Liverpool vs Real Madrid, Champions League Final @ Stade de France, 8pm in the UK [7pm GMT]

That’s a great point. He’s by far our best line breaker from that right sided CB position. Maybe even more important if Thiago doesn’t start.

3 Likes

Konate for me, to hopefully help counter the pace threat that Vinicius will pose in behind Trent.

If Matip gets the nod he’s an excellent player and it’s a tight choice.

In addition to this I would say that Konaté (still) has more of a propensity to get sucked upfield to challenge aggressively for the ball, which is actually the opposite of covering for Trent, even if he’s strictly speaking quicker than Matip (who btw I don’t remember being beaten in behind very often).

5 Likes

What a time to be a Red.

We can wonder/guess about what eleven will start on Saturday night in our 3rd recent UCL final. I’m seeing tons of banter from fans of other clubs, but they’d love to be us. I even got bantered by a mate who’s a Tranmere fan on Sunday night. Luckily I didn’t see it until Monday and just ignored it.

Whatever happens on Saturday night, I can honestly say that it’s been one of the most pleasurable in my 51 seasons of watching.

COYR YNWA :+1: :nerd_face:

17 Likes

Completely agree with this. In my book, Matip is by far the superior option on Saturday, even if he’s maybe a bit slower than Konaté. He has the experience of this kind of big game, the calmness, the vision, and works as one unit with VVD.

Konaté is very good and has surpassed my expectations this season, but he’s simply not long around yet to have that instinctive understanding of his role. As a result, errors can creep in, which is only too natural. But against such top opposition, we really have to minimize errors. Everything depends on it, as they’ll ruthlessly pounce on every little opening we give them.

Matip has been on top of his form almost all season long. He’ the starter for me, alongside VVD of course.

8 Likes

If Fab just needs to harden up a bit, they might give him the little blue plll.

1 Like

Who would have thought, this time last year, that we’d be discussing which of our brilliant CBs should start the Cl final!?

10 Likes

As I recall we finished last season with our 5th and 6th choice CB on the pitch with their heads in bandages.
image

8 Likes

Van Dijk, Fabinho and Salah in normal training, no Thiago.

So the midfield picks themself plus Matip or Konaté and Diaz or Jota.

Still have a bad feeling about it especially for Vinícius Júnior against TAA.

5 Likes

I have a serious problem. A very well meaning Mrs K bought me an early Fathers’ Day present which she’ll be expecting me to wear on Saturday. It is legit LFC merch but…….

1 Like

The same Trent who was man of the match in the FA Cup final based on his defensive performance?

I’ve been critical of Trent at times due to him taking it a bit easy against the weaker sides… Against anyone good he is literally one of the best players on the pitch always.

10 Likes

Hey, it’s a nice enough shirt, isn’t it? Wear it :+1:

Yeah I get it - its not a Liverpool shirt - it’s a corporate CL Final shirt with both clubs logo’s on it. It’s for those 30,000 neutral fans at the ground taking up corporate seats.

Mrs K will understand I’m sure

1 Like

That’s the t-shirt equivalent of a half and half scarf. Burn it!!!

(When the missus isn’t around)

4 Likes

I was trying to be polite and tactful…I think I prefer your brutality however :sweat_smile:

1 Like

Nope, she see’s no idea about the concept of a half and half shirt and what it means. Going to leave the house with it on with my beloved one underneath and switch. Just need to remember to switch back when I stagger home.

3 Likes

No no, do it right there in front of her.

nephew GIF

4 Likes

Say “Dear you relax. I’ll do the wash.” Then throw it in the laundry with a cupful of bleach. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry. I’ve ruined that beautiful shirt you gave me. You’re so thoughtful honey for giving it to me.” That way, you’ll be able to get rid of it AND score points with the missus.

1 Like

The problem with Trent not committing overly much because he needs to deal with Vinicus. This leaves Robbo as our attacking wingback and he’s not as accurate with his crosses as Trent is.

I’ll be very happy if Vinicus is ruled out with an injury.

As far as Matip/Konate goes, I’m okay with both. But I’d rather have Vinicus being dealt with Konate even if Matip is the superior defender. I’m aware that Konate does get into trouble with his attacking runs or his forward passing, but he should play better alongside Virgil than his displays with Matip as his partner.

If Fabinho isn’t playing, I’ll have Matip. But is likely the case that Fabinho is fit, I’ll start with Konate. It’s especially important that we don’t lose the midfield battle , I’d even not mind Henderson being played in a slightly withdrawn role.

1 Like