I didn’t get a peek of the game last week as I was on holiday but went through the match thread to and a couple of articles to get an idea of how things were shaping… I guess we’re at a crossroads - we will either begin to find our groove or continue to struggle. I’m not sure there’s a time frame but maybe by November we should know where we are.
This is a game we really should be looking to win and win in a “statement way”. It is the first game of the season, we are at home, nearly at full strength and with fresh legs. We are not playing Barca, Real or Bayern, it Forest with a new manager that are coming to Anfield.
The one thing about the Newcastle game that gives me (a slight bit of) belief is that we came back after going a goal down. For me this is a key requirement for teams that will be successful.
I’m a little lost at why some think that Macca gets a start.
Our midfield needs legs and on last seasons outings he couldn’t cover the ground and was too easily run past, although the two incumbents didn’t impress either, but they are still more athletic.
It will be interesting to see with Macca, whether he gets back to his best and like with many of our team looked worse because of lasts year lact of tactics and fitness.
Wirtz can’t start after been hooked after 60 minutes when we are a goal down says it all for the performance likewise Rio didn’t offer anything has to be Munoz.
I think Grav and Szob start as a double pivot again… reason being that Iraola mentioned in an interview the players have to get smarter… as in, if Szob goes forward, Grav stays back, and vice-versa… Lets see if they have been taken to task on this…
Wirtz behind Isaak
Frimpong also talked about finishing their attacks as something they’ve worked on, which Iraola obviously also mentioned in relation to the first Newcastle goal.
It’s not exactly unsolvable issues that necessarily requires different player types to sort out. Iraola is probably much more relaxed about it than some of the fans are.
These have lost their last 2 games, both at home to Leeds, without scoring a goal.
Don’t know what constitutes a ‘big chance’ but the stats say they created 1 in the first game and 0 in the second.
These are the yardsticks I’ll be judging us by tomorrow.
Monoz to start and I’d rather see Endo than Macallister.
I reckon it’s 9.30 in my part of Sydney. Either way it is bloody brilliant.
But the natives will get a bit restless if anything but a win. Yes Iraola needs some time to stamp his style, authority, formations etc but fans and the evil media smash clubs like Liverpool given any chance.
Forest tortured Slot for months after that upset but it won’t happen again tonight.
2-0 Isak brace and Flo man of match to answer the critics.
Iraola seems to have taken the lessons from Newcastle on board and reacted. Can´t ask for more than that at this stage. Would have liked Nyoni but can see why he went for Mac, equally.
