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.
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).
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
I wouldn’t say it’s 50-50, Matip is still on paper our 2nd best CB.
But it’s not 100% in Matip’s favour either, as we’ve seen lately.
However, I do expect and want Matip, especially with our problems in midfield. Need that calmness he brings.
Konate on the bench and ready to come on if Virgil/Joel have issues at some point in the game.
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.
If it’s inflammation you can play on it with enough pain killers (treatment, I used to take this pink pill for it
If Fab just needs to harden up a bit, they might give him the little blue plll.
Who would have thought, this time last year, that we’d be discussing which of our brilliant CBs should start the Cl final!?
Who would have thought, this time last year, that we’d be discussing which of our brilliant CBs should start the Cl final!?
As I recall we finished last season with our 5th and 6th choice CB on the pitch with their heads in bandages.
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.
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…….
Sky Sports Premier League
Still have a bad feeling about it especially for Vinícius Júnior against TAA.
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.
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…….
Hey, it’s a nice enough shirt, isn’t it? Wear it
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
That’s the t-shirt equivalent of a half and half scarf. Burn it!!!
(When the missus isn’t around)
I was trying to be polite and tactful…I think I prefer your brutality however
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.
That’s the t-shirt equivalent of a half and half scarf. Burn it!!!
(When the missus isn’t around)
No no, do it right there in front of her.
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.
Still have a bad feeling about it especially for Vinícius Júnior against TAA.
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.