Liverpool are on the back of a disappointing defeat to the league leaders on the road, but hopefully look to redeem themselves against League 1 side Oldham in Liverpool’s first match of the FA Cup. Oldham are currently 14th in the table and their leading scorer is Shefki Kuqi. It should be a match that Liverpool should win pretty easily, but this year (and last year for that matter), no win is a guarantee and Liverpool should be looking for pure domination.
It’s impossible to tell who will start for Liverpool since Kenny Dalglish has been taking these competitions seriously, but it’s also a chance to get a run out for some young kids in the Academy. Reina can get the start in goal, but don’t be surprised to see Doni to save Reina for the City match on the 11th. Kelly could get the start since he hasn’t seen any match time, but so could John Flanagan. Carragher could get a start in the center of the park since he is still top-class and hasn’t seen any match time recently. His defensive partner could be Skrtel, but possibly Wilson or Kelly or someone else from the academy. Enrique at left-back, but possibly Aurelio (if he’s still alive and not injured). The midfield is even harder to pick I would think. Kenny could be saving Henderson and Adam since they have played a lot this year. This could give openings to Coady, Suso amongst others and don’t be surprised to see Spearing in the line-up for some match experience. Downing will probably play and it will hopefully boost his confidence. Carroll is the only striker we have that has the youth to play a lot and it will also be his birthday. Kuyt could get a run since he hasn’t seen much time this year. Maxi could also see some time for fitness along with Gerrard.
How can Liverpool win?
Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League while Oldham lie in 14th in Ligue 1. It’s a match Liverpool can and should win. They should be able to create some positive chances and put them in a place to win the match. Obviously finishing has and will continue to be the problem and Anfield fans will be looking for a dominating performance after dominating possession against the league leaders on the road. Whoever Liverpool put on the pitch will have pressure not to have a repeat of the Northampton mishap last year, and everyone will be expecting that not to happen again.
Prediction
They’re so much fun to make because I get to make myself look like a fool match-in and out. I will continue until I can at least get one right though, so I can seem somewhat credible.
For all of you who know of the troubles of finals at a university, you should know that you should be up all night cramming, or sleeping in preparation for your exam in the morning. I’m doing neither. I think I’m delusional with some of the rumors I’m reading *drumroll*.
I like to build up things.
But first off, rumor mongering, the one rumor I’ve heard today is that Fernando Torres is going to be offered at a discount price back to Liverpool. Granted it was from the Daily Mail (or Daily Fail), it would be an interesting off if came true. Would I like to see him back in Red? No, he left on a bad note because he wanted to win trophies. They got a win against Manchester City (he didn’t), so they’re apparently in title contention. They also have a shot at winning some silverware in the Carling Cup, wait, no they don’t. Well, whatever, shite happens, he’s not coming back.
Something that’s apparently been confirmed true though is Damien Comolli is the master of picking up little kids and bringing them to the ranks of Liverpool. Jordan Ibe is the Red’s new recruit. He is a 16 year old from Wycombe who apparently moved so Wycombe could get the most out of him they could before the new rules kicked in. He made his first appearance there at the age of 15 and even scored a goal. He is apparently described as a wonderkid and plays as striker. Hopefully this kid can live up to his potential and prove Comolli as a master at recruiting kids and make the Kirkby Academy one of the best in the world.
Jay Spearing, who’s currently serving two more matches on the sideline after receiving a red card against Fulham, has stated that he is ready for the fight to keep his position. Spearing wants to prove to Daglish that he can make the now vacant position his and that Daglish won’t have to buy come January.
“It’s the way I’ve been brought up because you don’t get much from life without hard work. My dad said to me that I had to take each day as it comes and prove every single day that I was better than the last one. The only way that I was going to get games was by working harder than anybody else in training; not necessarily show that I was better than anybody else but prove that I could compete and not be overawed; to show them I’m up for the fight.”
Spearing seems to want it, from his words. He has a lot to make up for, especially if Liverpool can confidently win the next two matches without him. Spearing has been good though for Liverpool lately. His hustle and tenacity is always a plus as long as he doesn’t see himself getting anymore red cards.
That’s all I have time for now. Odds are, I won’t have anything until Friday since my exams finally pick up.
Please comment, or at least read. I like when people read me.
After a half full of missed chances, Liverpool finally grabbed the winning goal in the 47′ through Luis Suarez’s beautiful head. Liverpool take the three points, but it would’ve been nice to see them step on QPR like a bug after it just stung you. But, we earned the three points, so you can’t complain too much, as three points are three points. With Newcastle’s loss, Liverpool climbs above them on goal differential to sixth in the table.
The match could’ve been another disappointment, as Liverpool hadn’t scored in the first 45′ despite completely dominating. The third-string keeper played like the first-string keeper would on his best day, and thwarted every chance in the first half. Liverpool’s seven corners in the first half hour weren’t enough to finally get a go ahead goal. Suarez headed to Cerny, and sent a shot right across the goal-mouth. Cerny also stopped Maxi and Suarez’s beautiful play at the half-hour mark and the 42′ mark. Downing also had a good chance (that didn’t hit the post), but Cerny kept the ball out of the net again. The first half closed in utter disappointment as Liverpool failed to grab any chances.
Luckily, Suarez finally got a goal in the 47′. Adam took a poor corner that was easily cleared back to Adam. Adam took it, went to dribble in, but crossed over and took a cross with his right foot. Suarez was left unmarked in the center of the box and finally put the ball home, Liverpool 1, QPR 0. The second half continued on, and Liverpool continued to threaten. Maxi had his two best chances in the 61′ and 67′, but Cerny again played phenomenal and denied the first one, while Maxi met Liverpool’s good ol’ friend Mr. Woodwork.
As the second half played on though, Liverpool started to slow the attack and seemed content to sit back and counter. This could have been all and good if it wasnt’ for the substitution of DJ Campbell for Tommy Smith. Campbell brought energy to the pitch and was a pest to Liverpool. The introduction brought spells of possession for the visitors, but nothing to frightening on goal that the defense couldn’t handle. The match ended with a clean-sheet, which is better than I was predicting at the beginning of the match due to my lack of confidence.
Overall, it was another impressive performance, masked by the fact Liverpool didn’t take their chances. With 25 shots (eight on target), two shots off the woodwork, 21 chances created and 62% of the possession, it’s hard not wanting more than one goal for the Reds. The three points was needed though, and we walk away from this match with that at least.
Henderson played well, hustling all over the field while Adam seems to have figured out his role in Liverpool’s play. His set-pieces weren’t the greatest, but his cross the Suarez was perfect. The two man midfield was good enough to win the match without a holding midfielder. Kuyt and Downing played strong themselves, with each hustling and running all over the field. Downing’s corners were strong, but he still cannot find the back of the net. Kuyt ran all over the place, and it was needed with only two men in midfield. Suarez and maxi were brilliant up top, but could only find one goal for their work. The defense was solid again, no allowing any real chances for QPR to develop.
Skrtel and Agger seem to be a really good defensive pairing going forward. Enrique has proved to be solid, despite his follies (respective to his play at the beginning of the campaign), he has seemed to be the best choice at left-back ever. Johnson seems to be in favor at right-back, which at this point is fine going forward this season.
Liverpool’s next match is at Villa Park against Aston Villa next Sunday. Hopefully Liverpool can carry on and get another victory. Look out for the Manchester City and Chelsea match coming up tomorrow and I will hopefully be back with something this week despite finals.
Please comment and tell me how you think the match went. Spread the word if you like it, and keep on keepen’ on Anfield faithful.
Andy Carroll has been under fire for his performances all year. People say he doesn’t warrant a starting spot and needs to wait on the bench. I’m attempting to prove that Liverpool are better off with the big man in the starting XI than with him warming the bench.
He has a rocket of a left foot.
Think back, think way back to December 11, 2010. Anyone remember what happened that day? Newcastle 3-1 Liverpool. Anyone remember the left-footed drive Carroll rocketed from around 25 yards out past Reina to seal the deal at St. James Park? How about his goal for England on March 29, 2011? Carroll smashed a ball into his favorite corner again, finally beating Ghana’s keeper for the first and England’s only time that match. Every Reds fan remember the match against Manchester City last year when we silenced the City fans. Carroll scored two goals; one was a beauty from outside the box, low and to Hart’s right side, unstoppable. Carroll scored the only goal with his head for Liverpool that match also. Maybe we’re playing him wrong and he needs to be in a position where he can launch canons at the keeper instead of being used as a target man when we have Suarez.
He’s only 22.
Carroll is still young, despite the fact we share birthday’s (and he’s three years older), Andy Carroll has three caps and one goal for the English national team. If it wasn’t for his “drinking problem” he would probably have more appearances for the national team. Fabio Capello has said he likes Liverpool’s number 9, but isn’t going to call him up until he fixes his “drinking.” Kevin Keegan, the former Newcastle manager has said he is “probably in the top three headers of a ball I have ever seen in football”. After Newcastle played Blackpool last year, Ian Holloway called Carroll the best striker in the Premier League. He may have cost £35, but with so many good words, and so much time to develop, there is only room for improvement, and he can’t score goals if he’s not on the pitch.
He has a good work rate.
Even the Guardian is hating on Andy Carroll these days after they pretty much blamed Liverpool’s loss to Fulham on Carroll. Carroll has been full of movement every match he goes into and tries to prove the haters wrong every time he gets on the pitch. Despite the hate towards Carroll, he actually put in a decent showing. Against Fulham last night, he had eight tackles, more than anybody else for Liverpool. Carroll also completed 19 passes and had one of the best chances of the match, he just couldn’t finish it. Earlier in the year against West Bromwich, Carroll had one of his best matches. In this match he had 9 successful tackles, also the team leader, and grabbed a goal. Carroll has shown a willingness to go get the ball in the attacking half as you can see in the Guardian chalkboard showing Andy Carroll’s tackles against Fulham. These loses you can’t attribute to lack of effort by Andy Carroll.
He’s tied for our second highest league scorer.
This doesn’t sound very good for the players in the squad. Carroll’s goals against Everton and West Bromwich put him as second for Liverpool’s league scorers on the year. He is tied with Charlie Adam who also has two goals, but Adam has made six more starts. Sure Carroll is a striker and should be scoring more, but Adam is known for the chances he creates and the goals he scores. Carroll has showed that he has some technique after he had that cheeky toe-poke against West Brom and the quality finish from close against Everton in the derby. More matches will hopefully bring more goals from our number 9 since he seems to have a decent rate when stacked up against the other players’ goals per game.
We have more points when he’s on the pitch.
When Andy Carroll is in the starting XI, Liverpool brings 1.75 points off the pitch. When Andy Carroll is not in the starting XI, Liverpool only get 1.5 points per match (14 points in eight starts vs. 9 points in six matches without him). This number is hard to speak against as it is the most important of the numbers for Liverpool as a whole. Carroll was involved in the win at Everton, the Arsenal win, the West Brom win, Wolves win, and even the big loss to Tottenham. These points picked up in wins may not seem to be the most lucrative wins compared against the Chelsea win and the home draws against Manchester United and Manchester City. These picked up points have proved to be the hardest to pick up for Liverpool though, as he wasn’t in the starting XI against Norwich and the disappointing loss against Stoke.
Another interesting fact involving Carroll is that Suarez has all four of his league goals when Carroll is in the starting XI. This proves to be important also because Suarez has been consistently starting (only not starting against Arsenal where he scored when coming in for Carroll) and only see’s the back of the net when Carroll starts.
But how can Andy Carroll be effective?
Andy Carroll is described as a target man. When you’re 6′ 3″ (1.91m) and have a pony-tail that could scores goals if whipped hard enough, it’s not hard to see why. But what if we dropped him back, just a tad bit deeper behind Suarez. Don’t make him the lone man in the box receiving crosses, but play around him and use him for 1-2’s around the box. This can create chances for Suarez’s quickness and skill inside the box, spraying the ball out wide if he needs to, or dropping it back to another midfielder to try and create something. Carroll scores more goals with his left foot, so why not put him in a spot to let him hammer away. This position also gives him chances to knock down shorter balls to a faster striker or to himself so he can fire away. I’m no Dalglish, so my tactics aren’t good by any means, but with someone who tracks back, wins tackles and can score goals from distance, we have a player who can be effective against the best defenses if we play him behind another striker.
Please comment if you think I’m right or wrong, or if you have a different opinion.
Pep Guardiola has been quoted as saying, “Liverpool Academy is the only one who can compete with ‘La Masia’. “ This has created lots of commentary about the Kirkby Academy and its progression forward. With Rodolfo Borrell in charge of the reserves and Mike Marsh in charge of the Academy, Liverpool has seen a lot of promise regarding their prospects this year. Between the Reserve League, Academy League and the new NextGen Series, Liverpool’s youth have been given a chance to succeed and push into the first team. Here is my list of the top ten Liverpool prospects in alphabetical order with videos attached to their name when possible. The only rule is they must still be a teenager.
18-year-old Vollyan Bijev hardly hit headlines when he signed at Liverpool over the summer. He is an American striker or attacking midfield that has been described as a “wonderkid” on the American scene. Before signing with Liverpool, he averaged a goal a game for the California Odyssey. He impressed the Liverpool coaching staff on his trial when he scored five goals and notched two assists in two matches for the Academy team. He was quickly loaned out to second tier Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf.
The 18-year-old, Liverpool born, has captained Liverpool’s youth team and also captained England’s U-17 squad to their first every U-17 European Championship in 2010. Conor Coady is able to play in central midfield, where he is tidy with possession or in central defense where he is a tough, physical presence. Coady is currently part of the reserve set-up, but has had tastes of the first-team as he traveled to Sparta Prague and was on the bench against Birmingham City. Coady had his first success at the first-team this year when he traveled with the squad to Asia and scored against Guangdong Sunray Cave.
18-year-old Jon Flanagan has already seen solid first-team action at right back when he debuted against Manchester City after the injuries of Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson. He performed excellently as Liverpool won 3-0. He played solidly whenever called upon, even knocking out Jamie Carragher with his head at one point. He was rewarded for his solid play when he was named Young Player of the Year in 2010-11. Flanagan has also been part of the set-up this year as he started the first match of the year against Sunderland and has made various Carling Cup appearances. His play has resulted in an England U-19 call-up that he wasn’t able to attend due to a calf injury.
Liverpool born, Adam Morgan remains in the youth system at Kirkby at 17 years of age. Morgan had a wonderful year for the Academy in the 2010-11 season playing as striker. He scored 21 goals and led the squad to second in the league. Morgan has been firing this year also as he is second in goals for Liverpool in the NextGen Series scoring two in the club’s five matches. Morgan has already appeared at the U-19 level for England and appeared in the U-17 World Cup. The future looks promising and he can hopefully pick up some first-team action in the next couple years.
Jack Robinson made his first appearance for the club at the young age of 16 years and 250 days. The 18-year-old left back has impressed people throughout the ranks with his ability to get forward. Robinson had his greatest impact when he appeared against Arsenal and Birmingham City during the 2010-11 season. Robinson still sees first-team action but has dropped behind the impressive Jose Enrique in the depth chart but has been featuring in the Carling Cup. Robinson has also played for many of the youth levels of England, playing in the U-16, U-17, U-18 and most recently the U-19 level.
The 19-year-old Jonjo Shelvey was solid for Liverpool last year and is currently on loan at Championship side Blackpool where he has been a pivotal player. Shelvey came from Charlton Athletic where he made his first appearance at 16 years and 59 days. Shelvey came to Liverpool in 2010 and was given first-team rotations almost immediately as he played in the Carling Cup and Europa League. Shelvey’s Blackpool loan is giving him the necessary time he needs to improve, if he can do better than a hat-trick against Leeds United or five goals in seven appearances for the club. Shelvey has also represented England’s youth team at the U-16, U-17, U-19 and U-21. He has captained the U-16 side and U-19 side.
The fiery Portugese winger has made an impact at the club after signing in 2009. Despite being very tall for his age, Toni Silva is known for his ball skills and pace. He likes to thunder down the wings and overwhelm full-backs and has down so well for Liverpool’s youth and NextGen squad. During the 2010-11 Academy year, Toni Silva scored 10 goals in 29 appearances, which was the fourth most for the Academy squad. This year, Silva is leading the NextGen squad in goals with three and looks to keep his tally going as Liverpool advanced past the group stages.
Raheem Sterling has only been described as a wonderkid. He is 16-years-old and has impressed the Liverpool faithful already after signing from Queens Park Rangers in 2010. Sterling is known for his plastering speed and his flair on the ball. At 15, he received his first substitute appearance for the first-team against Borussia Moenchengladbach in a friendly. Sterling has been solid for the Academy and NextGen Squad, but his most notable achievement occurred in the FA Youth Cup. On February 14, 2011, Sterling netted five of Liverpool’s nine goals against Southend United. He has played for England’s U-17 squad in the FIFA U-17 World Cup and scored a beautiful long-range goal for a victory against Rwanda.
The former Cadiz CF midfielder joined Liverpool in the summer of 2010 at the age of 16. Suso is known for his skills on the ball, whether it’s dribbling or his passing skills and has been compared to the likes of Iniesta and Fabregas. He was snatched up from the likes of Barcalona and Real Madrid and has been called Liverpool’s next Robbie Fowler. Suso appeared for the first-team in a friendly at 16 and now resides Reserves and the NextGen squad. Suso has also made appearances at the U-17 level for Spain. Suso looks to impress for Liverpool and make it into the first team on a regular basis in the near future.
Andre Wisdom (can’t seem to find a video)
18-year-old Andre Wisdom already has made a mark for club and country. Wisdom generally plays as a center-back, but can play at right back or in the center of the midfield. Wisdom is part of the reserve team, but was a centerpiece in Liverpool’s effort to reach the 2009 FA Youth Cup final. Wisdom also has many accolades at the international level. He was part of the England U16 team that won the 2008 Victory Shield and was an integral part of the U-17 European Championship victory over Spain as he scored for England. Wisdom has also worn the captain’s armband for the U-19 side after a fellow Red (Jonjo Shelvey) was substituted.
You'll Never Walk Alone 