11 Feb 2021 09:59:34
Am really hoping we give both new boys a start this weekend. I have nothing against Phillips but recovery pace is just too important against Vardy and Barnes.

Davies and Kabak are both supposedly comfortable on the ball so I am sure that will help and of course they won't have a crowd on their back. Also, having Alisson, Trent, Robbo, Hendo and Fab talking you through the game can only help settle in quickly.

And if it allows to get Hendo and Fab into midfield, it will make us a completely different proposition at the other end of the pitch.

Tentatively looking forward to the game now.

11 Feb 2021 10:42:34
I agree with what you are saying and I thought that's why Klopp never played Phillips against Sterling and Mahrez etc, but then you see how our pairing got on at the weekend and you have to wonder if it was the right idea? The thing is about Philips is that he is a natural defender unlike Fabinho and Henderson. He will know how to position himself against the faster players. No more Fabinho and Henderson in defence, it isn't working.

11 Feb 2021 10:59:42
I get it's the way we play with our defensive line etc. But I kinda wished we adjusted our line a little to accomodate the players. I mean, there aren't many CBs that can keep up with our speedy players but they nullify it easily by packing the box and closing space. I'm not saying we need to do that at all, but there must be a happy medium that would allow someone like Nat to thrive. I get that Vardy may run past him, but that will only because we leave 40 yards behind Nat for Vardy to run into. and to be fair when VVD was playing Villa rang rings around our CBs that day. anyways, I like Nat and hope gets a chance and we set-up to bring the best out of him so then we can free up Hendo/ Fab to be in their best positions.

11 Feb 2021 11:00:40
Apparently FPF neither Fab nor Thiago trained yesterday. I'm not saying they are injured or won't be available for Saturday, just an observation.

11 Feb 2021 11:09:18
Any two out of Phillips, Kabak and Davies at CB and a midfield of Fabs, Thiago and Henderson will make me happy.

11 Feb 2021 11:46:00
Well, see Ed001’s comments on the Rumours page about the importance of training.
It’s what we don’t see.
Maybe Phillips has been having a tough time in training and much will depend on how the two new boys settle in and get on. They’ll have to be paired together in training and that might have gone pear shaped atm too?
But, yes, I agree otherwise, I’d like the new central defenders in as quickly as possible.

11 Feb 2021 13:02:38
Klopp rarely leaves Wijnaldum out of the side if fit. Its not my preferred line up but im going to guess Gini, Thiago and Fab in midfield with our captain helping Kabak in his debut at CB.
I just can't see Jurgen giving both new blokes a start together in such a vital game.

11 Feb 2021 15:55:08
I totally get the Phillips hasn't let us down sentiment. But we've made a choice in signed two fit-for-purpose defenders. I'd like to see them come in asap. :)

11 Feb 2021 16:36:54
SR IMO, that is our best midfield when all are fit.

11 Feb 2021 19:55:16
IDreamOfGini, Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.