Sunderland Build Up

[dww]

From the Guardian analysis:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/oct/16/sunderland-liverpool-squad-sheets

Match pointers

• Sunderland have failed to score in nine of their last 10 league games against Liverpool

• Liverpool have had more shots on goal (68) than other top-flight side this season

• Sunderland have the best top-flight conversion rate, scoring with 27% of their attempts

• Liverpool have scored five league goals from corners this season – a division high

• Darren Bent has scored in four straight league games

• Victory at Sunderland was Liverpool's first of the 2008-09 campaign

[Shaggy]

The more i think about it the more I think this team is almost certain.

Not for me, no way. A midfield axis of Lucas and Aurelio is powderpuff and Cattermole, Cana et al would trample all over them.

[dww]

Not for me, no way. A midfield axis of Lucas and Aurelio is powderpuff and Cattermole, Cana et al would trample all over them.

I'm not sure that is true. If he is fit then Aurelio would do fine in that role. There is still some doubt for me as to whether he is fully match fit at the minute though. Lucas is a pretty strong tackler these days. Arsenal have proved in the past that moving the ball around quickly can counter a tough midfield if your players are brave enough.

While if they play badly your analysis might well prove right I think that my main worry with that selection is that they don't have drive and as with the Mascherano - Lucas axis we will need the three behind the striker to be more creative and more mobile to make space. I'm not sure anyone is in the sort of form to do that and offer a goal threat.

[dww]

Another question - has Plessis played any sort of role in the reserves? I guess he and Spearing are the two main potential 'surprise' options.

[JohnDoe]

I'm dreading this one.

Will be surprised if we win it to be honest.

[Ben_Itez]

From the Guardian analysis:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/oct/16/sunderland-liverpool-squad-sheets

Match pointers

• Sunderland have failed to score in nine of their last 10 league games against Liverpool

• Liverpool have had more shots on goal (68) than other top-flight side this season

• Sunderland have the best top-flight conversion rate, scoring with 27% of their attempts

• Liverpool have scored five league goals from corners this season – a division high

• Darren Bent has scored in four straight league games

• Victory at Sunderland was Liverpool's first of the 2008-09 campaign

[red g]

Not for me, no way. A midfield axis of Lucas and Aurelio is powderpuff and Cattermole, Cana et al would trample all over them.

cana v aurelio has only one outome, aurelio injured!!!

[Bender]

FORMER Middlesbrough midfielder Bolo Zenden has completed a move to Sunderland until the end of the season - and he can face old club Liverpool on Saturday.

[red g]

FORMER Middlesbrough midfielder Bolo Zenden has completed a move to Sunderland until the end of the season - and he can face old club Liverpool on Saturday.

surprised by this as Andy reid has been playing very well recently.

[chadrtc]

I'd be tempted to give Agger a game in front of the back four, in Alonso's old role.

[Ben_Itez]

The biggest dilemna is obviously the CM partnership. If Masch is truly knackered and really not match fit then i'd be tempted to go with Spearing alongside Lucas but that's only really to compete with Sunderland's physical presence in their midfield. However, Im not sure having another midget in our team is going to help us defend set pieces. The Fiorentina match is the main reason i'd be reticient to play Aurelio there but i think that's what we may well see.

My guess:

Reina

Johnson
Carra
Skrtel
Insua

Lucas
Aurelio

Kuyt
Benayoun
Riera

Ngog

Subs: Cav, Agger, Dossena, Babel, Spearing, Masch, Voronin

[Reece]

What ever happened to that Duran kid who was desperately unlucky with injuries? Is he still on our books?

[Reece]

I'm not suggesting he's the answer btw, just thinking out loud really.

[Reece]

Aye he is

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/squad/duran/

He looked a good prospect.

[Shaggy]

Didn't Duran pick up another nasty injury? He looked a good player when he came back last season.