Stoke (A): Build Up

[The_weatherman]

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

Lovren isnt exactly a stable defender though.

[Chazza]

Stamford?

Probably Southwark.

[DannyMan2006]

Lovren isnt exactly a stable defender though.

£40m spent and we still don't have a reliable LCB. Id say since Agger left, but he was never reliable either. I long for the days of Hyypia & Carra.

[DannyMan2006]

Reina, Hyypia - Carra, Masch - Alonso, Gerrard & Torres.

What a spine that was.

[Havors]

is it just me or does benteke look fat? probably start with ings or origi next week

[RichC]

Some good awareness from big Chris

[RedReet]

is it just me or does benteke look fat? probably start with ings or origi next week

Just you.

[Boogs]

is it just me or does benteke look fat? probably start with ings or origi next week

I wish I was as fat as him

[BigChief]

Players that will definitely play (in an assumed 4-2-3-1):

Mignolet
Clyne Skrtel CB? LB?
Hendo Milner
RM? Coutinho LM?
Benteke

Personally I'd like to see Sakho and Gomez making the two defensive slots. As long as its not both Lovren AND Moreno then we'll survive. If both start then we're screwed.

In midfield I'd like to see Ibe start. Only because Lallana might be a bit too lightweight (and slow) next to Coutinho against a team like Stoke. Alternatively, if no Ibe or Lallana then go 4-3-3 and play Lucas or Can alongside Hendo & Milner.

Bloody hell do we have some good (better) options chomping at the bit. Lucas and Can played like they were possessed and wanted to be at the forefront of Rodgers' thoughts.

[redmike65]

A lopsided diamond/4-1-2-3 is how I'd go

---------Mignolet
Clyne-- Skrtel--Sakho--Gomez
-----------Lucas
------Hendo----Milner
-Ibe-----Benteke---Coutinho

But I reckon Ings will actually start the game myself.

[Fosterbloke]

I'm really excited to see the official line up. I'm going to the Casino at an ungodly hour to watch this I think!

[Nicey]

A lopsided diamond/4-1-2-3 is how I'd go

---------Mignolet
Clyne-- Skrtel--Sakho--Gomez
-----------Lucas
------Hendo----Milner
-Ibe-----Benteke---Coutinho

But I reckon Ings will actually start the game myself.

We have a cracking squad going in to this season .. add a fit sturridge to it and we have a shot

[SB]

I'm really excited to see the official line up. I'm going to the Casino at an ungodly hour to watch this I think!

We have a bad record when I watch so I'll catch the replay at a better time on Monday. Hate Sunday night matches.

[Scratch]

I wonder if O'Driscoll or Gary Mac have had any influence over the CB pairing, and between them they have decided that Lovren gets the nod over Sakho?

Anyway, my tip for the starting 11

Mig

Clyne
Skrtle
Lovren
Gomez

Henderson
Milner
Coutinho

Ibe
Ings
Lallana

I think once Benteke had played a few more games and Firminho is up to speed, then Ings and Ibe will become substitutes, but it's nice to have a lot of options.

[SK]

Benteke will start i'm sure of it.

Mig
Clyne-Skrtel-Lovren-Gomez
Hendo-Milner
Ibe-Phil-Lallana
Big Chris