30 Apr 2019 07:32:13
Morning Ed001,

Whilst the title might not be in not be in our hands, it's still a massive week for us.

I think tomorrow night will be a tiring one, as we'll be chasing down etc more than we have done at any point this season I think. Whilst Barcelona might not be the team they once were, they still have a fantastic side. Three days later we travel to Newcastle for a crunch game.

Luckily we have enough in midfield to rotate, my only concern is the front 3. If bobby is still a bit touch and go, not sure he can be risked for both games, so do you think Klopp will start Origi against Newcastle? Or maybe chamberlain?

{Ed001's Note - do you really think it will be that different against Barca? With just 4 more games I think we will be fine as we are.}


1.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 09:46:56
IMO we should start our best players every single game. Every game right now is a cup final, let's treat them as one and go for it. The lads will be fine, they're hungry for success and success is what they'll get. Players like Sturridge and Origi can't and won't bring it.

The Ox I'd give minutes at the end of a game, get him into it slowly but I'm expecting him to start games next season, he'll be like a new signing but for now, stick with what's working.


2.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 09:51:19
Haven't watched much Barcelona this season, but Ed, does Alba still leave acres down our right side when he attacks? Do Barcelona have someone to cover these spaces? Even in the United game which I watched there was space down both flanks. Surely this sets up well for our counter press and will be our main target?

{Ed001's Note - yes he does attack and leave a huge gap. Their central defenders and Busquets lack any kind of mobility, as Umtiti never plays any more, so there is plenty of space to be got at. If Spanish teams stop fearing them and took the game to them, they would not walk the league. Their defence is amongst the worst I have seen and they lack the passers they once had. Lots of ball carriers but only Messi has the vision and passing range to play the Barca way.}


3.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 09:59:32
With a strong midfield of say Hendo, Gini and Fabinho - do you think Keita could play as a false 9 if required? Could see him threading little balls through to Mane and Salah from there. Fingers crossed it'll be Bobby tho - no one links the play in the final 3rd better.

{Ed001's Note - I wouldn't be confident with Keita there. Would rather Mane or Salah played central if Bobby is not fit.}


4.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 10:09:08
There is no chance Chamberlain would start. I think Gomez might start the second Barcelona game he should be ready.


5.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 10:41:55
Racitic is a lot better than people think, it would be a welcome surprise for me if our midfield got the better of Barca. Hendo has been top class the last few weeks but I am not sure what the benefit was of charging around in the last 20 minutes of the Huddesfield match. I wish he would manage games better (manage himself better), I hope it doesn't catch up with him the second half v Barca.

{Ed001's Note - if it does catch up, then we have these things called substitutes! As for Rakitic, I agree he is very good, but his legs are going and he fades towards the end of seasons and games. He is also not the best passer and his ability is mainly based on physicality, runs in and around the box, the kind of things our midfield is built to stop. Plus they do not have the Iniesta and Xavi to pick out his runs any more. They have too many players who are not the right type of players for the way they play. Spanish teams have started to notice it too, even lowly Levante gave them a real test.}


6.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 11:04:34
Levante played well and had a real go but Barcelona showed nerves, it was like some of our games not a true reflection IMO. I will be very very happy to see us boss the game and get a positive result. Barcelona could even be more dangerous at Anfield.

I fully agree on the subs and if Hendo puts in a real shift and is slowing after 60 minutes that is fine by me. As we know though Klopp usually leaves subs 15 minutes too long. I am sure Fabs will play and that is a change from Klopp in the biggest games. Looks like Fabs, Hendo, Gini. Then plenty options on the bench.

Ed have you done a profile on Messi? He is just unbelievable, he does it every single season 40+ goals.

{Ed001's Note - you clearly have not watched Barca all season or you would know that the 'nerves' is just how they play. They have been regressing for a number of years now. That is why the fans are still unhappy with Valverde.

I haven't done a profile of Messi. No one has requested one before, I guess because they usually want to know about players they have not seen play, rather than ones they know well.}


7.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 11:22:54
No I haven't watched them much, until a couple weeks ago I didn't know la Liga was even on ITV 4.

I hope your right it just feels like Deja Vu before the Madrid game. I only really seen them in the cl and they have been far too good for the opposition. I thought Juve were a really good side also so what do I know. Hope that the premier league is just so much stronger atm.

{Ed001's Note - you may be right, they do have Messi so will be a threat, but they are not a good team, just like Madrid are not, they just have one of the outstanding players of a generation who can win games singlehandedly.}


8.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 12:04:45
I fancy VVDs chances at keeping Messi quiet, nobody can dribble past him, depends on the other CB though.
Mane and Salah will be devastating with the amount of space Barcelona will afford them.
So unless Barcelona change the formation or style against us (I doubt they will) or if they get a bit of luck then I really fancy us to beat them over 2 legs.
We are defensively strong so will do well against their attacks and our counter attack will really cause them problems especially the way they set up.


9.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 12:55:08
Ed, that's exactly why we need to be on the front foot from the beginning and make a statement. I think we will win both legs. I know you won't comment on that because you don't want to jinx the club, but we are the better side.

{Ed001's Note - you know me so well.}


10.) 30 Apr 2019
30 Apr 2019 13:37:57
It's great when your playing barcelona in the champions league semi finals and your thinking quietly to yourself "i fancy us here".

We have come a long way in the last 3 seasons.

Onwards and upwards lads. Great week of games ahead.