ARmy Rumour SErvice

Originally Posted by schweik

They are a bit stuck beyond Agger and Skrtel as far as I can see. Carragher has been a great player, but is on the wane. Who else is there?

Coates and anyone we may buy if we sell Agger. (and Kelly!)

Carragher should only ever be playing in FA Cup 3rd Round games against teams with a tyre fitter and a plumber up front now.

Originally Posted by schweik

Took my lad to see them stroll past FC Gomel at Anfield last week. Not that much of a pointer to how they'll do in the premiership, though. The oppo wasn't up to much.

Lucas will be an important player for them if he remains fit. Carroll didn't get on the pitch at all, which I found odd. But where Liverpool may really struggle is at central defence if Agger goes. They are a bit stuck beyond Agger and Skrtel as far as I can see. Carragher has been a great player, but is on the wane. Who else is there?

Coates and Kelly are both class in my opinion, however, they could both do with an older head (possibly not as old as carragher) to guide them for a while. But you are right, if we lose the two it is a concern.

Originally Posted by CAARPS

Wenger always seems to produce surprises, however, I think the Geordies over achieved and the expectations of their fans will, as usual, weigh heavy on them and if Spurs play the AVB way with a high back line, with their defenders, they will go the way of Chelsea in the league last year but without the players or cash to redeem them when he has been sacked

I don't see Arsenal doing anything other than (comparatively) struggle this season - especially if they sell Song too. They've replaced a man who either scored or set up something like 65% of their goals last season with two unproven strikers and bought yet another small, lightweight winger-cum-attacking mid.

I think you're right about Spurs/AvB and Newcastle though - if we can settle into the way Rodgers seems to want to set us up and avoid major injures then we should get one of the top four places but I can still see areas in the squad where a single injury leaves us with big problems.

Originally Posted by jimmys_best_mate

I don't see Arsenal doing anything other than (comparatively) struggle this season - especially if they sell Song too. They've replaced a man who either scored or set up something like 65% of their goals last season with two unproven strikers and bought yet another small, lightweight winger-cum-attacking mid.

I don't disagree with your logic but he always seems to pull some sort of rabbit out of the hat*

*By rabbit I obviously mean his extensive and superb youth system. I do hope I am wrong though

i think it will be interesting to see who flourishes under the new system. i can see someone like Henderson actually having a far better season (although he might struggle for games in a 4-3-3 with Gerrard, Lucas and Joe Allen(?) presumably favoured starters). Downing was so shite last year, i genuinely think we should have got rid of him.

what concerns me is that we are still lacking at least one winger / forward. goalie and back four are no problem (and I reckon we might see more of Coates this year). midfield trio fine - but up front is less clear. Suarez obviously; Borini will get games; who is number 3? Kuyt gone (god knows why - rodgers would have loved his work rate). i just keep seeing the name "Downing" popping up on the team sheet in my nightmares, and my heart sinks.

so i reckon we're one big signing away from having a chance at the top 4. we need a good winger / forward, or we will lack cutting edge and struggle like last year in games we ought to walk. otherwise, we might find Rodgers giving Andy Carroll a chance... and that might not be the worst idea as an interim measure. he might not be as mobile as some, but i would like to see him get a little bit of credit for his hard work towards the end of last season. at least give him a chance to work within the new system; he is a built-in Plan B, as well as being able to finish with feet and head.

anyway, my opinion pending further signing(s):

Reina

Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique

Gerrard Lucas Allen

and until we sign another forward:

Borini Carroll* Suarez


*hopefully to be replaced by Tello, with Suarez moving into the middle and Tello on the left.



but in actual fact, I think he will play Downing just to torture me.

I honestly think Downing will come good this season and will thrive as part of a front 3 (although you nearly got a like for your tortured comment, in fact bugger it )

Carroll chased f*cking everything like an andrex puppy on Sunday and I certainly see a role for him in the starting 11 or as a big fella up front replacement to change a game. He showed pace he didn't seem to have last year and I genuinely think we are seeing a fully fit Carroll for the first time.

Can you tell I have been on the happy juice tonight

who the fuck is Oussama Assaidi? apparently we're signing him! from LFC site:

Liverpool Football Club have reached an agreement with SC Heerenveen for the transfer of winger Oussama Assaidi, subject to the player passing a medical.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 20 goals in 68 appearances for Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie, will now undergo a medical at Melwood.
Assaidi has represented his native Morocco 22 times since making his international debut in February 2011.
One of the highlights of his young career came in a 6-2 win over FC Twente in 2010 when he scored a hat-trick and assisted the other three goals.
Check out the video of Assaidi in action below and stay logged on to Liverpoolfc.com for details of further developments.

god, i hope he's not another Ryan Babel. looked great in holland, was shite after first few weeks when he forgot how to run at people.