A few days ago this looked like it would be a game where Saints could drop a point or two or three, but with the league so close its a game we need to get something out of.

A few days ago after the great win against Newcastle Saints fans were cock a hoop about the Saints resurgence, I urged that we needed to guard against complacency and pointed out that just as much as the certain win against Norwich could propel us right out of the relegation zone, anything less would leave us in the bottom three, the nature of the draw has brought us all back to earth and reminded us that the error strewn nature of our team has been bubbling under the surface.

Nigel Adkins therefore has some tough thinking to do before he picks his team for the trip to Anfield, its also a crucial game for him and a heavy defeat would once again send the vultures circling over his head and rumours of a replacement ready to takeover hitting the tabloids.

I am getting a little bored of pointing it out now, but our main problem is still our left flank and Liverpool have plenty of speed down that side with the likes of Raheem Sterling for one, we have to counter that or we could be in for a hiding, Liverpool have been written off by some, but they still remain a team who on their day can live with the best and their season can be likened to our own with a few failures in the transfer market leaving them exposed, especially up front and costly errors seeing a lot more points dropped than they would have liked, but as their crushing of Norwich showed they can still turn it on.

My fear is that if we play both Lallana and Ramirez and dont counter that threat on the left, then we could be in for a torrid time, we are vunerable on the counter attack as was showed on Tuesday when we gave away a needless foul, OK it wasnt a fould, but we found ourselves in that position because we were caught short on the break, hence a right back conceding a foul on the left side of the penalty area, my concern is that we too often lose our shape when attacking, its fine to make cross runs when you have the ball, but we arent mobile and versatile enough to deal with it when sides break quickly at us.

It will be a tough trip to Anfield but I feel if Nigel Adkins shows us what he is made of and shows us he can be proactive rather than sitting on his hands as he did on Tuesday and not leading from the bench with good substitutions then we might just shock Liverpool, like us they can attack and score goals, but also like us they can be caught out as well.

Photo: Action Images

NigD added 09:24 - Nov 30 And there I was enjoying the football we are trying to play? However reading the negativity of your report Nick, I sense that we are still close to the abyss? The management and team are trying to play football the right way and as can be seen by the fans support, most are really enjoying these years? If it is only about the victory then I am sure you might welcome the likes of Sam Alladyce et al?

0

SaintIreland added 09:52 - Nov 30 It has to be said we might be 'dropping points' but we are playing so good football and there is light at the end of the tunnel. It pains me to say it but a few weeks ago I looked over the record books to see how many points Derby County finished on in their record setting 07-08 season thinking we might beat it..... (11 points). I know we are still in the drop but we are playing football again and the confidence and swagger that we have enjoyed in the lower leagues is coming back. This Saturday will be a good game and Lambert to score as some point is definately worth a punt! But Saurez is of a similar mold to Tevez and we all know how much of a handful he was for our defence. As for the issue with the wings that you have mentioned Nick I agree that we cant give them space but if anything we have to show the down the wing rather then let them cut inside. Clyne and Shaw should be able to handle this as they both have pace and agility (fox not so much). But our midfield have to get back and mark up the late runs into the box (i.e QPR goal). Take them to the byline and make them cross!! •Just 14 per cent of Liverpool’s crosses from open-play have been met by a team mate, the worst record in the division #imastatman COYR

0

slynch added 10:40 - Nov 30 What personnel changes are you suggesting, Nick? I can't see any reason to change the team line up or tactics from the last game.
0

geezershoong added 11:28 - Nov 30 If the lads give it 100% then I don't see why we can't get a result from Anfield. I hope NA ia watching the video from Spurs vs 'Pool.
0

REEDYREEDOREEDZ added 11:41 - Nov 30 I think Shaw and Cylne will be able to match Sterling and Enrique. The trouble comes when Lallana has got to track Glen Johnson's marauding runs forward. Johnson likes to get forward at every opportunity and Lallana will have to go with him and nullify this threat or it could be our undoing. Similarly Puncheon has got to track Downing, although I'm hoping that Puncheon has a good performance and causes Downing more problems than he causes us. Its gonna be Fonte and Yoshida v's Suarez, This worries me. I'm not sure how they are going to handle him. Both of our defenders play on the edge of what is legal and what is a foul. With Suarez constantly playing for free kicks and penalties its going to be a massive test for Fonte and Yoshida not to give away a cheap penalty or free kick in range. Both Suarez and Gerrard are dead ball experts. But on a more positive note, we might get a little more room to play our stylish football compared to v Norwich where they just set out to stall us. Liverpool will want to attack and if we can keep them out then we might find some space going forward. Liverpool don't have a great record at Anfield this season. I think all of our players will be well up for it. Its a massive game for Rickie and Nigel so they'll be looking to get everyone fired up for it. As for Gazza, Liverpool will know he's weak and they'll want to rain plenty of shots on his goal to test him. Let's just hope his shot stopping (which was supposed to be his strong point?) is better than what it was on Wednesday!!

0

richardmdcooper added 13:51 - Nov 30 Fair point Nick about the left hand side but what/who are you suggesting as an alternative? If you bring in Reeves or Chaplow or Fox or whoever to shore up the left hand side, who do you propose dropping - puncheon? (assuming you shift lallana to the right) I personally would keep the same team and place the emphasis on the captain to make sure he tracks back and doesn't drfit too far infield like he did against west brom. I think him and Shaw could handle Sterling. Liverpool are essentially a mid-table team so we can definitely get something here.

0

SonicBoom added 14:54 - Nov 30 I think Nick is saying that Liverpool carry their greatest threat down their right (our left) which is an area where we have been exposed by several teams. If that is their area of greatest threat then we need to have a plan to deal with it. Maybe we dont replace anyone, perhaps we just instruct whoever is going to play left midfield to ensure they cover and assist the full back more. I too have enjoyed the football we are playing BUT we do seem worringly fragile. The defence doesn't fill me with confidence and the keeper doesn't fill them with confidence either ! On a good day we will score the first goal and be in the game. On a bad one we can be pressured from the start and concede another stupid goal. I'm sure the opposition know this so let's hope for the former .

0

LJCmx added 15:13 - Nov 30 Most teams in our position would set out to frustrate the home side tomorrow but NA may just go for it. Substitutions are key. 100% effort from the eleven Saints players, and from the 12th man in the away section at Anfield, and we will be fine!
0

schatfield added 17:22 - Nov 30 I seriously hope Kelvin is back in goal tomorrow. Or even the loane chap, whatever his name is.
0

Scummer added 17:23 - Nov 30 We often take the lead. It is retaining it that is the challenge! So far Saints have dropped 15 points this season from winning positions...
0

ExiledSupporter added 13:55 - Dec 1 I'd play an extra midfielder from the start and have Cork, Schneiderlein and Davis positioned in front of the defence (at Puncheon's expense) leaving Ramirez and Lallana to support either Lambert/Rodriguez. Best chance we have of getting a point, a 0-0 result would do well (okay, unlikely I accept)
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Oxford United Polls