Vs. Newcastle United (A): Match Thread

[danperkins]

As Muds mentions though, hes bound to go two up top once Sturridge is back, so why be so reluctant to do it now? I don't quite get it.

Definitely rotating far more than last season, but that's the reason we improved the squad size so much in the Summer. I don't think he's mastered rotating players yet, it's a skill in itself.

definitely two up top with Sturridge back. I'm no fan of Borini but surely his movement would be good foil for Balotelli at the this moment in time with things being so stagnant up there?

I think us looking for a compact midfield around Gerrard and ahead of the defence is impacting on our decisions elsewhere. Limits our options when we have to have legs around Stevie IMO.

Agree that Rodgers is on a bit of a learning curve with the rotation side of things alright.

[danperkins]

Wonder will Gerrard be pushed further forward? If that is the case then i will feel a bit better about our set up.

[Glenn Hysen]

Jesus wept on a bicycle, anyone would think we had already lost reading this thread. Ffs.

Embarrassing...

[Fierce]

Brendan proving a point by playing Balotelli as he was signed against his wishes

And purposefully not playing Borini who refused to leave

Dangerous game Brendan, hope you know what you're doing

[Muddled]

Yeah and there's us on the other side

I understand our form has been hit and miss this season (okay, mostly miss), but everybody seems to think Newcastle are in a rich vein of form, but they've picked the same number of points as us in the last six games. Pardew seems to be crowing about how great he is after a couple of wins on the bounce and maybe they'll be complacent.

If we start finding our feet I think we'll have more than enough to take the three points, but I don't think it will be pretty.

[Muddled]

Queue another frustrating afternoon.

The team I would have played (from the buildup thread):

I would play:

Mig
Man-Skr-Lov-Mor
Can
Hendo-Allen
Cout
Sterling-Borini

Can and Hendo covering each other.

Coutinho at the tip of the diamond as he seems to be in decent form.

Sterling up top with Borini as they can press high and stretch the opposition's defence. Ballo to come on as a sub if needs be, Lallana too.


I say it again, Rodgers needs to be brave and make a big call in his setup or selection. Whether it's dropping Gerrard or playing Borini & Sterling up top or something else.

I don't think Gerrard would have been dropped after being rested against Swansea. Whilst it's no dig at you, we as fans have a tendency to big up the alternative. I don't think Can is the answer to our central midfield problems. Yet.

[danperkins]

I don't think Gerrard would have been dropped after being rested against Swansea. Whilst it's no dig at you, we as fans have a tendency to big up the alternative. I don't think Can is the answer to our central midfield problems. Yet.

he has a long way to go

[Fosterbloke]

I'm not surprised they've not started Aarons. Bring him on in the 60th minute when it's at 0-0 then score in the 89th minute.

**** it, we'll flog the cunts.

[The_weatherman]

Where are the goals coming from? Worried about the midfield based on current form. Seems Borini won a place on the bench with his performance last week but what about Lucas?

Gerrard spoke about a change in tactics, maybe Allen will be deep with Gerrard further forward?

[Muddled]

Alan Pardew is a massive whopper.

[Muddled]

Where are the goals coming from? Worried about the midfield based on current form. Seems Borini won a place on the bench with his performance last week but what about Lucas?

The goals certainly wouldn't have come with Lucas on the pitch.

[red g]

del

[DannyMan2006]

Happy with the line up.

Few questions about how they'll set up, be interesting to see.

Could be a 433 or the diamond with Raheem up top. Or even a 4231 with possibly Gerrard further forward. Plenty of options.

No issues over Borini not starting, if he does well off the bench then maybe then he'll deserve a start. And on Glen, Manquillo & Moreno can't play every game, Rodgers is right to rotate the three to lessen injuries & fatigue.

[Muddled]

Has Andy Cole had his jaw broken or does he just insist on not moving the bottom half of his mouth?

[Shaggy]

The goals certainly wouldn't have come with Lucas on the pitch.

Just noticed he's not even on the bench again. Pretty clear Rodgers has had enough of him. Think he'll be gone in January. Shame what's happened.