12 Dec 2016 10:27:07
Ed1,
I know you say not to change a winning team but we've only won 1 game in the last 4 now. Would you make some changes? If so, what would you do?

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - well it looks like Lovren is out, so it will have to be a choice between Lucas and Klavan there. Other than that, I don't really see what else we can change right now, with Can out.}

1.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 11:07:19
At least we still have Mario. I think klaven is worth giving a shot, who knows he may surprise us.

2.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 11:34:46
Klaven did well and fitted in when he came on, so give him another game, leave Lucas to play in midfield, when needed .

3.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 12:00:16
It's an interesting question - bench looked talented but very inexperienced and hardly the right moment to throw them into a scrap with either West Brom or West Ham. I love Klopp but it's a bit of a mistake to have assumed we'd be 3-0 up and we can throw on some youngsters at the end, he should have had at least a couple of people on the bench he would have trusted to put on the pitch if required.

IMO we've looked our best when we've had Coutinho, Firmino and Mane upfront with the two Brazilians to feed off each others movement and skill and Mane to scare the bejeezus out of their defence and make dangerous runs. In midfield we've looked best with Hendo at the base of midfield and a high energy duo of Llalana and Wijnaldum to ensure we press the ball efficiently as soon as we lose possession.

Where we seem to have broken down in recent games is
1) Firmino moving out wide where his pressing game is less effective
2) As good as he is, Origi is more of a traditional CF than the brazilian duo and it shows - we're struggling a bit to adapt
3) Can is a problem in midfield IMO - he's far less mobile and effective going forward compared to Llalana, and our pressing game is more easily bypassed, and once you turn him he's/ we're in trouble

IMO I think we should consider bringing Stewart and Ojo back onto the bench and then
1) if under pressure like vs. West Brom, consider moving to a 4-2-3-1 with Hendo and Stewart at the base of midfield to shore up the defense
2) If we are struggling for goals at the death, put on Ojo for either Firmino and Mane to create some pace out wide to get in behind and deliver crosses for Origi

I know it's perhaps a bit early for Ojo, but with Coutinho out, we need someone who can sub on up front and if Klopp doesn't want to risk Woodburn in that situation, then Ojo should be it.

4.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 12:20:16
Ojo is not ready Zimbo, I agree he is the only one who has pace.

5.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 12:50:05
Ojo, Sturridge, Coutinho and Ings are all injured; there are no alternate attacking players to put on the bench unless we dropped origi for another midfielder.

6.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 14:20:47
Zimbo, your post is valid globally but I disagree that Can is a problem. He is not perfect and is still learning but he was definitely needed yesterday as our midfield was crying for some periodic injection of pace and power. Can not only gives you that, he has also added goals to his game which is essential.

Wiji did his best and got into scoring positions but really needed to get those shots on target. As for Origi, he is the only one we have and he may not be Firmino BUT he is doing his job as in scoring goals so how he`s a problem for you, I don`t know.

We are struggling with injuries in our forward line, which is our greatest asset and bring in kids who aren`t ready yet, will only make matters worse. As Jolly said, Ojo, Studge, Couts and Ings are injured and I don`t care how good you are, if you are missing 2/ 3`s of your forward line, you will struggle. We just have to dig in, stick together and tough it out and come Jan, things might change for the better.

7.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 14:24:13
Maybe we should give Ejaria a run out instead of Origi. Put him in midfield with Henderson and Wijnaldum/ Lallana, play whichever one of Wijnaldum/ Lallana isn't in cm on the left wing, then play Firmino in the centre and Mane out wide right. Alternatively we could try Stewart instead of Ejaria (assuming he isn't injured) .

8.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 14:51:34
I meant matip.

9.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 14:51:34
I meant matip.

10.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 15:08:20
Jolly, Ojo played the full 90 mins the other nite for the under 23s, so hope they are easing him back to fitness, for when we lose Mane to the African nations cup.

11.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 16:09:39
That is the hope, Redforever.

12.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 18:09:52
Lovren definitely out then ed as far as you are aware mate?

{Ed001's Note - not defo, but he will have to have a late fitness test tomorrow.}

13.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 18:59:23
Our attacking play is absolutely fine. 100%

Our defensive game is abysmal.

If we could actually defend we would be top.

The only clean sheets we have kept have been the games where the other team hasn't even attempted to attack.

Some may think this is good enough but I don't think it is.

Love to hear exactly what ed makes of our defending, we make a lot of individual errors but is it training or are the players just not good enough.

14.) 12 Dec 2016
12 Dec 2016 20:21:20
Ojo is not injured but he is not match fit, i don't expect him to make an appearance until january. Woodburn is young but well worth a sub appearance or two. There were no other options for klopp attacking wise zimbo so not sure what you are griping at klopp for.

We are doing as well as i expected with the injuries we have, couts is more important to us than we think despite our improved team working. He helps us to stay on front foot and takes the pressure off our suspect defence. We will be alright if the lads pull together and grind out some results until our key players are back.