Stoke (A): Build Up

[Rich]

So assuming we've now finished with the player purchases this is my team to start against Stoke:

Mignolet
Clyne - Skrtel - Sakho - Gomez
Lucas
Henderson - Milner
Coutinho - Lallana
Benteke

I'd not look to play expansive footy, keep it tight, keep disipline and look to build a platform for our attacking players to nick a goal or look for a set-piece. I might be crazy but Gomez is an absolute unit and will help us compete against Stoke.

[The Birdman]

It'll be -
Mingolet
Clyne Skrtel Lovren Moreno/Gomez (Rodgers loves a surprise pick)
Can Hendo
Lallana Milner Coutinho
Benteke

[kev776]

Coutinho wont start, no pre season

[SB]

Coutinho wont start, no pre season

Neither has Can.

[Paddy]

Genuinely can't see a trio of Lallana, Markovic, Ibe.

either Coutinho or Firmino will start, it's an absolute must.

[SB]

Genuinely can't see a trio of Lallana, Markovic, Ibe.

either Coutinho or Firmino will start, it's an absolute must.

We can afford to 'carry' someone like Coutinho as he's a provider as compared to Can who's there for his workload/ energy which won't necessarily be at its best without a full preseason behind him.

[The Birdman]

Coutinho wont start, no pre season

Neither has Can.

We can afford to 'carry' someone like Coutinho as he's a provider as compared to Can who's there for his workload/ energy which won't necessarily be at its best without a full preseason behind him.

This 'no pre season' thing is largely irrelevant in modern football because the top players play almost 11 months a year with internationals and money spinning friendlies.

They joined pre season later because they played on into the summer for longer.
Coutinho and Firminho were knocked out end of June, they've had 4 weeks off, their starting base of fitness will be higher than those who have had longer off.
Can is the same.
That wouldn't have been 4 weeks of nothing either, probably 7-10 days total rest then a player specific programme to follow.

Fitness isn't an issue, sharpness to a degree and match sharpness certainly but pre season matches are a completely different tempo to proper games anyway, no footballer is ever really 'match fit' until 3 or 4 games into the season.

If Rodgers want's to pick them he can, if he doesn't it's because he's thinking of later in the season and trying to keep everyone as fresh for as long as they can.

[Exiled_red]

This 'no pre season' thing is largely irrelevant in modern football because the top players play almost 11 months a year with internationals and money spinning friendlies.

They joined pre season later because they played on into the summer for longer.
Coutinho and Firminho were knocked out end of June, they've had 4 weeks off, their starting base of fitness will be higher than those who have had longer off.
Can is the same.
That wouldn't have been 4 weeks of nothing either, probably 7-10 days total rest then a player specific programme to follow.

Fitness isn't an issue, sharpness to a degree and match sharpness certainly but pre season matches are a completely different tempo to proper games anyway, no footballer is ever really 'match fit' until 3 or 4 games into the season.

If Rodgers want's to pick them he can, if he doesn't it's because he's thinking of later in the season and trying to keep everyone as fresh for as long as they can.

I think preseason is a big thing for players who are coming off the back of injuries. But for the players who have been away playing for their countries for a while it makes little difference. As you say they played over the summer an joined up later. They haven't been on the tour, but they have spent time at Melwood getting up to speed. And there is another 3 weeks before the season starts I don't see it being an issue.

[SB]

This 'no pre season' thing is largely irrelevant in modern football because the top players play almost 11 months a year with internationals and money spinning friendlies.

They joined pre season later because they played on into the summer for longer.
Coutinho and Firminho were knocked out end of June, they've had 4 weeks off, their starting base of fitness will be higher than those who have had longer off.
Can is the same.
That wouldn't have been 4 weeks of nothing either, probably 7-10 days total rest then a player specific programme to follow.

Fitness isn't an issue, sharpness to a degree and match sharpness certainly but pre season matches are a completely different tempo to proper games anyway, no footballer is ever really 'match fit' until 3 or 4 games into the season.

If Rodgers want's to pick them he can, if he doesn't it's because he's thinking of later in the season and trying to keep everyone as fresh for as long as they can.

I'd be reluctant to start Can in the holding midfield role over Lucas on the premise that he's not played there much for us whereas Lucas has. Can will make that position his own I think but I'd only start him if he comes back into training & hits the ground running.

[baitman]

If we dont start lucas he might think he should be looking for a move. If brendan wants him to stay then he may have to start him or the ball may start rolli g and we, d then be forced to scratch around to see whats left on the last day of the window.

Like we'd ever do that....

[G]

If Lovren starts as seems likely I'll have to question Brendans sanity. I'll be forced to have loud angry words with the telly.

[Chris]

If Lovren starts as seems likely I'll have to question Brendans sanity. I'll be forced to have loud angry words with the telly.

He defo shouldnt be anywhere near the team, nor should his partner who stitched him up earlier but will probably come out of it hailed as "incredible" etc again. They are both horrendous defenders.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgztJksyYIg"]Patrick Wien Goal Malaysia XI vs Liverpool 1-0 Friendly Match 2015 - YouTube[/ame]

I wish "it's only a friendly" applied to these two but it will get much worse during the season if they are together, especially with that hellish fixture list.

[G]

He defo shouldnt be anywhere near the team, nor should his partner who stitched him up earlier but will probably come out of it hailed as "incredible" etc again. They are both horrendous defenders.

Patrick Wien Goal Malaysia XI vs Liverpool 1-0 Friendly Match 2015 - YouTube

I wish "it's only a friendly" applied to these two but it will get much worse during the season if they are together, especially with that hellish fixture list.

Those two together are the stuff of nightmares.

[SB]

He defo shouldnt be anywhere near the team, nor should his partner who stitched him up earlier but will probably come out of it hailed as "incredible" etc again. They are both horrendous defenders.

Patrick Wien Goal Malaysia XI vs Liverpool 1-0 Friendly Match 2015 - YouTube

I wish "it's only a friendly" applied to these two but it will get much worse during the season if they are together, especially with that hellish fixture list.

The link won't work.

[dww]

So assuming we've now finished with the player purchases this is my team to start against Stoke:

Mignolet
Clyne - Skrtel - Sakho - Gomez
Lucas
Henderson - Milner
Coutinho - Lallana
Benteke

I'd not look to play expansive footy, keep it tight, keep disipline and look to build a platform for our attacking players to nick a goal or look for a set-piece. I might be crazy but Gomez is an absolute unit and will help us compete against Stoke.

I suspect this is what we'll do as it seems to be how Rodgers starts every season. I hope we don't do it this year. I wan't to see a high intensity game where we really get our pressing game going and set some standards for the season.

I've not watched the pre-season games to tell who has been given the deepest midfield position but I'd be tempted to put Ibe in for Lucas with Milner driving us forward from the base of midfield.