Newcastle v Liverpool match thread

[Craig_H]

I think Lucas is good enough. I would question whether at the minute he should play with Mascher though.

There's been very little evidence to suggest that he's good enough.

Other than rose tinted specs, i see nothing to base that view on.

[dww]

Just briefly turned on to Sky - Gray and Redknapp are ****ing loving this.

Keys just said "Is this is a team set up not to lose? Or to win?"

Insightful analysis as always then. One day I'd love Rafa to give a detailed breakdown of why he made some of these selection - preferably in an end of league winning season DVD.

[nbryan1764]

There's been very little evidence to suggest that he's good enough.

Other than rose tinted specs, i see nothing to base that view on.

he had decent games against psv and arsenal. Would still prefer Alonso today though

[dww]

There's been very little evidence to suggest that he's good enough.

Other than rose tinted specs, i see nothing to base that view on.

I disagree I think he has looked like and excellent continuity player. He has failed to step up to be the more creative/attacking force he was billed as but I very much liked Gilberto Silva (who was also not rated by a lot of people) as a player at Arsenal and I think Lucas is similar style of player. As such I wouldn't play him with Mascher as Rafa has quite often but it will give us a solid base to allow both fullbacks to attack I guess.

[The_weatherman]

I think Lucas is good enough. I would question whether at the minute he should play with Mascher though.

I am concerned about Mascher - Lucas axis, not much creativity there, compared to Alonso at least. Keane did look a bit tired and this is a time to use the whole squad. Babel needs to take his chance now.

Perhaps we are going to cut off the supply to Owen and play a very direct game against a make-shift defense? Could work, we can alway use Keane, Alonso and Riera in the second half.

[Craig_H]

he had decent games against psv and arsenal. Would still prefer Alonso today though

I think you need to be more than 'decent' to win the league.

[blacky]

Maybe just maybe Rafa wants to win the FA cup aswell. Expect to see Keane and Alonso start against Preston. That team is strong enough to win and the bench has a lot of impact.

[Craig_H]

I disagree I think he has looked like and excellent continuity player. He has failed to step up to be the more creative/attacking force he was billed as but I very much liked Gilberto Silva (who was also not rated by a lot of people) as a player at Arsenal and I think Lucas is similar style of player. As such I wouldn't play him with Mascher as Rafa has quite often but it will give us a solid base to allow both fullbacks to attack I guess.

No offence mate, but that's nonsense to me. There's been nothing 'excellent' from Lucas, he's been decent at best, and woeful at worst.

Gilberto Silva was strong, assured in possession and experienced. Lucas is weak, gives the ball away and naive.

[The_weatherman]

I disagree I think he has looked like and excellent continuity player. He has failed to step up to be the more creative/attacking force he was billed as but I very much liked Gilberto Silva (who was also not rated by a lot of people) as a player at Arsenal and I think Lucas is similar style of player. As such I wouldn't play him with Mascher as Rafa has quite often but it will give us a solid base to allow both fullbacks to attack I guess.

The wing back that is Carragher will be licking his lips

[The_weatherman]

No offence mate, but that's nonsense to me. There's been nothing 'excellent' from Lucas, he's been decent at best, and woeful at worst.

Gilberto Silva was strong, assured in possession and experienced. Lucas is weak, gives the ball away and naive.

I think we just expected Lucas to be different, he can play the defensive midfield role to a good standard IMO.

[nbryan1764]

I think you need to be more than 'decent' to win the league.

no team has ever won the league with all players being great - you need some decent performances as well. That saying I agree we wouldn't win the league if he played there every game but he isn't as bad as some make out. My concern is he is a mistake/red card waiting to happen

[Tatterdemalion]

Strong bench. I expect Rafa wants to see if this lot can cope with Newcastle - if not Xabi, Albert and Robbie to come on.

[Reece]

Whilst I'm not entirely happy with the starting XI, this will be our second game in three days, and different players have different fitness levels, so who is to say that Alonso, Keane and Riera (the latter two of which haven't even completed 90 mins that often) are felt by Rafa to not be at full fitness to start today?

Plus I saw a few people mention in the Bolton match thread that Keane seemed to be cramping up at the end of that game.

[dww]

No offence mate, but that's nonsense to me. There's been nothing 'excellent' from Lucas, he's been decent at best, and woeful at worst.

Gilberto Silva was strong, assured in possession and experienced. Lucas is weak, gives the ball away and naive.

He is weak I'll give you but I don't see him giving the ball away that often, I really don't. Sadly I'll be listening to the game today so won't be able to give any useful judgment.

[Zapater]

Rafa's next to Parry, not ready for the dugout i guess