Newcastle v Liverpool match thread

[Shaggy]

Javier Mascherano returns to the starting XI for Liverpool's final match of 2008 at Newcastle United. Listen live from 11.30 GMT.

The midfielder comes in for Xabi Alonso as the Reds make three changes from the team that secured a comfortable Boxing Day triumph over Bolton.

Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva also start with Robbie Keane and Albert Riera dropping to the bench.

The Reds have also been boosted by the return from injury of Martin Skrtel who is named amongst the substitutes.

The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Carragher, Insua, Agger, Hyypia, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun. Subs: Cavalieri, Keane, Riera, Alonso, Ngog, El Zhar, Skrtel.

[RedReet]

Rafa at his best dropping Keane and Riera after their performances on Boxing day.

[JohnDoe]

Reina
Carragher Hyypia Agger Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Benayoun Gerrard Babel
Kuyt

Hmm...

I'm not a fan of this team actually. I never like our chances without Alonso.

Time for Lucas and Babel to step up, especially the latter.

[Shaggy]

Brave (crazy?) team selection

[dww]

Was just about to post that I thought Lucas might start in the other thread (I thought it would be with Alonso though). Babel in is a bit of a shocker, I'm sure a lot of people on here will be pleased.

[JPK]

Two goalscorers out! Still it's a strong team and we should wallop them.

[nbryan1764]

Javier Mascherano returns to the starting XI for Liverpool's final match of 2008 at Newcastle United. Listen live from 11.30 GMT.

The midfielder comes in for Xabi Alonso as the Reds make three changes from the team that secured a comfortable Boxing Day triumph over Bolton.

Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva also start with Robbie Keane and Albert Riera dropping to the bench.

The Reds have also been boosted by the return from injury of Martin Skrtel who is named amongst the substitutes.

The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Carragher, Insua, Agger, Hyypia, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun. Subs: Cavalieri, Keane, Riera, Alonso, Ngog, El Zhar, Skrtel.

unless there are some fitness issues then I am gobsmacked at that team, absolutely gobsmacked. Our two goalscorers plus our man of the match from friday all on the bench. In bloody credible.

[Resu]

Pretty close to my guess:
Reina

Darby Hyypia Agger Insua

Kuyt Masher Xabi Riera
Gerrard
Keane

Subs:Torres, Yossi, El Zhar, Lucas, Carra, Cavalieri, Babel

Rafa is hard to understand sometimes.

[-V-]

OMG. Please tell me its not Kuyt up top on his own

[Craig_H]

Dropping Keane and Alonso is

[JohnDoe]

OMG. Please tell me its not Kuyt up top on his own

I hope it's Babel up front and Kuyt/Benayoun on the wings.

[dww]

Brave (crazy?) team selection

I think it yells "I think Newcastle are **** and have bigger fish to fry" nearly as much as going to 3-4-3 would have. Depends on how the players react to that - If Babel/Lucas take it as an opportunity to step up and make a claim for more football it will be a huge success IMO. Without Beye I can see the logic of Babel on the left (Taylor has looked baffled when playing there at times) even if it surprises me.

[Leyton388]

ffs rafa at his best there. keane scores 3 in 2 games and he drops him!

[Shaggy]

I am bemused by this selection. As Dave (dww) says though, if it works and we win it gives us a very strong hand.

[dww]

ffs rafa at his best there. keane scores 3 in 2 games and he drops him!

Obviously decided that Keane plays best after being benched - just as I* said he did












* admittedly when quoting a spurs supporting mate