This weekend we produced another lacklustre performance, in particular in front of goal. Needless to say, there should have been two red cards flashed at Newcastle players for tackles on Allen and Balotelli respectively, but that does not excuse our poor display. Once again, it was only when Borini came on, did we appear to show any guile and threat.
I watched the Manchester City game the Sunday after and saw the way we used play. And how we should be playing. Whenever a City player was on the ball, his teammates would be in motion. In the very least, there would be one player coming short for the simple ball, and another player making a run into a goal threatening position. Our players are currently not doing this. When a red player is on the ball, everyone else is static. There is no movement. No options. This is not the Liverpool way.
I would like Rodgers to be brave this evening and drop Balotelli. The big Italians performances are not only affecting his confidence, but surely the confidence of Borini and Lambert, who must be sitting back and thinking, “He is not scoring, yet he is still picked ahead of us? How about giving us a chance?”
I would like to see a little bravery from our manager, and start with both Lambert and Borini. Real Madrid are thriving playing a more European style of football. Let’s see if they can cope with a traditionally British approach with an old fashion British number 9. I would play Borini and Sterling behind Lambert and give both players the freedom to go where they please. Further back in the midfield, I would partner Gerrard with Lallana and Lucas. Henderson has been poor over recent weeks and needs a break. Lallana can play the box to box midfield role and Lucas will add some steel. I would also have a back four of Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel and Johnson playing in a left back role.
Let’s get at least a point from this one. But looking at the group positioning, second place may be determined by goal difference, so our defence need to be tight.
And our competitors…
Ludogorets got their first win in the Champions League in the reverse match against Basel, but I doubt if the Swiss team will drop any more points. A Basel win is expected. This will only add to our need to get a result against the Spaniards.
Follow Kurt on Twitter @kurtellis2
Kurt Ellis is a lifelong Liverpool fan living in South Africa. His first novel, By Any Means, was published by Human & Rousseau Publishers in May 2014. It is a gritty, coming of age crime thriller featuring a young Liverpool FC fan. The novel is available on Amazon. To purchase, you can follow the link below. http://amzn.to/Zj532F