Arsenal @ Home Build Up

[Muddled]

Adam was shocking on Sunday. A huge weak link who I personally want shipped out in the summer. He's slow, tactically naive, and his set piece ability appears to have deserted him.

He is definitely too slow to react to Arsenal's quick passing. He couldn't even pick up Miller for Cardiff's firs on Sunday, meaning Agger got pulled out, leaving Mason free to score.

I think more credit has to go to Miller for finding that pocket of space (as well as his performance as a whole); I've mentioned the roles of Downing, Enrique and Agger in the lead up to the goal, but I haven't seen the goal since it went in to look at Adam's role in it, so I'll reserve judgement.

I think a midfield axis of Gerrard and Adam in a 4-4-2 has been proven not to work, however, I don't think he was awful and I certainly don't think he's tactically naive - but I'd agree with slow and cumbersome. He's another player that has been asked to undertake a different role within a new team and I thought he kept possession well on Sunday.

It does seem we are quick to jump on the back of the same players - no one has critiqued Suarez's performance ...

[Lecter]

Adam was shocking on Sunday. A huge weak link who I personally want shipped out in the summer. He's slow, tactically naive, and his set piece ability appears to have deserted him.

He is definitely too slow to react to Arsenal's quick passing. He couldn't even pick up Miller for Cardiff's firs on Sunday, meaning Agger got pulled out, leaving Mason free to score.

Adam alongside Gerrard is a no no

Adam alongside someone like Lucas then you dont have a worry

For all his weaknesses he has one of the highest number of assists (if not the highest) in our team

As for Cardiffs goal, I'm not sure I'd have been giving all the blame to Adam. It was a catalogue of errors, poor header out from Skrtel, poor picking up from Adam, Enrique was too detached from Agger (he has to be a lot closer to him)

[danperkins]

Adam alongside Gerrard is a no no

Adam alongside someone like Lucas then you dont have a worry

For all his weaknesses he has one of the highest number of assists (if not the highest) in our team

As for Cardiffs goal, I'm not sure I'd have been giving all the blame to Adam. It was a catalogue of errors, poor header out from Skrtel, poor picking up from Adam, Enrique was too detached from Agger (he has to be a lot closer to him)

Gerrard and Adam in the same midfield is not productive for either player or for LFC IMO.

[magicalbarnes]

Gerrard and Adam in the same midfield is not productive for either player or for LFC IMO.

Agreed. I think Spearing may get the nod - particularly with Arsenals soft touch.

Its like a cup game this. Lose and we cant get 4th. Draw and we hold on by the skin of our teeth. 3 points and its all to play for.

[danperkins]

Agreed. I think Spearing may get the nod - particularly with Arsenals soft touch.

Its like a cup game this. Lose and we cant get 4th. Draw and we hold on by the skin of our teeth. 3 points and its all to play for.

completely agree.

[Darkon]

Really is a massive game for us, if we don't win it getting fourth will be very hard, at least we need a draw. If we can win this and the game in hand against Everton we will only be 1 point behind fourth, or 4 points if Chelsea win their game.

I reckon we won't see to many changes for the game unless someone is very tired. I hope Jay gets picked ahead of Adam that is to poor defensively to play against Arsenal IMO.

Reina

Johnson Carra Skrtel Enrique

Jay

Henderson Gerrard

Suarez Carroll Downing

Only other change I could see happening would be getting Kuyt in from the start instead of Downing and switching position with Suarez. But with Downing playing well the last 2 matches I think he will get the chance again.

[danperkins]

------------Reina-------------

Johnson-Carra-Skrtel-Enrique

------------Jay----------------

-------Gerrard--Adam-------

Kuyt ---- Carroll ---- Suarez

I like the look of this, using Jay as security for the back for with Adam and Gerrard not having as much responsibility defensively which is not their strong suit. They are probably our two most productive players and for me the closer these two players are to goal the more chances Suarez and Carroll will get and both players are capable of scoring themselves. I've been waiting for Adam and Gerrard to be unleashed without having to constantly track back defensively, others may not agree but i'd like to see this in action.

[Buzzo]

------------Reina-------------

Johnson-Carra-Skrtel-Enrique

------------Jay----------------

-------Gerrard--Adam-------

Kuyt ---- Carroll ---- Suarez

I like the look of this, using Jay as security for the back for with Adam and Gerrard not having as much responsibility defensively which is not their strong suit. They are probably our two most productive players and for me the closer these two players are to goal the more chances Suarez and Carroll will get and both players are capable of scoring themselves. I've been waiting for Adam and Gerrard to be unleashed without having to constantly track back defensively, others may not agree but i'd like to see this in action.

Not a bad team that, however I can't see Downing being benched after his MOTM on Sunday. Would be good to see him do it against a top team, I have my doubts.

[kris90210]

I'd like to see Kuyt, Carroll, Bellamy and Suarez all on the pitch for this one. Tonnes of aggression is what's needed against this Arsenal side. A 4-2-3-1 formation. Carragher to come in for Agger.

-------------------Reina---------------------
Johnson----Skrtel---------Carragher---Enrique
------------Gerrard-----Spearing------------
--------------------------------------------
--Kuyt------------Suarez----------Bellamy---
-----------------Carroll----------------------

Only possible exception would be Downing for Bellamy, with Bellamy coming on to inject some pace into the game in the last 30 mins. Also rewards Downing for his best performance yet.

[Liverpel]

Is Agger definitely out?

[danperkins]

Not a bad team that, however I can't see Downing being benched after his MOTM on Sunday. Would be good to see him do it against a top team, I have my doubts.

yeah fair point mate, i wouldn't mind too much once Kenny keeps him to the LM. But IMO Sagna would have him in his pocket anyways. Love to be proved wrong but as you say big difference playing decent against championship sides as oppose to Arsenal, especially coming off the back off pissing all over Spurs.

[danperkins]

Is Bellamy's back still bolloxed? Wasn't he getting pain killing injections? He was very ineffective against Cardiff, most ineffective i've seen him play since joining us.

[Buzzo]

yeah fair point mate, i wouldn't mind too much once Kenny keeps him to the LM. But IMO Sagna would have him in his pocket anyways. Love to be proved wrong but as you say big difference playing decent against championship sides as oppose to Arsenal, especially coming off the back off pissing all over Spurs.

I just hope Downing doesn't think thats him got it cracked now. It was an improved performance nothing more, he needs more consistency and to keep improving. Like Carroll he still has a long way to go to convince.

[danperkins]

I just hope Downing doesn't think thats him got it cracked now. It was an improved performance nothing more, he needs more consistency and to keep improving. Like Carroll he still has a long way to go to convince.

very much so

[Muddled]

Not a bad team that, however I can't see Downing being benched after his MOTM on Sunday. Would be good to see him do it against a top team, I have my doubts.

Yup, I think he's earnt his place in the team and should be allowed to - hopefully - continue his form and I think he could have all the space Walcott will vacate. I guess this will be the test to see if he can raise his game against the bigger teams.