Liverpool vs Sunderland build up

[Shaggy]

Bent will cause us problems for sure. Gyan's had a good start too but I'd be amazed if he starts alongside Bent.

I think and hope Meireles, if deployed properly and not in the hole, will make a huge difference to us.

Sixth league game of the season at home to Sunderland, and it feels like a must win already.

[Exiled_red]

Don't we have a quite a poor record against Steve Bruce's teams? I seem to recall a number of poor results against him in the League with his various clubs

[Shaggy]

Very poor. Can't think of many wins for Rafa against a Bruce side. 7-0 in the Cup at Birmingham, 3-0 at home to Sunderland last season....any more? Wigan always poxed draws against us, beach ball at Sunderland last year.

[DannyMan2006]

Gyan is looking a beast in the air for them. They dominated v Arsenal until they tired in the last 25 minutes. Only good thing is with henderson in the middle of the park they ahve no one who can cross a good ball to save their lives. about 1/10 crosses are successfull. So if we limit crossing chances they'll do FA.

They'll start lively though and if we invite pressure as we have done all season so far we could be in trouble.

[SB]

Reina

Johnson
Carra
Skrtel
Konchesky

Poulsen

Kuyt
Gerrard
Meireles
Cole

Torres

Simple 4-1-4-1 formation, should beat Sunderland. 2-0 I reckon.

If Dirk is fit enough I'd agree this is what we'll see but Maxi is a more likely starter IMO

[-V-]

Yes, but Rafa never had other available options a lot of the time, Roy does, like Lucas for example.

And why is that Rafa never had other options? Is it because he wasted £20m on a crock and £20m on Keane leaving us short of options when things not surprisingly didn't work out?

[doogle]

Gyan is looking a beast in the air for them. They dominated v Arsenal until they tired in the last 25 minutes. Only good thing is with henderson in the middle of the park they ahve no one who can cross a good ball to save their lives. about 1/10 crosses are successfull. So if we limit crossing chances they'll do FA.

They'll start lively though and if we invite pressure as we have done all season so far we could be in trouble.

I've heard from season ticket holders for them that he isnt ready for the prem yet, gets caught with the ball, not used to the pace etc

[DannyMan2006]

I've heard from season ticket holders for them that he isnt ready for the prem yet, gets caught with the ball, not used to the pace etc

My house mate is one of them. He wants Gyan to start having seen us defend crosses.

[Reece]

Roy Hodgson is set to make 11 changes to his team for Sunderland's trip to Anfield on Saturday.

The boss told his pre-match press conference that none of those who took to the field at the beginning of our Carling Cup defeat to Northampton would start against Steve Bruce's outfit.

"None of the players who are playing on Saturday played on Wednesday night," said Hodgson.

"We had a very bad result on Wednesday night but it should not affect the 11 players who are going to start the game on Saturday because they weren't part of the game."

Asked whether Dirk Kuyt could return from a shoulder injury earlier than expected against the Black Cats, Hodgson added: "Kuyt is the only one we have a slight reservation about but we'll see if he makes it. Therefore the only serious injury situation is Fabio Aurelio."

Hodgson was also asked about Daniel Agger's comments to Danish TV, which were taken out of context and reported in English newspapers.

He responded: "This happens a lot. A player is not in the team, he does an interview on his national television, people then take his answers and put different questions to them.

"The boy is very, very upset because he hasn't said these things but it's another nice little headline after the defeat to Manchester United."

Reporters wanted to know if the manager would now speak with Agger about the situation.

"I don't give players mass media training," he said. "I would give mass media training to young players but Agger has played many games for Liverpool and Denmark - I wouldn't want to pull him aside and say, 'Be careful what you say." He already understands those things.

"You are going to get caught out sometimes."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/hodgson-plans-big-changes

[lancinleeds]

No Agger again then...

[SB]

No Agger again then...

I'd guarantee that myself He'll be on the bench and that's it

[DannyMan2006]

I'd guarantee that myself He'll be on the bench and that's it

You don't need to, Roy has already done that for you

[SB]

You don't need to, Roy has already done that for you

I can read him like a book mate

[Mostar]

No Agger again then...

Unbelievable. The best CB we have and he'll be warming a banch..

[Rich]

I know we're still early in the season but it really is a bit of watershed moment.

We need to have a dynamic, positive performance where we're not only strong in defence but offer a glimpse of our attacking intent.

Let's not sit back, let's go for them and start being creative and positive.