SalisburySaints Posted 24 January, 2017 Share Posted 24 January, 2017 Yep its pretty poor, but that shows what fans think of this cup. Personally, I'm not willing to let the rare occasion of a semi final pass me by. Whether it will be worth the time and money I'm not sure as we usually come up short badly in these `big' games. See you all there. I don't think its too bad. I remember a semi final up there is the late 1980's when we barely got 1,000 up there for the second leg. The first leg finished 0-0 mind. That game wasn't on TV and didn't follow an expensive euro campaign either. Getting 3,500+ to the other end of the country given the past few weeks and the expense of this season isn't something most Prem clubs would have done IMHO. Hull only took 1,500 to Man Utd a fortnight ago and they'd have been back in bed by midnight. We'll be lucky to be home by 4am! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 24 January, 2017 Share Posted 24 January, 2017 We need to score, if VVD was fit then I would fancy our chances of keeping them out, without him I just can't see it. So score and they need three, Swansea managed three against them, surely we will create chances, be a great time to take a couple of them ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 24 January, 2017 Share Posted 24 January, 2017 Is VVD definitely out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabrice29 Posted 24 January, 2017 Share Posted 24 January, 2017 Is VVD definitely out? No. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefizzy14 Posted 24 January, 2017 Share Posted 24 January, 2017 No. Have you got some inside info? I pray to god that he is fit to play!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 24 January, 2017 Share Posted 24 January, 2017 Have you got some inside info? I pray to god that he is fit to play!!! He hasn't got inside info, it's just nothings been confirmed either way. I'm leaning towards him being able to play given that he walked off. Honestly, i'd quite happily give him injections and then lose him for 2 weeks to recover rather than have him miss this game and be back for the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 24 January, 2017 Share Posted 24 January, 2017 He hasn't got inside info, it's just nothings been confirmed either way. I'm leaning towards him being able to play given that he walked off. Honestly, i'd quite happily give him injections and then lose him for 2 weeks to recover rather than have him miss this game and be back for the weekend. I'd take 3 weeks, back for the 5th round of the cup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 (edited) Pretty obvious that he's not going to play. Get through this one without him and it'll be one of our greatest achievements . Just can't see it happening , it was hard enough with him. Pretty impossible without, if you ask me. Liverpool maybe missing their two best players but their Sturridge and Orgi would walk into our side , they're pretty decent replacements. We're going to be using a kid that's hardly played a game. Personally I'd really think about putting Betrand in there with McQueen at LB, it's not as if they're going to be chucking balls into the mixer. They'll do us with movement and cleverness. You may get away with a naive nipper heading and tackling , but he's not going to have faced movement , quick feet and quick thinking like this before . Bertrand will be more attuned to it and he did well in a 3 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Edited 25 January, 2017 by Lord Duckhunter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 People moaning like f*ck about us selling Fonte. I would not want him in the side having put in a transfer request and been left out of the team all of january. Firmly believe it would do more harm than good. Cometh the hour, cometh the man...time for Stephens to prove himself. He's not a kid anymore, he's 22 and whilst he might not have played in the Prem he has experience of first team football - nerves should not be a factor if he has plans to be a top flight defender. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whelk Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Pretty obvious that he's not going to play. Get through this one without him and it'll be one of our greatest achievements . Just can't see it happening , it was hard enough with him. Pretty impossible without, if you ask me. Liverpool maybe missing their two best players but their Sturridge and Orgi would walk into our side , they're pretty decent replacements. We're going to be using a kid that's hardly played a game. Personally I'd really think about putting Betrand in there with McQueen at LB, it's not as if they're going to be chucking balls into the mixer. They'll do us with movement and cleverness. You may get away with a naive nipper heading and tackling , but he's not going to have faced movement , quick feet and quick thinking like this before . Bertrand will be more attuned to it and he did well in a 3 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 'A naive nipper' - so the logic is no youngster without a set amount if experience could play well against a decent team cos they won't have faced such quality opposition before. I like to think like McQueen he'll seize the moment and surprise us all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whelk Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 People moaning like f*ck about us selling Fonte. There'll always be something for them to moan about. Expect soon it will be Romeu isn't playing with same desire now he is tied down. We should have learnt from Leicester spunking all that money on new contracts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
way down south Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Massive, massive game for the club, fans and players this. Especially Stephens as he seems likely to start, its a huge risk, huge reward kinda game for him. If he's able to withstand the no doubt apocalyptic scale of attacks from the likes of sturrige, coutinho, origi, firminho, nivea, then it'll be the making of him as a future top class centre half. If he cracks under all the pressure and god forbid makes a few grave mistakes that the dippers punish, then I doubt he'll recover from being responsible for this club missing out on Wembley. So #prayforvirgil #prayforstephens!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanRG Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Coutinho and Matip starting, according to The Times, Clyne and Henderson have knocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stud mark of doom Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 All this talk on Stephens and lack of experience for such a big match reminds me that Chris Baird did fine in the cup final with virtually no experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I would put in a back 6 of Fraser, Cédric, Stephens, Yoshi, Bertrand, McQueen; with Cédric and McQueen allowed to move forward like usual but with the added extra man back there. Romeu and Classic in front and the usual 3 up in attack (Tadić, JRod and Redmind for this one). Should be good enough to give them a game. Won't happen though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I would put in a back 6 of Fraser, Cédric, Stephens, Yoshi, Bertrand, McQueen; with Cédric and McQueen allowed to move forward like usual but with the added extra man back there. Romeu and Classic in front and the usual 3 up in attack (Tadić, JRod and Redmind for this one). Should be good enough to give them a game. Won't happen though. I'd be tempted to do the same but Leicester showed what happens when you give team a system to play that they haven't had plenty of time to practise in training. Trying in introduce a new system in this game might do more harm and good now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I'd be tempted to do the same but Leicester showed what happens when you give team a system to play that they haven't had plenty of time to practise in training. Trying in introduce a new system in this game might do more harm and good now. Very true mate, very true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Tony Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 very nervous for this. Really think we should get at them for the first 20 minutes to get a goal and put the pressure on them. Incredible to think that, despite the stick he gets, Puel is only 90 mins from a Wembley final. Head says 2-0 Liverpool in 90. Heart says 1-1 with a last minute Yoshida header. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8267 Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Can confirm VVD hasn't travelled, friend delivered flowers to his house yesterday evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Biscuits Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I'm going for an early goal and then park that great big bus, spending the remainder of the game with one striker standing on the centre spot and everyone else defending that box like it's the only raft available on a sinking ship. (Everyone else does it to get the result so why shouldn't we?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pass the Dutchie Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I was about to cut my nails this morning, but then I realised I'll probably bite them off this evening so I didn't bother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Can confirm VVD hasn't travelled, friend delivered flowers to his house yesterday evening. Were they from Klopp.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Can confirm VVD hasn't travelled, friend delivered flowers to his house yesterday evening. From him to his missus, missing you already no doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 From him to his missus, missing you already no doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8267 Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Don't mind people not believing, team will speak for itself tonight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I would put in a back 6 of Fraser, Cédric, Stephens, Yoshi, Bertrand, McQueen; with Cédric and McQueen allowed to move forward like usual but with the added extra man back there. Romeu and Classic in front and the usual 3 up in attack (Tadić, JRod and Redmind for this one). Should be good enough to give them a game. Won't happen though. I absolutely would not do that ! We would be sitting very deep, giving the initiative to Liverpool to play at will. Much better to play the same system as v Leicester and bank on scoring at least one, that way they need at least 3 to win the tie ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamplemousse Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 On RAWK, a couple of people on there are saying they spotted VVD at the team hotel... Unless they are Liverpool's versions of Heisenberg and Batman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heisenberg Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Liverpool just announced Coutinho has signed a new contract till 2022. Will give fans and club a massive lift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Liverpool just announced Coutinho has signed a new contract till 2022. Will give fans and club a massive lift Dammit, that cancels out our massive lift from OR signing a new contract. All to play for on the 'massive lift after signing new contracts' stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Biscuits Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 We would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for those damned new contracts giving the opposition a massive lift...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tisspahars Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Time for a new alternative banner I reckon - Jamie Vardy, Adrian Heath, John Bailey..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintwbu Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Surely Long is going to play tonight like he did against Arsenal in the cup, so we sit deep and soak and then have his pace to chase down our clearances and cause problems for their defence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardc Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Time for a new alternative banner I reckon - Jamie Vardy, Adrian Heath, John Bailey..... Paul Davis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint86 Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Is VVD fit or not. Pulling my damn hair out here!!! Mind you, I still think we'll win whether he's there or not! Liverpool have a complex about saints these days. The ones who left don't like playing us, their fans no they've raped and pillaged us over the years but they are always the favourites... and yet we nearly always give them a game plus a few hidings... We'll need to score for sure, but I think it might take 2 goals - and I think we'll do it. Go Saints!!! Standard disclaimer - if we lose because of a week defence and no VVD then its 100% going on Les' head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 we need to go up there and try to attack. if we try and defend, Puel style, without VVD, then we'll get tonked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Time for a new alternative banner I reckon - Jamie Vardy, Adrian Heath, John Bailey..... Marcus Bent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 There'll always be something for them to moan about. Expect soon it will be Romeu isn't playing with same desire now he is tied down. We should have learnt from Leicester spunking all that money on new contracts. Always people moaning about moaners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 So start with this? Plenty of press and energy, maybe Sims later for freshness. Forster Cedric Yoshida Stephens Bertrand Clasie Romeu JWP Redmond Rodriguez Tadic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 For me: Forster Cedric Yoshida Bertrand McQueen Romeu Davis/Hoj JWP Tadic Long Redmond Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Troy Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 For me: Forster Cedric Yoshida Bertrand McQueen Romeu Davis/Hoj JWP Tadic Long Redmond Personally would play Stephens at CB and Bertrand at LB. Having VVD out (if as seems likely) id rather weaken one position than weaken two. Having Maya and Bertrand next to him will be a help but if we really think he can make it then this is the sort of chance he should be grabbing to kick on. Cant get Long out of my mind ofor this. Huuuge Jrod fan so think it seems silly not to start him but the option of Long really does keep a back line honest and if we do start to drop deep we have a really option on the counter (admittedly likely an option to shin the ball a few times, get in to a scoring position and balls it up, but hey its an option) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Personally would play Stephens at CB and Bertrand at LB. Having VVD out (if as seems likely) id rather weaken one position than weaken two. Having Maya and Bertrand next to him will be a help but if we really think he can make it then this is the sort of chance he should be grabbing to kick on. Cant get Long out of my mind ofor this. Huuuge Jrod fan so think it seems silly not to start him but the option of Long really does keep a back line honest and if we do start to drop deep we have a really option on the counter (admittedly likely an option to shin the ball a few times, get in to a scoring position and balls it up, but hey its an option) My thinking was that McQueen, whilst clearly less capable than Bertrand, has shown he is a very capable deputy whereas Stephens is completely untested. Bertrand has also done a stellar job at centre back in the past. As much as I like JRod, if we have our backs to the walls then he won't give us much. Long will, as you say, keep a defence in their toes with his pace and can seize on any mistake as he did v Leicester. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitch Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 So start with this? Plenty of press and energy, maybe Sims later for freshness. Forster Cedric Yoshida Stephens Bertrand Clasie Romeu JWP Redmond Rodriguez Tadic Starting with Clasie and JWP in the same lineup is never a good idea. I'd swap in Hoj for Clasie and then be prepared to switch them at 60mins or so. Can't decide if I'd put Bertrand in where Stephens goes, and stick McQueen on the left or not. McQueen's good, deserves a run, but at the expense of Bertrand in his strongest position? Would stick Long on for Redmond or Tadic in the second half, assuming we're not trailing, have him up top with JRod and tell everyone else to stay the **** back, just lump balls to those two! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bender Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Liverpool fans are not confident. Swansea more or less copied our tactics and they're worried teams have got them sussed out. Henderson and Clyne have knocks as well so they're doubtful. I've just been on their forum and they feel pretty confident to me. On the train up there now. Pubs anyone !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 If VVD is injured we are ****ed and we all know it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardc Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I've just been on their forum and they feel pretty confident to me. On the train up there now. Pubs anyone !!!! I take it your ticket arrived lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 If VVD is injured we are ****ed and we all know it. That's the spirit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 I've just been on their forum and they feel pretty confident to me. On the train up there now. Pubs anyone !!!! If you want a quiet afternoon pint http://www.theshipandmitre.com/ straight out the front of the station and about 200m across the other side of the road system. Cracking place, gutted I'm not going tonight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintwbu Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Didn't Stephens have a really good game for Middlesbrough at Old Trafford during his loan spell last season? I think keep Bertrand at LB, he is one of our best players on his day and his energy and pace allows him to get up and back brilliantly, and if we are looking under pressure then just limit his ability to go forward and help out Stephens if he's struggling. As good as McQueen has been, he's still not a player I would feel 100% comfortable with defending against Firmino etc., whereas Bertrand I would, so may as well allow Stephens his Sam McQueen moment of coming into a massive game with little experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whelk Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Always people moaning about moaners Well one day they may fck off. I live in hope pal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 25 January, 2017 Share Posted 25 January, 2017 Didn't Stephens have a really good game for Middlesbrough at Old Trafford during his loan spell last season? I think keep Bertrand at LB, he is one of our best players on his day and his energy and pace allows him to get up and back brilliantly, and if we are looking under pressure then just limit his ability to go forward and help out Stephens if he's struggling. As good as McQueen has been, he's still not a player I would feel 100% comfortable with defending against Firmino etc., whereas Bertrand I would, so may as well allow Stephens his Sam McQueen moment of coming into a massive game with little experience. As I recall, Stephens played defensive mid at Old Trafford for Boro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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