re: OFFICIAL Liverpool FC 2014-2015 Season Long Thread

I am a happy man this mornin'

Great way to wrap up the pre season!

Bring on Southampton

Not sure, it definitely had some squad guys in there... No Reus, Hummels, Sahin or Weidenfeller... Im sure that would have made a difference, but I don't think enough..

What do you guys think our starting xi should be for SOTON on Sunday? More or less the same as what we saw yesterday?

Im guessing it will be the exact same lineup except for maybe Allen or Lucas over Can.

I really hope the Moreno to LFC, after tomorrow's Super Cup, is true (some rumblings about stumbling blocks).. The thought of him adding to our attack is very nice...

of course, defending, as well..

quote:

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Im guessing it will be the exact same lineup except for maybe Allen or Lucas over Can.

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Can't see Lucas as a starting option unless he's spelling someone.

Pre-season thoughts -

Loved seeing:

Sterling and Cou - both are in good places mentally and physically and will star this year. Frankly, they've been amazing. Just watching the Dortmund game - every possession has a chance on it. Not always a great chance, but it was competent attack after competent attack.

Sturridge - got better as the preseason went along with his involvement, seems to always have a goal in him.

Lovren's short stint at PT - physical and good technical ability - looked strong.

Can's ability - surprised really. Was expecting more of a Jack of all Trades, but I think he's a King of all trades (but not an Ace - yet). I think he'll get a ton of PT this year covering for others in the midfield and providing a physical sub when we're ahead (provided he doesn't start). I'm not too certain he can play Stevie's position and spell Stevie, but we'll see. He's been a very pleasant surprise.

Want to see more:

Markovic - not enough PT to formulate a true opionin, but liked enough of what I saw to think there is a world of potential there.

Lallana - get healthy!

CB Partnership - Looks like Skyrtel may be locked in with Lovren, but its hard to figure out who is playing where and how the rotation will work - but they needs reps and reps (the whole back four does)

Manquillo - looked good yesterday. May not have the killer attack in him, but is more than a good enough player for what we need. Except for a one minute span where he had two reckless challenges that in a game could have been yellows as the offensive player would have gone down. Both were unnecessary.

Concerns:

Lambert - was hoping for more output. His passing, etc. was where I thought it would be. Hope he finds his role.

Lack of second big time Striker - Sterling could absolve this, though he definitely was not a second striker yesterday despite the posted line-up. But he did play pretty high a lot. But I'd love another top player in this summer to help lead the line.

Season Projection:

Barring the addition of a top talent, I think we're looking at finishing 3-5. our top 14 players is worse than last year due to Suarez, but we've added a lot of depth and I don't think the added games will hamper us as much player wise. I do think there will be a slight dip in league points due to squad rotation/focus and a loss of Suarez goals.

I think Arsenal has improved and Chelsea and City are there too. We may be able to beat out one, but hard to see us beat out all three.

United should be better, but its a new system and coach, and as we saw a few years ago there can be some growing pains. I think they'll challenge for the fourth spot, but ultimately come up short. A prolonged Sturridge injury though, and we may have some issues and drop points and open the door to them or Tottenham or possibly Everton.

What are ya'lls thoughts/expectations?

ETA - Champs League is completely dependent upon the draw. Unless we have a very difficult draw, I expect us to get out of the group, but likely fall in the knockout round due to a lack of experience in that type of game unless we get some sort of break in the draw for that round.

I see Gerard playing about the same minutes as last year. Playing most of cl games and not starting the similar amount of epl games. I also think we will see him subbed at 60 minutes a few times.

That's one reason I think cans ability to play his role is a big question for us. IMO Lucas is serviceable but not good enough against all but the bottom of the league.

LFC officials held positive talks with Cavani's agent and PSG today. Final details of bid to be hammered out tomorrow, transfer imminent...source, TWITTER.

Looking like we may keep Agger if today's news is true...

Kolo to Trabzonspor (back on)
Ilori to Bordeaux (on loan)
We've offered Coates to Sampdoria according to DiMarzio (personally think he would be great in Italy)

Eto'o seems to be the big rumor of the hour