Stoke (A): Build Up

[Fosterbloke]

I really want Benteke to score on his debut!

[kev776]

I want a hat trick from Bentecke and 2 from Ings, Milner and Firmino (even tho he wo't play)

[Patricks_Berger]

Stoke away is always a tricky match & im sure some of the top 4 will drop points there. Considering some of our stars haven't trained with the rest of the squad yet I'd say a draw will be acceptable.

Normally I would agree but after what happened last time you have to imagine that our guys are going to chomping at the bit for this one.

Our players are better at football. With the right effort and tactics we should win

[Patricks_Berger]

Psychology plays a massive part in football and to lose again to Stoke after the last humiliation and after spending millions this summer would be a crippling blow and one that I think we would struggle to recover from. Factor in a manager that’s under extreme pressure, an unhappy fan base and quite a few players struggling for form, then I think there is more than just 3 points at stake.

Agreed. But by the same token - if we go there and do a number on them - it draws a line under last season.

[SB]

Normally I would agree but after what happened last time you have to imagine that our guys are going to chomping at the bit for this one.

Our players are better at football. With the right effort and tactics we should win

I hope your right. We'll soon see if they're chomping at the bit or tucking in their tails like a whimpy dog.

[captainfog]

This is the side I'd start the season with.

------------Mig---------------
Clyne Skittles Sakho Moreno
-----------Can----------------
------Hendo --Lallana
--Firminho------- Coutinho
----------Tekkers-----------

[frank the tank]

This is the side I'd start the season with.

------------Mig---------------
Clyne Skittles Sakho Moreno
-----------Can----------------
------Hendo --Lallana
--Firminho------- Coutinho
----------Tekkers-----------

Id put milner where lallana is and maybe put lallana or Ibe where firmino is..... introducing firmino from the bench for a few games before starting him.

I would also like to see the diamond formation employed early in the season..........under rodgers we have played our best football with this formation...the main beneficiary being coutinho who is 20% better with an extra man in front of him creating space and making runs...

[dizzycat]

This is the side I'd start the season with.

------------Mig---------------
Clyne Skittles Sakho Moreno
-----------Can----------------
------Hendo --Lallana
--Firminho------- Coutinho
----------Tekkers-----------

I like the idea of this lineup, but I reckon Milner will be in for Lallana or Firminho.

[Mostar]

This is the side I'd start the season with.

------------Mig---------------
Clyne Skittles Sakho Moreno
-----------Can----------------
------Hendo --Lallana
--Firminho------- Coutinho
----------Tekkers-----------

Milner will start in place of one of those 2.

He's pretty much guaranteed a spot and in fairness had pretty good pre-season so far.

Personally I'd start with Can but I'd think that BR will go for Lallana and drop Emre.

[Fierce]

It'll either be:

------------Mig---------------
Clyne Skittles Sakho Moreno
-----------Can----------------
------Hendo --Milner
--Lallana------- Coutinho
----------Tekkers-----------

or

------------Mig---------------
Clyne Skittles Sakho Moreno
-----------Can----------------
------Hendo --Milner
----------Coutinho
-----Tekkers----Firmino------


Suspect the first one whilst Bobby F gets used to the weather

[captainfog]

Id put milner where lallana is and maybe put lallana or Ibe where firmino is..... introducing firmino from the bench for a few games before starting him.

I would also like to see the diamond formation employed early in the season..........under rodgers we have played our best football with this formation...the main beneficiary being coutinho who is 20% better with an extra man in front of him creating space and making runs...

I think a midfield 3 of Hendo, Can and Milner lacks flair and spark. I'd happily play Milner or Hendo but not both at the same time.

[SB]

------------Mig---------------
Clyne Skittles Sakho Moreno
-----------Can----------------
------Hendo --Milner
----------Coutinho
-----Tekkers----Ings ------

[Exiled_red]

I think a midfield 3 of Hendo, Can and Milner lacks flair and spark. I'd happily play Milner or Hendo but not both at the same time.

I think that both will start most games.

[Shaggy]

Henderson and Milner are surely guaranteed starters every week.

I have absolutely no idea what side Brendan will pick and no idea what team I want to see. Back four + keeper picks itself (though Sakho/Lovren might be an issue) but the front 6 is anybody's guess. Apart from Henderson and Milner. So 4.

Oh yeah, Benteke starts, so 3.

Those three positions are ****ing hard though.

Actually, no ...Coutinho clearly starts as well.

So it's impossible to pick but really there's probably only 2 places up for grabs.

I've been drinking btw.

[captainfog]

BTW I know Milner and Hendo are going to start every week, it's just not what I'd do.