Chelsea (A): Build Up

[frank the tank]

The post match interview when Klopp was asked about Saturdays game he kind of replied "its much harder" or something to that effect. I think we might see his first "mind games" in his press conf for the chelsea game trying to load the pressure on chelsea (which it will be anyway)......

Also Carragher and Redknapp were of the opinion that Firmino wont start at Chelsea because he played almost all of the Bournemouth game and that Coutinho and Lallana would be back in. I really hope that it is Coutinho and Firmino supporting Benteke.....

If we also had a midfield 3 of Lucas Milner and Emre Can, then i think we have energy in the centre of the pitch with attacking threat as well.....

[RedReet]

I’m sceptical about Benteke’s chances of starting, so I’m expecting/hoping that Firmino will play up top.

I think he’ll be a bit wasted there, as he’s better suited to picking a pass or through ball from deep, but you can only assume he’ll pose a bit more of a goal threat than Origi.

If Benteke is fit though, I'm confident we'll beat Chelsea, if not then our chances depend on how well his deputy does.

[danperkins]

yeah can't see Benteke being fit for this one, think Firmino will start up top. Not his ideal position but light years ahead of Origi in talent and experience. Gutted we don't have our best strikers as I think we'd have a field day against this current Chelsea defence.

Knowing our luck Chelsea will kick in and play their best game of the season!

[Rich]

The downside of playing Firmino as striker as he doesn't look pacey, so we can't play any balls behind. While Origi has been piss poor so far, his pace could cause Chelsea's centre halves a problem.

Ideally though we'll have Benteke back.

[danperkins]

The downside of playing Firmino as striker as he doesn't look pacey, so we can't play any balls behind. While Origi has been piss poor so far, his pace could cause Chelsea's centre halves a problem.

Ideally though we'll have Benteke back.

yeah that's a fair point mate. Origi's pace is impressive, he just needs to put himself about a bit more. Be interesting to see what Klopp does.

[RedReet]

I thought Firmino was supposed to be fast though, was that not the case?

Same with Markovic, thought we were getting some speed demon, but didn't turn out to be the case. In saying that, he was an odd one. He had a game against Everton (I think) on a Saturday and looked like he was running on quick sand, but played again midweek (Basil red card I think) and at times looked like a 100m sprinter.

[danperkins]

I don't think so mate, not a slouch or anything but maybe Suarez kinda pace ish? Yeah when we singed Markovic I was expected a bullet but it was like he was on rewind alot of the times.

[dww]

The downside of playing Firmino as striker as he doesn't look pacey, so we can't play any balls behind. While Origi has been piss poor so far, his pace could cause Chelsea's centre halves a problem.

Ideally though we'll have Benteke back.

I'd be pretty surprised if we went with anyone other than Benteke or Origi.

[Corndog]

Markovic clearly has a lot of pace?!?!?

Firmino doesn't, he's not slow either but that's why 10 is his best position and why I think he is less effective as a centre or wide forward.

[Corndog]

Origi is fast when he gets going but I don't think his acceleration is great, he is very slow at turning around when he gets his back to goal and often looks instead to lay it off.

I think he's much better when he gets the ball facing goal and can run at defenders which is maybe why he seems more effective in wide areas

[redmike65]

I think we'll see a cagey set up - keeping them at arms length with little jabs esp if Benteke doesn't start. Get out with a point and that would be okay.

[SB]

I think we'll see a cagey set up - keeping them at arms length with little jabs esp if Benteke doesn't start. Get out with a point and that would be okay.

Defeatist attitude that. Get behind me satan. We go to win

[kingfunk]

Id be content with a point, not happy, content.

[Myo]

Id be content with a point, not happy, content.

Beware the wounded lioness,

[Assassin]

Beware the wounded lioness,

Eva