After an opening day draw with Sunderland, the Reds have comfortably beaten both Arsenal and Bolton in subsequent weeks. The first game against Sunderland can be all but discounted, as with so many new players it was likely to be very stop start, so we were able to at least take encouragement from the first half display. Against Arsenal, there was a marked improvement and Liverpool bossed most of the game, dominating possession and eventually got what they deserved. The visit of Bolton a week later and we were finally beginning to see what looked like a real understanding develop between the new and the old.
However, in a couple of days time we’ll be off down to Stoke and for what I believe is our first real test this season. Before they’d even had a bit of a spree themselves this summer Stoke were always going to pose a special kind of problem; a similar kind of problem to that which Bolton used to pose. Only, embarking on a pretty impressive summer spend themselves they’ve actually brought in some great players themselves in Peter Crouch, Matthew Upson, Jonathan Woodgate and Cameron Jerome. Throw in a few quality players they already have in Begovic, Shawcross and Jones and they have the makings of a great top-ten side.
Regardless of the players though, Stoke have a reputation under Pulis for being a combative, tenacious side that make life difficult for the opposition. With the added height of Crouch, Upson and Woodgate to the size they already have (not to mention the 6ft 5 Begovic in goal) and the threat that will add to Rory Delap’s throws and Liverpools back 5 are going to be under constant pressure in the air, as Stoke look to exploit their distinct height advantage. And while Liverpool aren’t exactly wanting for height, the likes of Crouch and Huth will certainly give us a test from set-pieces.
I would prefer skatel to patner carra for his ability to defend in the air to stop the threats poised by crouch, if posible give rest to carra and adam if not fit after the inter.. Bring in spearin for a more defensive midfield partner of lucas n spearing. I would go for a 4.2.3.1 reina
kelly/fannagan-skatel-agger/carra-enrique
lucas-spearin/adam
downin kuyt henderson/maxi
suarex.
Prefer maxi ahead of henderson if adam is not in to take the load of suarez to provide goals. Give flannagan the run if kelly not fit.
Fortunately, you are not he Liverpool manager
Stoke away the first test of the season?!?!?! Sunderland took dozens of points off top teams on the road last season, Arsenal have made the Emirates a fortress especially against us an Bolton are now a cracking side that have been very unfortunate with fixtures so far but may well be the best of the rest after the ‘new big6’ by the end of the season. No disrespect to Stoke but is this a serious article?!?!?! The tem that battered Bolton (3-1 dispite EVERY decision from the officials going against us and an uncharacteristic double mistake from Carra) will easily deal with a very good Stoke side.
this is the first real test for us,i agree with u
sunderland game we were disjointed in the first game and we cant forget the missed penalty.we shouldve beaten them and since then theyve lost and drawn to much weaker teams
arsenal had a pathetic side and were always there for the taking
we’ve always beaten bolton recently
you forgot to mention that we are playing AWAY TO STOKE,their stadium is a fortress,im quite sure we havent won the last 2 times we played there so this will show us how far we’ve gone in reality