One of the great things about the Premiership right now is that there isn't a truly stand out team or manager. When Fergie was boss of United you knew you had to get past him, & his team, if you wanted to win the top prizes. Liverpool showed last season that if a side can put together a string of good results, then they can put themselves in the mix. It's hard to see us doing anything like that again this season, but I certainly wouldn't rule out anyone from City, Chelsea, United, Arsenal, & ourselves, when it comes to challenging for the title come next Spring.
Liverpool 2014/15 | WARNING: Contains strong amounts of Scouse nonsense
- Thread starter Wumminator
- Start date
One of the great things about the Premiership right now is that there isn't a truly stand out team or manager. When Fergie was boss of United you knew you had to get past him, & his team, if you wanted to win the top prizes. Liverpool showed last season that if a side can put together a string of good results, then they can put themselves in the mix. It's hard to see us doing anything like that again this season, but I certainly wouldn't rule out anyone from City, Chelsea, United, Arsenal, & ourselves, when it comes to challenging for the title come next Spring.
Wenger is head and shoulders the best manager in the league now and is on the way to building a standout team now he has the resources.
I do think it'll be a close season, hopefully the most exciting yet. But I do think you guys will take time to integrate your new players, especially based on their relative inexperience. Not t sure we'll see it but if you guys fielded
Mig
Manq sakho lovren moreno
Hend Can
Sterling Coutinho Markovic
Sturridge
The average age can't be much more than 22 or 23, that kind of team needs a bit of time playing together in the Prem for me. Very positive for the future though.
LoL @ the Wishful thinking quip
1. For Liverpool the formation change is not as drastic a change as United's, we'll be using two of the formations we played last season and that worked well for us, whilst United's system is new to virtually everyone at the club, big difference, especially when it comes to those all important matches against fellow Top 7 teams.
2. Spine refers to exactly that (Suarez as one of two up front, and often wide left, I don't consider to be the spine). GK, CB (one very positive starting addition), DM, CM.
3. I've covered how we could cover the lost 31 goals numerous times here (use my user name and the Search function). Precis : Defensively (50 conceded down to the Top 4 ave. of 38-40), more goals from Midfield (we have more actual goalscorers now than last season and Rodgers has said he'l be pushing the MF forward into the box more this season) and new strikers (Lambert and TBC). Even assuming that breaks down as 10-10-10 that's got it covered, less scored / less conceded / same GD. That's not 'wishful thinking' it's thoughtful consideration based on strategy, transfers and comments from the club.
I quite like Wenger but he seems to have a mental block against Mourinho. With all of the other top 7 teams having multiple managerial changes over the last 5 years, he should be able to capitalise on the stability at Arsenal.
The PL's competitiveness is very substantial this season but will be insane next ! City & Chelsea are about as good as they can get .. United, Arsenal and Liverpool could all conceivably be much stronger next.
Hmm nothing like a strongly biased view to enjoy with a smile and my espresso in hand.
4th and if Arsenal fcuk it up again this season, 3rd.
He's still playing catch-up with the squad as are Liverpool. The only block v Mourinho has been £££.
Your a massive wum storey.
Ignore him like the most on Redcafe
Ignore him like the most on Redcafe
Ha, he's worth his salt though as he delivers gems like the one above.
Storey planting deluded post in Liverpool thread, it's classic wumirony.
Liverpool will finish 4th for me and go out in the round after the Groups in the CL. They will win one of the cups.
@Liverpool fans
What do you think your strongest line-up will end up being this season? I don't mean which one do you expect Rodgers to use from the start but what do you think will ultimately be your strongest XI? I am really interested to see if Gerrard will continue to play the same role he did last season and, if he does, what will be changed in the line up to help stop you conceding so many goals. I am also curious to know whether Emre Can is good enough yet to start as a holding midfielder, alongside Henderson.
Lovren was a quality addition for you and I guess you'll be hoping that the strengthened defence (along with your 2 new FBs) will help you concede less, thereby at least partly negating the loss of Suarez's goal scoring. Having said that, I still think you will score shit loads of goals and will be great to watch. Coutinho seems a great creative player who, at least whenever I've watched him, is pretty strong defensively too. Not to mention Sturridge, who's style suits Rodgers' quick football, will now be the main man which will probably see him score just as many goals as last season. I know Suarez won't be there to create the space for him and assist him, but he has plenty of other talented players around him to do that. Liverpool seemed to function perfectly well without Suarez when he was banned. I'm also really excited to see how Sterling develops because he's not only athletically impressive, he is very technically gifted and seems to have a good eye for a pass. Markovic too.
People writing you off and putting you outside the top four are being short-sighted or wishful IMO and are overstating the loss of Suarez and are wilfully ignoring the games you played without him and, if I recall, you played in a very similar way (in that it was incredibly fast and incisive football) whilst picking up loads of points. Obviously you'll have European games to contend with and I'm sure you'll be hoping to go further in the cups so that will be a factor but probably not as significant as some might think, provided you don't pick up a crazy amount of injuries.
Still think Chelsea will win the league with City behind them but this Liverpool side is very unpredictable so I wouldn't write them off, whilst I also wouldn't put any money on them!
What do you think your strongest line-up will end up being this season? I don't mean which one do you expect Rodgers to use from the start but what do you think will ultimately be your strongest XI? I am really interested to see if Gerrard will continue to play the same role he did last season and, if he does, what will be changed in the line up to help stop you conceding so many goals. I am also curious to know whether Emre Can is good enough yet to start as a holding midfielder, alongside Henderson.
Lovren was a quality addition for you and I guess you'll be hoping that the strengthened defence (along with your 2 new FBs) will help you concede less, thereby at least partly negating the loss of Suarez's goal scoring. Having said that, I still think you will score shit loads of goals and will be great to watch. Coutinho seems a great creative player who, at least whenever I've watched him, is pretty strong defensively too. Not to mention Sturridge, who's style suits Rodgers' quick football, will now be the main man which will probably see him score just as many goals as last season. I know Suarez won't be there to create the space for him and assist him, but he has plenty of other talented players around him to do that. Liverpool seemed to function perfectly well without Suarez when he was banned. I'm also really excited to see how Sterling develops because he's not only athletically impressive, he is very technically gifted and seems to have a good eye for a pass. Markovic too.
People writing you off and putting you outside the top four are being short-sighted or wishful IMO and are overstating the loss of Suarez and are wilfully ignoring the games you played without him and, if I recall, you played in a very similar way (in that it was incredibly fast and incisive football) whilst picking up loads of points. Obviously you'll have European games to contend with and I'm sure you'll be hoping to go further in the cups so that will be a factor but probably not as significant as some might think, provided you don't pick up a crazy amount of injuries.
Still think Chelsea will win the league with City behind them but this Liverpool side is very unpredictable so I wouldn't write them off, whilst I also wouldn't put any money on them!
It's a tough call, we've got much better depth last season so it's harder to choose whereas last season you could easily name our best team (though I think this time the best 11 is weaker due to one obvious absence). I think there'll be a lot more rotation this season too, but I'll have a stab at what I'd want our team to be if we had our most important game of the season tomorrow and everyone is fit/settled in:
Mignolet, Manquillo, Lovren, Agger, Alberto Moreno, Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho, Marković, Sterling, Sturridge.
Just to be clear that's what I'd like, not what I expect - there's no chance Agger is first choice this season unfortunately, Rodgers isn't fussed on him and he doesn't have many fans left (I'm one of the last!). It's pretty much a fight between Skrtel and Sakho to partner Lovren with Skrtel seemingly the first choice for now. I'm hoping that's just a temporary move but we'll see.
The right back is probably the toughest to guess right now because Manquillo is an unknown prospect at this stage, Flanagan has some injury problems and Johnson is still seemingly favoured by Rodgers. Then further up the pitch Lallana, Allen and Can will all get games depending on form, fitness and formation but I think the first choice midfield/forwards will probably be the 6 I named.
Good Post mate.
I had Flanagan nailed on for right back and then Manquillo signed so as it stands I am not sure.
At a guess, Mignolet Manquillo Skrtel Lovren Moreno Gerrard Henderson Coutinho Lallana Sterling Sturridge
Bench - Jones Flanagan Sakho Ibe Markovic Can new striker.
That still leave Agger, Allen, Lucas, Suso, Johnson, Lambert and possibly more.....to be honest I haven't a clue!
Stop it.
@YoungSunEcho: Delay to Fabio Borini move is NOT being caused by the Italian lacking the desire to join SAFC, says Gus. Full story soon on @SunderlandEcho
James Pearce @JamesPearceEcho
#LFC youngster Joao Carlos Teixeira is off to Brighton on loan to link up with Sami Hyypia's squad.
Tge following are from James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:
On Suso:
I know LFC have been in talks with him over a new contract so they certainly aren't planning on selling him this summer. Difficult to see him forcing his way into the team with current competition for places so maybe another loan spell will follow.
On Borini:
Liverpool still very happy to take the £14m Sunderland have offered but Borini still stalling over move. He knows Rodgers is going to bring in another striker and that he could find himself fourth choice if he stays. Ball is in the player's court. Depends whether he wants to play regularly at Sunderland or risk spending the season on the periphery at Anfield.
On Lucas:
As it stands the club have had no offers for Lucas and Rodgers is planning for the new season with the Brazilian on board.
On Bony:
No, there is no truth in LFC bidding for Bony today. I can't see Liverpool going back in for him. As for Reus, despite the continuous Twitter rumours, LFC have never shown any interest in making a move for him this summer.
On departures:
Yes, I'm sure there will be quite a few but most will be simply loan deals.
We will probably see likes of Robinson, Coates, Ilori and Teixeira go on loan.
In terms of permanents, obviously there is Assaidi and Borini, plus it's unclear what will happen with Agger. He's clearly down the pecking order and Liverpool don't make a habit these days of keeping high earners to warm the bench.
James Pearce @JamesPearceEcho
#LFC youngster Joao Carlos Teixeira is off to Brighton on loan to link up with Sami Hyypia's squad.
Tge following are from James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:
On Suso:
I know LFC have been in talks with him over a new contract so they certainly aren't planning on selling him this summer. Difficult to see him forcing his way into the team with current competition for places so maybe another loan spell will follow.
On Borini:
Liverpool still very happy to take the £14m Sunderland have offered but Borini still stalling over move. He knows Rodgers is going to bring in another striker and that he could find himself fourth choice if he stays. Ball is in the player's court. Depends whether he wants to play regularly at Sunderland or risk spending the season on the periphery at Anfield.
On Lucas:
As it stands the club have had no offers for Lucas and Rodgers is planning for the new season with the Brazilian on board.
On Bony:
No, there is no truth in LFC bidding for Bony today. I can't see Liverpool going back in for him. As for Reus, despite the continuous Twitter rumours, LFC have never shown any interest in making a move for him this summer.
On departures:
Yes, I'm sure there will be quite a few but most will be simply loan deals.
We will probably see likes of Robinson, Coates, Ilori and Teixeira go on loan.
In terms of permanents, obviously there is Assaidi and Borini, plus it's unclear what will happen with Agger. He's clearly down the pecking order and Liverpool don't make a habit these days of keeping high earners to warm the bench.
I had a really good opinion of you as a poster up until that Kagawa comment
Lol is that an insult or compliment? I say my opinion not always the same as the mass and not always right but I'm not a massive fan of Coutinho to be honest.
Sorry, that just made me snigger a bit.
To be fair Joga it was early morning and I was feeling seasick as I was on a ferry
ha ha you are off my Christmas card list now!!Liverpool look nailed on to sustain a serious challenge for fourth place this season.
@DanS1994
----------------- Mignolet --------------
Flanno----- Lovren----- Sakho ---- Moreno
------------------ Gerrard (Song)
-------------- Henderson
Sterling--------- Coutinho-----------Lallana
---------------- Sturridge
It's tough to leave out Manquillo at RB as he looks a good player however he is more offensive minded than the defensive Flanno and if we are to solidify the defence this season then the aggression, power and stability he brings is worth keeping there.
I've gone for Sakho over Skrtel because despite his awkward style Sakho is a better 'footballer' and with Lovren beside him I'm hoping it'll bring out the form in Sakho that keeps Mangala out of the French national team.
There is now very strong chatter that we are about to sign Alex Song so I'm preempting those rumours and have put him in there next to Gerrard. A slow movement during the season may see prime responsibility switch from one to the other.
The next line is tough. We could put Emre Can next to Henderson then 3 in a line up front. But I won't. I think with the stronger defence and Henderson patrolling behind the front 4 allows us to play 3-1 in attack instead of a more defensive minded 2-3 (when Henderson and Can are those 2). This also allows Sterling, Coutinho and Lallana to play in their current strongest & most dangerous positions and leaves us with a very very pacey attack.
It will be fun to see how Markovic progresses because it would be easy to envisage either of the following starting formations from time to time too, if he progresses well. And then there is the A.N.Other attacker we are expecting too. Oh my oh my, so many good players
Markovic--------- Sterling-----------Lallana
------------------ Sturridge
OR
Markovic--------- Coutinho-----------Sterling
---------------- Sturridge
----------------- Mignolet --------------
Flanno----- Lovren----- Sakho ---- Moreno
------------------ Gerrard (Song)
-------------- Henderson
Sterling--------- Coutinho-----------Lallana
---------------- Sturridge
It's tough to leave out Manquillo at RB as he looks a good player however he is more offensive minded than the defensive Flanno and if we are to solidify the defence this season then the aggression, power and stability he brings is worth keeping there.
I've gone for Sakho over Skrtel because despite his awkward style Sakho is a better 'footballer' and with Lovren beside him I'm hoping it'll bring out the form in Sakho that keeps Mangala out of the French national team.
There is now very strong chatter that we are about to sign Alex Song so I'm preempting those rumours and have put him in there next to Gerrard. A slow movement during the season may see prime responsibility switch from one to the other.
The next line is tough. We could put Emre Can next to Henderson then 3 in a line up front. But I won't. I think with the stronger defence and Henderson patrolling behind the front 4 allows us to play 3-1 in attack instead of a more defensive minded 2-3 (when Henderson and Can are those 2). This also allows Sterling, Coutinho and Lallana to play in their current strongest & most dangerous positions and leaves us with a very very pacey attack.
It will be fun to see how Markovic progresses because it would be easy to envisage either of the following starting formations from time to time too, if he progresses well. And then there is the A.N.Other attacker we are expecting too. Oh my oh my, so many good players
Markovic--------- Sterling-----------Lallana
------------------ Sturridge
OR
Markovic--------- Coutinho-----------Sterling
---------------- Sturridge
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To be fair Joga it was early morning and I was feeling seasick as I was on a ferry
D'OH
Origi scored a penalty tonight.
Mourinho's a media whore
Been a tight looking first few games so far this weekend. Expect a home win but may not be straightforward.
The start of every season sees these 'smaller' teams start strongly. I'd rather face big teams that are still waking from snoozy/tiring summers than the Swanseas or Ipswichs (of past) that were twiddling their thumbs waiting for their one big outing at a major ground. Better to get these teams around Christmas when the new season novelty has worn off and smaller teams begin behaving like smaller teams.
Which is why I'm a bit nervous about the Southampton game. I think Brendan's got us perked up early enough (witness the demolition of Dortmund) but then we run the danger of peaking too early too.
Which is why I'm a bit nervous about the Southampton game. I think Brendan's got us perked up early enough (witness the demolition of Dortmund) but then we run the danger of peaking too early too.
And it's exactly that reason that I'm pleased we then have consecutive away matches at City & Spurs.
Absolutely, shock and awe one or both of those two teams before their world class players find some form.
I was equally happy to get Utd so early last season too. But anyway, Southampton tomorrow. Lets see if our players have City on their minds.
I was equally happy to get Utd so early last season too. But anyway, Southampton tomorrow. Lets see if our players have City on their minds.
Moreno signing made official now.
Romero for £2m as backup to Ming is almost done too. Now for that striker ...........
The Liverpool boss is determined to land a leading centre forward, even if it means deadline-day madness on September 1.
"The money is there - and we will look to improve at the top end of the field until the very end of the window," Rodgers told reporters ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener against Southampton at Anfield.
"It's not easy to get a top-level striker, no, but we have to keep looking. We certainly need something because we haven't brought in another striker so far, apart from Rickie Lambert.
"You just never know what will happen in that last week - the window will always throw up something.
"We will persevere and the boys are working hard behind the scenes to see what information we can get on the availability of players."
"The money is there - and we will look to improve at the top end of the field until the very end of the window," Rodgers told reporters ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener against Southampton at Anfield.
"It's not easy to get a top-level striker, no, but we have to keep looking. We certainly need something because we haven't brought in another striker so far, apart from Rickie Lambert.
"You just never know what will happen in that last week - the window will always throw up something.
"We will persevere and the boys are working hard behind the scenes to see what information we can get on the availability of players."
Joyce and King both saying we've not given up on the Falcao deal.
@BrightonFanbase: Joao Teixeira showed more intent and desire to win in his 25 minutes on the pitch than any other Albion did all game. #BHAFC
@BrightonFanbase: Very impressed with Teixeira. He is quick, has a good touch, and is very gifted technically. We lacked his urgency in the midfield all game.
@LewisEdwardsGB: One of the only positives from today's game was the impressive start that Teixeira made. #bhafc
@BrightonFanbase: Joao Teixeira showed more intent and desire to win in his 25 minutes on the pitch than any other Albion did all game. #BHAFC
@BrightonFanbase: Very impressed with Teixeira. He is quick, has a good touch, and is very gifted technically. We lacked his urgency in the midfield all game.
@LewisEdwardsGB: One of the only positives from today's game was the impressive start that Teixeira made. #bhafc
I picked up the Evening Standard on Friday out of boredom and not one pundit had Liverpool finishing fourth. Not one! Dan Roan and Dan Brown are the only reasons I read the sports section but weirdly they weren't included in the charade. Just as well really.
Most lazily citing the Spurs and Bale chestnut with us and Suarez. Do these mentally challenged buffoons not realise Spurs finished in exactly the same league position without him as they did with him? Where did we finish?
Most lazily citing the Spurs and Bale chestnut with us and Suarez. Do these mentally challenged buffoons not realise Spurs finished in exactly the same league position without him as they did with him? Where did we finish?
As you say, lazy analysis. Just removes pressure. Games aren't won and lost in newspapers.
That's quite flawed logic to be honest. Finishing second is far more difficult than finishing sixth, I'm sure you'll agree; Spurs are brought up because 1) many of their signings failed and 2) it seems they couldn't really build on the money they got for Bale (though if Lamela comes good and Eriksen continues his improvement it could still work out). It was still enough to finish sixth but only with Manchester United having their worst season in 20+ years.
For Liverpool, the challenge is to sustain their position without a real inspirational match winner. Gerrard is a bit too old for that now. You can finish 6-7th with a deep squad with enough good players but you might need more than that for the top four.
Liverpool 2 - 1 Southampton
A decent start but losing control of the midfield to Sneiderlin and especially Wanyama, after half-time, due to the pedestrianism of Gerrard & Lucas, meant a nervy 2nd half. Allen coming on improved us as did reverting to 4-1-2-1-2 when Lambert came on (even though he didn't add much). We were slow to transition from midfield into attack after the first 20 mins and this needs to be addressed as a priority.
Very poor games for Coutinho, Gerrard, Lucas and Johnson. An excellent debut for Manquillo at 19 yrs old and he was targeted by Koeman all match (they should have put Prowse-Ward and Clyne onto Johnson instead), just a single poor back pass all game was the only obvious error. Good games for Skrtel, Lovren (v.good), Sterling (goal and an assist), Sturridge (1 goal, though not much service), Henderson (assist). Allen did fine when he came on and helped turn defence into attack. Ming made two excellent saves but his distribution still sucks.
Southampton are not going to struggle this season (though they must not let Sneiderlin go to Spurs). Tadic and Pelle did well up front and Fonte, Clyne and Bertrand in defence, but Wanyama was damn excellent.
How can Liverpool improve for City next week ?
Pressure will be off, we are expected to lose anyway. So Moreno for Johnson, maybe Flanno for Manquillo if BR goes more defensive otherwise Manquillo can retain his place. Emre Can must come into midfield for Lucas who can move to Napoli tomorrow S.v.P. Coutinho needs to step up a lot, however he has never been great when teams have 10 men behind the ball so should be much better against City, pity Lallana won't be ready but Markovic will be on the bench to add some sparkle.
For the season : another striker and defence minded MF please.
A decent start but losing control of the midfield to Sneiderlin and especially Wanyama, after half-time, due to the pedestrianism of Gerrard & Lucas, meant a nervy 2nd half. Allen coming on improved us as did reverting to 4-1-2-1-2 when Lambert came on (even though he didn't add much). We were slow to transition from midfield into attack after the first 20 mins and this needs to be addressed as a priority.
Very poor games for Coutinho, Gerrard, Lucas and Johnson. An excellent debut for Manquillo at 19 yrs old and he was targeted by Koeman all match (they should have put Prowse-Ward and Clyne onto Johnson instead), just a single poor back pass all game was the only obvious error. Good games for Skrtel, Lovren (v.good), Sterling (goal and an assist), Sturridge (1 goal, though not much service), Henderson (assist). Allen did fine when he came on and helped turn defence into attack. Ming made two excellent saves but his distribution still sucks.
Southampton are not going to struggle this season (though they must not let Sneiderlin go to Spurs). Tadic and Pelle did well up front and Fonte, Clyne and Bertrand in defence, but Wanyama was damn excellent.
How can Liverpool improve for City next week ?
Pressure will be off, we are expected to lose anyway. So Moreno for Johnson, maybe Flanno for Manquillo if BR goes more defensive otherwise Manquillo can retain his place. Emre Can must come into midfield for Lucas who can move to Napoli tomorrow S.v.P. Coutinho needs to step up a lot, however he has never been great when teams have 10 men behind the ball so should be much better against City, pity Lallana won't be ready but Markovic will be on the bench to add some sparkle.
For the season : another striker and defence minded MF please.
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Still, play shit and win. I wish we could do that.