Who should start up front?

[thekop]

Yes, we only have a few preseason games to go on, but so far I've got to say that Voronin's made an instant impression, while Torres is clearly still finding his feet. For now, I'd go with Voronin alongside Kuyt/Crouch. Any opinions?

Kuyt and Torres(Home)

Veronin and Crouch (Away)

[El Jefecito]

Really? I think our attack is lacking in balance far more when our strikers end up playing right-wing or centre-mid, leaving one guy in the box against 2 or 3 defenders.

We've been much better in preason at our movement and runs up front. I think likes the idea of 4 interchangable forwards who can play and create chances from wherever there is space.

In the least couple of games we have had far more players in the box. And Momo has been getting forward more. I think this is a sign of us being a lot more attacking this year!

[thesilverfoxlfc]

Kuyt and Torres(Home)

Veronin and Crouch (Away)

No way how can you spend 27 million on a striker on not see him fit to play away from home...........?????????

[thekop]

No way how can you spend 27 million on a striker on not see him fit to play away from home...........?????????

Just giving my opinion mate

Rafa has many options now so whose saying what tactical plan he will play on the day,

[thesilverfoxlfc]

Just giving my opinion mate

Rafa has many options now so whose saying what tactical plan he will play on the day,

I know buddy

....but im just wondering could he leave Torres on the bench just for away matches, i dont think you can because he's a class act and im sure will bang in the goals next season

[Marky]

I see no reason as to why Crouch won't start the season along with Torres.
He fully deserves to after the season he had last season.

Ps I expect Torres to start most away games aswell but i think Rafa may rest him in certains games.

[thekop]

I know buddy

....but im just wondering could he leave Torres on the bench just for away matches, i dont think you can because he's a class act and im sure will bang in the goals next season

I'm with you on that one mate, hopefully, Torres will be playing that well that Rafa will find it hard not to leave him out but, i guess that's what a healthy squad is for mate eh to give players a rest now and again.

I for one are expecting big things of the first team this season but, a good quality Winger is all that i ask for mate eh

Let the good times begin mate

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

I just want Rafa to pick a first choice 11 for the league and stick with it.

Then if players are injured/suspended or lose form then make changes.

Save the rotation, Gerrard on the right/up front bollocks for Europe.

IMO Crouch is light years better than Kuyt. Better finisher, passer and holds up the ball. And we look a much better side when Crouch is up front compared to Kuyt.

Not trying to rubbish Kuyt here, but he's certainly no £10m pound player. Pete's right he scares nobody. Not LFC standard for me.

Hopefully Crouch and one of the new 3 strikers get the chance to play regularly and develop a partnership. Just to think the last decent strike force we had was Owen/Heskey, and cart horse was useless 90% of the time.

[Marky]

I just want Rafa to pick a first choice 11 for the league and stick with it.

Then if players are injured/suspended or lose form then make changes.

Save the rotation, Gerrard on the right/up front bollocks for Europe.

IMO Crouch is light years better than Kuyt. Better finisher, passer and holds up the ball. And we look a much better side when Crouch is up front compared to Kuyt.

Not trying to rubbish Kuyt here, but he's certainly no £10m pound player. Pete's right he scares nobody. Not LFC standard for me.

Hopefully Crouch and one of the new 3 strikers get the chance to play regularly and develop a partnership. Just to think the last decent strike force we had was Owen/Heskey, and cart horse was useless 90% of the time.

Couldn't agree more with that mate

Crouch was top draw for us last season, consistently good and yet he's still likely to lose his place to Kuyt at the start of the season who has been off form for quite some time now.
Agree about the rotation aswell, we need to field the same 11 in by and large every game to get the understanding, style of playing going etc but...
i can't help but think Rafa will rotate players such as Benayoun, Babel, Arbeloa, Momo, Crouch and Veronin in and out of the team

[GreystonesLFC_WTF]

If anyone is bothered, go back and check last seasons stats. Crouch was our top scorer, but Kuyt was our top scorer in the league. Just because after arriving almost on the last day of the transfer window the guy didn't score 50 goals does not make him a bad finisher. Look again at the reactions that he showed in the matches against Arsenal (FA Cup - Crouch flick), and AC Milan (Champions' League - Agger flick). Those instincts are priceless in a striker, and cannot be taught - they must be there. For me her would start with Torres, but as Bazza said, Rafa will choose his front 1/2/3 according to the opposition and whether we are home or away.

[Nicey]

I thought crouch only does well against lesser opposition, against the top teams there defenders are more than able to contain him ? I thought that anyways could be wrong. I think in those games, Torres will shine.

Its the tough question, I think basically who ever is best on the day for that game, I dont think Rafa employes a first choice striker policy anyways .... otherwise we would not be having this discussion and the answer would be Crouchino

One thing is for sure we have 4 very very good strikers ...

[kop-al-74]

Torres and crouch for me.Veronin on the bench with Kuyt hopefully on the next plane outta here.

Kuyt IS the new Heskey.

[Nicey]

Torres and crouch for me.Veronin on the bench with Kuyt hopefully on the next plane outta here.

Kuyt IS the new Heskey.

\

****s sake I hate all that new Heskey ****e

[Kenneth]

Torres and crouch for me.Veronin on the bench with Kuyt hopefully on the next plane outta here.

Kuyt IS the new Heskey.

That's way over the top about Kuyt. Crouch and Torres would be my pairing , although Rafa will obviously rotate them all. If Veronin keeps going like he has in pre-season, he could get a lot of games, particularly away form home when he would be the deep striker in a 4-4-1-1.

[kop-al-74]

Why? I think it's quite a good comparison tbh.Both work very hard for the team,both create chances for others and both waste a hatful of opertunities to score goals themselves.

Quite similar imo.