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My Starting Line up for the Merseyside Derby

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Playing the bitters at Goodison Park is always a tricky fixture at any stage of the season. We are winless in 3 premiership games against them and the job will not be made any easier even with the departure of their technically gifted Spaniard, Arteta, to Arsenal. Here is how I would chose to line up The Reds on Saturday if I was King Kenny for a day:

————Reina————-
Kelly Carragher Skrtel Enrique
———-Adam Lucas———-
—–Kuyt Gerrard Downing—–
————Suarez————

Benefits of this formation:

A lot of the players are used to playing in it under Rafa’s regime (Reina, Carra, Skrtel, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard) and will know what is required of them in each position.

It provides the right balance of defensive solidity and attacking verve provided that we get numbers into the box when attacking. With Lucas providing cover for the defence it gives the fullbacks license to roam forward when required.

Fluidity: given the versatility of the four players in the front, they have all the attributes to switch positions and run rings around the Everton back four. The system can easily change shape without affecting the balance of the side.

Pace and intelligence upfront. With Gerrard back in contention we now have a more creative force in the midfield. This combined with the pace of Downing and Suarez, and the intelligent movement of Kuyt could all come together to a devastating effect.

Drawbacks of this tactic:

At times when this formation was used under Rafa, Fernando T****s would be found isolated upfront leading to his frustration at a lack of service. This formation requires a lot of movement from the players off the ball and we cannot afford any passengers on the pitch in order to make it work effectively.

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This week it is former LFC WAG Michela Quattrociocche!!

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7 comments

  • Dillon says:

    Your formation will only ensure we scrap for a 1-0 win or so.

    Attack them with pace and power. Finish them off early and then track back and kill the game.

    Suarez – Caroll
    Downing – Kuyt – Lucas – Bellamy
    Enrique – Skrtel – Carra – Kelly
    Reina

    Just a thought.

  • mikeob says:

    I have this gut feeling all the new additions should not be around in this one.Everton is going to mesmerise you guys into a frenzy like ‘catch me if you can ‘ and I’m afraid the never walk alone guys will be in for a lesson.Common on KD please for heavens sake field those very same people who gave their all to save you the blushes when you came on.Surely,you will call on them for future games if the freshies blunder again !!!.(or call on me for a lesson or two in team selection on current form).

    mikeob.

  • SAM CHARLES says:

    tricky team selection this!!

    is adam good enough to help lucus out when the going gets tuff?

    is carroll in goon enough shape to complete with a very good distin and the others.

    is that attack pacey enough without bellamy,

    Do we use gerrard as a sub to use him for his pace in the second half or later, remember he just cant be taken for aride, he has only played not even close to a full game yet! so thats a risk.

    for me id go like this;-

    REINA
    KELLY CARRAGHER SKRTEL ENRIQUE
    KUYT LUCUS ADAM DOWNING
    BELLAMY
    SUAREZ
    SUBS;
    DONI GK, COATES, MAXI, GERRARD, CARROLL, SPEARING,

    FLANAGAN.

    NOT THERE; JOHNSON, AGGER AND HENDERSON.

    OUT; JOHNSON AND AGGER.

    NOT YET MATCH FIT; AURELIO.

    LOAN; SHELVEY.

    WIN 2-1

  • Mike Arms says:

    Carroll & Suarez must start every game together if they are to blossom into a partnership.
    Bellamy is a great player to bring on after an hour when the opoosition are tiring.
    Gerrard will come on and I assume will replace Lucas, in this game probably at half time and then permanently from then on.
    Kuyt must get the nod ahead of Henderson especially in away fixtures.
    If carragher makes yet another mistake in this game then he will need replacing for the next game too, especially as Gerrard will be back and have the armband.

  • Abdul says:

    I guess it high time Suarez should start to get SG services…..nd get to know each other immediately!!!

  • Flauvio says:

    Considering the positive signs of a Suarez/Caroll partnership we saw at the Wolves game, I’d start these two in attack. I feel it’s too soon for Gerrard to start a match but what a player to have on the bench. Equally Bellamys pace could come in handy towards the 60 minute mark when Everton start to tire a bit. Kuyt to replace Henderson due to his work rate and ability to score in big games. First XI therefore as follows:

    Reina
    Kelly – Carra – Skrtl – Enrique
    Kuyt – Lucas – Adam – Downing
    Suarez – Caroll

    Subs: Doni, Coates, Flanagan, Spearing, Gerrard, Henderson/Maxi, Bellamy

  • Aziz Ahmed says:

    Reina
    Kelly – Carra – Skrtl – Enrique
    Downing – Lucas – Adam – Bellamy
    Kuyt – Suarez

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