Wigan build-up

[calvoboy]

Unfortunately the reserves don't play again until the 14th January

Which is why we either need to go back to the old system of a shadow reserve league playing 38 games a season, or allow reserve teams to enter the football league at lower levels. It's a joke how few games they play these days, which is why all the young players end up on loan instead of the time-tested route of youth team - reserves - first team.

But that's a whole other debate.

[FatTony]

----------------Reina----------------
-----------Carra----Agger---------
Johnson----Masch----Aurelio
---------------Aquilani-------------
----Kuyt--Gerrard--Benny-----
--------------Torres-----------

[lickedlollipop]

Unfortunately the reserves don't play again until the 14th January

Why ?

[dww]

I'd go with the same team as against Arsenal. We were good in the first half and will benefit from consistency in selection in my eyes. I'd bring Aquilani on at 60 minutes though more or less no matter what - with the person being withdrawn the only variable.

I think the idea that the malaise will be shaken off by random changes is entirely misplaced. I think we need to use our best team and get a few results under our belt to regain confidence and use that to build on.

[FatTony]

I'd go with the same team as against Arsenal. We were good in the first half and will benefit from consistency in selection in my eyes. I'd bring Aquilani on at 60 minutes though more or less no matter what - with the person being withdrawn the only variable.

I think the idea that the malaise will be shaken off by random changes is entirely misplaced. I think we need to use our best team and get a few results under our belt to regain confidence and use that to build on.

I don't think theres a need to have both Lucas and Mascher playing the next few games. We need to go for the kill now, if Aquilani is fit to start we simply need to be more attacking. Substitute one for the other by all means, but two defensive midfielders against the likes of Wigan is extremely negative.

[dww]

I think that Lucas can advance and our best games come when we control the midfield and use that as a platform. While I would in general agree that a more attacking CM partnership would be better I think in these circumstances with the attitude of going out to really beat a team then the partnership should be fine.

I guess we could do what we did earlier in the season and play Lucas and Gerrard on the assumption they are a weak team but I think the problem is that Wigan are quite unpredictable and we aren't playing well enough. I wouldn't be against that plan I suppose I just think for me it would be second choice.

[red g]

I think that Lucas can advance and our best games come when we control the midfield and use that as a platform. While I would in general agree that a more attacking CM partnership would be better I think in these circumstances with the attitude of going out to really beat a team then the partnership should be fine.

I guess we could do what we did earlier in the season and play Lucas and Gerrard on the assumption they are a weak team but I think the problem is that Wigan are quite unpredictable and we aren't playing well enough. I wouldn't be against that plan I suppose I just think for me it would be second choice.

it was interesting that as soon as masher went off all of a sudden Lucas started looking more forward with his passes......this was probably the situation we were in more than anything else though.

[Fan65]

Like to see Kuyt play up alongside Torres, their fantastic workrate & movement would tie any defence in knots

Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio
Masher
Gerrard, Aquilani, Riera
Kuyt Torres

Subs Lucas, Insua, Benayoun, Ngog, Skrtel

[Fierce]

I'd go with the same team and look for a reaction. It's our best 11, at least until Aquilani gets fit/adapts, so let's try and make as few changes as possible for a while and give them a run...

That said, I'd shake up the bench, and have the likes of Pacheco on there who can turn a game if needed, rather than 3 defenders.

Agree 100%

Aquilani will get the customary 60 min nod, and lets just ensure that of the 6 outfield subs, 4 of them aren't defenders. Jesus

In the absence of Babel and Riera (I think) then El Zhar/Pacheco/Ecclestone should be available should they be needed. Which I don't think they will

So yeah, just repeating what you've said really

[FatTony]

Like to see Kuyt play up alongside Torres, their fantastic workrate & movement would tie any defence in knots

Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio
Masher
Gerrard, Aquilani, Riera
Kuyt Torres

Subs Lucas, Insua, Benayoun, Ngog, Skrtel

Yep, it must be a nightmare having to deal with Kuyts pace and trickery.

[Fan65]

Yep, it must be a nightmare having to deal with Kuyts pace and trickery.

:bird:

[Exiled_red]

Why ?

It just seems to be the reserve league schedule, there last game was about 10th November. I've no idea why, the only thing I can think it that the first team programme is quite busy over this period and many of them could be involved in first team squads??

[Nicey]

For once i will not be getting up at 4.00 am to watch this

[Exiled_red]

I think we need to go at them from the start, playing with a high tempo usually works for well for us, if we can do that and get a decent lead, fingers crossed we can hold on to it!

[red g]

It just seems to be the reserve league schedule, there last game was about 10th November. I've no idea why, the only thing I can think it that the first team programme is quite busy over this period and many of them could be involved in first team squads??

nah, think its coz its piss poorly organised!! that could be a bonus the first team is so busy.....reserves get called up for bench, then youth get called up for reserve duty....everyones a winner