Stoke Preview & Transfer News.
Wednesday, 19 August 09, 06:20 AM · Comments (3)
Good morning Kopenders.
With the friendly game against Tottenham out of the way, our 37 game season can now commence. We start the season tonight with our first game against Stoke. – Ok, so I’m still in a bit of denial, but to me this season is now a 37 game one. Any arguments? Nope, didn’t think so.
It isn’t certain whether Skrtel will play tonight. The Slovakian ‘Ard man sustained a displaced jaw during Sundays travesty of a game against Spurs. Rafa will asses the situation before the game and make a last minute decision on the player’s fitness. Should Skrtel fail to be passed fit, Daniel Ayala looks likely to play. I would like to see Kelly played. He is one to watch for the future and has a real physical presence about him. Another option would be playing Masch’s as CB with a 4 man midfield and 2 man strike force.
If I had to take a guess on tonight’s team I would say:
| Reina, Johnson, Carra, Skrtel, Dossena, Lucas, Riera, Gerrard, Benayoun, Kuyt, Torres.
I expect that Rafa will make a few changes to the team that saw us crumble at the hands of Tottenham; he may even opt for a more attacking approach and play fourfourtwo. Let’s hope so, because in all honesty there is absolutely no need to play 2 defensive midfielders against teams such as Stoke. I mean no offense when I say that, but as an attacking force, Stoke aren’t renowned.
Prediction: Stoke, at home? I wouldn’t be surprised if they feel the full backlash from Sunday. 3 – 0. Gerrard for dream team captaincy.
Now for a quick look into the latest transfer news. All Liverpool fans should be preparing for a Spanish invasion as Real Madrid and Barcelona look keen on acquiring the services of Albert Riera. The Spaniard was said to be annoyed by Rafa Benitez’ decision to leave him out of the squad against Spurs. To me this just seems like a load of pony, utter manure, pure bullsh… Well you get the idea. There is no way on Gods green Earth that Rafa would sell another player to Real, or even entertain the Mascherano tapping bastard’s that are Barcelona. Case closed.
Away from the speculation, it has emerged that Liverpool have signed a defender. No, its not Hangeland, or Shawcross. Its not even Turner or Distin, but instead it is AEK Athens centre back Sotiris Kyrgiakos. The player
is expected to travel to England in the next few days to tie up a 3 year deal that will see him earn £30K a week. Kyrgiakos said:
| This was the biggest challenge of my career. I'm sad to be leaving but Liverpool is one of the greatest
clubs in Europe. I can't wait to start. |
So Rafa has finally made another transfer then, as cover goes this could be a smart move, especially as the player will only ever
be needed to fill in when he is needed. Now, if only we can sort out another striker and we will be in business. In saying that, another striker doesn’t look likely. The owners are sucking the
club dry, and it is reported that they told Rafa that he only has £1.5M left to spend, which he has spent on Kyrgiakos. So where is the money going to come from? Perhaps from the
sale of Voronin to Hertha Berlin who are willing to pay £3M. I’m sure no tears would be shed
should the Ukrainian porn star decide to leave. I for one would much rather bring Nemeth into the first team and have him play when needed.
That will do for today. Don’t forget to get involved in this weeks ‘Kop End Debate’.
Till tomorrow. COME ON YOU REDS!!!
7PM - UPDATE: Tonight's team has seen 2 changes.
---------------------Reina-------------------
Johnson----Carra---Ayala----Insua
------------Masch-------Lucas-------------
Kuyt-------------Gerrard--------Benayoun
---------------------Torres-------------------
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
Posted by Neverwalkingalone
| Comments (3)
3 Comments · Add yours
I totally agree, it is about time we had some new blood, where the money will come from though is a worry, we need to improve our feed into the midfield namley Gerrard. With out this it will be tough.
Roll on the 37 game season then!!
4-4-2 seems about right. Rafa talking about being "ruthless" is a good thing as well. That was the attitude at the end of the last season, and I was hoping it would carry over, and it may yet.
Anyone else notice how much Lucas is talking to the press? He was rather mum last season, but now every day something new is on the website or in the papers. It's nice to see that he is aspiring to perform better and give the club more, especially goals, but it seems like the preseason went to his head. Those were friendlies Luke, do it against Stoke if you get the chance, then you can talk about how good you'll be for the club and filling in for Alonso.
Well. I was 1 goal out on my prediction. Although I did say Stoke would feel the backlash!
I totally agree, it is about time we had some new blood, where the money will come from though is a worry, we need to improve our feed into the midfield namley Gerrard. With out this it will be tough.
Roll on the 37 game season then!!
4-4-2 seems about right. Rafa talking about being "ruthless" is a good thing as well. That was the attitude at the end of the last season, and I was hoping it would carry over, and it may yet.
Anyone else notice how much Lucas is talking to the press? He was rather mum last season, but now every day something new is on the website or in the papers. It's nice to see that he is aspiring to perform better and give the club more, especially goals, but it seems like the preseason went to his head. Those were friendlies Luke, do it against Stoke if you get the chance, then you can talk about how good you'll be for the club and filling in for Alonso.
Well. I was 1 goal out on my prediction. Although I did say Stoke would feel the backlash!