Liverpool FC

[The Baron]

I'm optimistic about the People's Republic of Liverpool FC this season.

Cole - looks like he's been given a new lease of life as a central figure in a side, rather than on the fringes.  With Gerrard behind him and Torres in front, he'll be able to shine in an Iniesta-style role.  This will also free Gerrard from the burden he's shouldered too many times over the past few seasons where any spark in a game had to come from him.  Without that burden I'm sure we'll see him back at his imperious best.  Then there's Jovanovic.  He's Kuyt mark II imo, and love his attitude and commitment.  With Kuyt on the right and Jovanovic on the left (possibly swapping over occasionally) the full-backs, especially Johnson, will be involved a lot in our attacks. 

The starting XI, with everyone fit would be this (imo):

Reina

Johnson  Carragher  Agger  Aurelio

Kuyt  Gerrard  Lucas  Jovanovic

Cole

Torres

Which leaves on the bench: Maxi, Aquilani, Ngog, Pacheco, Skrtel, Kelly, and some others.     That's not looking too shabby, but relies on people staying fit.  Maybe a player or two short from one that could seriously challenge for the title, but we should definitely be up there challenging for a top 4 spot.  I've liked Hodgson's approach so far, and think he perfectly fits the mould of a Liverpool manager.

Let's hope this optimism isn't in the gutter come the end of September

I like this side and I think it should be our side away from home (Woy's away record is pretty atrocious as a manager) but I also like the pace we could have in the final third at home and on the counter attack in Europe etc.

Torres
Jovanovic
Babel
Gerrard
Aquilani
Maxi
Cole

[kinboshi]

I would much rather have Gerrard behind Torres than Cole at it's not even close

Jovanevic on the bench Cole LM, Aqualini and Lucas in the middle

Aquilani and Lucas - not a little soft in the centre don't you think?

[kinboshi]

The Liverpool ownership saga is turning into a pantomime again.

[mondatoo]

I would much rather have Gerrard behind Torres than Cole at it's not even close

Jovanevic on the bench Cole LM, Aqualini and Lucas in the middle

Aquilani and Lucas - not a little soft in the centre don't you think?

I'd take Lucas out for whoever you replace Masch with

[The Baron]

I would much rather have Gerrard behind Torres than Cole at it's not even close

Jovanevic on the bench Cole LM, Aqualini and Lucas in the middle

Aquilani and Lucas - not a little soft in the centre don't you think?

I'd take Lucas out for whoever you replace Masch with

I would have Lucas over Poulsen all day.

[The Baron]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/davidbond/2010/08/cutting_through_the_spin_at_li.html

[The Baron]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6298227,00.html

Would you sell Lucas for £8.3m?

[jizzemm]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6298227,00.html

Would you sell Lucas for £8.3m?

no

[kinboshi]

Apparently Crouch is a done deal.

[sweet potata!]

Apparently Crouch is a done deal.

Hmm if were taking back Old players, we should have went for Bellamy he was class last season and can do do a job on the wings if needed.

But i do like crouch too.

[kinboshi]

Apparently Crouch is a done deal.

Hmm if were taking back Old players, we should have went for Bellamy he was class last season and can do do a job on the wings if needed.

But i do like crouch too.

Maybe Hodgson's considering playing Crouch alongside Torres in some games, whereas I'm not sure Bellamy would be right for that?  Might be completely wrong though.

[TheChipPrince]

Apparently Crouch is a done deal.

Hmm if were taking back Old players, we should have went for Bellamy he was class last season and can do do a job on the wings if needed.

But i do like crouch too.

Maybe Hodgson's considering playing Crouch alongside Torres in some games, whereas I'm not sure Bellamy would be right for that?  Might be completely wrong though.

Any more info on this Dan?  When may we hear some public noises on this?

[kinboshi]

Apparently Crouch is a done deal.

Hmm if were taking back Old players, we should have went for Bellamy he was class last season and can do do a job on the wings if needed.

But i do like crouch too.

Maybe Hodgson's considering playing Crouch alongside Torres in some games, whereas I'm not sure Bellamy would be right for that?  Might be completely wrong though.

Any more info on this Dan?  When may we hear some public noises on this?

My 'source' isn't always right, but usually pretty good.  He reckons the Poulsen and Crouch signings are done bar the shouting.  I'll try and find out more...

[The Baron]

SSN just said the offer fronted by Khirdi will hopefully be done by Sunday.

[kinboshi]

SSN just said the offer fronted by Khirdi will hopefully be done by Sunday.

Mmm, that was probably my least-preferred option (based on my limited knowledge of the details).  Think this deal suits G&H the most, and I'm hoping it's not the case.