rubberduckstyle

Just no need for it... Senseless?

Difficult to know how we will set up at the back tonight. If Toure is fit you can have any combination of 4 or 5 players without being overly worried about who starts or which formation he goes with back there. I hope Sakho is ready to be thrown in and there is no major settling in period, plenty of players around him at the moment though that deserve there spot. I wouldn't mind seeing - ---------------Mignolet------------------ Toure----Skrtel----Agger----Enrique Gerrard------Lucas------Henderson Coutinho---Sturridge----Moses------ Jones, Wisdom, Sahko, Alberto, Allen, Sterling. Aspas. 1-2 Moses, Sturridge (in second half injury time)

Now that the transfer window has closed I'm interested to know how people expect us to set up over the next few weeks. Injuries permitting you would expect Sakho to go straight in to the starting 11 with the fee supposedly paid for him. If Moses was brought in to accommodate Coutinho, Suarez coming back soon and the form of Sturridge, will we see something like this? --------------Mignolet------------ Johnson---Sakho--Agger---Enrique ---------Gerrard---Lucas---------- Suarez-------Coutinho------Moses --------------Sturridge-----------

My only gripe from today is every time Mignolet kicks the ball out we concede possession. Good save from Benteke and nice finish from Sturridge. 6pts is what you would expect from our opening 2 fixtures so really pleased. FSG now need to get their finger out, get a few top players in and push on from the good start we've had.

Everybody knew about Sturridge to be fair but there are still question marks over whether he can do it season in / season out and no matter what anybody says that fuckin dance is dog shit, for now. Dance all you want when you contribute to to a title winning season in Red or score the winner in a cup final. Outside of that let it go lad.

I think these 2 are the ones most of us have our eyes on. If these players are prepared to come to Anfield I hope we are working round the clock to make it happen. At a combined fee possibly in excess of £40m though I can't see either happening soon unless Suarez is close to the exit. Out: Carroll - £15m In/Possibly Toure - Free Ilori - £3-5m Atsu £3-5m Alberto £6-7m Aspas £7-8m Mignolet £8-10m Papadopoulos £13-17m Mkhitaryan £22-25m Depending on the source, low end being £52m, high end being £77m and the reality being somewhere in between, unless we are going to see major investment this summer there will need to be transfers out to tie up the rumored transfers above and that will take time unless, like I said, Suarez won't be back.

That didn't work for Arsenal with a manager who had already won 3 league titles and 4 FA Cups, twice doing the double and once going a season unbeaten in the league. It didn't work when we sold our best players in consecutive summers/windows Alonso, Mascherano, Torres. We should be looking to add to our quality not sell our best players then roll the dice with guys that may or may not become of the standard we are letting go. If he puts in a transfer request by all means sell him. In saying that, nobody left United unless ferguson said so. How many players did he eek another year out of simply because for whatever reason, footballing, spite, pride he felt it wasn't the right time to let them go? City told Tevez to fuck off and rightly so when he wanted a handy move. If Suarez thinks crying into a mic over in Brazil will get him a cut price move he can fuck off too. Transfer request + £50m and he can go otherwise report back for preseason training and get on with it.

Aston Villas start is the worst I've seen yet? Arsenal v Aston Villa Aston Villa v Liverpool Chelsea v Aston Villa Aston Villa v Newcastle Norwich v Aston Villa Aston Villa v Manchester City Hull City v Aston Villa Aston Villa v Tottenham Aston Villa v Everton 6 of the top 7 from last season in the first 9 matches.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to fly in for Liverpool medical ahead of £23million move 17 Jun 2013 22:48 Reds seem to have beaten Champions League clubs to Shakhtar midfielder - and will part-fund deal by selling Carroll to West Ham Liverpool have beaten off the challenge of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain to stand on the verge of a £23million swoop for Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mkhitaryan is due to fly to Merseyside to undergo a medical on Tuesday, and the Anfield giants' boss Brendan Rodgers is expecting to complete the deal by the end of the week. Mkhitaryan has been the subject of interest from a host of Champions League clubs, with Chelsea also tracking him at the start of the summer. But Rodgers has committed the bulk of his summer transfer budget to land the 24-year old Armenia international, who scored 25 goals for Shakhtar last season. Rodgers will fund the deal, in part, through the sale of Andy Carroll to West Ham for £15m. England striker Carroll is due in London on Wednesday for a medical, with a view to completing the move by the end of the week. Liverpool transfers: Henrikh Mkhitaryan poised for £23m move funded by Andy Carroll's £15m move to West Ham - Mirror Online

BBC Sport - Everton agree Roberto Martinez compensation with Wigan Everton agree Roberto Martinez compensation with Wigan Comments (27) Everton have reached an agreement with Wigan over compensation for Roberto Martinez, who is expected to succeed David Moyes as Toffees manager. The 39-year-old Spaniard is thought to have been Everton's first choice to replace Moyes, who signed a six-year contract to manage Manchester United. Martinez said last month he would leave Wigan after four years at the helm. "Bill Kenwright [Everton chairman] and myself have agreed a deal," Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told BBC Sport. I'd really love to know what went on when he met Henry that time in the States..

Not sure if this has been posted but sounds promising. From TIA.. Another name heavily linked with Liverpool in recent days has been Celta Vigo’s Spanish striker, Iago Aspas. As an avid follower of the Spanish game, I’ve been fortunate enough to watch the talented striker on numerous occasions throughout the season. So what will Liverpool be getting for the reported £7m? Strengths To quantify the strengths of a footballer as versatile and varied as Aspas in one article is difficult. Perhaps the overriding desire to bring in Aspas is the notion that he should, in theory, fit into Rodgers’ system. His movement is exceptional, frequently dropping deeper and moving into the channels to find space. That, of course, is from a starting position centrally. At Celta this season, he’s been deployed as the Number 9 although his movement and ability to beat the first man makes him more like a ‘False 9’ than a traditional one. The desire to drift into channels supplements his speed and ability to take on the man. Frequently in La Liga this season, Aspas has been cutting onto his left foot from the right flank and testing keepers as well as using pace to beat defenders on the opposite flank. 11 goals and 6 assists is testament to his quality in a season where Celta finished rock bottom and only scored 34 goals; he was responsible for 50% of Os Celestes goals. Stats aside, his versatility will be a useful asset for Rodgers. It appears that Fabio Borini will be given a chance to impress in a central striking role next season, as per what Rodgers has intimated and the role he has occupied since returning from injury. Few Reds will disagree; he looks a better player down the middle. So what does that mean for Aspas? It’s the aforementioned versatility that will attract Rodgers. A centre-forward but equally comfortable on either flank or as the number 10, it will offer the manager a chance to shuffle his pack and play a more unpredictable brand of football. Couple his versatility with a natural desire to track back and regain possession, and his value to Liverpool is clear. It wasn’t long ago that Aspas was considered by many to be Falcao’s replacement at Atletico Madrid. Subsequent links with Valencia and Chelsea only highlight the regard in which the 5ft 9in striker is held around Europe. He’s perhaps best summed up as somewhere between Sturridge and Suarez. He offers the versatility and raw desire to create/score like Suarez but has pace like Sturridge and a left foot that is wizardry at times. Make no mistake, he’s not yet on the level of the aforementioned two but crucially, he doesn’t need to be. Not yet anyway. He needs to improve the depth of the squad and refine his game alongside his more senior peers. Perhaps then, we’ll see an Aspas that will challenge Suarez and Sturridge for a starting berth at Anfield. Weaknesses It was a moment of madness in the Galician derby, a headbutt, in March that tainted his reputation in La Liga and resulted in his castration by Marca. A subsequent four match ban was handed to Aspas who said, “I screwed up and now I have to put up with it.” Some will argue that Liverpool can do without the potential flurry of headlines by a striker who was deservedly sent off for an unprovoked attack. However it’s worth placing these things into perspective and looking at a player’s previous record. Aspas had never been sent off for violent conduct before the headbutt. Moreover he was the star turn in a team that was destined for relegation and blighted with the distraction of a managerial change and immense fan pressure. It was an error; one he admitted immediately after and vowed to ensure never happens again. Discipline aside, Aspas will need to refine his considerable natural ability before he can become a player in the class of Luis Suarez. 3 shots per game point to his ‘overelaboration problem’ when faced with the choice between taking a shot and beating another man. It’s a refinement issue and one that the manager will be looking to address. Further to the overelaboration, Aspas will also need to improve his balance. Being small is no hindrance to playing in the Premier League and impacting at the very highest level. If anything the ruggedness of tackles in Spain mirrors that of the Premier League. What is different, however, is the pace of the game and the frequency of challenges. Aspas will be required to play at speed more often therefore his balance on the ball will become crucial to his ability to beat the man and buy the Reds space and time, especially on the counter. In Spain this season, he has been guilty of allowing himself to be fouled too easily, especially when a greater demonstration of balance may result in a chance to move further in on goal. Conversely, he wins free kicks, but it’s still an area he needs to improve on. Other than the notes above, there are no real areas of weakness. His consistency will need to improve however it’s tough to measure how much that was down to Celta’s troubles especially when you consider that he was also brilliant in Liga Adelante the season before. Fitting Into LFC Initially it will be difficult for Aspas to cement a central role. His best bet will probably be operating off the right flank and using the inverted wingers role to test the keeper off his stronger left foot. One of his personal favourite ‘moves’ is the inside curler and playing off the right affords him the chance to get shots on goal. Tactically it will also ensure Glen Johnson is given freedom to move up and down the flank and help Liverpool overload in attack. Surprisingly good in the air, with a strong leap, Aspas will likely be relied on at set pieces, especially on either post. While his height belies his quality in the air, he can step out from the posts at corners and challenge empty space. Rodgers has shown he likes to have an organized defensive set up – Aspas’ sound ability to challenge the ball will help. As a final point, it’s worth touching upon the Celta man’s personality. He’s considered a leader in the Celta dressing room – commanding respect from his peers and coaches alike. It’s this nature that will aide his settling in period and bring a leader to the Liverpool front line. Unafraid to tell his midfielders where he wants the ball played, Aspas has all the making of Rodgers-esque player. Summary Bringing in the Celta man will inevitably be met with the usual rumblings of discontent. Many will point to the need for a proven goalscorer and a ‘bigger name’. However it’s important to consider where LFC are at the moment. Yes, IF Suarez goes, we will need a proven replacement. But with no European football on the horizon and limited funds, a player like Aspas will do much to improve the squad. The likes of Falcao, Lewandowski and Cavani are unrealistic targets for LFC. Aspas is realistic and the one of the most talented players from the next band of strikers who are available in Europe. Depth is what Liverpool need (Sturridge and Suarez are outstanding players) and depth/balance is what Aspas will give. Retain the belief and faith in a manager that in his short time at Anfield has already brought in Coutinho, Sturridge and academy starlets like Sterling and Wisdom. At £7m, Aspas is a snip and, given time, he will demonstrate the quality that has put him on the radars of many top European clubs. All about Iago Aspas – The Spanish forward linked with Liverpool | This Is Anfield

City looking to take advantage of Fergusons retirement. Good move if true and aggressive from the City owners. With possibly Mourinho to Chelsea it won't be lack of money that will be our problem next season.

Rodgers: Pepe's future is here Pepe Reina's future lies in Liverpool – that was the unequivocal message from Brendan Rodgers during his pre-Fulham press conference on Friday afternoon. The boss was quizzed by journalists on newspaper gossip about possible interest in the Spanish custodian. Rodgers said: "It's that silly season now that starts up all the rumours and whatnot but Pepe's not for sale. "He's got three years left on his contract here, he's happy and obviously there's speculation but it's not worth commenting on." Rodgers: Pepe's future is here - Liverpool FC Rodgers making sure we get top dollar for him or will he stay? It looks like there might be a few ahead of him out the door so can't see him going this summer unless we actually want to sell him ie. get a stupid fee for him/find someone the manager feels is better than him. I don't see either of those happening. If Barca do come calling would he put in a transfer request and force a move?

Is this stat true? David Moyes record away at Liverpool, United, arsenal and chelsea. P47 W0 D16 L31

Independent and Times reporting it will be announced within the next 24 hours. I was always sure it would be Mourinho. Delighted if it is Moyes I have to say, just can't see him doing anything no matter where he goes.

Makes 2 of us! Been waiting for this since I was a kid. Watching last seasons highlights with a few tins at 6.39am. There is only one way this day is going..

And so it begins.. Sam Allardyce says West Ham can't afford to buy Andy Carroll West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has admitted that Andy Carroll's wages would be a stumbling block to the club's hopes of signing the striker from Liverpool. Carroll, 24, has impressed during a loan spell at Upton Park this season, during which he has scored six goals in 20 appearances. However, the Hammers hopes of making the deal permanent would be hampered by their inability to match the contract given to the England international when he joined Liverpool from Newcastle for £35m in January 2011. And Allardyce revealed that the financial restrictions that are due to come into force next season in the Premier League, which would impose short-term limits on wage rises and force clubs to work towards breaking even, make a deal very difficult. "The hardest thing is the overall package and making sure it is sustainable," said Allardyce. "I point to financial restrictions being implemented next season that will blow the whole deal in one go. "Someone will have a bigger budget than us probably but this is what is going to happen. "In one fell swoop the financial restrictions mean we won't be able to sign Andy Carroll from Liverpool because it is too expensive, even if we wanted him, which we do." We will be lucky to get 40 quid and a 6 pack of Hula Hoops for this guy. An incredible waste of the clubs resources. We won't be able to give him away.

Looking at the other fixtures for that weekend. united have 4 games to play before then and realistically should have the league won before they play Chelsea. Norwich v Villa and Sunderland v Stoke also that weekend could be more important. Do Sky have the game? Fingers crossed for a Saturday lunchtime kick off.

I have a ticket if it's played on the Saturday but Chelsea v united also that weekend so might move it to the early kick off on the Sunday. Sicker if they do.

Good win, pleased for all involved. Suarez great again and happy to see Coutinho involved in and around the box. Fantastic support there this evening. Happy days..

And because you have no doubt everything will be ok? What an absolute cock you truly are...

It's his pulling power in the transfer market that worries me above all else. I've been baffled by his team selections, annoyed with the inconsistency of the team and have to look away when he is interviewed but I can live with that, for the time being. But when it comes to the transfer market, I have no confidence in him. If we were in for Sneijder in January and it looks like we might have been, would a manager like Benitez, Cappello or Guardiola have been able to persuade him to turn down the Turkish Lira for a crack at the PL? People will say we can't get a top manager, I think that's nonsense. Even before a ball was kicked I would have taken Laudrup over Rodgers and that has nothing to do with that cup win yesterday. When we brought Benitez in I thought we got our second choice because we must have enquired about Morinho who had just won the CL with Porto. By the time Benitez was sacked I would have had him every day of the week over Mourinho for various reasons. Regardless of what anyone thinks of those 2 managers, Rodgers can't now nor might he ever able to be mentioned in the same breath as them and it worries me that after all the shit with Hodgson and Kenny we set out sights so low when recruiting last summer. Ultimately he will be judged by the Anfield faithful and once attendances drop and the ground is empty going on 85mins after another disjointed performance against a mid table side with a manager who can see like we can see how tactically naive our manager is, he will go. At the moment I feel it's just a case of how far back he sets us before he goes.

Go on you fuckin space cake!

Oh no..

The Reds team in full is: Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Carragher, Lucas, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson, Downing, Suarez. Subs: Gulacsi, Coates, Wisdom, Shelvey, Assaidi, Suso, Sterling.