The OFFICIAL Liverpool Supporters thread

[AZOffaly]

It might be Gab, but I don't think Carra at right back is a good move for LFC.

I have a feeling the Barry deal will come off, and it'll be like

     Reina

Degen   Carra/Skrtel   Agger  Dossena


               Masch

      Alonso      Barry
             
              Gerrard

      Keane
              Torres
         

[brokencrossbar1]

I think that could be it AZ, fairly narrow team but seriou talent across the middle.  I presume the plan will be that Masch will not further than 30 yards from the front of the back four, the two CB's will play deep and the FB will bomb up and down.  With Babel and Kut as realistic front options, Yossi and and Pennant as options for weaker teams and Vorinin to peddle his missus' wares on a street corner (have you seen the photos), they can make more of a go this year, but it will be very tough.

[Stalin]

A hard job guessing what will be Rafas preferred lineup/formation. Theres just so many options now with so many versatile players.

BABEL-RM/RWF/LM/FWD
GERRARD-RM/CM/AM/(LM)/SS
KUYT-RM/RWF/LM/FWD
BARRY-LM/CM/LB
KEANE-FWD/SS/RWF

From those five the amount of versatility is amazing. Throw in Torres who will almost always be used up front, and Lucas/Masch/Plessis/Alonso battling it out for the central midfield berths. Endless possibilities, no?

[corn02]

Am I the only one who would like to see Kuyt start on the right?

[Stalin]

No Corn, im with you there.

[Mentalman]

It might be Gab, but I don't think Carra at right back is a good move for LFC.

I have a feeling the Barry deal will come off, and it'll be like

     Reina

Degen   Carra/Skrtel   Agger  Dossena


               Masch

      Alonso      Barry
             
              Gerrard

      Keane
              Torres
         

Would agree, if we are to play without wingers, then Carra at right back wouldn't be a great move. Irrespective of formation I think Carra at right back isn't an option unless Liverpool are short handed - just doesn't have the legs, pace, or distribution. He's a totally different proposition at centre half, where I expect him to start with Agger, and Skrtel providing cover.

[stevo-08]

It might be Gab, but I don't think Carra at right back is a good move for LFC.

I have a feeling the Barry deal will come off, and it'll be like

     Reina

Degen   Carra/Skrtel   Agger  Dossena


               Masch

      Alonso      Barry
             
              Gerrard

      Keane
              Torres
         

I think the Barry deal will go through but cant see us holding onto Alonso aswell. So I think the 6 "attacking" players will look something like this:

          Masch
Kuyt                Barry
         Gerrard
     Keane Torres

I actually hope Rafa holds onto Bennyoun as I think he is a decent player who can change a game. But with the money situation, it just might not be possible.

[stevo-08]

The fact that he has even travelled will make me watch just in case.

Which might be one of the reasons he has travelled!!

The headline on the LFC website is "Nemeth to play tonight" and it says Ngog and Keane may also figure. If Keane was really going to be playing I'd imagine the headline would be different!

According to this dude we have finally agreed to buy Barry. £17.5 million plus Finnan = £19m

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1039828/INSIDER-EXCLUSIVE-Liverpool-Villa-finally-agree-19m-deal-Gareth-Barry-England-star-secures-Anfield-move.html

The guardian also running the story, sounds like the saga is finally coming to a close. Thats a fair bit of spending in the space of a week. But i suppose it's sends out a clear message where Rafa's priorities lie this season.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jul/30/liverpool.astonvilla

[Mentalman]

I actually hope Rafa holds onto Bennyoun as I think he is a decent player who can change a game. But with the money situation, it just might not be possible.

Definitely. If they can keep him, he can turn games, and should definitely be given his game at home against non-top 4 teams - can be devastating when given the freedom to roam.

[Gabriel_Hurl]

Barry staying

http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1354618,00.html

[AZOffaly]

I wouldn't pass much remarks on that statement Gab. It seems to be based on this

During discussions in the past few days, a final deadline to conclude this episode was set that all parties were aware of and agreed to. This deadline has now passed and so Gareth will remain with Villa.

I'd say it's just a prod to Liverpool to hurry up and get it done, or go away.

Of course he may well stay at Villa, but i don't think that announcement is the last we'll hear.

[Yes I Would]

Well i hope it is the end of it, and Liverpool can concentrate on hitting the ground running.
Plenty of options available and if Alonso gets a good run of games then he could have a big season for us. Keane and Torres up front will suit his style of play

[Hound]

An incredibly lame statement from Villa!

In any event I've always struggled to be convinced that Barry is better than Alonso

[Hound]

Keane, Ngog and Voronin all start tonight, so presumably one of them in midfield

[The Real Laoislad]

What time this on ?