Trabzonspor 1st leg build up

[SB]

After waiting for what seemed an eternity, the matches are coming around fast at present. Thursday's match will see some fringe players get a run, I'm sure. New boy Poulsen could get a run and Nando may see some game time off the bench also. Aqua & Lucas should start and Stevie could be on the bench. I know it's only the mickey mouse cup but I can't wait to see who Roy goes with for this one

Europa League
19 Aug; 7.45pm at Anfield

The first round of matches in the stupidly formatted Europa League sees Liverpool play a two-legged play-off against Turkish side Trabzonspor, beginning at Anfield this Thursday evening.

After disposing of Macedonians FK Rabotnicki in the qualifying round, Roy Hodgson’s men continue their Europa journey in a game inconveniently placed just a few days into the new domestic season.

David Ngog will be hoping to continue his fine goalscoring form, having scored four times for the Reds in just three games already this season.

Hodgson is unlikely to risk Fernando Torres, who made an appearance as a second half substitute against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

There could, however, be a debut for new midfield signing Christian Poulsen after the Danish international completed a £4.5million move from Juventus.

The Reds have only ever played Trabzonspor twice before, over two legs in the second round of the 1976/77 European Cup. Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners on aggregate back then.

Liverpool vs Trabzonspor gets underway at 7.45pm on Thursday night and is live on ITV 1. There’ll be more team news on This Is Anfield this week, so watch this space.

[Craig_H]

I really dont want to see key players featuring in this, with a big game at City coming up only a few days later.

[SB]

I really dont want to see key players featuring in this, with a big game at City coming up only a few days later.

Unless they need the run to improve match fitness

[PTP]

I really dont want to see key players featuring in this, with a big game at City coming up only a few days later.

Unless they need the run to improve match fitness

aye - whilst i'd like to see say, Johnson, Agger, Gerrard given a rest - I'd play Joe cole (well he's going to be suspended so might as well) and i'd consider torres for a 60 min run out to get him on the pitch under no real pressure, no requirement to go out and kill himself, almost like a pre-season for him. I'd prob play reina too....lacking match practice and an early chance for him to put yesterday out of his mind

- it's also the first chance for the squad players who didn't start yesterday to show they have something to offer.


------------------reina---------------

Kelly---------Kyriakos----Wilson-------Aurelio

----------------Lucas-----Aqua/Shelvey--

Maxi-----------------Cole----------------Babel

----------------------Torres/Ngog


I'd be quite happy with that, in fact i'd be made up and look forward to it......It also ensures Johnson/Agger/Carra/mascher if he still about and gerrard are ready for Sunday.

[SB]

aye - whilst i'd like to see say, Johnson, Agger, Gerrard given a rest - I'd play Joe cole (well he's going to be suspended so might as well) and i'd consider torres for a 60 min run out to get him on the pitch under no real pressure, no requirement to go out and kill himself, almost like a pre-season for him. I'd prob play reina too....lacking match practice and an early chance for him to put yesterday out of his mind

- it's also the first chance for the squad players who didn't start yesterday to show they have something to offer.


------------------reina---------------

Kelly---------Kyriakos----Wilson-------Aurelio

----------------Lucas-----Aqua/Shelvey--

Maxi-----------------Cole----------------Babel

----------------------Torres/Ngog


I'd be quite happy with that, in fact i'd be made up and look forward to it......It also ensures Johnson/Agger/Carra/mascher if he still about and gerrard are ready for Sunday.

I'd be more than excited to see that side run out too. I was thinking Pacheco to start but where?

[PTP]

it's a tough one isnt' - forgetting about the main players - as you say there is pacheco, one of aqua/shelvey, amoo, spearing, all with valid arguements to be given a go.

[SB]

it's a tough one isnt' - forgetting about the main players - as you say there is pacheco, one of aqua/shelvey, amoo, spearing, all with valid arguements to be given a go.

If Roy rested Cole then I'd play pacheco in the hole and Joe could come off the bench if needed?

[Exiled_red]

If Cole is going to be suspended for a few games I suspect he'll feature in this one, to keep him sharp.

I don't see us resting alot of big players in this though I suspect we might make a few changes but IMO it'll feature at least 7 or 8 players who we'd consider first choice.

[SB]

If Cole is going to be suspended for a few games I suspect he'll feature in this one, to keep him sharp.

I don't see us resting alot of big players in this though I suspect we might make a few changes but IMO it'll feature at least 7 or 8 players who we'd consider first choice.

Well give us your tips on who'll start then

[lancinleeds]

Is Poulsen registered to play?

[SB]

Is Poulsen registered to play?

Good question? He'd better be

[lancinleeds]

http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/club=7889/squad/index.html

Is this the registered squad? Seems to add up right. No Poulsen in there though.

[Exiled_red]

Well give us your tips on who'll start then

Thinking about it perhaps 7 or 8 was a little over the top I'd maybe go with something like:

Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Aurelio
Poulsen Aquilani
Pacheco Cole Maxi
Ngog

Still a decent strength team, giving players who featured late in the world cup a rest a long with some key players. Opportunities for Poulsen, Aquilani, Kelly and Pacheco. Cole plays as he's likely to miss games with the ban hanging over him. I'd expect Torres to play at least half an hour (hopefully more)

[-V-]

Aqualani and Babel have to start surely

[Craig_H]

Yeah i think so.