Just heard a buzz that Lucas is out injured, frankly, the one player we need fit. Seems Yaya is dodgy too though.

Sturridge and Sakho unlikely too. The former I would guess is knackered, and Sakho was injured on Sunday.

Who to partner Kolo at the back I wonder? Can? If so, 4-3-3 with Allen, Henderson and Milner in the middle and Origi up top (as I assume Benteke won't get a look-in). Lallana could feature if either of the Brazilians are fatigued and we've got good cover at full back.

Not sure how true this is, but I have just read this statement which has been doing the rounds.

Quote:
“Liverpool Football Club are in good financial health the chief executive has revealed. Latest figures show the club have made record profits and Jurgen Klopp will receive huge backing in summer.


David Maddock and Tony Barrett report that FSG will give Jurgen Klopp more money to spend than any previous manager.”

Really hope this is true as would make a nice change to have some decent spending in the window.

Hi everyone!! - first time on here for about 18 days as I have just had a 15 day break in the USA - mainly Georgia but also went into Alabama and Tennessee - awesome time of which the highlight for me was spending 3 days in Plains and having my picture taken with Jimmy Carter who for me has more integrity than any of the 2016 candidates put together ... but I digress, this is football not US politics!!

I have seen no football whilst I was away but obviously saw the results (did like the 6-0 at AVFC but have still yet to see any of it) but I did see the game on Sunday as i was back Sunday morning or at least most of it and the rest I was in the car for so I heard commentary on the radio. Disappointing for sure but I did not think like some have said above that we were awful. We gave them a game but came up just short. Unusual for us to lose on pens. Near the end we were on top, winning 50/50s and going forward more than them but for a lot of the second half I'd admit we were struggling to contain them.

I see 5th as our best poss PL finish as there is too much of a gap to the top 4 so we have to hope to do something in the EL which will not be easy - even if we get past them. That draw could either be wonderful or dreadful depending if we win but to go out to them would be hard to take and they seem to be doing a bit better now but for sure I think we are due a win in that fixture.

Even if we do end up with nothing this season tho it is not that bad with Klopp there with funds to spend allegedly. I feel as if we many for whom it is not clear if we sell or keep with few who obviously need to go. Most of our players are inconsistent. The squad is too big tho and has not got enough real top quality in so lets hope JK is able to tweak it and that we come out in August in a better place - but I do think it will take more than one window to put things right and we need to show some patience and understanding which is hard as we all want to win things NOW

Glad you enjoyed your holiday in the USA AC

Only just found it in me to come on and speak about that Cup lost, was very disappointed to say the least. I thought we started ok then lost our way somewhat in an attacking sense but then pulled it back around after we brought on Origi & Lallana.

Lucas stood out for me too as our best player, disappointed with a few others though.

I'd love to know who didn't fancy taking a pen out of Jordan Henderson (took over pen duties from Stevie or so I thought (?) and Origi, a fresh striker, bad if they didn't express a preference to take one when we have Coutinho, Lallana & Lucas stepping up, although hindsight I suppose.

Even more disappointing as I believe after 90 mins on Thurs and 120 on sun Lucas was ok until he kicked that penalty kick. I did notice he pulled his short up straight after and then walked off with one of his thighs showing.

Flanagan has to play for me tomorrow, Benteke should too as can't expect Studge to play a 3rd game and Firmino was pants.

Anyone heard Teixera is off in the summer to Fiorentina?

I think Lucas got hurt doing that pen kick too, he's pants at scoring from open play (usually), but always was a decent pen taker, shame. As you say, he was our best player on the field that day, and he's taken to being a defender like a duck to water.

Flannagan and Tex are two that I worry about. Flanno has yet to show full fitness, and that will take time obviously, I think he may get another year contract, with a renewal being dependant on how he shapes up over the season. He is a dammed hard grafter, a smashing lad, and a scouser - just has to prove he's worth keeping now, I'm sure he will!

Tex appears to me to be a better player than he's given credit for, I fear him going on a free, and ending up being an exceptional player, it is in him. I would prefer we kept him, but that would probably be dependant on if we get into Europe at all next season.

Teixeira is evidently technically very adept. What probably holds him back is his lack of physicality and stamina - he does fade in and out of games as minutes tick by. Given he's 23 that suggests it's an issue thar won't go away entirely. I like him. We also do not know how he is in terms of attitude or training so it's anyone's guess why we may be prepared to let him go (although he's frustrated by the lack of opportunities so may have made his own mind up).

It's difficult to know who Klopp will keep - there will be a fair degree of turnover I think with some first teamers regressing back to squad players - wouldn't be surprised if we signed 4 or 5 players.

Thanks Orch
I agree entirely with your views on Lucas above too. He's captained the team a few times now and that's something nobody can ever take away from him, I really do feel it means a lot to him, he always leaves everything out there, now if he was technically better he'd be a world beater , love him & his attitude after all the up's and downs of his Liv career.
Yes I hope we can stick one to City now for spoiling our party on Sunday

Sounds like you had a brill time Alan, good stuff
Yes our entire squad need addressing in the summer with outs and hopefully some quality in's. Surprised by some names on the linked outs though, Lallana & Flanagan for example, but who knows if that's all pie in the sky stuff.

Just watched a live feed of the players walking through Anfield, it was wet, miserable weather, and they all trooped through, except for Joe Allan. He stopped all along to sign autographs for a few hardy souls on the seats, Kolo, following behind did the same with his biggest smile - nice! Was trying to see who was there, didn't notice Lucas, but Flanno, Couts, Ibe and Origi were there - with the usual suspects!

5 changes. Phil on the bench. Sturridge rested. Kolo, Flanagan and Lovren in. No Lucas.

City missing Yaya but a full-strength side aside from that. Could be in for a long night if our attacking players don't show up.

Good to see Flanno back starting the Premier League again. Moreno could do with a break too.

Not confident though with no Coutinho or Sturridge. Hope Origi has a good game!

Purpose and effort superb, quality not so superb. Yet.

Watch us win when in means sod all.

Lovely goal Lallana 1-0.

Oh you know we will, You can guarantee a win tonight.

Milner 2-0

And here we go. Predictable this.

Wow!!

I ain't even happy, the amount of times we win when it doesn't matter and lose when it does matter is incredible.

It really is, I don't think any other team comes close.

Flaming hell, you make Grouty look like the proverbial happy chappy. Cheer up for pities sake, every single match matters! J

Two goals to the good, now go grab a few more lads.

How on earth can you say this doesn't matter? I'm still upset over Sunday but come on...

A great first half anyway. Lallana the main man in both goals although that first was a bit fortunate due to Hart's horrific positioning. Let's keep it going.

Just fed up, I'm on the edge I really am, I don't enjoy watching us anymore, so predictable

When is our next major coming?

I know there's no silverware on offer tonight, buy to say it doesn't matter is a bit of a leap. If anything, because we lost the final, points tonight and at the weekend are pretty much vital to keep us in the hunt for a European place ( even if it is just the EL )

It's a little ironic really as I'm sure Liverpool would have preferred the LC and city would have preferred the three points.