Text Size Adjuster: 18px 31 Oct 2026 18:04:01 In order to view all of today's banter, you may have to visit our Liverpool banter 2 to Liverpool banter 10 pages linked at the bottom of this page.
31 Oct 2026 15:28:17
If results stay the same, win tomorrow and we're 3 points off the top π.
1
31 Oct 2026 16:21:57
I hope city will not be awarded the title this year even if they remain top on points after the end of 38 games. Surely, the appeal wouldn't drag on this long. So, I think the competition is with Arsenal.
1
31 Oct 2026 16:54:04
A win tomorrow would be huge.
0
31 Oct 2026 17:09:00
Always a good day when the Mancs and the Cheats lose, ain't it?
As for us, a win tmrw would be huge for us, the tam and the manager moving forward cos that would validate all the good work and efforts all concerned have put in so far.
0
31 Oct 2026 17:29:25
Brighton result last week was a great result given they have beat both city and Arsenal. Win is huge tomorrow I just hope we donβt show too much respect. They are certainly beatable
31 Oct 2026 14:57:52
The BBC is reporting on its gossip pages that Barca are looking at Bastoni after previous attempts to lure him failed. I remember Ed01 lauding him as an excellent VVD replacement . How viable would he be for us if a move away from Inter is on the table?
0
{Ed001's Note - not at all as he is involved in a big scandal in Italy which explains why he never wanted to leave. It is well worth a google
3
31 Oct 2026 16:06:35
We'd have to be incredibly desperate and willing to court the ire of anybody with an ounce of moral fiber that supports the club if we brought him to Liverpool.
3
31 Oct 2026 18:02:09
Agree Patrick, plus I think we are now reasonably well sorted on the centre back front. Iβd hope we take the deal on Araujo as he looks like a good option.
31 Oct 2026 09:20:08
Good read, thanks Ed001. π.
1
{Ed001's Note - thanks Ronnie!
0
31 Oct 2026 09:20:14
Good read, thanks Ed001. π.
1
{Ed001's Note - you really did like it huh! So good you said it twice
7
31 Oct 2026 10:06:01
Good reading. Good assessment. We're certainly improving albeit there's more to come! Bring on those Gunners I say! Thanks ED01. Much appreciated!
1
{Ed001's Note - cheers SG.
1
31 Oct 2026 10:22:28
Great review Ed001. Agree with you on Isak, it's a bit strange to see him not move in attacking positions. Kerkez got in a good position for a cross and when he looked up Isak was on the edge of the box not moving. Can't fault that he seems to take his chance each game, but just wish he did more to make more chances.
0
{Ed001's Note - I am hoping it is just fitness.
0
31 Oct 2026 11:54:31
Cheers Ed, spot on. What do you think of the more counterattacking style we played? I see you noted it suited the team better. Do you think it's something we'll see more of going forward or maybe just Iraolas way of neutralising teams that are capable of outrunning us?
0
{Ed001's Note - it will be used when we have the lead I expect. So hopefully we will see it a lot!
3
31 Oct 2026 12:04:34
Cheers ed001. Can't disagree with any of that and like you said Isak movement is so different from his Newcastle time if isn't fitness issue it must be attitude which is not good.
1
{Ed001's Note - thanks mate. It his attitude is wrong, he won't last long with us.
1
31 Oct 2026 12:11:19
Cheers ed001 nice read mate
You Reckon Brighton might struggle with the Thursday -Sunday mental toll it takes on the players? Even when they change the full line up we've seen teams struggle before.
Good team Brighton it was a good win.
1
{Ed001's Note - it will take its toll I am sure. Xmas time will be tough after the extra games.
1
31 Oct 2026 12:41:16
Cheers Ed001. Good team Brighton and great result for any of the so called big teams to beat them.
Heard they are struggling in the conference league because they are such a great pressing and counter team that in Europe they get to dominate possession and look a little lost.
Arsenal home and then a trip to Turkey 3 days later is an exciting week for the club and fan base.
0
{Ed001's Note - that makes sense except they have tended to get more possession in the Prem too.
0
31 Oct 2026 14:25:29
Thanks again Ed01.haha! Multiple appreciation response from me too ;)
0
{Ed001's Note - it was a good win!
1
31 Oct 2026 15:27:13
Good read, thanks Ed001 π.
0
{Ed001's Note - I feel like I have seen this post before...π€
0
31 Oct 2026 16:09:22
Finally somebody said it Ed, everybody on these pages was saying Gakpo was having a stinker when it was patently obvious to me that he was our best attacking player and a constant threat down that side, it was rather Isak who was making Cody look bad by not having the awareness or desire to get into better positions when the opportunity presented itself.
Isak is really worrying me with his movement, he looks so incredibly sluggish and passive off the ball sometimes, I thought he was back to his athletic self when he was playing in the world cup but he has looked off the pace again. Somehow he manages to score every game though.
30 Oct 2026 18:35:03
Can someone explain to me why Araujo isn't a quality RB? I don't care that CB is his natural position.
He has the presence of a CB in that position making him very strong aerially and physically. Something we previously lacked. This gets forgotten.
He's been defensively excellent so that's a bonus to what we've had. Then going forward he's assisted and has scored. Like what am I missing here? because it seems a few have Trent brain rot.
We don't have a full back that can ping the odd ball like de Bruyne. Well who does? There doesn't seem to be a yearning for a top LB yet Kerkez's delivery and final balls have been honestly dross.
Araujo has major positives offensively and defensively to his game so why do we still need a RB? also Bradley is returning who is top class when he's in form. Now if Bradley's injuries continues I'll understand the need for a RB because the club will look to move Bradley on at that stage.
But Araujo is currently quality for us. So I personally don't see the need for anyone else especially someone who's weak in a lot of areas to Araujo's game.
10
30 Oct 2026 19:57:35
Because we need a long term replacement for Virgil and Araujo could fit the bill there. Hence why the need for a right back as imo Bradley can't be relied on to be fit and who knows if he will be the same after such an injury. Frimpong for me just doesn't suit the PL so a right back is definitely needed.
1
30 Oct 2026 20:16:54
To be honest, I feel that RB is the best position for Araujo. He is a little bit rash and being at RB helps him knowing he has help in Jacquet behind which he wouldn't have as a CB.
I will be in the minority but I feel he should stay a FB, and we get a left footed CB for the summer since I feel it will give LFC another dimesion having a left footed.
Now, while I say that prefer Araujo as a FB, that works better in the premier than in the champions league. Is not a surprise that he has been substituted in the CL as he was targeted.
4
30 Oct 2026 20:27:26
100% agree Ron, he's the best rb in the league so far.
3
30 Oct 2026 21:13:02
I think Araujo has done a fine job so far but for me in a team that would play the way I see football I would like someone better going forward. I see Araujo as a CB who's done a fine job on the side.
We all like Araujo but I think people are getting carried away. I've spent the last ten years watching Robbo and Trent. Thats the way I see fullbacks in a perfect world.
7
30 Oct 2026 21:36:43
I'd rather Araujo than Arnold and it's not even close. Araujo can defend and gives 110%. Arnold can never be accused of doing either of those.
13
30 Oct 2026 21:39:02
He's done a great job, and I'm happy for him to play there, but I do very much see him as a CB playing RB, he came off twice at halftime because he was getting exposed. He could be ideal for taking the reins from VVD when he moves on, Jaquet can play LCB, all depends on where Arajo see's his future tough, would love to sign him up, the passion and commitment he has is exactly what we're missing, I can't stress that enough.
I absolutely love to see it.
5
30 Oct 2026 22:00:05
Do we need him at centre back to replace Van Dijk? I'd disagree. We have Jacquet playing really well there plus we have a returning Leoni, Gomez and Ndukwe. That's if big Virg doesn't extend.
1
30 Oct 2026 22:10:38
Gomez should have been moved on years ago, literally no sense in keeping the lad except for sentiment. Please god no to a Trent return, great at attacking but awful defending.
5
30 Oct 2026 22:12:59
I'm glad someone has raised this. Ronnie is potentially the perfect RB in AI's system. He has the attitude and commitment and he will more often than not be the 3rd defender when we break forward to help protect the goal. Does mean we need to get Kerkez firing and/or bring in another LB.
Even if we ended up paying the full price at Β£47m, I still think he is well worth the money as our starting RB, and can rotate to the middle when we need with Bradley coming in.
I agree we seem to have a really strong CB group in Jacquet, Leoni, Ndukwe and Ndiaye, and Araujo provides the experience that the quartet may currently lack (albeit they aren't showing it!)
6
30 Oct 2026 22:33:53
I don't mean the Arnold of now Victor. But I do mean prime Trent and Robbo, Hakimi and Nunes. Thats the kind of football I want to see us at least TRY play. I like Araujo but not enough to make me change the whole way I see football.
Dont forget folks there's a lot of 6 foot 4 CB's that would dominate wingers half their size physically. I'd be kinda worried if they didn't.
0
31 Oct 2026 01:13:45
Red Jones, Gomez is constantly injured and completely unreliable. Leonis still not back from a year off dues to inhury, he's just a kid really and is yet to play 90 minutes for us with no Premier League experience. Yes, VVD is still here but he won't be forever, whether its this year or the next, who knows, the only thing we do know is the day will come and somebody will have to take the reins, that person definitely won't be Gomez and it would be moronic to give that responsibility to a 19 year old with no prem experience who's been out injured for over a year.
Yes, we will need somebody to replace Virgil, the nice thing about Araujo is he had the experience and can cover both RB and CB until that day comes.
3
31 Oct 2026 04:36:21
I'd keep Araujo on attitude alone. He's all-action, 100% commitment and pops up in the box regularly too.
I would take him at right-back over an aging and declining Alexander-Arnold all day.
2
31 Oct 2026 08:30:17
Keep Ron and buy a solid left back so milis is no 2.
0
31 Oct 2026 09:20:21
KIt's rare I agree with you Ron but 100% here. People all mad for another Trent and then will destroy him when he costs us a goal.
We have so much attacking talent in the team now, and with Kerkez being questionable still a solid right back is exactly what we need. I seen him keep vini quiet a few years ago and always thought he was a better right full than centre half, as mentioned you get away with a little rashness out there where as at centre back it's usually a goal.
To say he doesn't offer a threat going forward is nonsense too, his assist for the Brighton goal a classic example when many would have stayed on the deck and claimed the foul he got up and got the ball in. I know he didn't officially get the assist but that's as good as for me.
Also people seem to be forgetting his aerial attributes, no surprise we've got from the worst team defending set pieces to the best this season. and he's a genuine threat at the other end. Not many right backs would have scored that header he got in the champs league as they would have tried to swing a boot at it afraid to go into the hoardings.
All about the Araujo train!
0
31 Oct 2026 09:51:45
Another Trent like player on the attacking front doesn't have to mean he can't defend. Look at PSG's fullbacks they do both. Look at how much they contribute to their style of play. They are integral. The club should be looking at the next best or the up and coming next Hakimi's and Nunes's if we don't have them coming through.
I've never liked this CB at FB lark, we've mocked other"boring"teams for doing it for years. Araujo is a fine stopgap but shouldn't be our long term answer there.
0
31 Oct 2026 10:14:14
Araujo has shown great commitment and desire. Some of his teammates could learn a thing or two about that from him! It's sorely lacking in other areas of the pitch!. Ultimately he is a CB able to play at RB. A team with intentions of winning the league and the Champions league requires a proper dedicated and reliable RB.
We have the money to buy one so just do that, be it Kayode or whomever that may be. Let Araujo cover both positions as required. He's an asset worth buying. Imo only.
1
31 Oct 2026 10:43:51
Chelsea didn't do too badly with Branislav IvanoviΔ playing at right back, he was primarily a centre back who was competent at right back. I see Araujo in that same light.
3
31 Oct 2026 11:10:38
I love the idea that he's doing a really good job but isn't really a RB. Have any of you actually contacted the club or player to let them know?
0
31 Oct 2026 11:34:39
Yes Ivanovic did a good job at a club that was built around safety first football for years. Under Managers like Jose, Conte, Grant and Rafa. We slagged them off for years that their FB's weren't allowed cross the half way line.
Its part of the reason a Terry who couldn't run anymore lasted as long as he did. Got massive protection from a list of safety first managers.
0
31 Oct 2026 12:27:34
Careful you don't offend yourself Wdw we know how triggered you get over anyone coming across as a superior posters.
0
31 Oct 2026 14:14:58
"It helps us to defend better, but it is true that you also lose a little bit offensively on the other side".Iraola's words on Araujo yesterday.
0
31 Oct 2026 15:16:14
Sounds like someone is hankering after a time that no longer exists with all this talk of Robbo/TAA. That team was pretty much setup to get the best out of two superb attacking full backs, replicating it would be almost impossible so why even try?
Araujo at RB gives us a lot more defensive solidity as we can go to 3CBs at the back if our left back gets caught out - we can already see how that has us defending better than last season. If/When Kerkez learns how to cross properly from the left then we'll have another attacking option whilst retaining the better defensive shape. Feels good to me, just need to get Kerkez working properly.
BTW I'm not knocking Kerkez, he's only 22 and ended up in a mess of a team last season, I'm confident he'll get his, erm, confidence back.
0
31 Oct 2026 16:12:29
Similiar to what someone above said - it's rare enough I agree with your posts Ron, but here i think you're spot on.
0
31 Oct 2026 16:16:27
Well Viktor, by that logic we didn't too badly having Trent at right back either, so I'm not sure what your point is? We won all the biggest prizes and were the closest competitor to a generational cheat of a team with him in the side, so why people keep suggesting he was the weakest link is quite incredible to me. You might not want him back in the side now but if you would really have Araujo over prime Trent, I don't know what to say to you.
Araujo kind of works in our side now because he has the skill set to thrive in today's prem with all the man to man stuff, he might not be the best defender in a continental setting but he is an absolutely elite duel winner, is comfortable covering wide areas or slotting in at center half to put out fires. He is pretty much custom built for today's prem, but today's prem is not yesterday's prem (as in Klopp's time) and probably won't be tomorrow's prem either, you can't say that the prem is always going to be super athletic monsters who need to win one on one duels all over the pitch every play. That's why Arsenal pretty much play four center halves in their defence.
Araujo would probably not have suited Klopp's team, just as Trent would have some difficulty getting into this Liverpool side right now as a right back given the balance issues we have and the fact that we are still trying to feel our way into Iraola's developing style and have to paper over the cracks in our side and keep it tight at the back while figuring it out. Still, we very very very much need somebody who is an elite progressive passer like him in the side right now, though there are very early signs that Nyoni can at least make up for some of the lack of passers in our team.
0
31 Oct 2026 16:22:33
Not wanting to replicate anything. Just want good footballing fullbacks. Lets not make out as if I'm asking for miracles just because the CB we have in that position is the flavour of the month.
0
31 Oct 2026 16:26:13
I'm also pretty sure Trent had to do some decent defending and had to put 100% in for us to get to that level under Klopp, Viktor, unless you're suggesting that Klopp abided passengers in the team and just gave Trent a free pass into the team because he could score the odd free kick and because he was the teacher's pet.
30 Oct 2026 18:01:59
Tough game on weekend but i think among Premier League managers only iraola ball is the antithesis to Arteta ball.
Only problem is we haven't yet showcased iraola ball for a full 90 minutes.
We won't get bullied on corners at least.
Two corner goals from Aruajo and van dyk and a 2-0 win would feel very good.
3
30 Oct 2026 18:14:36
You need top quality central midfielders to help an overall performance over 90 minutes. When they come in the door, I expect us to turn into an animal.
1
30 Oct 2026 22:13:55
Barring injuries I think we will start with
30 Oct 2026 17:35:46
Looking like Elliot will be returning in January, really don't know what's happening with the lad.
0
30 Oct 2026 17:42:06
Not really our concern. Doubt he ever pulls on the red jersey again.
2
30 Oct 2026 18:25:22
He needs a club that will suit him and be good to him. There's a player there for a good club. I. Still think Fulham is a good fit if he stays in England. Maybe Germany or Italy might suit his game.
2
30 Oct 2026 18:38:08
He has a weight issue and his attitude has gone down the drain in la liga. That red card he got was a shocker but didn't do him any good. It was never the move for him and he should have picked Fulham over Valencia. Now it will be ridiculously hard for him to get into a Premier League team.
4
30 Oct 2026 19:16:16
Not quick enough to play out wide, doesn't score enough goals to play as a 10, not physical enough to play in the middle. Think he'd do well in the champ.
1
30 Oct 2026 19:27:05
I think Championship is his level.
0
30 Oct 2026 21:04:07
That's the good old YNWA spirit that makes the club and us fans stand out @Florian - well said.
6
31 Oct 2026 10:19:44
FM may not have been as tactful as you would like WDW but ultimately he's right. Elliott will not play for LFC again. He's just not good enough to do so. Prior to the season starting people were wanting to keep him here as part of the squad and lauding his potential input.
I could not understand that way of thinking tbh and can't see any attributes in his game whatsoever that improves the team. He needs to be sold and let both him and the club move on.
0
31 Oct 2026 10:50:29
Virtue signaling again WDW? How original. Facts are that Elliott came back to training unfit and out of shape, that's not acceptable for a professional, that is purely on Elliott. He is the master of his own fate and if he's not prepared to do the hard work then the consequences of that are that his career will fizzle out, just like Jadon Sancho, Deli Ali, and countless others.
1
31 Oct 2026 11:16:22
Not sure what virtue signalling is @Vik, to be honest with you.
However, I don't value your opinion on the matter.
30 Oct 2026 15:44:57
The entire debate on no 12 in Madrid is absolutely fair because opinions differ.
But what I have to say because there's a lot of naivety is that the player himself. Forget the past or anything else. The player now is not the same player many of you think you'll be getting if he returns.
Trent does not have the legs or stamina for Andoni's game.
I watch every barca and Madrid game. I've watched him and Bellingham close because they play for England.
Trent is a different player now. He's suffered with injuries and looks like an overweight R9 when running back. He's not a 21-year-old kid anymore, and he can't be carried by us.
Araujo is a superior right back to this Trent.
8
30 Oct 2026 15:50:50
An overweight R9 was still class mate.
Bring back the days of those mavericks.
On your post though agree. The PL seems to have moved on and away from Trent's game and if anything it would expose his vulnerability's even more.
2
30 Oct 2026 16:01:02
Yup, he's overweight, lost pace, looks gassed with minimal effort, lacks agility, not to mention we're not playing Klopp's system anymore, a system that flattered Trent. No place for him.
5
30 Oct 2026 16:14:51
Btw
I absolutely wouldn't take trent back. He should be a lesson for the club moving forward that should never be repeated. We're lucky we're in a far better financial situation than we were in even under klopp. For a player to leave worth at least 80 million, could have set us back years ago when we need outgoings to supplement incomings. And that was the "local future captain".
Trent and Madrid worked together to benefit both parties. Liverpool lost out.
Yet again trent and Madrid aim to benefit from what would be a weak Liverpool spending a penny on him. He left, he wanted to leave and it's been a disaster for him professionally.
He's going to be turning 29 when he's most likely available.
Carragher seems to one of the media minions his team has spoken to, with his stance on the overlap and putting pressure on Julian ward.
Maybe some fans need to replay trents Madrid press conference when he couldn't stop laughing about when he learnt Spanish. There's a few other things he mentioned at the time which went spoke directly *over the fans. That's not a character I want returning to this special club.
You don't realise this is a special club when you're humiliated by "your dream club".
7
30 Oct 2026 15:54:56
Jk
I'm referring to the retired R9 that loved his food and would look similar to Ed025 ππ.
2
{Ed025's Note - i will have you know Ron i have lost a bit of weight recently, im wasting away to a bonded warehouse now.. :)
2
30 Oct 2026 16:30:06
Ed025 what's your opinion mate. Say it was Everton and Everton were winning leagues etc. I get the different country, culture etc but mate he left at 25 not 30 and did the slimiest sh*t working with Madrid in the background to benefit only two parties. Himself and Madrid. Let's not forget, if he was on a longer contract madird we're never buying him. He took advantage of the contract situation and that's fine. You get over that.
What I really don't like, is that because it's became a disaster now on the professional side, he and his team are pushing for a return.
Get f**ked on that. You made your bed so lie in it with your lovely family who behaved like idiots too. Carragher clearly has been in talks with someone close to him with what I heard on the overlap. Carragher trying to put pressure on ward and speaking as if the fans want trent back.
It's irritating because there's lads at the club that want to be here and are performing and we're now talking about a failed coming 29 year old when he's available, looking to return.
2
{Ed025's Note - if i was a Liverpool fan i would not want him back Ron, he had his time at Liverpool and done very well for himself mate, i only met him once and he seemed like a very nice guy but him coming back would be a backward step for LFC i feel, he left under a cloud and a lot of my red mates say they would not want him back for the reasons you have already stated, myself i think he will return to play in England again but a club like Chelsea would seem to me to be a better fit i would suggest..
6
30 Oct 2026 17:53:39
I wasn't against him when he left but I wouldn't have him back, no chance. He made his choice and he can live with it, what's done is done we move on.
5
30 Oct 2026 18:05:08
I don't think I'd re-sign trent either and that's me speaking from a purely footballing point of view, forgetting about rights+ wrongs of him leaving. We can see benefit in backline of a real aggressive player in araujo and a think we need same in midfield. Trent in last few seasons far too slack and lackadaisical in the way he defends and when he not on ball. As lfc fans we probably made excuses for him due to him being from Liverpool and having been super player for us previously and winning plenty of trophies.
Also he approaching 29 and has picked up few injuries recently which never happened him in his 1st 5/6 seasons at lfc.
If we keep improving as a team we may need better ballplayer at rb in future than araujo but at the minute I think team much better with araujo there.
3
{Ed025's Note - i agree Digger..
0
30 Oct 2026 18:19:52
Exactly salah. Precisely that, this shouldn't be conversation because the lad wants his career revived and is pushing it behind the scenes. I just hope ward doesn't fall into the trap. The best of trent is well behind him now.
2
30 Oct 2026 19:10:50
Digger, your last paragraph. Most fans yearning for him back are unaware of the player he's been at Madrid and his injury record. Add to that, his body has now played a lot less games than he's used to. Fans think they're getting the same player back, when he was flying.
3
31 Oct 2026 00:52:45
OP, A debate that just consists of gainsaying 'oh no he isn't', 'oh yes he is' isn't actually a debate, it's just a couple of lines from pantomime.
0
31 Oct 2026 01:19:48
Spot on Ron, if only they knew. He's a sadow of the player he once was, a rather plump shadow.
2
31 Oct 2026 08:07:15
I would rather hv Eamon Homes at right back. Not exagerating.
30 Oct 2026 13:51:51
Have not seen Ed01 posting for quite some time now. I hope all is well with him.
2
{Ed001's Note - all's good mate. Thanks for asking.
8
30 Oct 2026 14:40:20
Good to hear from you mate!
Do you know who we are targeting in January? A number 6 should be one for sure in my opinion. I cannot watch Gravenberch stroll around the park like a moose anymore.
2
{Ed001's Note - I don't expect much ,if anything in Jan.
4
30 Oct 2026 15:37:06
As they say"You can't kill a bad thing"RRH π.
{Ed001's Note - not at all as he is involved in a big scandal in Italy which explains why he never wanted to leave. It is well worth a google
{Ed025's Note - i will have you know Ron i have lost a bit of weight recently, im wasting away to a bonded warehouse now.. :)