It's a frustrating time as a Liverpool fan. After years of success, expectation was always going to be at the highest level entering this season, especially after an incredibly impressive performance against City in the Community Shield. However, three games into the season we somehow find ourselves with just two points, and having suffered a humiliating defeat to arch rivals United last weekend, a team who we know should be miles behind us in terms of quality, passion and work ethic. But that is what has been missing - passion. It was etched all over James Milner's face following the opening goal where he simply couldn't fathom how United were able to waltz through our defence and score. But the problems aren't in one particular area - yes, midfield is severely weakened due to injuries, but we are below par everywhere. For that reason I still have hope that we can turn this around. We have the capability, but we need to sharpen up, apply our game, stop being so predictable and most importantly we need to fight.
Against Bournemouth this weekend I wouldn't make too many radical changes even though you could make arguments to drop all eleven of Monday night's debacle. I would start Carvalho instead of Firmno,and keep Henderson and Elliott. Even though he was one of the few who put in a shift against United, I would drop Milner for Fabinho.
Both Anton and Joe have a similar looking team but with Bobby retaining his place. Anton says 'Well this has simply been a shocking start to the season. We need to improve quickly, the way we start games has been a disgrace of late, we haven't started playing football until we go 1-0 down and at this level it is not acceptable. Against Bournemouth we should have the lion share of the possession and we need to use it well. I would go with this team to start but I would make changes quickly in the second half if it wasn't working'.
Christian is more ruthless in making changes from the game against United, benching Robbo for Tsimikas, Henderson for Milner, and Firmino for Carvalho from Anton's lineup. Chsitian remarks 'We need to look fresh. Firmino, Hendo and Robbo all looked very poor last game and when I think we could bench them we should.
So changes all around. A big performance and a big reaction is needed at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Let's hope that we can kickstart our campaign from now, and put the recent non-performances behind us.
Up the Reds.
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