Yes we will play our strongest team, when we reach the knockout stages.
Our squad is good enough to not have to play any of the first teamers against the poor to average sides you play in the group stages. Our league form suffered playing our strongest side three times a week before Christmas last season.
Just take a look back at the sides Rodgers fielded in the Europa stages in his first season. The likes of Joe Cole, Downing, Assaidi, Wisdom, Robinson were all regular starters.
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
posted 7 minutes ago
Every season we have people saying about fringe a second string players playing in the Europa, I keep pointing out we'll play our best team as it's actually a quality competition that we want to win, this happens and again, repeat the following season.
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I wanna see us all over the Uefa. Maybe we can get away with playing a few fringe players in the group stages, but I want to take it seriously.
Come on, who wouldn't love another night like Alaves?
It's a competition that can not only put us in the CL but also improe our co-efficient in doing so.
I don't think any of us would mind seeing the likes of Markovic, Ings, Origi and Can starting these games and we should still be strong enough.
It's all about Monday though.
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
posted 9 minutes ago
Every season we have people saying about fringe a second string players playing in the Europa, I keep pointing out we'll play our best team as it's actually a quality competition that we want to win, this happens and again, repeat the following season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That didn't always happen last time we were in the EL or CL tho did it. Lots of rotation with the likes of Sahin, Pacheco, Wisdom, Assaidi and Sinclair getting games in the EL and lest we forget the complete changes against Real last season.
Fringe and second string players do get a chance in these competitions as recent history shows.
comment by Robbing_Hoody - Part of FSG's black flag operation (U6374)
posted 19 minutes ago
It's a competition that can not only put us in the CL but also improe our co-efficient in doing so.
I don't think any of us would mind seeing the likes of Markovic, Ings, Origi and Can starting these games and we should still be strong enough.
It's all about Monday though.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The coefficient is an interesting one here.
Spain, Germany and England get 4 champions league places.
England and germany are separated by only a point in the rankings, with Italy just 4 further behind.
With english clubs seemingly thumbing their noses at the Europa and underperforming in the Champions league, this has given Italy and Germany a chance to catch up.
Its in Liverpools best interests to take Europa seriously as an early exit could have a part to play in potentially dropping to only 3 Champions league teams.
We will definitely rotate a lot in the group stage.
The trouble is we could get quite a tough group stage draw because we are not a top seed.
We could draw (for example):
Dnipro, Besiktas, Augsburg, which would make for a very tough group stage (given our dismal recent record in Europe when we struggle to beat anyone).
I fear making too many changes with players who haven't played a lot of football could really damage our chances of progression (cue comments about how easy the group stage is...)
I genuinely don't think there are many easy games in Europe anymore and Wenger admitted that the CL qualification games get tougher each year.
Like I said I don't think anyone would be having kittens if Moreno, Ings, Marko, Origi and Allen got starts in the Europa group stage and that lot is a far sight better than Pacheco, Robinson, et al.
We're well set squad wise so just take each match as it comes.
Back in 2012 we got through one of the toughest Europa i've seen in years ( Anzhi-when they were good, Udinese, Young Boys, it was harder than Utd's CL group), while playing squad players.
I doubt it will be anywhere near this difficult this time, and we have a much stronger squad this time round. Confident we will get through playing fringe players.
Agree Robbing. This is the first time in a very long time that I can remember us having strength in depth in every area of the squad.
comment by Neo Liverpool (U9135)
posted 6 minutes ago
Back in 2012 we got through one of the toughest Europa i've seen in years ( Anzhi-when they were good, Udinese, Young Boys, it was harder than Utd's CL group), while playing squad players.
I doubt it will be anywhere near this difficult this time, and we have a much stronger squad this time round. Confident we will get through playing fringe players.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahh i remember the game against zenit, suarez missed so many chances that game
Hmm not sure about that group being that tough Neo.
None of those sides got to the last 8 I don't think. Anzhi were never that good.
A lot of comments earlier on this thread about Sakho, I still don't think he's been fully forgiven after walking out of the derby when he wasn't selected.
I just hope we have someone in the pipeline should he be allowed to leave. Toure as first choice backup defender isn't good.
Rotation is a must if we are to keep the squad fresh. I would like to see the likes of Ings, Origi, Can, Marko, Allen starting all the Europa games with 1st choice players available to come on as substitutes. I want to see who is good enough and who isn't and the only way to be sure is by seeing them play.
Anzhi had Eto'o, Zhirkov, Boussoufa, Roberto Carlos (old I know). Also the added factor of having a 4000 mile round trip.
Udinese had Di Natale, Benatia, Pereyra back then. They had Sanchez the year before as well so clearly they had a number of talented players.
Young Boys had given a good spurs side a massive scare in the CL the year before.
It was a tough group.
comment by The Kaiser's Trainers (U5676)
posted 3 hours, 1 minute ago
moreno obviously didnt like where he was standing so he ran. and ran. and ran somemore
good lad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That run was awesome! I was a bit surprised when he came on and played further forward, but if that's what happens then lets do it some more! On a different note, I was quite pleased with Lallana last night, I thought he played well.
And obviously Balo stands in the stand. Looking like some gangster pimp OG hustler wannabe. Ice-B.
Moreno made a small case for playing there! Certainly did more than Ibe in just the few minutes he was on the field and relieved pressure well by being brave and an outlet committing players.
He could be a great option for seeing out games but I think he will get his place back.
If Sakho does move on, and it would not surprise me, then Gomez would move to the centre I would have thought.
a hopeful overreach but maybe Moreno could be like Riise for us
fill in at fullback but make a case for himself at left mid
comment by Robbing_Hoody - Part of FSG's black flag... (U6374)
posted 13 minutes ago
Moreno made a small case for playing there! Certainly did more than Ibe in just the few minutes he was on the field and relieved pressure well by being brave and an outlet committing players.
He could be a great option for seeing out games but I think he will get his place back.
If Sakho does move on, and it would not surprise me, then Gomez would move to the centre I would have thought.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's definitely an option against Arsenal.
Can't understand why we haven't bought in another centre back. Seems crazy to me.
comment by Peggy (U20614)
posted 52 minutes ago
Can't understand why we haven't bought in another centre back. Seems crazy to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If rumours about Sakho are true then it is. Although we still have Toure, Gomez and Ilori who still hasn't got much of a chance. It wouldn't be a disaster if we waited, giving them a chance and reassess the situation in January.
comment by CANuLEIVA (U18359)
posted 19 hours, 6 minutes ago
Im sure Lovren got megged and could easily have cost us a goal, they didn't score vs villa either. Is it because villa defended well? Or Bournemouth are simply going to struggle to score goals. Who knows
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you actually think that defenders won't make mistakes during any game? Every defender will make at least one mistake most games, it's how the defensive unit cover them that matter. And so far we've done that far better than in previous seasons.
comment by Peggy (U20614)
posted 13 hours, 5 minutes ago
Can't understand why we haven't bought in another centre back. Seems crazy to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We've tried over a dozen already and they all end up exposed by the system and look shellshocked. Can't really understand the point of a new centrehalf really, they'll look like they've been through war after a year. Stick with what we've got.
If we continue to play a system that leaves our centre backs exposed, we aren't going to achieve much.
But we're not. We're playing a double pivot with Henderson and Milner and it looks solid.
maybe the hendo/milner combo will provide enough cover for the defence but not stifle the attack too much
so far I've found it a bit meh and stifling but it's early days.
and we won't really know what our shape will be until Studge gets back and Firminho is match fit.
But a leopard doesn't change his spots. Brodge will eventually try to find a system that heavily favours attack. Which I prefer. The centrebacks can just get therapy on their off days.
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Page 2 of 3
posted on 18/8/15
Yes we will play our strongest team, when we reach the knockout stages.
Our squad is good enough to not have to play any of the first teamers against the poor to average sides you play in the group stages. Our league form suffered playing our strongest side three times a week before Christmas last season.
Just take a look back at the sides Rodgers fielded in the Europa stages in his first season. The likes of Joe Cole, Downing, Assaidi, Wisdom, Robinson were all regular starters.
posted on 18/8/15
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
posted 7 minutes ago
Every season we have people saying about fringe a second string players playing in the Europa, I keep pointing out we'll play our best team as it's actually a quality competition that we want to win, this happens and again, repeat the following season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I wanna see us all over the Uefa. Maybe we can get away with playing a few fringe players in the group stages, but I want to take it seriously.
Come on, who wouldn't love another night like Alaves?
posted on 18/8/15
It's a competition that can not only put us in the CL but also improe our co-efficient in doing so.
I don't think any of us would mind seeing the likes of Markovic, Ings, Origi and Can starting these games and we should still be strong enough.
It's all about Monday though.
posted on 18/8/15
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
posted 9 minutes ago
Every season we have people saying about fringe a second string players playing in the Europa, I keep pointing out we'll play our best team as it's actually a quality competition that we want to win, this happens and again, repeat the following season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That didn't always happen last time we were in the EL or CL tho did it. Lots of rotation with the likes of Sahin, Pacheco, Wisdom, Assaidi and Sinclair getting games in the EL and lest we forget the complete changes against Real last season.
Fringe and second string players do get a chance in these competitions as recent history shows.
posted on 18/8/15
comment by Robbing_Hoody - Part of FSG's black flag operation (U6374)
posted 19 minutes ago
It's a competition that can not only put us in the CL but also improe our co-efficient in doing so.
I don't think any of us would mind seeing the likes of Markovic, Ings, Origi and Can starting these games and we should still be strong enough.
It's all about Monday though.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The coefficient is an interesting one here.
Spain, Germany and England get 4 champions league places.
England and germany are separated by only a point in the rankings, with Italy just 4 further behind.
With english clubs seemingly thumbing their noses at the Europa and underperforming in the Champions league, this has given Italy and Germany a chance to catch up.
Its in Liverpools best interests to take Europa seriously as an early exit could have a part to play in potentially dropping to only 3 Champions league teams.
posted on 18/8/15
We will definitely rotate a lot in the group stage.
The trouble is we could get quite a tough group stage draw because we are not a top seed.
We could draw (for example):
Dnipro, Besiktas, Augsburg, which would make for a very tough group stage (given our dismal recent record in Europe when we struggle to beat anyone).
I fear making too many changes with players who haven't played a lot of football could really damage our chances of progression (cue comments about how easy the group stage is...)
posted on 18/8/15
I genuinely don't think there are many easy games in Europe anymore and Wenger admitted that the CL qualification games get tougher each year.
Like I said I don't think anyone would be having kittens if Moreno, Ings, Marko, Origi and Allen got starts in the Europa group stage and that lot is a far sight better than Pacheco, Robinson, et al.
We're well set squad wise so just take each match as it comes.
posted on 18/8/15
Back in 2012 we got through one of the toughest Europa i've seen in years ( Anzhi-when they were good, Udinese, Young Boys, it was harder than Utd's CL group), while playing squad players.
I doubt it will be anywhere near this difficult this time, and we have a much stronger squad this time round. Confident we will get through playing fringe players.
posted on 18/8/15
Agree Robbing. This is the first time in a very long time that I can remember us having strength in depth in every area of the squad.
posted on 18/8/15
comment by Neo Liverpool (U9135)
posted 6 minutes ago
Back in 2012 we got through one of the toughest Europa i've seen in years ( Anzhi-when they were good, Udinese, Young Boys, it was harder than Utd's CL group), while playing squad players.
I doubt it will be anywhere near this difficult this time, and we have a much stronger squad this time round. Confident we will get through playing fringe players.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahh i remember the game against zenit, suarez missed so many chances that game
posted on 18/8/15
Hmm not sure about that group being that tough Neo.
None of those sides got to the last 8 I don't think. Anzhi were never that good.
posted on 18/8/15
A lot of comments earlier on this thread about Sakho, I still don't think he's been fully forgiven after walking out of the derby when he wasn't selected.
I just hope we have someone in the pipeline should he be allowed to leave. Toure as first choice backup defender isn't good.
posted on 18/8/15
Rotation is a must if we are to keep the squad fresh. I would like to see the likes of Ings, Origi, Can, Marko, Allen starting all the Europa games with 1st choice players available to come on as substitutes. I want to see who is good enough and who isn't and the only way to be sure is by seeing them play.
posted on 18/8/15
Anzhi had Eto'o, Zhirkov, Boussoufa, Roberto Carlos (old I know). Also the added factor of having a 4000 mile round trip.
Udinese had Di Natale, Benatia, Pereyra back then. They had Sanchez the year before as well so clearly they had a number of talented players.
Young Boys had given a good spurs side a massive scare in the CL the year before.
It was a tough group.
posted on 18/8/15
comment by The Kaiser's Trainers (U5676)
posted 3 hours, 1 minute ago
moreno obviously didnt like where he was standing so he ran. and ran. and ran somemore
good lad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That run was awesome! I was a bit surprised when he came on and played further forward, but if that's what happens then lets do it some more! On a different note, I was quite pleased with Lallana last night, I thought he played well.
And obviously Balo stands in the stand. Looking like some gangster pimp OG hustler wannabe. Ice-B.
posted on 18/8/15
Moreno made a small case for playing there! Certainly did more than Ibe in just the few minutes he was on the field and relieved pressure well by being brave and an outlet committing players.
He could be a great option for seeing out games but I think he will get his place back.
If Sakho does move on, and it would not surprise me, then Gomez would move to the centre I would have thought.
posted on 18/8/15
a hopeful overreach but maybe Moreno could be like Riise for us
fill in at fullback but make a case for himself at left mid
posted on 18/8/15
comment by Robbing_Hoody - Part of FSG's black flag... (U6374)
posted 13 minutes ago
Moreno made a small case for playing there! Certainly did more than Ibe in just the few minutes he was on the field and relieved pressure well by being brave and an outlet committing players.
He could be a great option for seeing out games but I think he will get his place back.
If Sakho does move on, and it would not surprise me, then Gomez would move to the centre I would have thought.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's definitely an option against Arsenal.
posted on 18/8/15
Can't understand why we haven't bought in another centre back. Seems crazy to me.
posted on 18/8/15
comment by Peggy (U20614)
posted 52 minutes ago
Can't understand why we haven't bought in another centre back. Seems crazy to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If rumours about Sakho are true then it is. Although we still have Toure, Gomez and Ilori who still hasn't got much of a chance. It wouldn't be a disaster if we waited, giving them a chance and reassess the situation in January.
posted on 19/8/15
comment by CANuLEIVA (U18359)
posted 19 hours, 6 minutes ago
Im sure Lovren got megged and could easily have cost us a goal, they didn't score vs villa either. Is it because villa defended well? Or Bournemouth are simply going to struggle to score goals. Who knows
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you actually think that defenders won't make mistakes during any game? Every defender will make at least one mistake most games, it's how the defensive unit cover them that matter. And so far we've done that far better than in previous seasons.
posted on 19/8/15
comment by Peggy (U20614)
posted 13 hours, 5 minutes ago
Can't understand why we haven't bought in another centre back. Seems crazy to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We've tried over a dozen already and they all end up exposed by the system and look shellshocked. Can't really understand the point of a new centrehalf really, they'll look like they've been through war after a year. Stick with what we've got.
posted on 19/8/15
If we continue to play a system that leaves our centre backs exposed, we aren't going to achieve much.
posted on 19/8/15
But we're not. We're playing a double pivot with Henderson and Milner and it looks solid.
posted on 19/8/15
maybe the hendo/milner combo will provide enough cover for the defence but not stifle the attack too much
so far I've found it a bit meh and stifling but it's early days.
and we won't really know what our shape will be until Studge gets back and Firminho is match fit.
But a leopard doesn't change his spots. Brodge will eventually try to find a system that heavily favours attack. Which I prefer. The centrebacks can just get therapy on their off days.
Page 2 of 3