Stoke (A): Build Up

[danperkins]

Of course it's only one game, but circumstances make some games more important than others, even if you still earn the same amount of points. The 6-1 was only one game and a game that we had nothing to play for, yet a large sections of fans were saying that one game was reason enough to sack the manager.

If this was Rodgers first season, or if it was off the back of a good season, then yes I agree 'it's only one game', but considering the manager is under immense pressure and considering who the opposition are, I think it's important that we win to show that we have improved from last year and that we're not in for a repeat season.

it's a huge game that could set the tone for our season.

[Bender]

Rodgers on Benteke and Firmino's chances of playing at Stoke: "They won't be 100%, that will be clear having come back so late." "We made the decision to keep them at home to give them those extra few days of training and work, and less travel."

WOW

[Buzzo]

Even as seventh choice, Mario might still get his game.

[Bender]

Rodgers: "The foundation will always be our defensive organisation, and that's something that's been worked very hard on."

Rodgers: "We've been reinforcing a lot of work in terms of pressing and defensive organisation. To ensure we're strong and compact."

Rodgers: "If they (Benteke/Firmino) are not ready for next week, they're certainly going to play a huge part for us in the remaining weeks."

[Montana]

We'll probably start like this depending on who's ready ......

Mignolet
Clyne Skrtel Sakho Gomez
Lucas
Henderson Milner
Lallana Ibe
Ings

Subs: Benteke, Firmino, Moreno, Allen, Lovren, Coutinho, Bogdan.

[Fierce]

If we lose to Stoke I will definitely write off any realistic chances of 4th. I may be swayed if we are desperately unlucky, but you know you're not good enough if you're losing away to Stoke straight off the bat.

I'll be supporting someone else personally

[Daffy Duck]

We'll probably start like this depending on who's ready ......

Mignolet
Clyne Skrtel Sakho Gomez
Lucas
Henderson Milner
Lallana Ibe
Ings

Subs: Benteke, Firmino, Moreno, Allen, Lovren, Coutinho, Bogdan.

NO ****IN WAY are we sending out that team in our opener against Stoke

[Chazza]

I'll be supporting someone else personally

I was considering jacking in the missus and house and heading for the nearest bridge.

[RichC]

I was considering jacking in the missus and house and heading for the nearest bridge.

Let me know which one and I'll join you

[Norbs]

I was considering jacking in the missus and house and heading for the nearest bridge.

Stamford?

[Nicey]

Watching Stoke in Germany against FC Koln and they have been woeful first half not there strongest 11 but encouraging a week away from Kick off,*Johnson looking to carry on were he left off

[Nicey]

their back 4 look ripe for the taking, Munez makes J Traore look like Maldini

[Nicey]

4 mins to go and there forward runs past Johnson like he is not there or cares and concedes

[Bender]

Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers admits he has yet to decide on his centre-back pairing for the new Premier League season.

“It's not something I've totally decided upon yet,” Rodgers said.

“I'll sit down with the staff and we'll look at it next week.

“The key is getting consistency in that area of the field.

“Your two centre-halves are critical. They are the tactical decision makers in the game. That balance is important for us this season.

“We had too many defensive changes last year and that's not something that I like.

“Hopefully this season we'll be more consistent as a back four.”

Joe Gomez got the nod ahead of Alberto Moreno to feature at left-back in Finland and Rodgers is prepared to play the England youth international there again at the Britannia Stadium next weekend.

"I wouldn't have any issues (with playing him)," he said.

"You've seen from my time here that irrespective of the age of a player, it's about the quality and personality.

"Whether they are 17 or 27, if I think they are ready, I'll play them."
link

[Phoenix07]

Given Sakho's injuries, he may pick Lovren ahead of him for the sake of stability.