West Ham Build up (away)

[Fosterbloke]

Has a Premier League team fielded an Italian front two before?

[Muddled]

Carbone and Di Canio?

[Muddled]

Vialli and Zola?

[Fosterbloke]

Are you telling me or asking?

[Muddled]

I'm looking for support. I think they both lined up for Sheffield Wednesday and Chelsea respectively, but I'm not 100% confident to end it with a full stop.

[baronvonskidmark]

I'm not looking forward to this - especially aesthetically. Fat Sam will no doubt keep the grass as long and dry as possible, defend deep to nullify any counter attack and have a striker drop off on to Gerrard whenever we have the ball. That's probably what I would do if I didn't give a **** about the spectacle or essence of football.

It'll be a tough game. Their defence will be well organised and so far our attack has not looked that potent against teams not playing a high line. They'll invite our full backs to get as high as possible and maybe hit us on the break (Downing - for all his limitations - is quick). Obviously set pieces will play a big part too.

It will also be interesting to see if, when they are on the ball, they look to play any balls in between Lovren-Sakho or Sakho-Moreno to players making a diagonal run from the other side into the box. Both Man City and Ludogorets have done this and stranded Mignolet.

Whatever happens, Fat Sam's tactics will certainly make for a loooong 90 mins.

[Shaggy]

Got to feel for Sahko if he's been dropped. Been better than Lovren.

I love Brendan but he clearly has his favourites IMO and also seems pretty obvious he's not keen on Sakho, who has been much better than Lovren so far.

[danperkins]

Have a feeling this could be a ****ing awkward game. Not a huge fan of Borini but he does suit the way we play a lot more than Lambert who looks so uncomfortable playing in our system. Borini's work rate could free Balotelli up to play closer to goal. Lucas & Gerrard is a complete lack of mobility... slight concern.

One of these days we'll get a settled back line ffs.

[Shaggy]

[Gibbo]

Jones?!?!?!

[Shaggy]

That graphic is ****ed - it's Mignolet not Jones.

Liverpool subs: Jones, Toure, Enrique, Sakho, Markovic, Lallana, Lambert

[danperkins]

I think Lucas & Stevie being in the same midfield puts big pressure on Henderson. Hopefully one of Henderson or Lucas can get forward on times to support the front line. Bit of a mish mash LFC team IMO... hard to tell how their gonna play. At least we'll have a strong bench.

[Shaggy]

No Coutinho at all.

[Shaggy]

West Ham team: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Downing, Sakho, Noble, Demel, Song, Valencia.

[Gibbo]

Does Coutinho have a knock?