeing that p.o.s.'s face turn purple.

YNWA.

After Bolton it was all about showing respect to all other sides.  I'd like us to show scant respect in this one - Utd are there for the taking.  

It's true we've gone downhill since the Benitez era, but so have they.  Let's not let the whole media spiel about Utd's team ethic making up for any perceived weakness fool us.  This Utd team look weak because they are.  Only a few truly world-class players left because Fergie hasn't been buying them like he used to - and hopefully that's a sign reality is finally catching up with the Glazers, though I wouldn't bet on it.

I think if we press hard and harass them every time they have the ball, cut off supply to Rooney, they'll start to implode.  Of course there's still Valencia and Giggs down the wings, and they'll get their fair share of crosses in no matter what, but of late it seems Reina, Agger and Skrtel would be happy to clear up balls into the box all day.  

Upfront if we press well I see us creating a lot of chances.  As for whether we actually take a couple of them?  Who knows.  That'll be the key.  

 giggs hardly ever plays as a winger from the start these days, he goes in the middle. which is actually a big reason we should be able to dominate central midfield area.  im a bit concerned with how easily valencia was blowing past enrique a couple weeks ago, and with ashley young on the other side, its gonna put some major pressure on whoever is playing cdm for us tomorrow...

carroll could be key so long as we put the ball in the box around 10 times during the game - de gea's as phenomenal a shot stopper as there is, but he's a flapper in the air....

My bad.  I guess it's Young on the other side then.  Thanks for the correction.  De Gea may be bad at crosses but so are we.  I don't seem to recall many of our goals resulting from crosses.  So, I don't know.  Route one to Carroll positioned in front of the defenders for either hold up play or a flick on might work.  Alternatively, playing it down the wings, not lobbing in a cross but rather running at Evra and Rafael/Fabio with speed and trickery might work too.

def.  if we can just somehow work out suarez's runs while keeping carroll up the middle in the box knocking shit down as you mention, this may work yet...

I seem to remember that working once before: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

too many ifs...eh? It's them who will press hard and I think Kenny will put 5 in the midfield again for a draw.

Their goalie is suspect. Their midfield is stale. Yet this team I hate most is 2nd. They must be doing some f***ing thing right....and it's driving bonk

Spearing and Hendo will be in midfield i think and they'll have to play out of their skins along with the full backs to blunt them.  Of course we might see Adam but I don't think so.

It won't be easy and I think though Kenny always likes to win, he won't complain at a draw.  

Forward I can't decide if it's Carroll and Bellars or Carroll and Suarez with Bellars as a late sub.  I reckon the latter.

"As for whether we actually take a couple of them? Who knows"...I will now slam my forehead against the desk repeatedly. Hopefully we can rattle De Gea early on and pour 'em in.

Edward, take care and do not sue me for injuries.  I specifically disclaim all responsibility for head trauma, liver trauma, or any other type of trauma induced by the profligacy in front of goal of any player in a Liverpool shirt, regardless of how many or how few of them might be in the box at the time of chance creation, how many times we hit the woodwork, how many dubious calls there are, how many minutes of Fergie time are added, and how many times Suarez is purported to have said a certain word or version of that word, whichever is more convenient. 

Hah - I couldn't bring myself to sue pool or its supporters, but were there a way to bring a class action suit for the suffering induced by Fergie Time, I would file that yesterday. 

The only thing the daily mail has accurately reported, ever: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/spo... (and there should be more on this list)

There's nothing to suggest that Dalglish would throw caution to the wind and put out an overly-attacking side. Obviously, that means he'll probably start Suarez, Bellamy, Carroll, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, and Yossi Benayoun. With Sterling in goal.

But given the danger associated with the Fresh Prince of Manchester, Little Ears Rooney, and Valencia (respect), putting out a Rope-a-Dope side just might be the ticket. You can definitely bully the United back-line so either 2012 Carroll or Chaosuarez could do some damage. But not both. The Clean Sheets Army across the back is obvious, but what about a midfield that needs to be disciplined in the back, selective in the front? Sort of like your first 10 days in prison, Ed. You remember. It's all about respect.

              Reina
Persil (Arm & Hammer) Surf
Kuyt  Spearo Gerrard  Downing
             Bellamy*
             Carroll

* or Suarez, but I think Craig has shown time & time again that he understands the nuances of these big matches. Knows when to press, knows when to lock it down. And when time comes for that extra bite, who you gonna call? Him. Chaosuarez. 

Downing gets the nod only because he can run up and down a lot, give support on Valencia, and handle the hacking from the Da Silva ass-clown. Hard to leave out Henderson (and yes, it is "Redknapp's Read Dostoevsky" likely that Henderson AND Adam won't start.) - but again, this is my best Rumble in the Jungle guess.

Never. Going. To. Happen.

Well godamnitall NTX. I enjoy coining a nickname and the one I'm happiest with is SkAgger but Arm and Hammer is, well....fantastic work fella.

My preferred XI

                     25

Kells   Arm and Hammer  Jonno

                WeeJay

       Stevie          Hendo

Dirky  Mr Controversy  The Neckless Wonder

The rationale is as follows;

I am a HUGE fan of The Arms at left back and he's a class act. It won't be a massive surprise if he starts and hardly a worry but given the injury and recent drop-off in form I like Jonno in there and Kells on the right.

The above midfield trio is the best available to us in my opinion. Spearo shielding, Hendo and Stevie working hard and simple and linking to the front 3.

Dropping The Lug may be a mistake, not to mention counterintuitive given his recent upswing in form but I think Kuyt, Suarez and Bellamy worries ANY defence and works like a mofo. 

An interesting aside to consider is the notion of Suarez coming off the bench. Can you imagine the toxicity of the atmosphere? Could that work in our favour? I think not. Start the kid and if he flags, roll out the new improved Ponytail. 

I have no wish to be negative but I fail to see any benefit to Stewpot playing as he seems to have added windinesss to his statistical ineffectiveness. And Chaz, well I like the kid but his tackling is a liability and if he's not an attacking influence, I don't see why he would start.

Anxiety levels high. Hope equally so. Come on Redmen!!

Trev, you raised NTX even more on the nickname stakes - nice work. However, Stewpot could be the Goal less wonder (too harsh?) and Adam could be the "Flying" Scotsman? I'll leave it to your expertise!

The Fresh Prince is nothing without DJ Jazzy Jeff. We've got this.

9.5   9.5   10   2(Howard Webb)    9.5

I was thinking Bold 2-in-1 for our centre back paring, but Arm & Hammer is good!!

No Howard Webb and we're good.

 really?  howard webb's like a top 5 ref worldwide...

I really really hope that you're being sarcastic.

im not being sarcastic, man. i dont like ref bashing, its bullshit to blame results on them. and without the prejudicial supporter goggles, he's actually really good at what he does.

Well, in fairness, when Webb is working a match that doesn't involve United, his judgement appears to be a bit, ahem, clearer..

Phil Dowd is showing uo with his Notebook glued to his forehead and Luis' picture in his back pocket.

So that's the fashion these days. 

He misplaced his notebook that would have cleared Suarez when he was the assistant ref at the last United League game when the FA suggested that it would be best for all concerned if he just ditched it. So this game he has to keep track of it. Actually, Dowd has been vewy vewy good to Liverpool. When the FA threatens your livelihood there is not much you can do except what they ask. Eh, boyo? 

Fully expect AC9 to be in BEAST mode and LS7 to be in terrorize all before me mode. Big games on the menu from those two. Jay and the Fab 4 need to stuff Arry's Rooney, Wellbeck and Valencia. All the boys will be ready to play for this one. Luis has to play with his heart but always consult the head and watch out for the little red mist that every now and then mysteriously appears like the errant studs to Scotty Parkers' solar plexus. Avoid the cards at all costs. Fergie should be in pogo stick mode encouraging the refs to slap one on our little genius. The refs won't be slow to pull out the yellows for our boys either, so we have to play smart at all costs. Let's go you Redmen.

Vvalencia for me is the real threat, there should be a winger who is able to track back to support Enrique and cover the twin too, on the right, but still have a threat of counter attack when we get he ball too, which Luis cannot do effectively. Bellamy can do that with the energy he has. Hopefully with Spearing back we wont let them play the ball around too much. Stevie has to make effective those runs into and behind the mid and defense so Carroll can put pressure on the two center backs who for me r a bit slower to pick up strikers and close spaces in defense, remember the Chelsea goals. Jordan still puzzles me, his role and effectiveness still cant stick into my little football brain. Don't be surprised to see Charlie D start.

 valencia ate enrique alive in the carling cup...

indeed. i'd actually rather see johnson on the left for this one, just to help deal with him, from a liverpool perspective he's united's most dangerous player. besides berbatov, but thats another story altogether...

im kinda fearful of a law of averages result in this one, in particular after considering noel's piece on recent results in this matches...  i imagine suarez will love being public enemy #1, and itll be interesting if we revisit a carroll up the middle, suarez as a LF that flashed brilliance in that first half at craven cottage this year...

What planet are you on? Charlie Adam starts!

Yep. I'll believe a midfield sans Adam when I see it. In fact, for good measure, even when Charlie's been sold on, I'd continue to include him in projected line-ups for another 6 months at least.

We will also include Maxi on the bench for many years to come after he leaves for Chelsea. 

You're getting a little crazy here Austin. Did Noel put you up to this insanity?

No, my insanity has its origins in the repeated emergence of a seemingly divine and glowing middle finger, one that appears before my eyes every weekend as I watch shots hit the post just often enough to form a rhythmic beat, opposing goalkeepers possessed by a hateful god just long enough to do something beyond their natural abilities, and Charlie Adam fumble his way through just enough goofy tackles to convince me his existence on this team is someone's brand of highly-conceptual, absurdist, fine-art comedy. Who knew Kenny was so cerebral?

Ceci n'est pas un central midfielder!

And we can put "Dodgson" on the back of Andy's shirt.

Cerebral and stubborn AustinRed. Oh he's a canny wee Scot is our Kenny. Big Beckett fan. The constant selection of Chaz in anticipation of his emergence as a holding CDM is like Waiting For Godot...y'know, if Godot was a CDM who could tackle.

I kid, kinda. There is no bigger fan of The King than I but no matter how hard I wish to, I can't be happy when I see Adam and Stewpot in the XI.

Come on now Trevor. Just be happy!! We can do it. 4th!!

Atypical pessimism attack over JPR....happiness adjusted!

Charlie's unique tackling ability has its origins in absurdist comedy? That's certainly one of the best explanations I've heard on the subject. Actually makes a lot of sense after watching it for 24 games now. Noel gave us some stats on Spurs - tackles 4/7, interceptions 4, fouls - only 1, passing 60/69 - 87%, chances created 6. Not too bad really, for a DM. Noel and you will be big fans soon. Kenny loves the kid unreservedly. Lucas will be back eventually, and then we'll see what happens. Let us pray.

Spurs didn't really press us that hard though. 

And?

A planet where I prefer he doesn't? 

Don't we all. No chance of that though, sadly.

A 5 men midfield will do good....covering for Adam. It worked against Spurs, didn't we? We got a point. 

Reality's no fun.

lol world r u on?