reds next
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
A 4th home game - Liverpool up next in the LCQF. The early team news (via Teamtalk, OS etc) is that the influential Hamman is out for them, Owen might be rested and Hyypia is due back. Heskey could be set to return - I think he needs to get his roller-skates fixed first.
For us Johnsen (virus) and Staunton (ankle) are alleged doubts (both sound available if required) and it's probably just too soon for Ian Taylor. The recent 'positive-ish' noises on Mellberg's achilles point to him playing rather than resting.
The ref is the dire Graham Barber who did the Arsenal away game recently and gave that pen for Ljungberg falling over his own feet. One of the worst of a rotten bunch.
It's quite likely that both teams will be at near enough full strength. Villa have played virtually a first XI throughout (at the expense of at least a point v N'castle) and Liverpool's recent poor run of league form means the game is suddenly more important for them, but they did put out a weakened side against Ipswich in the previous round.
I'd like to see Angel for Dublin (and DV might appreciate it, too, he still hasn't struck up any kind of partnership with Dion), Hadji for Leonhardsen and UDLC come in for Staunton (with Samuel back on his better left side) - compared to the WBA line-up. I suspect only the last one is even a possible based on GT's selections to date.
Chelsea (who we play on Saturday) are also in LCQF action during the week so 'resting' players is less of an issue, but Hadji at home and Leonhardsen away (on the right) might be a good way of keeping (at least 2) players fresh. It'll be interesting to see how Barry holds up - he did look tired against the Baggies.
Discuss
Copyright 2008 - Captain Vulture
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