Lucas

[Phoenix07]

I think Rodgers will go with Allen, and minimise disrupting the defensive unit as much as possible. One change in midfield (Allen) compared to one in defence (Toure/Johnson/Lovren) and one in midfield (Can) may be the deciding factor. I don't think Rodgers considers Allen in midfield that big of a disruption compared to the latter.

[Shaggy]

It's very difficult, none of the alternatives are ideal. For now I'd just chuck Allen in again. Minimum disruption I say. Cannot face the idea of Lovren or Johnson coming into the side. That back three has an ideal chemistry and it's working a treat.

[The_weatherman]

It's very difficult, none of the alternatives are ideal. For now I'd just chuck Allen in again. Minimum disruption I say. Cannot face the idea of Lovren or Johnson coming into the side. That back three has an ideal chemistry and it's working a treat.

Hopefully the positives of Can in defence compensate for the negatives of Allen in midfield.

But there is one thing, if Allen is going to play on a regular basis, someone has to look out for him when we are defending corners. At least two times against Everton Allen was marking Lukaku

[Buzzo]

Joe Allen played in a Gerrardless team when we beat Spurs 0-5 last winter.

So did Lucas Mind you.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Hopefully the positives of Can in defence compensate for the negatives of Allen in midfield.

But there is one thing, if Allen is going to play on a regular basis, someone has to look out for him when we are defending corners. At least two times against Everton Allen was marking Lukaku

Yeah that was very strange, he has little to no chance of beating him in the air if the correct flighted ball was delivered.

[BigChief]

Yeah that was very strange, he has little to no chance of beating him in the air if the correct flighted ball was delivered.

Maybe Rodgers put Allen on the least dangerous threat in our penalty area.

[danperkins]

Yeah that was very strange, he has little to no chance of beating him in the air if the correct flighted ball was delivered.

was weird alright, was the same vs Bolton too. Allen was marking some giant.

[Scratch]

was weird alright, was the same vs Bolton too. Allen was marking some giant.

That Wheater fella wasn't it? Seems odd, but then the big guys are zonal for us, so maybe it was just a case of getting a man against him to just upset him?

[wiw]

Joe Allen played in a Gerrardless team when we beat Spurs 0-5 last winter.

So did Lucas Mind you.

Was in the diamond that though wasn't it? Definitely trust him less as a two, he's much less effective.

[baitman]

any DM must be able to tackle. thats not joe allen.

i reckon you lads might be right in that rodgers will play allen there

can alongside hendo would be my preferred option.

[DannyMan2006]

That Wheater fella wasn't it? Seems odd, but then the big guys are zonal for us, so maybe it was just a case of getting a man against him to just upset him?

Is the right answer. Allen is there to stop someone getting a run, and here's the sneaky part...... If he is used as a blocker and is effectively fouling someone off the ball, it's less likely to be given as a foul due to the size difference.

With man to man, it's sometimes easy to lose a man with a block of your own. With pure zonal, players can get a free run and momentum to attack the ball. With a split, in theory things should work out better.

[Pablo]

Joe Allen played in a Gerrardless team when we beat Spurs 0-5 last winter.

So did Lucas Mind you.

I would play Allen too. The problem is he's clearly lacking both form and fitness.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Maybe Rodgers put Allen on the least dangerous threat in our penalty area.

In fairness Lukakau scored in the same fixture from a corner last year.

Rodgers once described Allen as a giant did he not, maybe he was serious and is height-blind.

[DannyMan2006]

I would play Allen too. The problem is he's clearly lacking both form and fitness.

Problem with Allen is he isn't strong enough. I remember he won the ball off Mirallas in the corner, but then got brushed off the ball like a little boy. I think he's tidy in possession and more often than not put himself in the right place. He just doesn't have the presence to dominate a midfield.

[Pablo]

Problem with Allen is he isn't strong enough. I remember he won the ball off Mirallas in the corner, but then got brushed off the ball like a little boy. I think he's tidy in possession and more often than not put himself in the right place. He just doesn't have the presence to dominate a midfield.

I think that's an issue every now and then for him, but not a major one. When he's been fully fit and on form I think he looks physical enough to cope. He'll always make up for that lack of strength with his mobility and hard work.

At the moment though he's miles off fitness and confidence. If Lucas is out I think he will improve the more games he gets under his belt.