No. He means Ibe and Markovic on the sides of the diamond. Personally I think we'd struggle with that. However with Henderson and Can on the sides I think we'd do well.
The problem with the diamond is Moreno at left back.
He isn't a good defender and the diamond leaves him exposed.
Last season at left back we had Flanagan who is a much better defender, or Cissokho whose strength was defending, or Johnson, who is an experienced defender.
I know Moreno had a good game at Spurs in the diamond, but I don't feel comfortable about him playing left back in that formation long term, not until he has improved his defensive play considerably.
I thought we played quite well at Blackburn. Sterling was dangerous on the left and gives Moreno good cover.
Coutinho was dangerous from the right coming inside, its not perfect for him, but he did well. Johnson was steady at right back.
I don't think we are suddenly going to start scoring loads of goals in any formation with the players we have currently. I would rather we stuck to formations that keep us tight defensively for the rest of this season.
I would rather we stuck to formations that keep us tight defensively for the rest of this season.
----
Likewise, the formations we have been playing have made us really solid, regularly keeping clean sheets and pinching one or two goals at the other end.
We will lose at Chelsea but I think winning all the rest of our games in the league is an achievable target. Let's get 5th so we can avoid the europa early rounds.
comment by Pâî§Lë¥'š _P䆆ê®ÑëÐ_ÐrÊåm§ (U1541)
posted 1 hour, 15 minutes ago
comment by Insert random username (U10647)
posted 45 minutes ago
i hope not,
we need to go back to the diamond, time to give balotelli a crack, hes actually scored a few important goals for us, and he deserves a chance up top with sturridge
failing that get sterling alongside sturridge and have them both running ahead of coutinho, and try to capitalise on his fantastic creative play
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I remember when we signed Balotelli you were adamant he would be a success. You remained convinced during his shambolic performances as a lone striker and even now, despite all the evidence to the contrary, you are still pedaling this fantasy that he should be starting games.
I agree that now is the time to be starting with a back four again. However, I'm confused as to why anyone would be still advocating for the inclusion of a player who has unsurprisingly been a monumental flop.
Recently writing his own sicknote,then in the next game 'feeling unwell' underlines his commitment to this club .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not sure i ever said balo will be a success with us, i was worried about his mentality, but backed the general opinion that rodgers could probably turn it around.
Im not sure hes been a monumental flop, its just been an odd season regarding him withdrawing himself from games with illness, he started great in his first game vs spurs partnering sturridge, then he was played as a lone striker and was poor, we started to see some improvement then he got injured? we havent really seen him since.
This defensive style we are playing has cost us, but surely the answer is a combo of the two?
-------Studge----------Sterling----------
------------------Cout----------------------
----------Hendo-------lucas--------------
Moreno----------------------------Marko
-------Sakho---Skrtel----Can-----------
Moving sterling up front gets runners ahead of cout, runners who also split the defence, allowing him to move forward in to space, its also someone else to think about.
although im not a fan of the wingbacks, because we dont compete well for crosses. the sheer number of crosses we have put in this season have been wasteful, we never win the ball from them, just conceed posession.
we are much better working the ball out quickly from the back, which this season we have been unable to do effectively, and for a large part I blame lallana who lingers on the ball too long.
You are not sure he has been a monumental flop
Christ on a bike.
So, you're ok with Balotelli, who ran around a bit coming off the bench which somehow constitutes improvement? But not happy with Lallana, who, Can aside, has arguably done best of our summer siginings?
Markovic needs to be tried in that number 10 role .. With the ball he is extemeely tidy and has the pace to stop counter attacks further up.
I'd like to see that at some point next year.
comment by Dalglish's Double Fist Pump (U6580)
posted 19 minutes ago
Markovic needs to be tried in that number 10 role .. With the ball he is extemeely tidy and has the pace to stop counter attacks further up.
I'd like to see that at some point next year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Next year certainly. I don't think he's got the confidence at the moment. We should see a lot more from him in the new season.
No from me re Markovic at 10, he needs to bulk up over the summer. I know he is young but he is so weak in possession, unlike Sterling and Coutinho who are similar stature and playing styles and are much stronger and competitive in the challenge. Clearly has talent but he should have done better this season imo.
Agreed that he is weak but he is also clever about how he uses his pace to get his body underneath the ball to either shield or win it back.
We forget that our good players are extremely young, the talent based on their age is evident to see.
My only worry is will they still be our players when they are at their peak.
Balo is our worst signing this year, the others I have no qualms with, perhaps with the exception of Lovren who is gutless and a waste.
Lovrens done better recently, hopefully we'll see him at his best next season.
comment by LocoLiverpool (U18018)
posted 11 minutes ago
Lovrens done better recently, hopefully we'll see him at his best next season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He's only played twice, once against a Blackburn side with very little ambition, and once in a mauling against Arsenal. Not to say he was at fault for any of the goals personally, but it's hardly a ringing endorsement
He was good against Blackburn.
Needs to do a lot more than that to turn his Liverpool career around obviously but it's a start.
With Sakho out for 3-4 weeks he will have a chance to really put down a marker.
Re Markovic, my biggest problem with him is end product. His end product wasn't great at Benfica, and has been poor for us too this season.
He might be a player who suddenly explodes and starts racking up goals and assists, then again he might plod along for a few years and not really go anywhere.
Not concerned about Markovic' inconsistency with his end product. It's only natural for a player of his age and experience. Simply needs to get experience and with that will come correct decisions more often than not.
What I like about him is that he has pace but he doesn't just burst forward with his head down, he's always looking up and trying to do something. He reminds me of Figo, the way he gets his head up and tries a lot of chipped passes beyond defenders. If he becomes half as good as him we'll have a player.
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
Lovren has improved- he was good in the games away at Soton, Burnley and away at Swansea. He's done well since coming back into the reckoning. Don't blame him for what happened at Arsenal. I think he will come good for us over time, we have to believe he is the future here alongside Skrtel and make it work. Sakho is out for a month now, just heard, so he will be starting most games until the end of the season.
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
Obviously the villa game is huge and while our manager doesn't have much big game experience coupled with lots of our players BR has more then Sherwood and our squad only recently played in a cup semi final, I hope Some of the Villa players get a bit over awed by wembley and that our experienced players stand up.
***********************************************************
I think most of our players will be overawed by Wembley too. As you know, our league cup semi final wasn't at Wembley.
It'll be even stevens.
comment by Neo Liverpool (U9135)
posted 6 hours, 47 minutes ago
Lovren has improved- he was good in the games away at Soton, Burnley and away at Swansea. He's done well since coming back into the reckoning. Don't blame him for what happened at Arsenal. I think he will come good for us over time, we have to believe he is the future here alongside Skrtel and make it work. Sakho is out for a month now, just heard, so he will be starting most games until the end of the season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sakho is one of the first names on the team sheet as far as I'm concerned. Lovren has to step up and show what he can do.
I had spoken about going back to the back four and diamond a before the Arsenal game. Not many agreed at the time but glad to see most agree now.
http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/306305
On paper and with current injuries 4-2-3-1 looks the best bet for me but we don't play too fluidly with that or the 4-3-3 variation.
In terms of tonight though we just need to pass the ball well and show some bottle and calmness on the ball and our superior quality (and we do have a far more talented side) will win the game.
It's an opportunity to build some confidence again before the weekend and one we must take.
comment by Igor Biscan's Missing Goal Celebration (U15416)
posted 10 hours, 26 minutes ago
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore deluded
Markovic the next Ronaldo??!!
comment by Mr Chelsea ✪ (U3579)
posted 58 minutes ago
comment by Igor Biscan's Missing Goal Celebration (U15416)
posted 10 hours, 26 minutes ago
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore deluded
Markovic the next Ronaldo??!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore idiotic?
YOU even quoted this part of Igor's post yourself ! :
"Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player"
and as many times as you like, it's you that appears the fool.
Only took an hour or so..
comment by Be A Grizzly (U2206)
posted 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
comment by Mr Chelsea ✪ (U3579)
posted 58 minutes ago
comment by Igor Biscan's Missing Goal Celebration (U15416)
posted 10 hours, 26 minutes ago
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore deluded
Markovic the next Ronaldo??!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore idiotic?
YOU even quoted this part of Igor's post yourself ! :
"Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player"
andas many times as you like, it's you that appears the fool.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sign in if you want to comment
city are in free fall
Page 2 of 2
posted on 12/4/15
No. He means Ibe and Markovic on the sides of the diamond. Personally I think we'd struggle with that. However with Henderson and Can on the sides I think we'd do well.
posted on 12/4/15
The problem with the diamond is Moreno at left back.
He isn't a good defender and the diamond leaves him exposed.
Last season at left back we had Flanagan who is a much better defender, or Cissokho whose strength was defending, or Johnson, who is an experienced defender.
I know Moreno had a good game at Spurs in the diamond, but I don't feel comfortable about him playing left back in that formation long term, not until he has improved his defensive play considerably.
I thought we played quite well at Blackburn. Sterling was dangerous on the left and gives Moreno good cover.
Coutinho was dangerous from the right coming inside, its not perfect for him, but he did well. Johnson was steady at right back.
I don't think we are suddenly going to start scoring loads of goals in any formation with the players we have currently. I would rather we stuck to formations that keep us tight defensively for the rest of this season.
posted on 12/4/15
I would rather we stuck to formations that keep us tight defensively for the rest of this season.
----
Likewise, the formations we have been playing have made us really solid, regularly keeping clean sheets and pinching one or two goals at the other end.
We will lose at Chelsea but I think winning all the rest of our games in the league is an achievable target. Let's get 5th so we can avoid the europa early rounds.
posted on 12/4/15
comment by Pâî§Lë¥'š _P䆆ê®ÑëÐ_ÐrÊåm§ (U1541)
posted 1 hour, 15 minutes ago
comment by Insert random username (U10647)
posted 45 minutes ago
i hope not,
we need to go back to the diamond, time to give balotelli a crack, hes actually scored a few important goals for us, and he deserves a chance up top with sturridge
failing that get sterling alongside sturridge and have them both running ahead of coutinho, and try to capitalise on his fantastic creative play
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I remember when we signed Balotelli you were adamant he would be a success. You remained convinced during his shambolic performances as a lone striker and even now, despite all the evidence to the contrary, you are still pedaling this fantasy that he should be starting games.
I agree that now is the time to be starting with a back four again. However, I'm confused as to why anyone would be still advocating for the inclusion of a player who has unsurprisingly been a monumental flop.
Recently writing his own sicknote,then in the next game 'feeling unwell' underlines his commitment to this club .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not sure i ever said balo will be a success with us, i was worried about his mentality, but backed the general opinion that rodgers could probably turn it around.
Im not sure hes been a monumental flop, its just been an odd season regarding him withdrawing himself from games with illness, he started great in his first game vs spurs partnering sturridge, then he was played as a lone striker and was poor, we started to see some improvement then he got injured? we havent really seen him since.
This defensive style we are playing has cost us, but surely the answer is a combo of the two?
-------Studge----------Sterling----------
------------------Cout----------------------
----------Hendo-------lucas--------------
Moreno----------------------------Marko
-------Sakho---Skrtel----Can-----------
Moving sterling up front gets runners ahead of cout, runners who also split the defence, allowing him to move forward in to space, its also someone else to think about.
although im not a fan of the wingbacks, because we dont compete well for crosses. the sheer number of crosses we have put in this season have been wasteful, we never win the ball from them, just conceed posession.
we are much better working the ball out quickly from the back, which this season we have been unable to do effectively, and for a large part I blame lallana who lingers on the ball too long.
posted on 12/4/15
You are not sure he has been a monumental flop
Christ on a bike.
posted on 12/4/15
So, you're ok with Balotelli, who ran around a bit coming off the bench which somehow constitutes improvement? But not happy with Lallana, who, Can aside, has arguably done best of our summer siginings?
posted on 12/4/15
Markovic needs to be tried in that number 10 role .. With the ball he is extemeely tidy and has the pace to stop counter attacks further up.
I'd like to see that at some point next year.
posted on 12/4/15
comment by Dalglish's Double Fist Pump (U6580)
posted 19 minutes ago
Markovic needs to be tried in that number 10 role .. With the ball he is extemeely tidy and has the pace to stop counter attacks further up.
I'd like to see that at some point next year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Next year certainly. I don't think he's got the confidence at the moment. We should see a lot more from him in the new season.
posted on 12/4/15
No from me re Markovic at 10, he needs to bulk up over the summer. I know he is young but he is so weak in possession, unlike Sterling and Coutinho who are similar stature and playing styles and are much stronger and competitive in the challenge. Clearly has talent but he should have done better this season imo.
posted on 12/4/15
Agreed that he is weak but he is also clever about how he uses his pace to get his body underneath the ball to either shield or win it back.
We forget that our good players are extremely young, the talent based on their age is evident to see.
My only worry is will they still be our players when they are at their peak.
Balo is our worst signing this year, the others I have no qualms with, perhaps with the exception of Lovren who is gutless and a waste.
posted on 12/4/15
Lovrens done better recently, hopefully we'll see him at his best next season.
posted on 12/4/15
comment by LocoLiverpool (U18018)
posted 11 minutes ago
Lovrens done better recently, hopefully we'll see him at his best next season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He's only played twice, once against a Blackburn side with very little ambition, and once in a mauling against Arsenal. Not to say he was at fault for any of the goals personally, but it's hardly a ringing endorsement
posted on 12/4/15
He was good against Blackburn.
Needs to do a lot more than that to turn his Liverpool career around obviously but it's a start.
With Sakho out for 3-4 weeks he will have a chance to really put down a marker.
Re Markovic, my biggest problem with him is end product. His end product wasn't great at Benfica, and has been poor for us too this season.
He might be a player who suddenly explodes and starts racking up goals and assists, then again he might plod along for a few years and not really go anywhere.
posted on 12/4/15
Not concerned about Markovic' inconsistency with his end product. It's only natural for a player of his age and experience. Simply needs to get experience and with that will come correct decisions more often than not.
What I like about him is that he has pace but he doesn't just burst forward with his head down, he's always looking up and trying to do something. He reminds me of Figo, the way he gets his head up and tries a lot of chipped passes beyond defenders. If he becomes half as good as him we'll have a player.
posted on 12/4/15
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
posted on 13/4/15
Lovren has improved- he was good in the games away at Soton, Burnley and away at Swansea. He's done well since coming back into the reckoning. Don't blame him for what happened at Arsenal. I think he will come good for us over time, we have to believe he is the future here alongside Skrtel and make it work. Sakho is out for a month now, just heard, so he will be starting most games until the end of the season.
posted on 13/4/15
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
Obviously the villa game is huge and while our manager doesn't have much big game experience coupled with lots of our players BR has more then Sherwood and our squad only recently played in a cup semi final, I hope Some of the Villa players get a bit over awed by wembley and that our experienced players stand up.
***********************************************************
I think most of our players will be overawed by Wembley too. As you know, our league cup semi final wasn't at Wembley.
It'll be even stevens.
posted on 13/4/15
comment by Neo Liverpool (U9135)
posted 6 hours, 47 minutes ago
Lovren has improved- he was good in the games away at Soton, Burnley and away at Swansea. He's done well since coming back into the reckoning. Don't blame him for what happened at Arsenal. I think he will come good for us over time, we have to believe he is the future here alongside Skrtel and make it work. Sakho is out for a month now, just heard, so he will be starting most games until the end of the season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sakho is one of the first names on the team sheet as far as I'm concerned. Lovren has to step up and show what he can do.
posted on 13/4/15
I had spoken about going back to the back four and diamond a before the Arsenal game. Not many agreed at the time but glad to see most agree now.
http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/306305
posted on 13/4/15
On paper and with current injuries 4-2-3-1 looks the best bet for me but we don't play too fluidly with that or the 4-3-3 variation.
In terms of tonight though we just need to pass the ball well and show some bottle and calmness on the ball and our superior quality (and we do have a far more talented side) will win the game.
It's an opportunity to build some confidence again before the weekend and one we must take.
posted on 13/4/15
comment by Igor Biscan's Missing Goal Celebration (U15416)
posted 10 hours, 26 minutes ago
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore deluded
Markovic the next Ronaldo??!!
posted on 13/4/15
comment by Mr Chelsea ✪ (U3579)
posted 58 minutes ago
comment by Igor Biscan's Missing Goal Celebration (U15416)
posted 10 hours, 26 minutes ago
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore deluded
Markovic the next Ronaldo??!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore idiotic?
YOU even quoted this part of Igor's post yourself ! :
"Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player"
and as many times as you like, it's you that appears the fool.
posted on 13/4/15
Only took an hour or so..
posted on 13/4/15
comment by Be A Grizzly (U2206)
posted 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
comment by Mr Chelsea ✪ (U3579)
posted 58 minutes ago
comment by Igor Biscan's Missing Goal Celebration (U15416)
posted 10 hours, 26 minutes ago
I remember ronaldo being very hit and miss at United. (Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player, but they are a similar type.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore deluded
Markovic the next Ronaldo??!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you get anymore idiotic?
YOU even quoted this part of Igor's post yourself ! :
"Not to suggest Marko will ever be near the same player"
andas many times as you like, it's you that appears the fool.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2 of 2