Liverpool FC Forum

by **Leonmc0708** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 3:11 pm

Crystal Palace come to Anfield to face Liverpool in buoyant mood after a series of good results that has seen them climb out of the bottom three, including grabbing a draw against high flyers Arsenal.

Iain Dowie's Premeirship newcomers are starting to really enjoy life in the big time, with tomorrows trip to Anfield following a League Cup clash at Old Trafford and the draw at home to Arsenal.

Rafa Benitez hopes to welcome back striker Milan Baros for the visit of The Eagles, after the Czech Republic star missed the home defeat at the hands of Birmingham with a hamstring strain. Milan failed a late fitness test last weekend, and he and Liverpool fans alike will be hoping history doesn't repeat itself.

With Cisse out for the season, reserve team striker Neil Mellor is now pushing for a start after his brace saw off Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night. Mellor has constantly turned it on in the reserves, scoring hatfuls of goals, and now he must seize his opportunity in the first team.

Florent Sinama-Pongolle is another option, while Harry Kewell and Luis Garcia can also operate as a second striker. Rafa is thought to prefer to employ two strikers at home, so Mellor and Pongolle will battle it out for a place alongside Baros.

Kewell's form and fitness has been a worry for both manager Benitez and every Liverpool supporter of late, and the Anfield boss may decide to leave him out against Palace.

Good news for the red half of Merseyside is that Palace boss Ian Dowie's main worry will be over star striker Andy Johnson, who will have to have a late fitness test on a hip injury sustained against the Gunners last week.

The former Birmingham man is the top English scorer in The Premiership and Palace will be desperate for him to start at Anfield. Other injury problems for the eagles are Wayne Routledge (neck), Gonzalo Sorondo (hamstring), and defender Fitz Hall will also have a late fitness test.

The Reds will find it hard work against resilient Palace, but should have enough to win a game most Liverpudlians would have looked at as an easy home win at the beginning of the season.

by **Leonmc0708** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 2:04 pm

I understand Johnson has passed the fitness test by the way.

by **fivecups** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 3:44 pm

Leonmc0708 wrote:I understand Johnson has passed the fitness test by the way.

Pity.

by **jonnymac1979** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 3:59 pm

Johnson isn't playing.

Kewell starts.

by **A.B.** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:06 pm

Come on Reds!

by **jonnymac1979** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:15 pm

Palace playing 5 in midfield, 1 up front. Come here for a draw obviously.

by **A.B.** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:23 pm

Come on lads!

by **A.B.** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:25 pm

I'm not even watching the game and my heart feels like its going to pop out of place. Damn it

by **jonnymac1979** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:26 pm

PENALTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **jonnymac1979** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:26 pm

Baros brought down in the box!!!

by **jonnymac1979** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:27 pm

Beautifully done, 1 - 0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **fivecups** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:29 pm

Great penalty! Great to see Milan back. He is quality!!!

by **A.B.** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:29 pm

WE SCOREd!!?

by **jonnymac1979** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:31 pm

Get the radio on. Do youlive in Liverpool?

City FM.

I live right by Anfield and I was waiting on a phone call for a ticket today, but it never came. Never mind. I'm flipping between this and another forum for Footballl Manager 2005 tactics.

F****** brilliant PC game.

by **jonnymac1979** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:34 pm

Baros just went down in the box again, no penalty, looked a clearer penalty than the last one.

F****** referees!!!

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