With qualifications for the Europa League knock-out stage almost secure the Reds can’t let down the guard when they face Steaua Bucharest in Romania tomorrow.
We did beat the Romanians 4-1 at home a few weeks ago however at home Steaua are going to be a tough team to beat.
With Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher injured, Roy Hodgson will most likely give the captain’s armband to Pepe Reina. The gaffer as also opted to rest Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Glen Johnson, Raul Meireles, Maxi Rodriguez and Paul Konchesky who were not included in the 19 men squad. This should be a good opportunity for some of the young players to shine however I think that Roy will opt for a safer alternative and try to snatch a point.
Predicted lineup:
Pepe Reina, Martin Kelly, Martin Skrtel, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Fabio Aurelio, Christian Poulsen, Lucas Leiva, Milan Jovanovic, Joe Cole, Ryan Babel, David Ngog
Kick off is at 6PM GMT
I thought Danny Wilson was a definite start?
Preferably the team will be:
Jones/Kelly-Kyrgiakos-Wilson-Aurelio/Shelvey-Poulsen-Cole/Babel-Jovanovich-Pacheco
Play as many fringe players with potential to contribute this season, in positions where they are best placed to contribute (aside from Jovanovich who would probably be stronger as a wide forward/support striker than as the lead man).
Shelvey (and Cole) would do well to have the safety net of a 3 man midfield, and be picking the ball up deep with time and space to pick out forward options, instead of looking for the ball in the final third with nobody ahead of them.
Babel could then provide the pace and width on the right of the attack, with Jovanovich drifting out left and switching with Pacheco when the opportunity arises
Pacheco! He better get a game!
If we have to stick with the 4411/442 formation though, then we should go:
Jones/Kelly-Kyrgiakos-Wilson-Aurelio/Babel-Shelvey-Poulsen-Cole/Pacheco/Jovanovich.
There’d be a lot more pressure on Shelvey & Pacheco in those positions in this formation, but they both need games and unfortunately those are the only positions in which they could contribute to a decent level in the current system.
Babel on the right wing to finally give us somebody capable of getting to the byline and getting the ball into the box for the midfielders to attack.
It’s going to be a tough game for the guys to shine in the snow and ice, but fingers crossed the conditions aren’t too harsh and we get to play some proper football anyway…