Chelsea (a) build up

[Fosterbloke]

We can absolutely win there. Both sides have dodgy defences and great attacking threat. Could be a 4-4!

[Shaggy]

Can fit to play

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-midfielder-emre-can-set-11877197

[frank the tank]

Would not drop Sturridge for Coutinho tbh. Would start with the same attackers as in the last game.

Very tempting considering how awesome we were against Leicester.....

But on the other hand, Coutinho ran the show there last season!

I would have thought that Lovren will come in for Lucas. And that Emre Can would come in for Wjinaldum. Coutinho for Sturridge is probably the other other optional change for Klopp (don't think he will consider dropping Lallana just yet)

Whatever happens though, isn't it feckin great that we now have a strong bench no matter what the first 11 is!!!

[RedReet]

If Can is only back to training today, I wouldn't risk him from the start. Ideally, we'll keep him on the bench and ease him back against Derby and only bring him on if necessary.

[Rich]

I'd be tempted to swap Can for Wijnaldum but might be best to stick with the 3 that played against Leicester because they blended really well - IMO.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Very tempting considering how awesome we were against Leicester.....

But on the other hand, Coutinho ran the show there last season!

I would have thought that Lovren will come in for Lucas. And that Emre Can would come in for Wjinaldum. Coutinho for Sturridge is probably the other other optional change for Klopp (don't think he will consider dropping Lallana just yet)

Whatever happens though, isn't it feckin great that we now have a strong bench no matter what the first 11 is!!!

Would be picking the attackers based on the last game rather than a game last season though. Confidence should be high amongst the guys who started the last game and there was some very good link up play between them that will only get better with more time together on the pitch.

[SB]

Would be picking the attackers based on the last game rather than a game last season though. Confidence should be high amongst the guys who started the last game and there was some very good link up play between them that will only get better with more time together on the pitch.

agree. Only change I'd make would be Lovren for Lucas. The others need to earn their spot as both Sturridge & Gino did well enough to hang onto their spots IMO.

[Doc_Piptorious]

agree. Only change I'd make would be Lovren for Lucas. The others need to earn their spot as both Sturridge & Gino did well enough to hang onto their spots IMO.

Yep Lovern or Sakho for Lucas would be my only change too.


Would love to see Can back in the team, but as he has only started full training this week it might be a bit early for him.

I reckon Karius is going to get a start soon too, but the game against Derby is probably the most likely for that.

[SB]

Yep Lovern or Sakho for Lucas would be my only change too.


Would love to see Can back in the team, but as he has only started full training this week it might be a bit early for him.

I reckon Karius is going to get a start soon too, but the game against Derby is probably the most likely for that.

Sakho isn't ready for this big match either IMO. Derby could see him & Karius + Ings or Origi get game time.

[Rich]

Why are people so quick to want to see Lucas dropped?

I thought his intelligent passing from the back was an important element of our drubbing of Leicester?! His pass out wide to Milner for the first goal, well, I can't see Lovren or Sakho capable of that type of pass.

[RedReet]

I’d be pleased to see him keep his place, but I think he’ll be dropped as we need to develop an understanding between our first choice CB’s and I doubt Klopp sees Lucas as that. I also think tactically, Costa could maybe bully him physically and despite him being decent in the air, the height advantage from Lovren could be needed for set-pieces.

I agree, he did play well on Saturday though and think as a pairing, him and Matip could complement each other quite well.

[SB]

Why are people so quick to want to see Lucas dropped?

I thought his intelligent passing from the back was an important element of our drubbing of Leicester?! His pass out wide to Milner for the first goal, well, I can't see Lovren or Sakho capable of that type of pass.

I’d be pleased to see him keep his place, but I think he’ll be dropped as we need to develop an understanding between our first choice CB’s and I doubt Klopp sees Lucas as that. I also think tactically, Costa could maybe bully him physically and despite him being decent in the air, the height advantage from Lovren could be needed for set-pieces.

I agree, he did play well on Saturday though and think as a pairing, him and Matip could complement each other quite well.

Rich as RR pointed out Lovren & Matip appear to be our 1st choice CB pairing & best suited to dealing with Costa IMO. Lucas did OK , the gift goal aside, but not enough to overshadow Lovrens efforts so far.

[Buzzo]

Didn't Lucas play CB in a few big games last season? I seem to remember him playing there against Aguero a couple of times.

[SB]

Didn't Lucas play CB in a few big games last season? I seem to remember him playing there against Aguero a couple of times.

What options did we have? Skrtel or Kolo?

[RedReet]

What options did we have? Skrtel or Kolo?

Don't forget Caulker.

Lovren got injured against Stoke on Jan 5th and Lucas was forced to play at CB and did well. After that, every meaningful game he played was at CB. Played a couple more games in midfield IIRC, but he was mainly seen as a CB by Klopp for the second half of the season.