Laurel's prediction....

[friedk]

Good post. I don't think it disagrees with Lawro much though. Do you think 3rd is too pessimistic?

No, as I said I agree with much of what he says, but for me if we want to play with top class wide players, we need to sign at least 2 which will cost us at least 30m which we clearly don't have.

With three CM's, Gerrard-Mascherano-Barry, you give your full backs the freedom to attack, as if they are caught out of position, Gerrard can offer cover on the right and Barry on the left.

Also with a holding midfielder of the quality of Mascherano, and the strength of our CB's, Gerrard will have a lot more freedom to operate from the centre. Our problem last season with Carra and Sami was that, although they are both great defenders, they both lack pace, something which Skertle and Agger rectify.

Personally, I think 3rd is probably a realistic prediction, similar on points to where Arsenal finished last season.

Critical for us are our first 10 games and the Christmas/New Year run. I honestly believe, especially considering the way Rafa's teams finish a season, that if we are top or within a few points of top of the table by the end of January we have as good a chance as anyone of winning the league.

The biggest threat to our season is the behind the scenes chaos that never seems to end. Their decision to pull the plug on the Barry deal, irrespective of what we think (I prefer Xabi) is yet another example of them going against the manager's wishes, as opposed to them not being able to finance the deal.

Remember the Shanks quote - “At a football club, there’s a holy trinity - the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don’t come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques”.

For Liverpool to work the manager needs the full backing of the board, if not, he will eventually have to leave.

If that happened with Rafa it would, in my opinion, be devastating to Liverpool.

[El Jefecito]

But he's completely right with that assessment.

No he's not, his opinions are based on how football was played when he did. In the 80's. The game has moved on a lot since then alas he has not.

[Kenneth]

No he's not, his opinions are based on how football was played when he did. In the 80's. The game has moved on a lot since then alas he has not.

Based on what? The opinion that Gareth Barry won't stop us looking 'light down the left'?

[Sarb]

4-4-2 will win the league. Kuyt and Keane on the 'wings' IMO won't do.

Reina, Carra, Agger, Skrtel, Dossena, Mascherano, Gerrard (RW), Alonso, Left Winger, Keane and Torres

That's a title winning team. That left winger is the key for me. Barry isn't the man

[El Jefecito]

Based on what? The opinion that Gareth Barry won't stop us looking 'light down the left'?

No based on the fact that he favours a rigid front 2.

[Kenneth]

No based on the fact that he favours a rigid front 2.

"but I think Keane has to play either just behind or alongside Fernando Torres. When Keane is playing well he is a cheeky chappie who is very inventive in the penalty area but if you stick him out wide you will lose that. "

Doesn't sound like he insisting on a rigid front 2 to me.

[Sarb]

Against the top 3 I don't think Rafa's formation works. Two up top would be much better. Problem is we set our team out with a lot of fear against the top 3 and that isn't good

[El Jefecito]

"but I think Keane has to play either just behind or alongside Fernando Torres. When Keane is playing well he is a cheeky chappie who is very inventive in the penalty area but if you stick him out wide you will lose that. "

Doesn't sound like he insisting on a rigid front 2 to me.

Pedantics aside I think you can see where I am coming from.

[Kenneth]

Pedantics aside I think you can see where I am coming from.

Not really but

[Sisterstiffticket]

Mark Lawrenson? Funny he never married.