by Rafa D » Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:29 am
This weekend sees the difficult trip up the M62 to Bolton. A notoriously hard place to go, Big Sam sets his team out very physically and it is very effective. I was dreading this fixture, after the start to the season we've had, but with 3 wins out of 3, I hope this is the start of another consistent run. Last year, Rafa went like for like with Bungle, and played with a really physical team and tried to bully them off the ball. It worked quite well and we came away with a well earned point, when really they could and probably should of won.
This year our squad is a lot stronger and we look like we have got goals in us at any time at the moment. Sissoko is getting better and better, and Agger has removed Sami from the starting line up with some dazzling performances at the back. I think Rafa will stick to his 4 - 4 - 2 line up with his typical rotation changes.
Reina, Finnan, and Carra are all givens to start, I have a sneaking feeling Agger will feel the chop this week as we conceded 2 in 6 mins against the Turks at the weekend. And I fully expect Riise to take the LB role as Aurelio is poor defensively and with Bolton employing their 4 - 3 - 3 tactics are wingbacks will have to be very good on the day.
Momo will slot back into the middle with Xabi and Stevie will be pushed out wide to the right. Speedy took a knock at Anfield on Wednesday and Garcia was awful, at retaining possession so I think he will start Aurelio is the LM role as his passing and crossing are big big plusses to his average gameplay.
Up front, how can he not start Peter? I like Bellamy and Kuyt together, but with 2 goals midweek Crouchie will definetly be first striker on the teamsheet, and its a toss up between Kuyt and Bellamy. However Kuyt came off after 65 mins midweek and I think Rafa wants to get him a few more games in the Premiership so expect him to start on Saturday.
I'm travelling up to the Reebok on Saturday morning, and nothing less than the 3 points will do for me. If we want to be considered as contenders, Bolton away is the measure to set yourself by. Even if we play ugly 3 points at Bolton is 3 points and a good indication of where we are heading.
Reguards,
RafaDodd
My Predicted Eleven
- - - - - - - - Reina
- - Finnan Sami Carra Riise
- - Gerrard Xabi Momo Aurelio
- - - - - -Kuyt Crouch
Sammy Lee wears Liverpool undies