FA Cup: Oldham (H) Buildup & match thread

[DKdan]

Thought I would get the talk for our next game going.

I hope we spare a bunch of our players for this game. We need to do all we can in the league, and it could give a few of our fringe players a chance to stake a claim.

-----------------------Mignolet----------------------
Kelly------Touré------------Illori----------Cissokho
-------------Gerrard----Rossiter--------------------
---------------------Alberto--------------------------
Moses--------------------------------------------Ibe
---------------------Aspas---------------------------

Bench: Jones, Smith, Agger, Lucas, Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez

It would give Coutinho, Hendo, and Suarez a breather.

Agger hasn't played THAT much, so he makes the bench ahead of Skrtel.
Sturridge can make his comeback in second half.
Suarez can stay on the bench unless we need him.

[Reece]

Will be interesting to see what Rodgers does for this. On the one hand he'll want to rest as many of the first team players as possible whilst giving opportunities to some of the fringe/young players, but on the other hand he'll be concerned about repeating last season's shock exit (against this same team).

I quite like the idea of your team, but I'd be surprised if Rossiter started. I could see Smith coming in for Cissokho though. Definitely hope Ibe starts and would like to see Ilori in action for the first team.

[SB]

Thought I would get the talk for our next game going.

I hope we spare a bunch of our players for this game. We need to do all we can in the league, and it could give a few of our fringe players a chance to stake a claim.

-----------------------Mignolet----------------------
Kelly------Touré------------Illori----------Cissokho
-------------Gerrard----Rossiter--------------------
---------------------Alberto--------------------------
Moses--------------------------------------------Ibe
---------------------Aspas---------------------------

Bench: Jones, Smith, Agger, Lucas, Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez

It would give Coutinho, Hendo, and Suarez a breather.

Agger hasn't played THAT much, so he makes the bench ahead of Skrtel.
Sturridge can make his comeback in second half.
Suarez can stay on the bench unless we need him.

I do like the look of that side too. Not sure about Rossiter either but it's the right game to play him & Gerrard should be able to help him get around the park too.

[DKdan]

Rossiter probably won't play, but I would really really like to give Hendo and Lucas a little rest, with Allen out, they are vital for our pressing, and I fear the crimbo program has taken its toll on both.

The only way to allow that is to introduce Rossiter. He cant be far off since he makes the bench, but it's a big step starting a FA Cup game, no doubt about that.

TBH I haven't seen much of him but from what I read he is a great tackler and with a nice passing range, so he should fit right in.

I was a bit disappointed that Rodgers didn't put him on instead of Moses against Hull, but if he gets his first game on sunday he will be pure adrenaline in that game, and that could perhaps be an advantage.

TBH I think that side should be more than enough for Oldham. And it should have enough experience in Migs, Touré and Gerrard to handle them.

It would be great if Aspas could bag a goal, as I think it could kickstart his LFC career. I don't think he was bad against Hull. He should have had an assist (Hendo) and a perhaps a goal (if Cout wasn't as trigger happy himself). And he took up decent positions and his passing was decent too IMO. He just needs games and confidence - but with the window now open it might be difficult for him.

[DKdan]

I could see Smith coming in for Cissokho though. Definitely hope Ibe starts and would like to see Ilori in action for the first team.

I'd like to see Smith start but IMO Cissokho needs the games, and a back four of Kelly, Toure, Illori and Smith would be too inexperienced for my taste.

But **** me the left hand side would be fast.

[Pablo]

Obviously I'd look to rest some players but I do really want to win this one. We need to get back to winning trophies. It's not like we have major fixture pileup to worry about so we should really be gunning for this trophy this year!

[Pablo]

As for Aspas, he definitely needs a good performance to build some confidence. A goal will do wonders for him I suspect. He's a much better player than he's showing at the moment. I'm not sure I'd have him as a the main striker though, I'm not sure his confidence is ready for that. I think assuming Suarez is fully fit he'll still start this one.

[Pablo]

-----------------------Mignolet----------------------
Kelly------Touré------------Agger----------Cissokho
-------------Gerrard--------Henderson---------------
---------------------Alberto--------------------------
Aspas-----------------------------------------Sterling
---------------------Suarez--------------------------

I wouldn't risk Illori. It doesn't look like he's ready for the rough and tumble of Cup football yet. If we're ahead take Suarez off as soon as possible.

[Lee]

Pretty much agree with you on that Pabs.

I wouldn't start Suarez and I'd be wary about rushing Gerrard back (although we don't really have anyone else to come in, plus Henderson & Lucas have played a lot of football this season so it'd be good to rest at least one of them).

I'd probably go something like:

Mignolet
Johnson Toure Agger Cissokho
Lucas Gerrard
Moses Alberto Sterling
Aspas

[greenbloodred]

Smash them.

[Yozza]

Obviously I'd look to rest some players but I do really want to win this one. We need to get back to winning trophies. It's not like we have major fixture pileup to worry about so we should really be gunning for this trophy this year!

I live in Oldham & hence they are my second team - however I have had to put up with a lot from Latics fans since Matt Smith made Skrtel look like a pub player last year... so

Smash them.

[frank the tank]

i would keep Skrtel and Agger as the central defense to be honest. With Sakho out these 2 need to reacquaint themselves with each other a lot more. Also, neither has played every game so it wouldnt be any harm to see them play together versus Oldham.....

Rossiter should hopefully make his debut in this game - but possibly from the bench? I wouldnt be disappointed to see Teixeria play some part either to be honest....

I think there will be a few changes but i certainly don't think the team will be completely changed for this game. Maybe something along the lines of:

------------------------MIGNOLET-------------------------

KELLY--------SKRTEL---------------AGGER-------CISSOKHO

---------GERRARD-------LUCAS----ALBERTO----------------

STERLING-------------SUAREZ------------------MOSES

[Steve]

I live in Oldham & hence they are my second team - however I have had to put up with a lot from Latics fans since Matt Smith made Skrtel look like a pub player last year... so

Smash them.

Born and grew up in Oldham.

[Scratch]

With only 1 game a week to worry about, I would probably expect to see our strongest starting 11, and then sub off key players when (if) the game is beyond reach of Oldham.

This is the only Cup competition left to us, so I expect to see us make a real go at it.

[Muddled]

What a good looking thread title.

I'd probably go something like:

Mignolet
Johnson Toure Agger Cissokho
Lucas Gerrard
Moses Alberto Sterling
Aspas

This.