West Ham (a) build up

[Tee]

David Sullivan has said we are the best team in the world at the moment.

He ain't wrong, the dildo.

[G]

We will need a strong ref cos they'll try kick us all over the place to disrupt the flow of the game. If the ref lets a lot go they'll carry on doing it.

[captainfog]

Bib theory hasn't worked for a long time. Think Brendan cottoned on.

I think he'll stick with he same back 4 anyway. I think stability has been key for our defensive improvement. For all his criticism I think Agger's calmness has improved Skittles game too. And anyway, you don't beat West Ham worrying about about Andy **** Hair Carroll. I'd be more concerned with breaking down their 10 man defense.

[Yozza]

Brendan's respect for West Ham duo

Brendan Rodgers has paid a dual glowing tribute to former Liverpool players Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing as the boss prepares for a reunion with the West Ham United duo this weekend.

The table-topping Reds travel to Upton Park on Sunday looking to defend their two-point advantage at the summit of the Barclays Premier League and further increase an eight-match winning streak.

In opposition will be two familiar faces; the aforementioned Englishmen both completed permanent switches from Merseyside to the Hammers last summer as the manager realigned his squad.

Asked about the pair at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Rodgers talked in fond terms of the striker and wide-man respectively, explaining the overall reasons for parting company with both.

"Both players are fantastic players," the Northern Irishman reflected to reporters gathered at Melwood for the briefing today.

"Andy wasn't let go from here because he wasn't good enough. I think he's one of the best players in Europe in how he plays, that style of attacking the ball in the air - he's outstanding.

"Everyone knows the way I work; it was never to say that Andy couldn't work that way, but he needed to play. He's gone on and done great for West Ham.

"When he has been fit, he has shown that he is one of the top strikers playing in that hoof style of football. It certainly wasn't because he wasn't good enough. He's gone on and when he's played and been fit for West Ham, he's been excellent.

"Stewart Downing, like all the players in the opening few months when I came in, it was difficult for him. But then he really progressed and became a very important member of our team and squad by the end of the season.

"But the money that we were offered for him was going to help in getting other players in and help us continue along our journey within the philosophy.

"Stewart left and he has gone to there and been one of their best players, if not the best player, which to be honest isn't saying much. He's got a great left foot.

"And both of them were good men as well. I only worked with Andy for a short period of time, but he was a good guy. Stewart, despite being an abject coward, was excellent."

Carroll has struck twice in nine Premier League appearances for the London outfit this season, with both efforts registered last month - including the opener against Sunderland on Monday evening.

Those in attendance at the club's training complex wondered whether the 25-year-old may have a point to prove against his old side.

"I don't think so," Rodgers responded. "He knows he's a very good player. West Ham paid a lot of money for him and identified him as a top young player.

"Playing in the style of football that West Ham play, there's not many better. He is wonderful in the air, touch in and around the box, his technique to swivel and turn at times in the box is great.

"So he certainly has nothing to prove to Liverpool. Coming in, my ideas and, more importantly, being unable to offer him the opportunity to play week in, week out, was the biggest factor.

"Andy wanted to play, because he had spent the period of 18 months or so beforehand actually not playing regularly. This was a chance for him to do that and he's taken it really well."

[Tee]

Haha, nice edits Yozza

[McDermotX]

I hope that whole thing is an edit.

Feckers.

[meffin]

They looked dog**** the other week against UTD. Hope they play like that against us

[Vermilion]

I'm going to watch the City match. It kicks off at 9:45pm which is great for me.

I hope Southampton get a bloody result. I think I'll wake the baby if they do!

[Yozza]

They looked dog**** the other week against UTD. Hope they play like that against us

You just know the ****s will raise their game & put up the performance of their season... Fat ****ing Sam

[Patricks_Berger]

"our journey within the philosophy"

sounds amazing. Trippy.

[baitman]

if they are 'well up fer it, you cahntz' then they will come at us. good luck with that

[nineteen]

We will need a strong ref cos they'll try kick us all over the place to disrupt the flow of the game. If the ref lets a lot go they'll carry on doing it.

Anthony Taylor taking charge. Has already reffed three of our games this season:
5-3 over Stoke
5-1 over Norwich
3-1 over Palace

[baitman]

Anthony Taylor taking charge. Has already reffed three of our games this season:
5-3 over Stoke
5-1 over Norwich
3-1 over Palace

5-2 it is then.

[Bender]

Liverpool’s title hopes have been dealt a blow as Daniel Agger looks set to miss the West Ham United game through injury. Agger had to leave training early when he picked up a knee injury. At the moment the extent of the injury is unknown and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is still hopeful he will be okay to face the Hammers.

Liverpool have kept 8 clean sheets in last 12 while Agger has been in the team and to lose him at this stage of the season would certainly come as a huge blow.

If he is to miss out it will be down the Mamadou Sakho to deputise. The French international, who is himself is only back from injury, is still not 100% fit but with the World Cup looming he will be looking for a chance to impress Didier Deschamps.

link

[meffin]

Damn, but Sakho might be a better option against those lunps