I’ve been pretty sad over the last few days. I left Anfield somewhat stunned last Thursday night. My feeling at the time was that everyone was complacent. This includes the manager in the team he put out, the players and even we supporters.
Personally I was already planning a Dublin trip, having booked accommodation. Having no flags to make a point about ticket prices is fine as a concept, but again suggests they thought this was a good ‘easy win’ game to make a point.
Re Jurgen Klopp, I still find it hard to fathom why he played a weakened team on Thursday, and yet played the full team the round before when the tie was won, three days before a potential 120 minutes against Man Utd. Maybe he is tired and not making the right decisions?
Watching the Crystal Palace game reminded me so much of the dark times of last season. There was no lack of effort, but they all looked shattered, with both physical and mental fatigue. Palace had so much more energy.
Thinking back, I’ve thought for a while that we weren’t playing well, but squeezing out results. I’m thinking Brighton and Sheffield Utd at Anfield, where we struggled but got the results.
So who plays tomorrow night? I’ve stopped being disappointed and look at the game as a free shot at a miracle comeback. Who might have the energy to cope?
At the back I think Trent, Virgil and Robbo pick themselves. Alongside Virgil I’m going for young Jarrell Quansah. Konate has been off the pace,either recovering from, or preparing for, his next injury. I also love Quansah’s ball carrying skills. Given the freedom to push on, and greater experience, he could be massive for us in the future. He has it all, and deserves the chance to shine tomorrow night.
In midfield, Endo and MacAllister look dead on their feet. Dominic Szoboszlai also needs a rest. He retains massive potential for the future. They’ve all been brilliant in our brand new midfield. To be honest, I’m not quite sure Endo quite has the full package to be our defensive midfielder long term. He’s certainly no match for the likes of Rice and Rhodri, our immediate competitors. Also age is not on his side. Stefan Bajcetic might just be that player. If he’s fit enough, I’d give him a go at the job tomorrow night. He’ll give the midfield some energy.
Just in front of him I’d give Harvey Eliott a start. I’m not sure why he’s started more; we look more balanced with more life when he comes on as sub, and look like a better team.
Cody Gakpo has improved in recent weeks. I’m putting him into an attacking midfield position tomorrow night. I think this is more his position than playing up front, and can provide the link between our midfield and forward three in what has to be an attacking formation. This midfield I’d suggest might lack balance at times, but might just do the job tomorrow
Up front Jota has to play. I’m not totally convinced that Darwin, love him as we do, has the finishing skills to be a longterm Liverpool number 9. He’d be a great impact player off the bench, but not sure he’d settle for that.
Back to tomorrow it’s the usual Diaz and Salah. Diaz has suggested via his rather verbose Dad that he wants to go to Spain. Salah hasn’t looked quite the player he was, and I do wonder whether he’ll grab himself some Saudi sports washing money this summer.
Interesting times ahead. Prob time to enjoy the nostalgia of the Klopp years. What an incredible time we’ve had, and now a massive part of our club’s history. Enjoy the last few games, rather then feeling sadness over what ‘could have been’ this season
So for now – my team for tomorrow…
Keep enjoying the season folks. Very soon it’ll be the boredom of summer. No games, but following Twitter every day seeing who we’re linked to and daring to dream..
Remember, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
