re: OFFICIAL Liverpool FC 2015-2016 Season Long Thread: Basel Bound!

We were much, much more competitive in those three wins than we are now. Night and day, really.

Outside of 20 or so minutes of the Stoke game, I think we have at best, played the other teams to a close stalemate - but really, I think both of our oppoenents have had the advantage in run of play and chances, even if Bournmouth didn't get a lot of shots in teh first half.

Now granted, yeseterday could have ended up anything from 3-3 to 0-0 - both teams had some good chances to put some goals away. But we are playing very ugly and disjointed, and are getting bossed around in the midfield some.

I think its clear that the two man midfield with Cou on the tip is not the right formation unless a team is sitting on us West Brom style. We are missing something in the midfield and there is no extra production up top to justify what we are missing.

Clyne continues to be outstanding - the guy just doesn't let much by him. Gomez was better yesterday, and Ritchie is no slouch - but Ritchie did not try to take him to the end line so it will be interesting to see what Arsenal throws at him. Lovren was improved from last year, byut still looks a little iffy at times. He also played a couple of bad balls into the middle giving away possession.

I think Firmino still needs time - he is thinking too much out there, expecially when the ball is not at his feet. He was loafing around on defense when he first got on yesterday, which was strang to me and I think its because he's not sure of his positioning. He is NOT ready to start yet - which is sa shame because Lallan is off playing on his own. Who knows what he is supposed to be doing, but he's not linking up with anyone.

Bentenke could have had two more goals - they will come. It was good to see him lay some balls off for other, but I thought one or two of them could have been taken as shots by him rather than riskier lay-offs. Overall, he disappaeared at times, but I think we did a better job of getting him the ball and moving around than last week.

Bottom line - these were not 1-0 wins were we dominated and kept things from being interesting. We've been puckered and hoping that nothing leaks out both games.

I expect Arsenal to beat us 2-1 or 3-1 at their place. We just aren't ready from what I've seen, and Brendan is really missing the boat on the midfield.

My thoughts after watching last night and sleeping on it...

Clyne is about as solid as it gets at RB...

Lallana is a passenger and needs to see the bench... Arsenal is a tough match to throw Firmino into, but I'd do it.. I think I'm going to puke if I see AL do one of those "turns" again..

I think Benteke is really good at what he does best... I think it's going to take time to figure our whats going to work for us offensively...

I really liked the Moreno sub yesterday and again, I really hope he steps it up. While I think Gomez has done a solid job, he is not a LB...

Our CB pairing is so average... I don't think either one should be starting for us (meaning good enough).

While it's been a crap first two matches, we have 6 points and that's huge..

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A draw would be fantastic at this point.

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Honestly, I can see a draw against Arsenal, because they have looked just as shitty as we have to start the year. I watched them Sunday and they were really unimpressive yet again. They put together a few more offensive runs than we did this weekend, but they too looked very lost as a collective whole. Clyne should be able to keep Ozil in check. Them sucking as much as we do right now is the only reason I have some hope for next Monday haha

I'm not sure Giroud ever hits a real stride, but he does get streaky. When Alexis gets going though, and if Ozil and co stay healthy, the league better watch out. Interested to see how Firmino does. Seems Brendan was annoyed yesterday with his lack of defensive work, or at least that's what the announcers made it seem like.

Brendan Rodgers seems to be a big narcissist. He's becoming a joke to everyone else, but somehow he seems to be taking himself more seriously. Everybody in England thinks he's a "muppet." But somehow he thinks he's Sir Alex reincarnated. I don't get it.

And apparently we should have signed Memphis Depay. :/

So Henderson is doubtful against Arsenal.

What I'd like to see:

Migs
Clyne Skrtel Sakho Moreno
Milner Lucas Can
Firmino Coutinho
Benteke

But I honestly think we see the same lineup except Can for Henderson

We're gonna get run off in midfield so bad it's not gonna be funny

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I think most of us on this board are a bit annoyed of/with him. He seems to be his own worst enemy. We have the talent to compete, yet we keep floundering. Pools game drastically picks up and becomes more organized when Can enters later in matches, yet he is always a 2nd half sub, not a starter. Also, Sahko remains left off even the subs list when he is our most consistent CB Really getting tired of this Rodgers shtick and insanity.

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So supporting Liverpool is like being a USA fan. Got it.

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Migs
Clyne Skrtel Sakho Moreno
Milner Lucas Can
Firmino Coutinho
Benteke

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Rodgers will put Bogdan in the midfield before he eats crow and puts Lucas there.