The latest Merseyside derby this weekend highlighted a lot of issues. Are our referees really the best in the world, and if not, when are they going to be held accountable? Are we starting to see the ugly side of fans, creeping back into our stadiums, and are clubs doing enough to combat those disgusting individuals who throw missiles directly at players? And is the Liverpoolside that finished the game (with the exception of Jordan Henderson) the ideal starting XI for Kenny Dalglish? Let’s take a look.
Little more than 20-minutes had passed on the clock when Martin Atkinson foolishly flashed a red card in Jack Rodwell’s direction after the Everton midfielder committed a tough, but clean challenge, but it took Liverpool until the 71st minute to break the deadlock. Both club Captain Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy had been on the pitch barely 4-minutes when the latter was involved in some neat build-up play which saw Andy Carroll break Everton’s resolve. There should be little doubt that the injection of pace and quality that Liverpool introduced at that time, in the sweltering, unseasonable weather, against a tiring 10-men helped change the game once more.
Bellamy replaced the anonymous Stewart Downing and looked instantly more threatening down the left-hand side of the pitch, combining well with left-back Jose Enrique. The former Villa man had a promising start to the season, but in recent weeks has become something of an invisible man. Bellamy on the other hand is the perennial pain in the neck to whatever opposition he faces. His constant harrying and buzzing around the pitch, coupled with his mouthy, moaning ‘charm’ never leaves supporters wondering if he is on the field of play.
Charlie Adam had performed bright in spells but has not been as consistently influential on the pitch as he would have liked – or many would have expected. The return of iconic Captain Gerrard will now threaten Adam’s place in the starting line-up.
There could be a case to partner both midfielders together and thus replacing the much maligned Lucas, which is what many fans want to see. It would certainly provide a more offensive option, however the balance of the team may suffer as the much improved Brazilian provides an effective shield in-front of the defensive line, and defensively, Liverpool have struggled at times this season.
Injuries have prevented Liverpool from having a consistent back-line this season but there can be little doubt when fit, Agger, Carragher and Jose Enrique should be first choice (alongside keeper Pepe Reina). The only question mark is at right-back with young Martin Kelly forever impressing, injury prone England international Glen Johnson seems to be a forgotten man at Anfield, and many believe his poor defensive positional sense should see young Kelly keep his place.
Well, whoever is chosen Adam should be left out! Completely average in all departments.
.
.
Reina
Johnson_Skrtel_Agger_Enrique
Gerrard_Lucas_Downing
Kuyt_Suares_Bellamy
I LIKE THIS LINE-UP. AT LEAST TO START THE GAME. I BELIEVE BELLAMY WOULD GIVE VIDIC/FERDINAND A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH HIS PACE AND POSITIONAL PLAY.
Liverpool fist team is Reina, kelly, enrique, carragher, agger, lucas, adam, gerard, downing, suarez, bellamy.
My LFC lineup:
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Kuyt Gerrard Adam Downing
Suarez Carroll
or
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Gerrard Lucas Adam
Bellamy Carroll Suarez
yeah Kelly’s been great but i still have hope that Johnson will make it at Liverpool.when we bought him from Portsmouth he was one of my favorite players and i remember him being a top class right back for them.i also expect Carroll to make it at Liverpool as he should be starting to get 100% fit.he hasnt even finished a whole season for us yet and he was GREAT at Newcastle last year,dont forget that.Downing yeah the last 2 games he’s been invisible but he’s an experienced winger and i think he’ll be great for us too.what i want is a new winger signed in January and some small moves for the squad to strengthen even more.i find the squad way stronger than last season’s.
Reina
Johnson Coates Agger Enrique
Lennon Gerrard Adam Downing
Suarez
Carroll
Bench:Doni Kelly Skrtel Carragher Robinson Henderson Lucas Spearing Maxi Bellamy Kuyt and some young talented players coming
YNWA
Reina
Kelly,carragher(Agger),Coates,Enrique
Johnson,Gerrard(Adam),Lucas,Downing
Saurez,Bellamy(Kuyt)
The best and strongest line up we can play with at the moment who would be a match for any side in the premiership and would have taken the game to Tottenham instead of being put to the sword, like we were is:
in the 4 2 3 1 formation
Reina, Kelly/Johnson, Skrtel/carragher, Agger/Coates, Enrique, Lucas, Adam, Gerrard, Bellamy, Downing and Suarez.
But in January, 4 players are desperately needed in:
A Next centre back: G Cahill Of Bolton £5-£8m
A Defensive Midfielder: Moussa Sissoko Of Toulouse Or M’Villa Of Rennes. £10-£15m
An Out and Out pacey, lightning quick right winger: Jesus Navas Of Seville Or Aaron Lennon Of Tottenham £10-£18M
Another forward: G Agbonglahor Of A Villa,speed, pace, power, creativity, goals and would be a future prospect. £12-£17M