West 'am (H): Build Up

[Buzzo]

A 3pm Sat ko for the traditionalists

Same team again surely? I thought the midfield looked more balanced last night with everyone knowing their jobs. Henderson plays if fit I suppose, and with Lucas possibly leaving...

West Ham beat Arsenal, but have been less good since, and we always beat them at home - so what could possibly go wrong?

[poorscousertommy]

I would like to see Markovic brought out of the cold and replace Ibe. I really do believe if he was given a chance in his actual position (not at left wing back) and given a run of games he will come good.

I think Henderson will replace Lucas for this one. If fit of course.

[Buzzo]

On last nights performance Ibe should be out of the firing line for a while, and Markovic can surely do no worse?

Would be nice to see either or both of Ingsy or Origi'y get a run out at some stage.

[RichC]

Yup, I'd agree with that on Ibe. We did it for Sterling and it worked wonders, you sort of feel the pressure of being "the new Raheem" has weighed him down a little bit and we've got enough players in the squad to allow for this to happen.

[BigChief]

Need to see Ings/Origi/Markovic at some point. But Firmino also needs more game time. Ibe will probably not feature against WHam and that shouldn't be a slight on him.

If we're not playing Lucas (don't need a DM / sold /etc) that's one position opened up. Can and Milner can do the defensive two man job. Markovic could start the left of the three with Firmino on the right. Followed by Ings coming on for Firmino and Origi for Markovic in the second half.

Does that sound too open?

[Rich]

I'd play the same 11 as what started at the Emirates. I also echo the call for Ibe to be dropped from the squad and replaced by Markovic.

If Henderson is passed fit then he comes in for Can (who I thought was a little leggy and off the pace against Arsenal).

[dww]

I'd like to keep Ibe in the squad - if we play well he'd be a useful sub. We have played a very tight game so far this season and it doesn't really suit him. If we can are as open as they were against Bournemouth then I think it would be an ideal game for him.

I guess the same could have been said for Markovic - but it is clear which one Rodgers rates more and consequently the one we will probably need to get into form quickly.

[BigChief]

At least one fallacy has been put to bed with Lucas playing. Rodgers does not leave players out to spite his own face. I said that a week ago and had a strong feeling Lucas would be starting.

Markovic will get his chance, needs to keep showing it in training. Whether he's looking good enough in training compared to others is another thing.

[The_weatherman]

I'd play the same 11 as what started at the Emirates. I also echo the call for Ibe to be dropped from the squad and replaced by Markovic.

If Henderson is passed fit then he comes in for Can (who I thought was a little leggy and off the pace against Arsenal).

If Henderson is fit, I'd put him in for Can. I guess that's about the only obvious change. I could see Rodgers taking Lucas out for Hendo though and even Can as well and give Ings a start.

[redmike65]

West ham could be without Sakho having been arrested, not sure if Any Carroll is back or even if it matters much given how long it takes him to get up to speed. Zarate is out, Valencia is out.

Clyne-Skrtel-Lovren-Moreno
---------Lucas (if he still here)
-----Hendo--Milner
--------Coutinho
----Firmino--Benteke

Boggers, Gomez, Sakho, Can, Markovic, Ings, Origi

[Shaggy]

West ham could be without Sakho having been assested, not sure if Any Carroll is back or even if it matters much given how long it takes him to get up to speed. Zarate is out, Valencia is out.

Clyne-Skrtel-Lovren-Moreno
---------Lucas (if he still here)
-----Hendo--Milner
--------Coutinho
----Firmino--Benteke

Boggers, Gomez, Sakho, Can, Markovic, Ings, Origi

I really like that team for this game, but I'd swap Moreno for Gomez.

[RichC]

I really like that team for this game, but I'd swap Moreno for Gomez.

No need to change the back 4.

[redmike65]

I suspect Moreno will start even though I have no idea why I think it!

[Chris]

Win this and at worst after the Man Utd game we'll be averaging 2 points per game which is excellent, even more so considering that will be Utd, Stoke and Arsenal away done! Keep that ratio up for the rest of the tough aways and we can challenge for the title.

[redmike65]

I'll be happy with a challenge for the CL Play Off trophy! Lets not get ahead of ourselves.