Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

prendy · 06-10-2008 11:47AM

whatawaster wrote: »

Please stop with the title talk. I've had too many heartaches over the years, most of them in October and November. Let's get through these two months when we have very winnable game in the league

Wigan (h)
Chelsea (a)
Pompey (h)
Spurs (a)
WBA (h)
Bolton (a)
Fulham (h)
West Ham (h)
Blackburn (a)
Hull (h)

are our next ten matches, and apart from Chelsea, nothing overly tricky. We have a real chance to become contenders in the next two months.

that's a nice run of games, all (apart from chelsea) very winnable.
if we get a point at the bridge and win the rest then people can start dreaming of titles.

mike65 · 06-10-2008 11:52AM

Looks like Skrtel is skittled for 6 months. That Brazilian fella will deffo be bought in January.

Mike

Tusky · 06-10-2008 11:55AM

Another thing I was thinking about. Manchester Utd, Everton & Manchester City all had a man sent off while playing us...were all three for tackles on Alonso ?

copacetic · 06-10-2008 11:56AM

DeadSkin wrote: »

We've done it 3 times already in the league, against United/'boro/City.
Think Marseille went a goal up, in the CL aswell.
What's great about these results is that we came back to win the games not just draw them.

thats what I am saying, we've already had to do it too many times in too few games due to poor defending. It can't last, we need to stop giving away easy goals.

mike65 · 06-10-2008 12:05PM

Tusky, you're right. Alonso seems to be in the thick of it this season.

Mike

sweetie · 06-10-2008 12:08PM

careca wrote: »

I know a lot of you lads are big fans of Agger's but I really think Skrtel's injury could be very bad news for us. He has been outstanding so far this season and imo is more important than Agger. No doubt Agger is a talented footballer but I think Skrtel is better against the physical teams in the league (and there is quite a few of them).

Well, Agger did a great job on drogba, one of the most physical strikers there is, in the champions league second game v chelsea two seasons ago. Last year we paid the price for not having top quality backup for Agger (tho Hyppia did do quite well) so I reckon we may be ok.

DeadSkin · 06-10-2008 12:14PM

copacetic wrote: »

thats what I am saying, we've already had to do it too many times in too few games due to poor defending. It can't last, we need to stop giving away easy goals.

Who's to say it can't last? :P

I'm just pointing out that we came back from a goal or two down and we went on to win the game, is all.

Mr Alan · 06-10-2008 12:19PM

we have also beat City away and Utd at home, games we drew and lost last season.

not saying it means anything THAT important, but there is definately reason to be positive

mike65 · 06-10-2008 12:22PM

Eh? Liverpool, were away to City yesterday and beat Utd at home.

Mike

Mr Alan · 06-10-2008 12:24PM

we beat city away and utd at home

ie: we were away and home. get me?

mike65 · 06-10-2008 12:26PM

Doh (facepalm etc) I read that as "have to beat" not "have also beat" Doh (facepalm etc)

Mike

06-10-2008 12:28PM

mike65 wrote: »

Doh (facepalm etc) I read that as "have to beat" not "have also beat" Doh (facepalm etc)

Mike

Fail Mike, fail

Handsome Bob · 06-10-2008 12:37PM

sweetie wrote: »

Well, Agger did a great job on drogba, one of the most physical strikers there is, in the champions league game v chelsea two seasons ago. Last year we paid the price for not having top quality backup for Agger (tho Hyppia did do quite well) so I reckon we may be ok.

From what I remember it was Agger who was completely outmuscled by Drogba for the goal in the 06/07 Champions League Semi Final First Leg. I'm not saying Agger can't handle the rough and tumble but going toe to toe is certainly not his best aspect.

That being said I am a fan of Agger and although it's a bitter blow to lose Skrtel I am enthusiastic about Agger getting a chance again.

Mr Alan · 06-10-2008 12:39PM

thats the point i think, first leg he was outmuscled...second let he ****ing bossed Drogba round the place and scored the winner, he really learnt from the first performance wat was needed, i think Agger is an exceptional player tbh.

Ardent · 06-10-2008 12:40PM

LZ5by5 wrote: »

From what I remember it was Agger who was completely outmuscled by Drogba for the goal in the 06/07 Champions League Semi Final First Leg.

I think you're right but, from what I remember, Agger totally owned Drogba in the return leg. He learned his lesson from the first leg and gave as good as he got the in the return.

LuckyLloyd · 06-10-2008 12:43PM

Erin Go Brath wrote: »

Well let me phrase it differently then. Rafa isn't rotating as much as he did in the last few years which leads to more continuity and will lead to more regular wins. Dropping Robbie Keane is no biggie, he hasn't scored a goal in the league yet, resting him now and again to throw him on for the last 20/30 minutes will not be detrimental to Liverpools chances. In fact to have someone with a lot of pace and energy like Robbie coming in the last 30 minutes very much benefitted Liverpool yesterday. Gerrard and Torres are the two key players in this team in my estimation. To drop either for any league game would be almost criminal. This is the kind of thing that Rafa was doing, but seems to have realised that these guys are essential to Liverpools challenge and are undroppable at the moment. The starting XI needs to be pretty much consistent, minor alternations are not an issue thats why Liverpool have a squad consisting of more than 11 players plus a few subs. The biggest criticism id have of Rafa at the moment is his underuse of the excellent Babbel, that aside hes got it right so far.

Let me simply say that I disagree with your diagnosis of why we were unsuccessful in previous years in the league. There are statistics available which show the average changes per league game of all of the top four teams during the previous few seasons - aswell as statistics that show how many league appearances our core players have made in previous years. I suggest you check them out and reconsider your opinion. Not that I particularly blame you as the reality is that most journalists and pundits who have thrown out the above analysis do not seem to have looked at these stats either.

Handsome Bob · 06-10-2008 01:03PM

Ardent wrote: »

I think you're right but, from what I remember, Agger totally owned Drogba in the return leg. He learned his lesson from the first leg and gave as good as he got the in the return.

Originally posted by Mr. Alan
thats the point i think, first leg he was outmuscled...second let he ****ing bossed Drogba round the place and scored the winner, he really learnt from the first performance wat was needed, i think Agger is an exceptional player tbh.

Oh OK point taken lads, my mind is actually going blank for that night, too much drinking probably.:pac: My voice was absolutely gone the next morning, that's all I remember.:D

Dont be at yourself · 06-10-2008 02:42PM

Agger should be raring to go when he gets back in the side, and there's no doubt that he's as capable a defender as anyone.

It makes a big change to this time last year. Agger got injured, and we had to look to an aging Sami Hyypia to come on. He did very well for us, but it's good to know we're not reliant on him for cover anymore.

Mr Alan · 06-10-2008 02:45PM

we're in a bit of trouble for the CL though, Sami wasnt named in the squad so Agger and Carragher are our only two proper CBs in the squad.

Karmafaerie · 06-10-2008 02:47PM

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

Agger should be raring to go when he gets back in the side, and there's no doubt that he's as capable a defender as anyone.

It makes a big change to this time last year. Agger got injured, and we had to look to an aging Sami Hyypia to come on. He did very well for us, but it's good to know we're not reliant on him for cover anymore.

I was only thinking that this morning.
What a difference a year makes.

mike65 · 06-10-2008 02:53PM

It makes a big change to this time last year. Agger got injured, and we had to look to an aging Sami Hyypia to come on. He did very well for us, but it's good to know we're not reliant on him for cover anymore.

Except now Liverpool are relying on him! *fingers crossed for both Agger and Skrtle*

Mike

monkey9 · 06-10-2008 03:10PM

Mr Alan wrote: »

we're in a bit of trouble for the CL though, Sami wasnt named in the squad so Agger and Carragher are our only two proper CBs in the squad.

Yeah, let's hope they are fit for the games. But hopefully, four points from Atletico Madrid (tough ask, but why not) should have us pretty much in the knockout stages with a couple of games to spare so we should be ok. Arbeloa can do a job centre back as well.

Boggles · 06-10-2008 03:26PM

Mr Alan wrote: »

we're in a bit of trouble for the CL though, Sami wasnt named in the squad so Agger and Carragher are our only two proper CBs in the squad.

Wouldn't be too concerned, Liverpool need 4 points from their last 4 games, unless Skrtel is banjaxed completely he should definately be back for the 25th/26 Feb.

prendy · 06-10-2008 03:35PM

monkey9 wrote: »

Yeah, let's hope they are fit for the games. But hopefully, four points from Atletico Madrid (tough ask, but why not) should have us pretty much in the knockout stages with a couple of games to spare so we should be ok. Arbeloa can do a job centre back as well.

did ya see them against barca at the weekend? they were shocking. :eek:

monkey9 · 06-10-2008 04:21PM

prendy wrote: »

did ya see them against barca at the weekend? they were shocking. :eek:

Yeah, i heard they got a hiding. I actually saw the goals, but was p!ssed so can't remember them!
I don't know though, that could just be a once off. Still think they'll be tough opposition, but as i say, four points from them would be great!

jesus_thats_gre · 06-10-2008 05:59PM

prendy wrote: »

did ya see them against barca at the weekend? they were shocking. :eek:

Missing quiet a few players.. Twas also one of those games where Barca had 3 attempts on goal in the first 10 mins and scored from all 3 of them.. Wouldn't read much into it...

PHB · 06-10-2008 08:44PM

At the start of last season, this would have resulted in Liverpools title hopes ending [and some may argue it did]. But theres more depth in defence now, so Agger can step in.

Terrible for Srektl, but shows Liverpools squad developing.

PHB · 06-10-2008 08:44PM

At the start of last season, this would have resulted in Liverpools title hopes ending [and some may argue it did]. But theres more depth in defence now, so Agger can step in.

Terrible for Srektl, but shows Liverpools squad developing.

zAbbo · 06-10-2008 09:07PM

In fairness, no-one predicted Agger's pro-longed absense from a broken metatarsal - an anitial 3 months out, followed by the rest of the season

Agger is certainly someone who has a some suspect injury concerns, only 100 apperances (inc International) in 4 years isn't great.

I really hope he can put together some form and stay injury free, as we desperately need him now more than ever.

I think he adds a good balance, being more comfortable on the ball and left footed.

copacetic · 06-10-2008 09:18PM

after minimal research it appears the posterior ligament is an unusual injury and is very difficult to repair with surgery due to where the ligament is in the middle of the joint.

However if the tear isn't too bad recovery can be relatively swift.

I guess it all depends on the scans tomorrow. fingers crossed.

Paul Williams just moved back to the Auckland blues in New Zealand, he has had
a partial tear for 3 weeks and is hoping to be back in the next couple of weeks.

Numerous examples of NFL players out for weeks rather than months with sprains rather than tears also.

A few examples of NBA players out for 4-5 months with more serious damage to the ligament.

It seems more likely that it will be at the shorter end, so heres hoping.

Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

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