FC Porto vs Liverpool - CL Last 16 (1st Leg)

[Liverpool]

I think we will go fairly strong, playing mancs a few days later, who have their second leg after us. Hopefully they dont have it wrapped up.

Our derby inbetween the quarters game.

City are going to have a brutal fixture congestion competing in all 4 comps come April. Shame they'll have the league wrapped up by then.

[S-RED]

I think he'll go full strength pretty much, with a plan to make 3 early subs.

Firmino going for golden boot, I'm sure he'll be disappointed if he doesn't start.

Yep full on, get a couple & make changes at 45mins; perfect scenario

[Exiled_red]

I think he'll go full strength pretty much, with a plan to make 3 early subs.

Firmino going for golden boot, I'm sure he'll be disappointed if he doesn't start.

With the goal bonus he's on John W Henry won't want him to play at all

[Exiled_red]

Not really sure where to put this so I guess this thread is as good as any, but our midfield is very odd, and inconsistent. I have to confess when I looked at the midfield that we put out yesterday before the game I was a bit 'meh' but they were fantastic.

Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum and Can have all been inconsistent, Lallana has been out injured for ages and Ox is still really settling in, they are all decent/good players but none of them excel and I think that balance has been a problem at times, as well as the consistency, and rarely have all 3 of the midfielders had good games in the same match. The match yesterday showed what this team is capable of if we can get the midfield working properly on a regular basis.

[Fredo]

Mingolet

TAA
Matip
Klavan
Moreno

Can
Gini
AOC

Ings
Solanke
Woodburn

I don't think we'll see as many changes as this but i reckon we could go all out with almost another lineup altogether.

Let's field in the U-18's by that reasoning.

[Venton]

Let's field in the U-18's by that reasoning.

I see what you mean. That would avoid us having Mingolet and the chance of losing the tie

[BigChief]

I just want to see Ings play 90 minutes for us. Our at least 70 minutes if he's to be subbed off. I've always liked him, he was supposed to be the original goal getting Firmino before Firmino eventually became the goal getting Firmino.

[labourRed]

Let's field in the U-18's by that reasoning.

What. inexperienced attack but given we're five nil up I'd hope that wasn't too much of an issue. There's plenty of experience behind them though.

Also I did say it won't quite be as drastic as that.

[Venton]

I just want to see Ings play 90 minutes for us. Our at least 70 minutes if he's to be subbed off. I've always liked him, he was supposed to be the original goal getting Firmino before Firmino eventually became the goal getting Firmino.

Yes, although I fear his injuries have done him at this level, especially in our team where you have to run like a ******* most of the match. He's a clever player though, it's a proper shame.

[BigChief]

Yes, although I fear his injuries have done him at this level, especially in our team where you have to run like a ******* most of the match. He's a clever player though, it's a proper shame.

Hard to judge from the few minutes we've seen him but I don't think injuries have affected his running. Lack of match practice maybe but he's no injury in the head Sturridge. Just needs a break, metaphorically.

[Venton]

Hard to judge from the few minutes we've seen him but I don't think injuries have affected his running. Lack of match practice maybe but he's no injury in the head Sturridge. Just needs a break, metaphorically.

I so wish that were true because I want him to make it but every time he came back in the youth teams it happened again, just as you thought he'd make full fitness. I really feel for him but the percentages are against him unfortunately

[baitman]

knowing porto will have to go forward even if they play a sub team then there will be plenty of opportunity for ings and solanke to bag a goal or two.
id also like to see woodburn get some time too.

[Exiled_red]

I think I would rest the regular front 3 and play Ings Solanke and Woodburn. But play a strong team elsewhere. Our midfield is constantly changing anyway but hopefully Lallana is fit enough to start and play 70 mins or so. This could be the game to give TAA a go in midfield. I don't want to make too many changes to the back 5 though. Karius needs to develop the understanding with his the defence

[Fredo]

I think I would rest the regular front 3 and play Ings Solanke and Woodburn. But play a strong team elsewhere. Our midfield is constantly changing anyway but hopefully Lallana is fit enough to start and play 70 mins or so. This could be the game to give TAA a go in midfield. I don't want to make too many changes to the back 5 though. Karius needs to develop the understanding with his the defence

Where is this fantasy of playing Arnold in midfield coming from? I would be surprised if he ever does play there.

[rudedog]

Where is this fantasy of playing Arnold in midfield coming from? I would be surprised if he ever does play there.

It’s hardly a fantasy, he played at lot in midfield in the youth teams and is where the boy wants to play (Gerrard was his idol growing up).

There is also something of a parralel with Gerrard who broke into the side as a right back.