Man City vs Liverpool - Premier League (20/21 - Game 8)

[Fosterbloke]

UK:
Sunday 8th November at 4:30pm
Donate to your local food bank

Australia:
Perth Time: 9th November at 12:30am
QLD Time: 9th November at 2:30am
NSW/VIC: 9th November at 3:30am
Live on Optus Sports

-------------------

This is it!

We are top of the league and if we intend to stay there, we need to beat a fairly flat Manchester City. They are still a great side but on the back of our thrashing of Atalanta, we have a fully firing front three and a maybe some key players back for selection such as Thiago and Matip.

I can't help but be overconfident about this one but we certainly won't underestimate them.

-------------------

MAN CITY

Table: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/t...ter-city/table

Top scorers (Premier League)

Phil Foden - 2
Raheem Sterling - 2
Nathan Ake - 1
Kevin De Bruyne - 1
Gabriel Jesus - 1
Riyad Mahrez - 1
Kyle Walker - 1


-------------------

LIVERPOOL

Table: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/t...iverpool/table

Top scorers (Premier League)

Salah - 7
Mane - 4
Jota - 3
Firmino - 1
Robertson - 1
VVD - 1

Injuries: https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php

[Tribute]

If we play anywhere near the levels of last night, City won't be able to live with us. It was like watching LFC of 2018... fast, energetic, sharp passing, clinical finishing, tight at the back... playing as a complete team unit. It would be awesome to watch how Citeh would cope with that level of intensity from us again. Sadly, I think it'll be a much closer and slower-paced affair

[Irishnev]

If we play anywhere near the levels of last night, City won't be able to live with us. It was like watching LFC of 2018... fast, energetic, sharp passing, clinical finishing, tight at the back... playing as a complete team unit. It would be awesome to watch how Citeh would cope with that level of intensity from us again. Sadly, I think it'll be a much closer and slower-paced affair

I guess I’d temper that by saying Atalanta were naive to keep playing their way - live by the sword/die by the sword. Pep played open against us for years and we out scored them but recently he has been much more cagey.

I think this will be a tight tactical battle hence why Thiago would help such much to control the game. We owe them after the thumping we got and our tails will be up for sure - big questions include:

CB - Matip and Gomez?
Midfield - Who starts
Jota or Bobby

Looking forward to it though

[Tribute]

I guess I’d temper that by saying Atalanta were naive to keep playing their way - live by the sword/die by the sword. Pep played open against us for years and we out scored them but recently he has been much more cagey.

I think this will be a tight tactical battle hence why Thiago would help such much to control the game. We owe them after the thumping we got and our tails will be up for sure - big questions include:

CB - Matip and Gomez?
Midfield - Who starts
Jota or Bobby

Looking forward to it though

...would love Thiago to start as I think that will give us a huge midfield advantage. Not sure he's quite there yet or if Klopp will risk it. Might stick with Hendo, Gini and Jones again. I reckon Bobby starts this too...

[danperkins]

I guess I’d temper that by saying Atalanta were naive to keep playing their way - live by the sword/die by the sword. Pep played open against us for years and we out scored them but recently he has been much more cagey.

I think this will be a tight tactical battle hence why Thiago would help such much to control the game. We owe them after the thumping we got and our tails will be up for sure - big questions include:

CB - Matip and Gomez?
Midfield - Who starts
Jota or Bobby

Looking forward to it though

play open vs us and you're in trouble. City game will definitely be cagey. IMO Matip and Gomez will start and Bobby will start. Midfield is an interesting one though and all depends I suppose on just how fit Thiago is. I do feel Jota would be very unlucky not to start but I think Klopp will go with the tried and tested vs City. Bobby will get this game and then IMO we may see Jota replace him in the coming games if he under performs. Bobby needs that keep up the arse, said this in the second half of last season and he is still way below his best. For guy as talented as he is, he has had a very poor 2020. Maybe it's just a slump or maybe he is a bit disillusioned with the "support" role he plays when the other lads get all the glory. Hopefully now that bit of competition to start will be exactly what he needs.

City have Jesus back in time aswell which means they can stop playing Sterling or Torres out of position and gives KDB options to aim at. Could be a real belter of a game.

[frank the tank]

I guess I’d temper that by saying Atalanta were naive to keep playing their way - live by the sword/die by the sword. Pep played open against us for years and we out scored them but recently he has been much more cagey.

I think this will be a tight tactical battle hence why Thiago would help such much to control the game. We owe them after the thumping we got and our tails will be up for sure - big questions include:

CB - Matip and Gomez?
Midfield - Who starts
Jota or Bobby

Looking forward to it though

Whatever lineup we put out, i think we have players on the bench to change the game if we need to.

Is Fabinho in contention for this??? Would be a huge ask to play Matip, Thiago and Fabinho - all coming back from injury

[Zapater]

play open vs us and you're in trouble. City game will definitely be cagey. IMO Matip and Gomez will start and Bobby will start. Midfield is an interesting one though and all depends I suppose on just how fit Thiago is. I do feel Jota would be very unlucky not to start but I think Klopp will go with the tried and tested vs City.

The ****ers have Jesus back in time aswell which means they can stop playing Sterling or Torres out of position and gives KDB options to aim at. Could be a real belter of a game.

I agree, hopefully Matip is ready, luckily he doesn't need a run of games to get into the swing of things. Probably because he's out more than in, but he almost never lets us down when called upon.

Think that Bobby is vital to how we set up for this game, tactically. If there are games for him, it's the big ones like these. It's tough on Jota given his recent performances, but I'd rather put him on minute 50-70 to make the difference than have our personal and tactics wrong and have to sub him off at half time. I think Klopp playing Wijnuldam as a false 9 against Barca in that semi highlights his approach and thinking towards big games tactically.

I'm confident, but would definitely take a draw. For me, it's important not to lose. Maybe I sound a bit like Mourinho or something but that's what wins titles.

[danperkins]

I agree, hopefully Matip is ready, luckily he doesn't need a run of games to get into the swing of things. Probably because he's out more than in, but he almost never lets us down when called upon.

Think that Bobby is vital to how we set up for this game, tactically. If there are games for him, it's the big ones like these. It's tough on Jota given his recent performances, but I'd rather put him on minute 50-70 to make the difference than have our personal and tactics wrong and have to sub him off at half time. I think Klopp playing Wijnuldam as a false 9 against Barca in that semi highlights his approach and thinking towards big games tactically.

I'm confident, but would definitely take a draw. For me, it's important not to lose. Maybe I sound a bit like Mourinho or something but that's what wins titles.

Yeah Matip has come straight in countless times off the back of an injury. Jota could be a fantastic option last 20 alright. Hendo and Gini mailed on, I think Keita might be a starter but for me I would maybe go for Shaqiri behind that front line. He has had some lovely cameos recently and has done well in the big games previously and will have bit more fitness in him that Keita. Seems he can pick a pass that others can't.

Take a draw absolutely

[Fosterbloke]

Hendo, Wijnaldum and Keita for me.

Mane, Salah and Firmino up top.

Robertson, Matip, Gomez and TAA in defence..

Becker the Baptist in goal.

[The_weatherman]

Hendo, Wijnaldum and Keita for me.

Mane, Salah and Firmino up top.

Robertson, Matip, Gomez and TAA in defence..

Becker the Baptist in goal.

This for me as well, have Jota, Jones, Neco, Rhys, Shaq, Milner on the bench for some options. That leaves Origi, Nat, Tsimikas outside the squad......holy **** our options are decent even without Fab and Virgil, two of the best players in the world in their positions!

If Thiago is fit, then obviously he's in for someone.

[Fosterbloke]

Thiago for Keita if he's fit.

Is Minamino injured?

[The_weatherman]

Thiago for Keita if he's fit.

Is Minamino injured?

No, just forgot about him......

[Tribute]

Hoping we don't recall Milner to cover midfield with Hendo and Gini... Klopp seems to be using him more sparingly this season so I'm hoping that continues. Big game for Naby lad to (finally) step up and remind us of those displays in his Leipzig days.

[Pablo]

Yep I think Firmino will definitely start this one. He's his go to player for these big games. Harsh on Jota but he'll come on in the second half.

Hopefully Thiago will be on the bench if we need him.

I really think City are going to go all out for this one, mentally they need the victory, and I think they have a point to prove.

It'll be tough and I'm nervous already.

[Pablo]

Hoping we don't recall Milner to cover midfield with Hendo and Gini... Klopp seems to be using him more sparingly this season so I'm hoping that continues. Big game for Naby lad to (finally) step up and remind us of those displays in his Leipzig days.

Normally I'd say Milner has a chance in a game like this, but I think those days are gone now.