For that reason, Lucas is going to be even more crucial to a positive result than usual, as he’ll be needed to disrupt play as much as possible to stop Stoke getting to the point where they can ‘win’ corners and throws. Likewise, it’ll be the first proper test for our ‘new’ full-backs (although Kelly isn’t exactly new and may also not play with injury) as well and we should get a proper idea of how they cope when under intense physicality.
Depending on whether Kelly starts, it’s likely that Skrtel may well take his place at right-back as, not only did he impress there against Bolton at Anfield, he would add some much required solidity to the back line and provide an added quality header of the ball in the box from corners and throws.
For this reason, I think it is crucial for us to make sure we have added height on the bench. And if that means that our new boy, Seb Coates, has to be thrust in to the action from the bench at some point, then so be it. I really don’t think he’ll be ready to start but I think that having him on the bench would be very handy should he be needed and, if not, then it would be a good early test to give him 10-15 minutes toward the end should things be going our way. As with his height and mobility, Coates will be vital at places like Stoke for many years to come.
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This week it is former LFC WAG Gisela Molinero!!
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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