(in the Premier League)
There's something different about the Reds this season as we've overcome a number of hurdles we couldn't handle previously (United and poor form/good results). This weekend could be time to overcome another hurdle, as we play Wigan who are managed by none other than Steve Bruce.
We'll be missing Torres, Babel, and Skrtel, not to mention Mascherano & Lucas are unlikely to play after travelling half way round the world. Hopefully all the recent form and confidence gained before the international break will still be with the rest of the squad. We need 3 more points from this home fixture.
11 comments:
All good (lucky) things come to an end and I think Bruces luck will also come to an end this weekend. We have them at home and I expect us to go on the attack and win.
Rafa has never beaten Bruce in the league.
I think you will find that Steve bruces heaviest defeat ever came at the hands of Rafa Benitez.
We dont need the pace of Torres or Babel for this game - just the creativity of Keane and Benayoun. Bruce will doo what he always does and that is defend very very deeply and then try hit us on the counter.
I think Jessica is right. Pace is not essential but losing Masch has bigger impact on the team. However with Alonso on form, he can spread passes to create chances against a tight defence. I think in games like this, Keane, Benayoun and Gerrard are key to opening up the defence. Don't forget Kuyt who is on fire now. I'll put a few quid on him scoring a goal.
@roger - hopefully what we expect will be what we get
@anon - I've stuck in a little edit now specifying the Premier League, bit of an oversight that !
@jessica - yeah, creativity will likely be key for this one
screw benayoun, hes too inconsistant!
Better to give Pennant (over Benayoun) a chance as he normally outclasses the smaller teams. Or maybe even El Zhar would make for a nice option.
As the beginning of your post states, we have managed a number of firsts this season, so what's going to stop another one coming our way :)
koptimism to the fore
Bloody hell. Opposition managers are going to be equipping their teams with wooden stakes and holy water at this rate. Oh, and telling them not to tackle Alonso, you'll only get sent off!
Rafa has beaten Bruce in the premier league at last. And in what way!!!!
Agreed tackles on Alonso have drawn reds this season, but, i fear for him. He's playing really well this season and i don't want him to get injured. Tackles at this rate will injure him sooner or later. It must be agreed, some of the tackles on him have deserved more than a red if that is possible. I'm surprised and happy that he's still playing.
We played shoddy football in defense and yet won. The people who did not play a major role in the game were Keane, Gerrard, Dossena and Agger (for his hand in 1st goal).
We should be winning with clean sheets against teams like these. Going at this rate i fear for our game against Chelsea.
@thedropper - Koptimism came through again ;-)
@deiseach - ah no, let them tackle Alonso, it works to our advantage each time. Although as Abhiram says, sooner or later he's gonna get seriously injured :-(
@abhiram - i think this game could be another one of those wake up calls. Some players needed the 'warm up' before Chelsea. There's nothing any team could've done about Wigans second goal. I'm confident the lads will be up for the game against Chelsea. Am made up for Kuyt, his confidence must be sky high :-)
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