Liverpool 2-1 Everton. 3rd trip to Wembley.

Steven Gerrard and gang eventually came from 1-0, on a poor clearance by Carragher, to defeat the cross-town Toffies 2-1, with Carroll catching the winner three minutes from time.

The starting XI was probably the first thing that caught my eye. Shelvey was relegated to the bench for no reason while Downing was placed in a side featuring Carroll, Suarez, Gerrard, Henderson and Spearing. The defense was made of Agger, Skrtel, Carragher and Johnson. Brad Jones started in net.

Why Carragher instead of Enrique? No one will know, but the 24′ made everyone question the inclusion of Carragher. Agger and Carragher got stuck in the box with possession and time. Instead of making a sensible pass, Carragher hoofed the ball straight at Tim Cahill. The ball deflected right to Nikica Jelavic (who was offside) who finished cooly past Jones for the opener.

The rest of the half was Everton and Liverpool failed to respond.

The second half started off much better for Liverpool. They were able to keep possession and do reputable work against the Everton defense. Suarez’s buzzing finally paid off in the 62′ after Sylvain Distin horribly hit a back-pass to no one in particular. Suarez pounced on the chance through to goal and hit the ball with the side of his right foot past an oncoming Tim Howard.

From then out, both teams fought for the goal that would book their train tickets to Wembley in May.The introduction of Maxi showed the dominance of Liverpool once and for all. Carroll then missed a gaping chance with his left foot, just pushed it wide.

Bellamy changed the tide of the game when he was introduced rather late. In the 87′, Bellamy fired a free kick from the edge of the area. Andy Carroll and his ponytail hopped above the rest and sent the ball into the back of the net, for his second winner in as many games. Cue excitement for the Reds.

The rest of time looked even more Liverpool. Maxi missed a gaping chance, but the match was already settled at that point.

Suarez was voted the player of the game, and rightly so. He was a pest to the Everton defense and even earned himself a goal on the day.

I’ll be back with more later. The next match is Sunday.

Also, remember the 96 who died at Hillsborough 23 years ago. Justice will be served.

Newcastle vs. Liverpool. Preview.

Liverpool travel to Northeast England to take on Newcastle, the former breeding grounds of Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique. Liverpool won 3-1 earlier this year at Anfield with one of Liverpool’s more convincing performances.

It’s impossible to not ask questions about this Liverpool side currently. Signs would point towards a good display; as this is against a team at the top of the table, but also on the road. But anything can happen. Maybe we will be graced with the enlightening performance that was Wigan, or we could see the team that performed for 75′ against QPR (not the part we let in three goals).

Newcastle are sitting sixth in the table, one position ahead of Liverpool. Should be a good affair.

Who will start for Liverpool?

Reina
Kelly–Carragher–Skrtel–Enrique
Spearing–Gerrard
Kuyt–Downing
Suarez–Carroll

Lets be honest, this team changes so much, it’s impossible to pick who starts in midfield and in attack.

Reina will anchor the side at keeper. Skrtel and Enqirue will probably be in the line up. Depending on fitness at right back, Glen Johnson or Martin Kelly will get a start. If not, it could be Jon Flanagan or Jamie Carragher. It would be nice to see Coates in the line up though.

Spearing and Gerrard seem to have midfield locked down. There could be an inclusion of Jordan Henderson at the expense of either Dirk Kuyt or Carroll, especially on the road. With Charlie Adam out for the year, don’t be surprised to see more of Jonjo Shelvey.

Stewart Downing seems to be in favor to Kenny Dalglish after he has performed much better recently. Luis Suarez should be a lock also to start up front. The surprise lately has been a lack of Carroll. His insertion into the line up after the half is what sparked the little work Liverpool gave against Wigan. Kuyt might also hit the other flank, and him and Downing can easily switch sides depending on the circumstances.

How can Liverpool win?

Show a little desire. Finishing hasn’t become the biggest problem for Liverpool any. With three goals against QPR and almost two against Wigan, Liverpool are hitting the back of the net a little bit. The defense has been the underperformers. Skrtel is starting to have the long season affect him, which is bad for Liverpool with Daniel Agger still trying to fix that rib. Coates has looked really good while he has been in, and there really is no reason not to start him.

But the coach knows more than I do, and I will respect that with not calling for his head right now. Mostly because I’m calm and have little to worry about. If I’m staring at another Liverpool defeat, I may say something I could regret.

But until next time. YNWA.

What does Glen Johnson mean to Liverpool?

Glen Johnson is generally known for his offensive prowess, but he is highly disregarded when it comes to defense because of his knack for getting so far forward when Liverpool hold possession in the final third.

With this year being rough on Liverpool, especially in the final third, what does it mean for the defense that has generally been outstanding? Also, who really should start at right back? Should it be Glen Johnson, the player who seems to be a canon when sprinting off into the limelight of the opponents 18 yard box, or Martin Kelly who bossed Ryan Giggs around at Anfield in the FA Cup?

For the hell of it, I have compiled some statistics based on the teams performance with and without Glen Johnson in the line up.

Johnson has started 17 matches in the league this year for Liverpool. The first block of numbers is for Liverpool’s goals against this year in the league. Liverpool have allowed 31 goals this year, third in the league.

In Johnson’s 17 matches, Liverpool have allowed only 14 goals, which lies at .824 gpg against. In the 13 matches Johnson didn’t start, Liverpool allowed 17 goals. That means that Liverpool allow about a half a goal more when Johnson doesn’t play. This goes a long way to debunk the myth that Johnson can’t play defense.

The second block shows how many goals Liverpool has scored this year with Johnson in and out of the starting XI. This year, Liverpool have scored 36 goals in the league. Of those 36, Johnson has been in the squad for half of them in his 17 starts. The other 18 came when Flanagan, Carragher, Kelly or Skrtel were playing at right back.

Liverpool’s goals per game with Johnson is 1.059, and without, 1.385. This is almost .3 goals per game difference. Not as substantial as .5 goals per game against, but still a noticeable difference in the long run. The problem is, that Suarez’s suspension occurred during Johnson’s 17 straight league games which could have skewed the statistics.

These two numbers seem small, but over the course of a 38 game season it adds up. If we use the averages of goals against and for per game, then we can find out Liverpool’s ideal goal differential.

Over the course of a season, if Johnson’s goals per game and goals against per game stay consistent, we can expect to score approximately 40 goals and let in 31 for a goal difference of nine, this means Liverpool will score only four goals in the next eight games, which even I like to think is unlikely.

When Johnson isn’t in the line up, Liverpool would score approximately 52 goals over the season, but let in 49 for a goal differential of three. Liverpool have a lot of work to go to score that many goals, along with letting that many in.

These numbers aren’t perfect since they draw from a small sample size, but you can see that Liverpool should be better off if Johnson is in the line up.

When it comes down to the important things, it’s all down to points anyways, right?

Well here are the numbers. In the 13 matches Johnson hasn’t started, Liverpool have 17 points for 1.308 points per game. In the 17 matches Johnson has started, Liverpool have 25 points, or 1.471 points per game. These two numbers are almost too close to really say there is much of a difference, since they both draw from a small sample size. But over a season, Liverpool would earn approximately 50 points without Johnson and 56 with him. That would mean Liverpool need eight to 14 points respectively to equal the total set by my model.

In conclusion, Liverpool seem better off when they have Glen Johnson in the starting XI. They allow .5 goals per game less and almost .2 points per game more with him in the line up. It seems they sacrifice goals though, earning .3 goals per game less than they would if Johnson didn’t start. Over the span of a 38 games, it equals more substantial numbers. Liverpool would ideally end up with 56 points and a goal differential of nine with Johnson in the line up. Without Johnson, Liverpool would ideally earn 50 points and a goal difference of three goals.

If Liverpool continue on this pace they would end up in 6th (last years table) place with 56 points with Johnson (two fewer points than they ended with last year). Without Johnson, Liverpool would be sitting in 7th behind Everton (again, last years table).

Follow me on Twitter, @jdrzewicki9.

Liverpool vs. Wigan Athletic. Match Preview.

Wigan Athletic come to the confines of Anfield for what could turn out to be one of the most interesting matches of Liverpool’s year. Coming off a complete and utter collapse against Q.P.R., anything can happen for the inconsistent Liverpool. What is there to expect from Liverpool? If only I could tell you, I really don’t think anyone will know until kickoff.

The Liverpool we have seen at times has been brilliant, and at many other times, very poor. The Q.P.R. match was a good indicator of how the season is going. The first half showed Liverpool’s failings in front of the net, then we saw a good bit of Liverpool on the road, then we even got the pleasure of seeing blown points against a relegation battling team. Good lord.

Onto tomorrow though.

Who will start for Liverpool?

Reina
Kelly–Carragher–Skrtel–Enrique
Spearing
Henderson–Gerrard–Downing
Carroll–Suarez

It’s really impossible to predict who is going to play for Liverpool. I can guarantee Reina and probably Suarez. The rest are up in the air. Is Kelly fit? If so, I bet he starts despite Flanagan sitting on the bench. Carragher has played a bit recently, o well, Coates doesn’t need to start I guess (hopefully my sarcasm is coming off OK). Skrtel is a given too probably, along with Enrique.

Spearing is probably the best choice for midfield to start, but Gerrard could easily start despite his groin probably screaming for help. Henderson hasn’t seen as much time as normal so he should be able to step up. Downing is a possibility also. I really wish I could say Jonjo Shelvey has earned a spot, but we have been busy relying on Adam and Henderson instead of giving Shelvey some kind of chance. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Henderson fan-boy, but he hasn’t been performing all too well recently. Adam is also possibly out with injury (rumor is it could be season ending).

Suarez will start, probably alongside Carroll. Simple as that. They will team up to score one goal, and blow the lead or whatever to Wigan Athletic again and not earn points, just like normal.

I don’t know if it’s my mood right now, the fact it’s raining or me being pessimistic, but this seems a terribly depressing preview.

How can Liverpool win?

I really don’t have many things to point out anymore. The defense is going to have to be solid and not have so many huge lapses in concentration over such a short amount of time.

The midfield is going to have to control the match and possession no matter who is on the pitch. They also have to support the attack because Suarez cannot do it on his own.

Carroll and Suarez are generally a pretty good pair. So hopefully we’ll see some more goals tomorrow. This is where my optimism is sadly enough.

Liverpool vs. Everton. Thank God the weekend is over already.

Liverpool come off a terribly uninspiring performance that I wasn’t able to cover due to my life. So sorry about that, you really didn’t miss much. Charlie Adam started and sucked, that’s about all that needs to be said. We lost.

Onto tomorrow though. Liverpool host Everton in the second Merseyside derby of the year. Liverpool won the first with Jack Rodwell being controversially sent off for his tackle on Luis Suarez. They want redemption.

Their form is substantially better than our two league wins since the year started and David Moyes’ side will be looking for their first win at Anfield since Moyes took over.  Also on the line is the 7th position Liverpool currently hold. If Everton win, they pass Liverpool by one point. That is all that separates us from the rebels on the Goodison Park side of Liverpool.

If Liverpool win they will be two points behind Newcastle for the sixth spot. With fourth everything but mathematically impossible, Liverpool don’t have much else to shoot for. There are problems though, like Everton finishing about Liverpool, or even worse, Papa Woy’s West Brom Side finishing above us in the table.

Who will start for Liverpool?

Reina
Johnson–Carragher–Skrtel–Enrique
Henderson–Adam–Gerrard
Carroll–Suarez–Bellamy

Reina will be in goal, we know that much. The back line is questionable as always since Daniel Agger is officially out. Glen Johnson could take back his right back spot, but Martin Kelly could keep it. Martin Skrtel will be in the center of defense, probably paired with Jamie Carragher since it’s a derby. Jose Enrique will start at left back unless Kelly starts, then Johnson could start at left back.

The midfield is tough to guess. Jordan Henderson will most likely get a start. If Stephen Gerrard is fully fit, he will start, no questions asked. Charlie Adam could get included if we’re that unlucky. His performances lately have been atrocious and Kenny Dalglish keeps picking him for some reason. I would much rather see Stewart Downing

More questions in attack. Suarez will get a start, but who starts alongside him? Andy Carroll? Craig Bellamy? Dirk Kuyt. It’s hard to tell. Kuyt has been getting quite a bit of runs in the squad but hasn’t performed as well as he was when we bet Manchester United in the FA Cup.

How can Liverpool win?

Do everything the opposite way they did against Sunderland, in other words don’t suck. Put shots on target, pass the ball, don’t play like shit, the unusual as of late. This is a really big match for Liverpool’s season, even if it’s just for bragging rights. I’m hoping they actually come out to play, that’s the biggest thing they didn’t do against Sunderland.

Lets go through them again.

1. Don’t suck.
2. Get shots on target.
3. Don’t play Charlie Adam.
4. Don’t suck.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal. A turn-around point?

Liverpool come off a 120 minute cup win and find out about two injuries. Daniel Agger fractured a rib and is expected to be out “a couple weeks.” We’re also currently waiting for information on the skipper Steven Gerrard. He left the England v. Holland match in the 32′ after pulling up with an injury. The latest say he could play since Kenny Dalglish doesn’t know the seriousness of it.

But to be happy…

Arsenal come to Anfield after being defeated at the Emirates earlier this year. Liverpool have a chance to come within four points with a game in hand if they win. If Arsenal win, then Liverpool’s 4th place chances are, all but mathematically, impossible. Arsenal are riding on a 5-2 victory against Tottenham and Liverpool are coming off of a cup victory. Who will win? Only time will tell. Liverpool could show up to play against a top four team, but it’s also at Anfield where Liverpool have struggled to make draws into wins.

Who will start for Liverpool? 

Reina
Johnson–Carragher–Skrtel–Enrique
Henderson–Adam
Kuyt–Downing
Carroll–Suarez

In a difficult line-up to pick, Pepe Reina is the easiest choice, along with Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel and Jose Enrique. Jamie Carragher will probably slide into Agger’s spot, but possibly Martin Kelly or Sebastian Coates (don’t count on it). The defense is going to need to be strong as Robin Van Persie is a persistent threat, along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho and Theo Walcott who all pose a threat. Carragher is going to have to step it up if he wants to perform well.

The midfield will probably line up with two in the middle without Gerrard. I want them to play with three and include Wee Jay Spearing, but don’t think it will happen. The midfield is going to have to be tidy in possession as Arsenal have a strong midfield with Alex Song. The midfield battle is going to be important to who wins the match.

Liverpool’s attack is also unpredictable. Luis Suarez should get a start, no questions asked. Andy Carroll will probably line up beside him. Stewart Downing will probably be on one side while Dirk Kuyt or Jordan Henderson on the other. Craig Bellamy played in the cup final and for Wales earlier this week, so I don’t think he will be getting a start here again.

How can Liverpool win?

Liverpool have to stop Van Persie. He is the biggest threat for Arsenal and he will have to be nullified for Liverpool to win. That said, the rest of the attack for Arsenal is quite strong also, so the Reds will have to contain the rest. Liverpool should be able to create chances since Arsenals back-line is wounded. Liverpool should be able to create plenty of chances, but the question is if they finish them. With Suarez on poor form and Carroll having a poor cup final, they’re going to have to fire on all cylinders. Downing cannot be Liverpool’s biggest threat against Arsenal.

Liverpool 6-1 Brighton. FA Cup.

Brighton score four goals and still only leave Anfield with one goal. The story of the night for Brighton was disaster, but Liverpool pretty much deserved the six goals (three own goals).

Steward Downing started off the pressure in the 4′. The 5′ brought a corner for Liverpool. Apparently Brighton missed the corner against Manchester United after Andy Carroll was heavily marked in the box and Daniel Agger easily headed home while everyone was focused on Carroll. Well, same thing happened here. Brighton focused on Carroll and Martin Skrtel met Steven Gerrard’s corner and finished into the back of the net in a fashion that was very similar to the corner he scored against Aston Villa.

Kazenga LuaLua equalized in the 17′ through a free kick that was drawn by a Jordan Henderson foul. LuaLua drilled a 25 yard kick past the oncoming wall and Pepe Reina to score a remarkable equalizer.

Liverpool took the lead right before half-time off of a corner again. The corner was punched by the Brighton keeper, then Luis Suarez dribbled and created space for a poke, but it was deflected to Glen Johnson’s head and he headed it towards goal. It was cleared off the line, but didn’t make it any farther than Liam Bridcutt who was standing too close to the clearance and was red-faced as he scored an own goal.

In the 57′, Downing got his first assist of the year. Downing sent a low cross into the box and Carroll got on the end of it with his left foot and thundered past the keeper and into the net. That gives Downing one goal and one assist all year, both in the FA Cup.

Bridcutt was left red-faced again in the 71′ as he was just in the wrong position at the wrong time again. Gerrard fashioned a chance for himself that he saw saved, but only across the goal as Bridcutt was in the way to deflect it into his own goal again.

Bridcutt’s two own goals were just bad luck, but the third own goal by Brighton will have the manager pulling his hair out. Lewis Dunk scored a humorous goal trying to control Suarez’s cross. Dunk chested it down, then tried to control it with his knee so he could clear it. He had plenty of time, but his knee was sent the wrong way and the ball bounced into the net. I guess Dunk gets props for almost keeping it out of the net, but it was still a ridiculous own goal.

Dirk Kuyt was subbed on and brought down in the box to give Liverpool a penalty. Suarez took the ensuing penalty, but it was disgracefully shot to the keepers left in a very save-able position.

Suarez redeemed himself though when Jose Enrique’s cross met Carroll who headed it across goal to a wide open Suarez who finished the scoring for Liverpool.

Overall it was a strong performance by Liverpool that warranted six goals, even if three were own goals. Performances all around were strong. Downing put in probably his best shift as a red and Carroll was a game changer every time the ball was in the box. Suarez was a threat at times, but he also lost possession several times.

The midfield was strong, with Gerrard doing really well going forward and Henderson almost scoring off of a Gerrard shot gone array. Charlie Adam was given man of the match by the Guardian and it was extremely warranted. He had a very strong performance also.

The defense was solid and the LuaLua goal was just a great goal. Jamie Carragher came in for Agger who was left out of the squad. Johnson and Enrique made starts on their side and Reina started in net.

My man of the match is probably Carroll despite Downing being an outstanding performer. Carroll’s goal and his play in general was very strong. He is either on good form or starting to look like a good, strong striker. He made a very good argument for his inclusion at Wembley next week.

Liverpool are in action next Sunday at Wembley for the Carling Cup final, their first trip to the new stadium. Again, might not be any midweek posts due to lots of stress with school. Liverpool also play Stoke City at Anfield for the FA Cup quarter final.

Liverpool vs. Brighton. FA Cup.

Apologies for how busy my life is. Lack of match thoughts and anything during the week have been attributed to a project and too many assignments.

But that’s not important, we are in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Championship side Brighton. If that name seems familiar, it’s because we’ve already played them this year in the Carling Cup. We won 2-1 away at Brighton. This time we have them at Anfield and they can’t be happy to have us again.

With Maxi back from injury (who knew he was injured?), along with both Jack Robinson and John Flanagan, we could play some good youth players, but I don’t think we will. Lucas is our only long-term injury at this point, as Fabio Aurelio seems to be healthy (obviously due to lack of match time or the forces of some deity keeping his body together for the time being).

On to the fun…

Who starts for Liverpool?

Reina
Kelly–Skrtel–Agger–Enrique
Spearing–Henderson
Kuyt–Downing
Carroll–Suarez

Pepe Reina will probably not be displaced as keeper. We could possibly see a back line shake up with Martin Kelly being thrown for match experience he has easily earned.  Glen Johnson easily holds the position but we have lots of depth at the position with Kelly and Flanagan behind Johnson.   Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger will probably get a start, but don’t be surprised if Jamie Carragher and/or Sebastian Coates gets a start for some match time and fitness. Jose Enrique will probably start at left-back unless they want to save him for whatever reason.

Since fatigue shouldn’t be too much of a concern, the midfield is questionable. Kenny Dalglish has said that this match will be how players can earn a spot next Sunday in the Carling Cup final. I wouldn’t be surprised if he played some players who are on the fringe of the starting XI, but have played in and out of it throughout the year. Jay Spearing should get a start as a defensive midfielder who does whatever he wants since that’s what he really does. Jordan Henderson could get a start in an advanced position, but I really do see Steven Gerrard getting the start even though I don’t have him listed.

The amount of attackers is going to depend how many midfielders there are. If Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez start up top, then there will probably only be two midfielders (remember last time this happened? Most notably against Bolton). If Dalglish really means players can earn and lose spots for the final next week then we could see Stewart Downing and Dirk Kuyt on each side of the strikers.  I would not be surprised to see Craig Bellamy in the XI though.

You heard it here first though. Joao Carlos Teixeira will be on the bench and make his Liverpool debut. Will it happen? No, but I like rumors.

How can Liverpool win?

Exerting Liverpool’s quality is going to be the key thing. Liverpool are expected to control possession and have a fair number of chances. Again, finishing them is the problem. If Liverpool can get two goals, then I see no reason why they shouldn’t win. But again, finishing chances is going to be the biggest thing for the crew up against a Brighton team that are no pushovers.

Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham.

The same old, same old. Liverpool dominate and end up with a lame draw. Will this tragedy ever end? I doubt it. We still have plenty games left to mess up, so don’t get too optimistic. Just kidding I hope. With Old Trafford this weekend in what will be a soap opera of Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra.

In other news, as soon as I can get my webcam working, I’m going to start doing video posts. I never see them anywhere, so I think I’m going to start doing videos of posts instead of typing them out. It will be an evolution from really bad to hopefully not as bad, but I should be able to get it over time. I might not make the longest posts until I get my camera to work as I have a busy life.

As you may know, Liverpool played Tottenham yesterday and had a very strong display that was trying to make up for last time the two teams played and Tottenham won 4-0 at  White Hart Lane with Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel both getting red cards.

This time around, no red cards were issued. Tottenham appeared to play for three points due to several injuries and the absence of ‘Arry Redknapp after technical difficulties with his plane kept him in London. The early exchanges were Liverpool trying not to concede early by keeping the ball.

Liverpool’s best chances came through Andy Carroll, who had a chance for a goal or two, and fumbling around and hitting wide. Jay Spearing almost caught a break, but his shot just went wide.

Tottenham’s best chance came through Gareth Bale after he was sent through on Pepe Reina, 1-on-1. Reina made the same and Daniel Agger made a clearance on the make-up efforts after the save.

Overall, it was a good performance from most players. Reina was solid in goal, making sure nothing got past him. The defense was solid with Glen Johnson on the left and Martin Kelly on the right after Jose Enrique picked up a hamstring tweak. Johnson is again proving why he is the starter at right back, keeping Kelly on the bench in general. Kelly wasn’t as solid as he was when he shut down Ryan Giggs with no problems. Skrtel was also the man of the match. He destroyed Bale a couple times, physically along with how you’re supposed to in soccer.

The midfield was packed into midfield to stop the terrifying play of Luka Modric and Bale. It worked quite well as Liverpool controlled the match. Adam was quite good defensively but hardly provided anything going forward while Gerrard proved one of the biggest offensive threats for Liverpool.

In attack, Carroll, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy created their chances (yet again), but failed to finish them (yet again). No one’s perfect, but they played strong and you can’t fault them for much (except for the whole not scoring thing). Bellamy and Kuyt had a lot to do with the shutting down of Bale and Modric in midfield. They both had chances throughout the match, but couldn’t finish them.

Suarez and Stewart Downing came in for Kuyt and Bellamy respectively. Suarez was a nuisance to the Tottenhma back-line, but wasn’t enough as he failed to score despite a free header that he somehow sent straight to the American keeper Brad Fiedel.

That’s all for today. My goal is a Jordan Henderson post in the next week. Should hopefully be a good post.

Comment away if you want, follow me on Twitter, the fun stuff. Thank you for reading.

Liverpool vs. Tottenham.

Liverpool come off a win at Wolves with a break and some momentum leading up to facing Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. The return fixture will hopefully be a tad bit better than the match in September at White Hart Lane where Liverpool were completely demolished everywhere on the pitch. The match looks bright, but Tottenham are still trying to make a title run and won’t go down without a fight.

Who will start for Liverpool?

Reina
Johnson–Skrtel–Agger–Enrique
Spearing–Gerrard
Henderson
Kuyt–Bellamy
Carroll

Reina is in net unless he picks up a magical knock overnight. Skrtel and Agger should man the middle against a Spurs side that could be missing Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart. Enrique will probably be on the left and Johnson on the right, but don’t be surprised if Kelly is included.

The midfield should include the likes of Spearing, Gerrard and Henderson. Adam is also a choice. Spearing will probably play in the holding position while Gerrard is between Henderson and Spearing, but Henderson will probably be more advanced.

The attack is going to be the toughest thing to decide. With Suarez back after his suspension, he is available to be chosen. But is he? Carroll is coming off a man of the match performance while Bellamy has been Liverpool’s best player this past month and Kuyt is reaching his hot streak. These three could keep Suarez on the sideline, especially if he is deemed as not being totally match fit. This attack isn’t a bad choice either. I think I can almost guarentee a Kuyt inclusion because of his work-rate against the speed Tottenham have in midfield and the wings.

How can Liverpool win?

Liverpool are going to have to stop Tottenham’s big name players. With Adebayor, Walker, van der Vaart, Lennon and Defoe all being doubtful, Liverpool have every chance to pounce on this opportunity. Modric is easily one of the best midfielders in the league now and Gareth Bale has been on stunning form all year, this leaves no easy task for Liverpool. Spearing could man-mark Modric out of the match, but Bale’s new roaming role has been too strong for too many teams. Liverpool have been solid on defense all year and if Adebayor, van der Vaart, Lennon and Defoe are gone, then we have every right to win the match.