Soto

[dww]

I can't see us dropping Soto. I think the Napoli game was trying out Carragher - Soto which is what Roy wants to play against Chelsea. We really don't have the players to set up ideally for Chelsea - we don't really have a single player with good acceleration to put in the central defensive triangle (DM + 2 CBs).

I think we might see Lucas as essentially an auxilliary CB (I worry that Poulsen might get the role). Hoping to allow Konchesky and Johnson to bomb on.

Knowing Roy I'd expect Gerrard too to be asked to play deeper, with the hope he will give some bite to our midfield.

[Rudo]

I can't see us dropping Soto. I think the Napoli game was trying out Carragher - Soto which is what Roy wants to play against Chelsea. We really don't have the players to set up ideally for Chelsea - we don't really have a single player with good acceleration to put in the central defensive triangle (DM + 2 CBs).

I think we might see Lucas as essentially an auxilliary CB (I worry that Poulsen might get the role). Hoping to allow Konchesky and Johnson to bomb on.

Knowing Roy I'd expect Gerrard too to be asked to play deeper, with the hope he will give some bite to our midfield.

You saying Skrtel shouldn't start? Utter madness fella, he's been brilliant these last few games and out of all our defenders(along with Johnson) is the one with a bit of pace, i've seen him run toe to toe with both Anelka and Drogba.

He's a must to start on Sunday imo.

[Mostar]

I just think Dodger will revert to a defensive line-up that has played together a few times this season, meaning Johnson will be on the bench. At least I think it wouldn't be entirely illogical. And I'm not sure Johnson playing two full games in a few days straight off an injury is such a good idea anyway.

You could be right though - Kygiakos playing yesterday might be a sign he's going to be rested for Sunday.

You could be right. Roy may not risk him playing too tough games in span of 3 days but he may be tempted as Glen had a very good game.

My concern is that if we play with 3 CBs we will be ripped into pieces by Drogba and Anelka and we need GL to bring some balance to back 4 in terms of speed and some width to our offensive line.

[Neil Young]

You could be right. Roy may not risk him playing too tough games in span of 3 days but he may be tempted as Glen had a very good game.

My concern is that if we play with 3 CBs we will be ripped into pieces by Drogba and Anelka and we need GL to bring some balance to back 4 in terms of speed and some width to our offensive line.

Well, if we sit deep then lack of pace is less of an issue (which is why we'll sit deep, if you don't mind the apparently circular logic). Not sure if you mean we'll go with three centre backs - I wasn't suggesting that, just that one of them would play right back in a normal back 4. I know what you mean about Johnson's attacking dimension but I'm not sure attack is something Dodge worries about too much, against Chelsea at least.

[The Birdman]

Johnson - Soto - Skrtel - Konchesky is the back 4 I would pick.

Carra is 32 and can't get picked on past reputation all the time, on form Soto and Skrtel should be the partnership.

Absolutely no way Hodgson has the balls to leave Carragher out though, never gonna happen

[dww]

You saying Skrtel shouldn't start? Utter madness fella, he's been brilliant these last few games and out of all our defenders(along with Johnson) is the one with a bit of pace, i've seen him run toe to toe with both Anelka and Drogba.

He's a must to start on Sunday imo.

I didn't say what I would do or what should happen. I was speculating what Roy might do and why.

Skrtel may be faster than Soto and Carragher but even if he might be fast (I'm not convinced I have seen the evidence you have) he has little acceleration - you often see people run off him. He is playing well but he doesn't offer the aerial ability in both boxes of Soto and hence of the two is most likely to be dropped. I might well play him alongside Kyrigakos but I don't think Roy will drop Carragher and I believe he will want to play CB.

[Mostar]

Well, if we sit deep then lack of pace is less of an issue (which is why we'll sit deep, if you don't mind the apparently circular logic). Not sure if you mean we'll go with three centre backs - I wasn't suggesting that, just that one of them would play right back in a normal back 4. I know what you mean about Johnson's attacking dimension but I'm not sure attack is something Dodge worries about too much, against Chelsea at least.

yes I understood you but I didn't express myself well. I meant the same thing by saying 3 natural CBs where Carra, as you suggested, would be slided into the role of RB and to me that set-up against Chelsea is extremely concerning.

You are absolutely right about us sitting too deep due to lack of pace but to me that was/is an open suicide.

We have seen it time and time again, we surrender the possessions easily, the opponents continue to press and pound us and eventually we give in as we don't have meaningful way of defending ourselves and I don't think it will be any different on Sunday. It will be a scramble in the box that will ultimately lead to their goal.

Johnson - Soto - Skrtel - Konchesky is the back 4 I would pick.

Carra is 32 and can't get picked on past reputation all the time, on form Soto and Skrtel should be the partnership.

Absolutely no way Hodgson has the balls to leave Carragher out though, never gonna happen

Carra should be benched as other 2 have been in a much better form but I cannot see that happening neither.

[Craig_H]

Personally I dont think he was a good signing.

If you watch every Liverpool game he gets caught out at least once or twice and if he plays on sunday he will be run ragged by Anelka.

From static setpieces he is great but from open play I think his shortcoming s are highlighted

How can we sign a defender that is great in the air , but weak against fleet footed oppostion. He's a good solid defender with a great head but thats about it. How many of the other top 6 teams would sign Soto?

If Liverpool want to really challenge for the lelague they can not have defenders which have such a blatant weakness.

Yeah, but you also thought Hicks and Gillett were good owners, so personally, i dont take a shred of what you say with any sense of seriousness or credibility.

[danperkins]

You saying Skrtel shouldn't start? Utter madness fella, he's been brilliant these last few games and out of all our defenders(along with Johnson) is the one with a bit of pace, i've seen him run toe to toe with both Anelka and Drogba.

He's a must to start on Sunday imo.

What!!! Was he tied together with Anelka by a rope? Skrtel is not quick, just quicker than Carra & Soto because they move in slow motion.

[Rudo]

What!!! Was he tied together with Anelka by a rope? Skrtel is not quick, just quicker than Carra & Soto because they move in slow motion.

I've seen him run and keep up with both before man and i'm not joking. Both at Stamford Bridge and Anfield...not over 40 yards or anything but there's been times when they've nicked in and got through only for Skrtel to race back and stop them in their tracks.

Skrtel's not lightening but he has got a good turn of pace, better than many think.

[Fredo]

LFC "Player Of The Month"

Roy Hodgson today commended the decision of fans to award Sotirios Kyrgiakos the Standard Chartered LFC Player of the Month for October.

The Greek defender tallied 61 per cent of your vote on this website following a string of imperious displays at the back.

He made five appearances throughout a month in which the Reds returned to form, scoring in the victory over Blackburn.

Hodgson told Liverpoolfc.tv: "He's done very well. He's given some very dominant performances and he's got to be very, very happy with his season so far.

"I think this is deserved. He scored an important goal and has been a dominant figure.

"There have been other players who've done well but I think Soto is one of those guys who, like me, doesn't always get the plaudits. Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina get plenty, so it's nice that it can be shared out among other deserving members of the team."

Reina came second this month with 13 per cent of the vote, followed by Steven Gerrard in third with eight per cent.

Every month you'll get the chance to vote for the Standard Chartered award - and the winner will be presented with our brand new trophy courtesy of our main club sponsor.

Link

[nineteen]

Hodgson told Liverpoolfc.tv, "...There have been other players who've done well but I think Soto is one of those guys who, like me, doesn't always get the plaudits.

That was a bit too obvious.

[MosRay]

LFC "Player Of The Month"

nice bit of editing I feel there Nigel, still made me laugh rather loudly though... Could just imagine that **** actually saying something like that, the bean...:haha

[Rudo]

Well in Soto, fully deserved.

[pondus]

**** off roy