Joe Allen [Sold]

[Exiled_red]

Bit of a dip in form for the lad. Today he was tentative in possession, sloppy in his passing and he also lacked the aggression that was present at the start of the season. Probably not popular but I think he needs dropping for the Wigan game so that he can focus his mind again. A 4-3-3 with a midfield of Suso, Gerrard and Shelvey is strong enough for that one.

I think he needs a break, his form has definately dipped in recent weeks I thought he should have been left out of more of the cup games earlier in the season.

I'm not sure about a midfield three of Suso, Gerrard and Shelvey, they all want to get forward too much I think you need someone with disipline in there and with out Lucas or Allen, we lack options in there which is why we are in this position. I would probably put Henderson in there if Allen were to be rested.

[The Erectile Banana]

He was poor but I think he wasn't helped by Sahin in midfield - he often had very few options. Gerrard was a little better but that trio looked unbalanced when they were together.

Allen's been a bit off the past few games. He's getting no help from Gerrard or Sahin though and playing in a role that's not natural to him.

I think we'll see the best of him once Lucas returns.

[Exiled_red]

Allen's been a bit off the past few games. He's getting no help from Gerrard or Sahin though and playing in a role that's not natural to him.

I think we'll see the best of him once Lucas returns.

I think this applies to everyone. Lucas seems to give the midfield balance.

[Marina]

But if you drop him, who do you replace him with? He may not be perfect cover at DM but he's the best option we've got with Lucas out.

[cream]

Was poor today, doesn't help when you have to play with Gerrard and Sahin.

[Jaymo]

I think teams have realised that he dictates our play. They get people around him quickly and he isn't the strongest physically.

He needs support from the other midfielders around him to make decent runs and coming inside for a quick one two.

[Shaggy]

Alarming drop off in form. With the whole possession thing, it's a bit of a problem when your midfield 3 isn't functioning as a unit and individually Allen, Sahin & Gerrard have all been well off their games.

[cream]

I get the feeling Gerrard doesn't like playing with Allen.

[Assassin]

I get the feeling Gerrard doesn't like playing with Allen.

Why?

[cream]

Why?

I might be reading too much into it, just the look of frustration every time he looks to make the forward run but Allen chooses to pass side ways.

[BigChief]

I might be reading too much into it, just the look of frustration every time he looks to make the forward run but Allen chooses to pass side ways.

Plus the comment from Gerrard a while back about how the guv'nor gives kudos to players that gather high percentage passing stats by passing sideways or backwards. It seemed like an underhanded criticism of Allen.

Allen needs to be dropped until Sahin and Gerrard learn how to play football properly. Suso's getting closer to being in the middle three. Edit: He needs to be dropped to get his mojo back. A couple of games rest, we're not exactly fighting for CL spots.

[Fredo]

I thought he was excellent second half.

[Norbs]

I thought he was excellent second half.

Pub was good then?

[Fredo]

Pub was good then?

Yeah was alright. Small pub in Marylebone, there was a scouser in there actually.

[peekay]

He needs rest.

Also he is playing as a holding midfielder which is slightly out of his comfort zone.

Once Lucas is back Allen will be fine.