Season summed up in one quote

[A Storm of Blades]

Obviously not and I didn't say that, I was saying that it's MORE to do with players. I read the quote as saying you can play whatever system you like (for the sake of not being ridiculous about it though, a recognised one) but if players don't play well in it, then you're not going to win.

I hear what you're saying. A good example is the Greek team than won the Euros, individually they had no right to win it, but they played a well organised system and crucially each player knew his role and performed well within it - so you still need your players to play well and not make elementary mistakes. I would agree that you can have the best players in the world, but if you don't play them in roles they are comfortable with, it's going to be more difficult for them to play well.

Interestingly, Chris talks about this very subject in his pre match press conference and I think he basically backs up my point.

Good points

 

[Charlieblade]

Everybody should be allowed to put their suggestions forward. But I'd be more interested if the ones suggesting for example extremely more attacking line ups contained a few thoughts on how they thought we'd be able to cope defensively.

Last season at Anfield I thought we'd have a 1 in 100 chance of a result. This time it's a better time to play them. Maybe 1 in 10 chance of a result. They've just played Ajax, they've got a few injuries, they're playing Champions League again a few days after us and they've shown they can be vulnerable defensively. On the other hand they managed to beat Ajax with a rotated team and took off their front trio after 60 minutes. And we're not quite as good.

This was my suggestion:

View attachment 95718

As Jake Robinson was today's player to do the pre match interview I reckon he'll be starting with Enda going to LWB. Not a big change, I don't think our centre halves will bomb forward a lot anyway.

I can also see Wilder picking McGoldrick to start rather than Burke, he'll hold the ball up better, wait for more of our players coming forward into position, probably take some pressure of the defence, which will be needed. Maybe that is what we'll need. There was also a piece in the Star on our "midfield being brilliant without Fleck", suggesting Norwood will keep his place? Again there are postives if that's what we'll go with. Norwood is a good playmaker and will make himself available at all times.

I still think the combination of McGoldrick and Norwood is something that I'd sacrifice. I think Liverpool will have at least 70% possession. We'll need to cope with that. Ampadu at DCM would be interesting. I think he's the best we've got when it comes to protecting the defence. Alongside Lunny (possibly Osborn) and Berge we'd have an athletic and fit trio who are good defensively, but who can also offer quite a bit in possession. I liked Barkley's performance for Villa against Liverpool. Powerful lad, making strong runs from central behind Liverpool's midfield. Why don't we try Burke in such a role, rather than having McGoldrick slowing things down, or McBurnie hanging around up front unemployed with Brewster, with us not getting the ball to them. I don't think they'll enjoy chasing after Burke, Berge and Lundstram if we can get a few decent breaks.

I hear you but I suspect that Wilder will partner Brewster with one of the established forwards. I am 100% behind you in selecting the skill and nous of Berge and Ampadu in midfield.
I also think Robbo will start at center half.
Wilder is still reluctant to pick new faces this early in the season.
Burke, Osborn and Bogle on the bench.