Stoke (A) - League Cup Semi (First Leg)

[HC]

Both teams to score, Stoke to win.

 

[hmmmmm1]

We been handed a cup final, we should be beating stoke over 2 legs. Worrying if dont make it.


Just hope JK and the boys are able to take advantage

 

[dmishra]

We need Milner to be fit asap. Can will be the next player injured if he continues to play non-stop.

 

[Got the moves like Carra]

I'd like to see a front 4 of Firmino, Coutinho, Ibe and Lallana as having a little movement is likely to cause Stoke more problems than Benteke lumbering around.

Given it's 2 legs I'd like to see us play with a little common sense and keep it tight and not over commit. While Stoke have been pretty good recently they struggle to score against teams who don't leave huge gaps for them to counter attack into....probably far too much of an ask for who we're likely to play though!

 

[Mors]

Unless we by some fluke play like we did vs City or Chelski, then we're likely to get bummed I'd have thought. No goal threat, no shooting accuracy, and a ropey keeper.
Bite your hand off for a scrappy 1-0 in this one.

 

[Wiberg]

Whenever you think we are in for a real good thrashing that's usually when we pull a result these days...then we probably lose to Exeter City afterwards...

 

[SummerOnions]

I'd play Rossiter ahead of a Lucas Allen combo possibility

 

[cloggypop]

Whenever you think we are in for a real good thrashing that's usually when we pull a result these days...then we probably lose to Exeter City afterwards...

I only realised we were playing on Friday about half an hour ago.

 

[Modo]

Anybody else not bothered with this game?
Feels like a waste of time considering how inept we are atm.

 

[Modo]

I'd play Rossiter ahead of a Lucas Allen combo possibility

Yeah, no.
Lucas is not on form and Allen is....well Allen. But playing Rossiter is a gamble especially against Affellay and Whelan.
Rather go with tried, boring and trusted.

 

[Woland]

I think we will raise our game and win this one. I think the players know they have really fucked off Klopp in that last game.

Defo. We tend to play well against sides that are better than us.

 

[keniget]

Anybody else not bothered with this game?
Feels like a waste of time considering how inept we are atm.

We're poo in the league so it would be nice to advance in another competition.

The problem is we are in a bad state and Stoke are flying so... hmmm.

I'd be half tempted to give some of the younger kids a go rather than having the "senior" squad get beaten again.

 

[Modo]

Defo. We tend to play well against sides that are better than us.

Of course it is but the question is, do you really want to put yourself through another Newcastle or Watford etc performance?

 

[tony]

When is Flanno back? This is just the sort of game he'd be up for.

 

[cloggypop]

When is Flanno back? This is just the sort of game he'd be up for.

He's playing 45 minutes today for the under 21s.

 

[Pesam]

In a moment of sink-or-swim madness; I'd keep Lucas on the bench, throw the jersey to Rossiter and say "there you go lad semi-final of the cup go and make a name for yourself".

 

[Got the moves like Carra]

In a moment of sink-or-swim madness; I'd keep Lucas on the bench, throw the jersey to Rossiter and say "there you go lad semi-final of the cup go and make a name for yourself".

Given the performances of some "senior" players recently I can't see it making anything worse

 

[kingjulian]

Is Rossiter fit first? I thought he was injured?

 

[kingjulian]

Id defo give him a go ahead of Lucas.

Ive had enough of Lucas stinking the place up, at least let someone else attempt to do better...will worry about the result afterwards.

 

[tony]

He's playing 45 minutes today for the under 21s.

Maybe a half on Friday night then. I've missed those no nonsense crunching tackles

 

[Hansern]

Rossiter is injured.

I'd play Milner instead of Lucas.

 

[Gerry_A_Trick]

Isn't Milner injured too?

 

[Mystic]

Isn't Milner injured too?

Indeed, I'd play Sturridge instead of Milner.

 

[Modo]

I'd play Skrtel

 

[Buddha]

Rumours Brad Smith starting tonight..

I'm hoping that's with Moreno ahead of him at left mid.

 

[Modo]

Rumours Brad Smith starting tonight..

I'm hoping that's with Moreno ahead of him at left mid.

In that case we're hoping for crosses

 

[davud graham]

Rumours Brad Smith starting tonight..

I'm hoping that's with Moreno ahead of him at left mid.

I'd prefer Smith at left midfield as his crossing is miles better than Moreno's.

 

[Buddha]

I'd prefer Smith at left midfield as his crossing is miles better than Moreno's.

I think Moreno is better all round offensively. Smith can overlap for crosses with Moreno as cover.

 

[Hansern]

Indeed, I'd play Sturridge instead of Milner.

Milner is back in training

 

[Hansern]

Rumours that Kent is in the squad aswell