The key to the midfield

[Red Mullet]

I think generally speaking Lucas acts as the central defender when attacking, but you're right, there's not much pace at the back. But I think it's a risk worth taking for the team to really develop its attacking game.
It's certainly not the team for Arsenal. I think Enrique's still out, Coutinho's likely going to get knackered quickly (he's not the most blessed with stamina as it is) so with the current personnel I'd hope the 3-5-2 is kept.

I'd rather take that risk on another game. The thing with this one is that it's our first against a quality team that's winning and playing well. The media will be all over it and, even if you ignore the media, winning is vital for our confidence and momentum.

With current personnel, no matter who is coming back from injury, our best players should play. Our best players are those with the form, match fitness and playing in the right position.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

That goal on the 1:12 mark: Sturridge - Coutinho - Sturridge - Henderson - goal. Superb stuff.

 

[Red Mullet]

Yeah yeah there I go. Missing a point that doesn't exist. You have a vivid imagination.

Go back to the Swansea game and see how Henderson somehow helped us keep the lead when Coutinho was subbed.

You really are an idiot.

 

[Modo]

You really are an idiot.

And you butt in where you shouldnt. So fuck off.

 

[Red Mullet]

That goal on the 1:12 mark: Sturridge - Coutinho - Sturridge - Henderson - goal. Superb stuff.

Yep, absolute superb stuff but this was a Coutinho from last season. He hasn't hit this form over 2 halves this season.

Don't get me wrong if he's playing like this then he's the 3rd name on the team sheet but I can't see that coming in the Arsenal game.

I take it all back if he is selected and plays like this, mind!!

 

[Red Mullet]

And you butt in where you shouldnt. So fuck off.

Nice.

 

[juniormember]

I'd rather take that risk on another game. The thing with this one is that it's our first against a quality team that's winning and playing well. The media will be all over it and, even if you ignore the media, winning is vital for our confidence and momentum.

With current personnel, no matter who is coming back from injury, our best players should play. Our best players are those with the form, match fitness and playing in the right position.

??
Is what I said in the second paragraph, I think.

 

[Red Mullet]

??
Is what I said in the second paragraph, I think.

Sorry, meant to add I agree with you.

 

[hmmmmm1]

Good squad option, though we need better for first time.

SG wont last forever to carry him and Lucas.

Would break the bank for a Wiltshire/Draxler

 

[Brizzle]

If Hendo keeps playing the way he is I honestly think Woy might give him a place in the England squad

 

[Hyena]

If Hendo keeps playing the way he is I honestly think Woy might give him a place in the England squad

To be fair on that video above, Countinho should be on the bench for Brazil...at least!

 

[juniormember]

To be fair on that video above, Countinho should be on the bench for Brazil...at least!

If he stays fit and gets back to his level, I don't think there's any doubt at all that he'll get into the Brazil squad. Especially if Liverpool can stay in the top 4.
The lad is absolute quality.

 

[SummerOnions]

can't see Rodgers changing the formation, with Lucas playing, it kinda turned into a 2-2-3-1-2 with the ball when we were higher up the pitch, Toure and Sakho kept marauding so Lucas just filled in every gap (see where he sweeps up against WBA), leaving the full backs to get ahead which gives room for the midfield to move about more.

I think we create a lot more space for ourselves with this formation which gives Suarez more chances to nutmeg people and cause havoc. We're becoming quite an interchangeable team. Under Dalglish and Benitez players used to get shoehorned into positions they didn't necessarily suit (Hendo at RW, Kuyt at RW, Gerrard at RW... do you see a trend of us not actually having a proper right winger?) but now Suarez, Sturridge, Coutinho can pop up pretty much anywhere, it's much harder to defend against

 

[Whirly]

Henderson's running was very important to our success today, even with the misplaced passes and poor shots, he provides that vital link between midfield and attack, and had the engine to get it done.

 

[hmmmmm1]

If Hendo keeps playing the way he is I honestly think Woy might give him a place in the England squad

He went to the last Euro's under Woy

 

[keniget]

So he's Owen Hargreaves...

 

[FoxForceFive]

Hahaha. I fucking hope not!

 

[Brizzle]

Who'd have thought when Coutinho got injured that we'd be arguing his return over Hendo! Well played Jordan - its a shame he might have to give way as I totally agree with FFF that his work allows Lucas and Gerrard to play to a higher level which is a key part of making a team play well.

 

[Brizzle]

Coutinho is fucking BOSS though!

 

[RolandG]

Lads there's pro and cons for both Coutinho and Henderson. I'm going to go out on a limb and trust BR to make the right choice to win the game.

 

[FoxForceFive]

It's all about team balance.

Mourinho isn't playing mata, seemingly for the same reason.

I'm not saying playing Coutinho there won't work as well, (for completely different reasons) but I'd prefer to try it once he's fully match fit, & against a team that isn't Arsenal.

 

[Squiggles]

In the long run, any midfield without Coutinho makes little sense to me.

But only Rodgers will be able to tell you if he's ready for Arsenal. Gut instinct suggest he should be brought on later in the match,

 

[Red Mullet]

In the long run, any midfield without Coutinho makes little sense to me.

But only Rodgers will be able to tell you if he's ready for Arsenal. Gut instinct suggest he should be brought on later in the match,

Spot on.

 

[Dahuge]

Surely with Coutinho being out for so long he should be coming off the bench for the arsenal game, that way he is likely to have more impact for his first game back. Although he does help us keep possession better with his little short passes.

I like this issue, they both have there merits.

 

[doctor_mac]

That vid raised goosebumps. Can't we play a 4-1-3-2 formation with Hendo and Coutinho? As that vid seemed to show, Coutinho and Hendo complement each other well. Surely it is possible to play a system with 2 up front that doesn't mean we're playing 3 fucking CBs.

 

[Ryan]

That vid raised goosebumps. Can't we play a 4-1-3-2 formation with Hendo and Coutinho? As that vid seemed to show, Coutinho and Hendo complement each other well. Surely it is possible to play a system with 2 up front that doesn't mean we're playing 3 fucking CBs.

Maybe, but that will invariably become a 4-4-2 with Hendo covering the right wing and Coutinho the left, which I don't think BR wants to do.

 

[doctor_mac]

Maybe, but that will invariably become a 4-4-2 with Hendo covering the right wing and Coutinho the left, which I don't think BR wants to do.

Maybe not, but Coutinho can do a great job from there, plus we continue to get Hendo's industry. If we have Enrique and Glenjo then it actually gives a decent balance. I have to say, I think Coutinho seemed to bring the best out in Enrique.

 

[Ryan]

Maybe not, but Coutinho can do a great job from there, plus we continue to get Hendo's industry. If we have Enrique and Glenjo then it actually gives a decent balance. I have to say, I think Coutinho seemed to bring the best out in Enrique.

I think BR prefers the greater control we get in midfield when we play 5 through there. We conceded far too much possession and sat far too deep as a midfield unit at the start of the season in the 4-4-2.