Today we see the Reds bring out, essentially would be seen as their second team. With a team of players who have had few first team starts it was an interesting choice of players for Kenny but it we all knew why this team was picked.
With the FA Cup Final coming next, Kenny wanted to see who was really fighting for first team and I think today showed a little of who should and who shouldn't be.
OK so they lost, 0-1 to the first team of Fulham. Admittedly, it didn't seem as though they were pushing particularly hard but it there were a few chances for Dempsey and what a job Doni did!
A warm welcome return for John Arne Riise, but a not so emphatic one for Murphy. Riise being one of the influential fall-backs of his time while at Anfield returns to strike back. Making his trademark runs down the flank but his not so trademarked shots and crosses that didn't really go anywhere, almost to say he didn't want to score.
Team Line-Up
Doni, Kelly, Coates, Skrtel, Aurelio, Henderson, Shelvey, Spearing, Maxi, Carroll, Kuyt
A disappointing O.G. from Skrtel in the first 5mins didn't help things as this second team looked to strike back but a lot of miscommunication between players as to where the ball was being placed put a lot more unnecessary stress on all of them.
Best players I can say that didn't show any real flaws in the game, Doni, Coates, Kelly, Carroll (Yes I know, he did well *SHOCK* * HORROR*).
But lets see what needs fixing. Aurelio has been out of games and not really played much this season with his position taken up by Johnson and Enrique. Having been out of shape his abilities was a little lacking but he still had his keen eye to spot a player and a few decent through balls.
Skrtel didn't exactly have the best of starts but he still held down the defence and controlled the defence line.
Henderson played in centre midfield but lacked real movement, his crosses were a little optimistic if not blind-eyed crosses as they never really hit the targeted players. His attacking strength seems lacking as he still hesitates to push forward, with a lack of ball control, Henderson was a little disappointing.
Shelvey, did well in pushing forward making runs and did it with real accuracy but his passing accuracy was devastating as Fulham were countering well with each lost pass causing a need to fall back.
Spearings link up play with Carroll and Kuyt showed some flaws, defensively he did well and was strong but on the offence as he moved forward, he tend to lose the ball while trying to play it into Maxi and or Kuyt.
Kuyt's played well but unable to link up with any of the others as he has not really played a lot with any of them making it difficult to know how to play it in. His crosses were pin point accurate as always but with a few players in the box lacking in experience it was up to Carroll to sort it out.
As a whole, the defence was very strong, Skrtel and Coates did extremely well to hold everyone off while Doni made some amazing saves that were crucial to the game.
Sterling later came on and showed some extremely skilful footwork and a lovely cross that couldn't be converted. With just a few minutes, Sterling had really made some extremely crucial movements that forced the Fulham defence to really scramble.
Carroll, about time he showed his footwork capabilities once again as he was able to really push forward, hold off the defence and provide for the others, it is a shame the final shots did not convert. Simply put he will definitely feature in the final but.
Shots from Shelvey, Maxi and Carroll were all in vain as they were all off target and no crosses were able to be converted into goals.
Today's game showed our defensive strength but the lack of forward attacks which leaves Suarez and Gerrard is guaranteed a position while, although Kuyt's strong work ethic and hard chasing of the ball has always been affective and useful, his later form has shown to waiver. As disappointing as it seems, I would say he would be placed on the bench but maybe played as a game changer in the later third of the game as a shock-sub as his pace would really cause damage in the later stage, just as he once did.
Considering this was a mixed team of players who had never really played together in a PL game, it was admirable for them to hold off the first team of Fulham who have recently been in pretty good form except the game against an extremely in-form Everton.
Kenny will have more trouble picking who to have in defence as they have all shown real strength in the back but what lacked was anything in the attack. As well as they did push harder from midfield, there was still weakness upfront.
As far as I can see, the starting XI would be as follows.
Starting XI: Reina, Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Kelly, Gerrard, Downing, Kuyt, Bellamy, Carroll, Suarez
Bench: Doni, Coates, Carragher, Maxi, Henderson, Spearing, Sterling
Reina has always been the reliable one to be in the back with a keen eye and experience, he has to be the real choice to be in goal.
Enrique has earned his rightful place over the season as the left-back while the return of Agger and Skrtel as the centre back has shown good partnership.
Kelly may seem an odd choice but his performance today has shown he is capable of keeping up with forward striking force as well as falling back to defend. His crosses still need a little improvement but with a little push and pressure, this final may just be the push he needs to provide.
Downing's ability, as Enrique, has shown he is capable of playing on both left and right but with Kuyt covering the right, I would have Downing working along side Enrique to provide crosses for Carroll and Suarez. In the centre I would put Gerrard in his rightful place.
Up front, Carroll centred with Bellamy and Suarez moving from left to right. With their abilities to play either side and provide for each other, Suarez and Bellamy would run riot in the defence.
The bench would consist mainly of defensive players as this game would need our full force of attacks to break the defence line of Chelsea.
Expected Starting XI: Reina, Enrique, Skrtel, Carragher, Johnson, Gerrard, Downing, Spearing, Kuyt, Suarez Carroll.
Experience would most likely be Kenny's choice of strength to use so Carragher would be more likely choice while his work along side Skrtel has been better than with Agger. He's happy with the way Spearing is capable of falling back to defend. Kuyt would be played but swapped out for Bellamy later on in the game as he is hoping on allowing Kuyt's work along side Suarez and Carroll to be worth the try. Kuyt's reputation on scoring crucial goals in cup games have been a show brilliance and a light of hope within the game.
This would be interesting how Kenny decides to play this game.
Showing posts with label Football Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football Blog. Show all posts
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Merseyside Derby Semi-Final
Well after a terrible performance from the Sunderland side, Everton go through to Wembley for a Merseyside Derby Semi-Final.
After the first half goal from Jelavic, set up by Magaye, Sunderland were hopes were still in sight to at least level but it was the Toffees that pushed forward and made more chances. Sunderland seemed to wane in and out of the game as they gave the ball away far too many times. There was a lack of fire in the way they played. It didn't seem like Sunderland wanted to win.
A second half substitution of Kyrgiakos off for Vaughan was meant to be a sign of more offensive power but it was Vaughan who ended up netting for the Blues as he turned in a shot from Jelavic.
Vaughan tried to clear it with his left only for him to knock it into his right foot which sweeped across to knock it into his own net.
In the other game, Tottenham won 3-1 against Bolton. After the first was abandoned with the collapse of Muamba.
So the Semi-Finals for the FA-Cup is as follows:
Tottenham vs. Chelsea
Liverpool vs. Everton
Everton may have played more Semi's than most teams but results have not been great for them, although the last time Liverpool played the Toffees in a Semi final, Liverpool were forced into a repeat after a 2-2 draw in the first leg only for Liverpool to win the second with a magnificant 3-0 finish back in 1977. Liverpool have already beaten their Derby Rivals twice this season getting the double after the first was won with a goal from Suarez and Carroll, while the Anfield game saw Gerrard score a hat-trick in for a 3-0 win not too long ago.
With the game played at Wembley, will this be the game to see at Liverpool make it their second trip to Wembley having won the Carling Cup.
Dalglish has already spoken of the change in his game philosophy as the last two games saw Liverpool lose against bottom of the table clubs QPR and Wigan.
The introduction of the younger plays has shown potential in the Melwood Academy, hopefuls such as Sterling, Robinson, Flanagan, all of which hope to be the next Gerrard or Carragher.
It has been a while since such brilliant starlets have come out of Melwood, is this the start of a group of new legs to help carry Liverpool into the future.
Newcastle play host to Liverpool as they hope to creep closer to finishing in a position that reflects their true abilities. Against a very strong side that has been a real thorn in all the top teams sides, the Magpies are looking at stealing fifth from the top teams.
Bellamy is still out along with Agger. But with a weeks rest before the game, we'll see what the Reds can really do.
Monday, 20 February 2012
New Blog, New Page, New Workings
Welcome to the first of many updates of Liverpool FC as we follow them through the ups and downs of the season.
Well we all know what happened last night, as Liverpool took on Brighton&Hove Albion and winning emphatically 6-1 with Brighton not helping themselves too much.
But this was something that was needed by Liverpool's team, with the previous results against the likes of Spurs where Kenny's Knights were unable to break the walls of London and to go to Old Trafford on such harsh circumstances, these games were difficult and it has been a difficult few weeks for Liverpool. But it seems the light is shining over Anfield, as well as a full moon...
With Suarez, Carroll and Gerrard having their first start together, it seemed fitting to have a game against a side that was doing well with 10 games without a loss, for them to be tested. Brighton were not a weak team and as many top-flight teams will know, sometimes the lower league teams can pull a surprise but this time was not one of those moments.
With Bellamy and Agger out due to injuries Carragher was back in the starting line up along side Skrtel who has had a brilliant season so far with a goal to his name in the FA Cup and a goal in the Premier League is doing more than just well.
With the next game against Stoke, Kenny will have a tough decision ahead him as to picking a team with everyone performing extremely well. Johnson and Adam having the highest successive pass rate in the Brighton game, both in the high 90%'s while Carroll is gelling better with the team.
One of the new threats comes from the precision of Gerrard and Suarez. History has shown Gerrard's ability to link up with players fast but having only played a few games together, they have shown some serious strength against any defence and with the possible inclusion of the fast paced Bellamy, that would be an attack force to be afraid of.
With the Merseyside Derby put on hold, we shall see Everton at a later date that is yet to be confirmed.
But let us look towards the next game, as Liverpool play at Wembley for the first time in many years but not to say we have not been there!!! Against a side that was tipped to have joined the Premier League last season but were narrowly beaten by their Welsh counter-part Swansea, Cardiff City look to take on the Reds as they join us on our trip to London for a showdown for the silverware.
Cardiff are no side to be taken lightly as with their latest performance; they have not been at their best but with any cup game, a team can change over night.
Cardiff currently 4th in the Championship League have not had the best spell of games however you can never underestimate a team that is in their lowest, as desperation and anger of defeat runs through their mind, determination grows and pushes each player to the limit. Teams have fallen to the might of a recovering team and Liverpool should never take them lightly as they managed to get this far for a reason.
From what I've seen of Cardiff City, they are having trouble in a few areas that need to be exploited, their defences have moments of weaknesses where concentration disappears and a team is able to slip passed them. With times like these, it is the faster pace players that will be needed with the likes of Suarez, Bellamy and Kuyt. So here are my Starting XI
Reina, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Gerrard, Adam, Shelvey, Kuyt, Carroll, Bellamy.
Seem like a Peculiar mix? Well yes, with the usual four in theback and the ever reliable Reina in Goal, it is the midfield that needs working on. Gerrard as the Skipper will always be the centre-piece of any Squad but it is the players around him. With Lucas out I would use Shelvey, a player who has come up through the ranks and proven himself not just at Liverpool, but at Blackpool, Charlton and Arsenal during his younger years. His defensive abilities has proven effective and his stamina to attack and defend can be seen as a worthy replacement for the Defensive Brazilian. Adam with his proven ability to get hold of the ball and get it to the players he wants to makes him a strong player to have to keep and control the ball in the middle of the pitch. Kuyt's role would be supporting forwards on their attack especially with his undying will to chase a ball down regardless of the possibility of success. This will help Bellamy charge through the players and slip in behind the defence with Carroll also providing strength and height as a form of attack.
Carroll's other strength that people seem to forget is his ability to provide for the team, having assisted in many goals as of late. He may not have scored as many as everyone would hope but he's causing a calamity with the chances he provides for Bellamy and Suarez.
I would only play Suarez to replace Kuyt should the worse happen, and bring Carragher on to replace Shelvey for a more permanent Defence as we park the Red Wall of Anfield in front of the goal. As formidable as Kuyt is, Suarez has better ability with attacking against a wall of men; his agility will work better.
Players Forgotten - It seems some players have disappeared into the background so lets bring them back into the light.
Maxi Rodriguez - A man who score 2 hat-tricks towards the end of last season, a man that was always there to pick up the rebounds and smash one home seems to lose out to Henderson and Downing for a spot on the team. Is this a mistake?
Not in my eyes, for a player such as himself, he has the ability to control the midfield but also support the forwards on a well organised attack but what he currently lacks is the crossing ability that Downing and Henderson can provide for the taller fella Carroll. Maxi has shown his ability to work well along side Kuyt and his style suits Bellamy and Suarez much more but with Kenny's hope to have Carroll as the front man shows his ability is not needed as much as others maybe. This is not to say he is an unneeded player, far from it, his playing style to mix well with so many players makes him extremely useful and deadly when linking up with the rest of the team on an attack and this is something we need to have on the bench, someone who can spur on an attack.
At the moment, I believe the team needs to focus harder on finishing, and taking more chances.
As of late the game has seen us hesitate and play too safe, players staying back and not supporting Carroll up front. Leaving him there on his own is a poor choice to make, especially when playing against the likes of Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
If we are to play as we did against Brighton, with that much positivity, that much confidence and strength, we have the chance to take back our rightful spot at 4th and to set our targets for the title next season.
So let's see what happens in the coming as we take on Cardiff City at Wembley.
See you all next week.
YNWA
ANDY
LAI
Well we all know what happened last night, as Liverpool took on Brighton&Hove Albion and winning emphatically 6-1 with Brighton not helping themselves too much.
But this was something that was needed by Liverpool's team, with the previous results against the likes of Spurs where Kenny's Knights were unable to break the walls of London and to go to Old Trafford on such harsh circumstances, these games were difficult and it has been a difficult few weeks for Liverpool. But it seems the light is shining over Anfield, as well as a full moon...
With Suarez, Carroll and Gerrard having their first start together, it seemed fitting to have a game against a side that was doing well with 10 games without a loss, for them to be tested. Brighton were not a weak team and as many top-flight teams will know, sometimes the lower league teams can pull a surprise but this time was not one of those moments.
With Bellamy and Agger out due to injuries Carragher was back in the starting line up along side Skrtel who has had a brilliant season so far with a goal to his name in the FA Cup and a goal in the Premier League is doing more than just well.
With the next game against Stoke, Kenny will have a tough decision ahead him as to picking a team with everyone performing extremely well. Johnson and Adam having the highest successive pass rate in the Brighton game, both in the high 90%'s while Carroll is gelling better with the team.
One of the new threats comes from the precision of Gerrard and Suarez. History has shown Gerrard's ability to link up with players fast but having only played a few games together, they have shown some serious strength against any defence and with the possible inclusion of the fast paced Bellamy, that would be an attack force to be afraid of.
With the Merseyside Derby put on hold, we shall see Everton at a later date that is yet to be confirmed.
But let us look towards the next game, as Liverpool play at Wembley for the first time in many years but not to say we have not been there!!! Against a side that was tipped to have joined the Premier League last season but were narrowly beaten by their Welsh counter-part Swansea, Cardiff City look to take on the Reds as they join us on our trip to London for a showdown for the silverware.
Cardiff are no side to be taken lightly as with their latest performance; they have not been at their best but with any cup game, a team can change over night.
Cardiff currently 4th in the Championship League have not had the best spell of games however you can never underestimate a team that is in their lowest, as desperation and anger of defeat runs through their mind, determination grows and pushes each player to the limit. Teams have fallen to the might of a recovering team and Liverpool should never take them lightly as they managed to get this far for a reason.
From what I've seen of Cardiff City, they are having trouble in a few areas that need to be exploited, their defences have moments of weaknesses where concentration disappears and a team is able to slip passed them. With times like these, it is the faster pace players that will be needed with the likes of Suarez, Bellamy and Kuyt. So here are my Starting XI
Reina, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Gerrard, Adam, Shelvey, Kuyt, Carroll, Bellamy.
Seem like a Peculiar mix? Well yes, with the usual four in theback and the ever reliable Reina in Goal, it is the midfield that needs working on. Gerrard as the Skipper will always be the centre-piece of any Squad but it is the players around him. With Lucas out I would use Shelvey, a player who has come up through the ranks and proven himself not just at Liverpool, but at Blackpool, Charlton and Arsenal during his younger years. His defensive abilities has proven effective and his stamina to attack and defend can be seen as a worthy replacement for the Defensive Brazilian. Adam with his proven ability to get hold of the ball and get it to the players he wants to makes him a strong player to have to keep and control the ball in the middle of the pitch. Kuyt's role would be supporting forwards on their attack especially with his undying will to chase a ball down regardless of the possibility of success. This will help Bellamy charge through the players and slip in behind the defence with Carroll also providing strength and height as a form of attack.
Carroll's other strength that people seem to forget is his ability to provide for the team, having assisted in many goals as of late. He may not have scored as many as everyone would hope but he's causing a calamity with the chances he provides for Bellamy and Suarez.
I would only play Suarez to replace Kuyt should the worse happen, and bring Carragher on to replace Shelvey for a more permanent Defence as we park the Red Wall of Anfield in front of the goal. As formidable as Kuyt is, Suarez has better ability with attacking against a wall of men; his agility will work better.
Players Forgotten - It seems some players have disappeared into the background so lets bring them back into the light.
Maxi Rodriguez - A man who score 2 hat-tricks towards the end of last season, a man that was always there to pick up the rebounds and smash one home seems to lose out to Henderson and Downing for a spot on the team. Is this a mistake?
Not in my eyes, for a player such as himself, he has the ability to control the midfield but also support the forwards on a well organised attack but what he currently lacks is the crossing ability that Downing and Henderson can provide for the taller fella Carroll. Maxi has shown his ability to work well along side Kuyt and his style suits Bellamy and Suarez much more but with Kenny's hope to have Carroll as the front man shows his ability is not needed as much as others maybe. This is not to say he is an unneeded player, far from it, his playing style to mix well with so many players makes him extremely useful and deadly when linking up with the rest of the team on an attack and this is something we need to have on the bench, someone who can spur on an attack.
At the moment, I believe the team needs to focus harder on finishing, and taking more chances.
As of late the game has seen us hesitate and play too safe, players staying back and not supporting Carroll up front. Leaving him there on his own is a poor choice to make, especially when playing against the likes of Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
If we are to play as we did against Brighton, with that much positivity, that much confidence and strength, we have the chance to take back our rightful spot at 4th and to set our targets for the title next season.
So let's see what happens in the coming as we take on Cardiff City at Wembley.
See you all next week.
YNWA
ANDY
LAI
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