Hakka
26-12-2005, 12:48 PM
Oh yes... the big game!
Liverpool, 2nd best defence in the league. The may not score many goals but they certainly don't let many in. I'm expecting defeat as going to Anfield expecting a win given Liverpool’s recent record would be foolish. Michael Owen and Alan Shearer will always pose a threat but that threat is all about supply. Without anything being supplied to them they will not be hitting the back of the net. I dunno if Luque will play this game, but it's important he and Solano are used as wide men to give the team width and to ping some nice crosses in for Shearer or Owen (as he seems to be good in the air too!).
Faye has been not bad in the last few games. Pompey fans said he was a great buy when I asked about him, but he's never looked that good when I watched him. His passing was average and his tackles were hard, but sometimes clumsy. I expect he will start given Parker's suspension. Emre may be beside him and Solano on the right.
Liverpool have the 203 shots at goal this season. That's the 4th best in the league. This shows that as team they are creating a lot of chances. Liverpool's biggest let down is their lack of finishing. Conversion rate is 9%, being 17th best in the league. If Liverpool had a top finisher (Owen) it makes me wonder if they would be much closer points wise to Chelsea.
Newcastle have not played well. They are the worst team for fouls this season with 312 fouls. This is unusual for Newcastle, never seen them leading the fouls count like this. I think it must be frustration getting to them with the high expectations of the Toon Army. After a big spending spree in the summer and a poor finish in the league last season, the Toon Army expect and demand better. Newcastle have been better at finishing than Liverpool (currently 8th in the league with a 13% conversion rate) however they have not created so many chances. Only 139 shots at goal, which is 18th best in the league. I think this reflects the inferior long ball tactic that is employed sometimes. Less chances as its easier to defend, but when Owen latches on to one and gets a chance, he will often put them away. Newcastle have the 5th best crossing accuracy in the league but they are 15th in the league for the number of crosses actually made. I think this is where they need to focus their attack, down the flank. Get as many crosses in as possible as Newcastle's ability to find a black and white player in the box from a cross is pretty high.
What do you lot think?
Liverpool, 2nd best defence in the league. The may not score many goals but they certainly don't let many in. I'm expecting defeat as going to Anfield expecting a win given Liverpool’s recent record would be foolish. Michael Owen and Alan Shearer will always pose a threat but that threat is all about supply. Without anything being supplied to them they will not be hitting the back of the net. I dunno if Luque will play this game, but it's important he and Solano are used as wide men to give the team width and to ping some nice crosses in for Shearer or Owen (as he seems to be good in the air too!).
Faye has been not bad in the last few games. Pompey fans said he was a great buy when I asked about him, but he's never looked that good when I watched him. His passing was average and his tackles were hard, but sometimes clumsy. I expect he will start given Parker's suspension. Emre may be beside him and Solano on the right.
Liverpool have the 203 shots at goal this season. That's the 4th best in the league. This shows that as team they are creating a lot of chances. Liverpool's biggest let down is their lack of finishing. Conversion rate is 9%, being 17th best in the league. If Liverpool had a top finisher (Owen) it makes me wonder if they would be much closer points wise to Chelsea.
Newcastle have not played well. They are the worst team for fouls this season with 312 fouls. This is unusual for Newcastle, never seen them leading the fouls count like this. I think it must be frustration getting to them with the high expectations of the Toon Army. After a big spending spree in the summer and a poor finish in the league last season, the Toon Army expect and demand better. Newcastle have been better at finishing than Liverpool (currently 8th in the league with a 13% conversion rate) however they have not created so many chances. Only 139 shots at goal, which is 18th best in the league. I think this reflects the inferior long ball tactic that is employed sometimes. Less chances as its easier to defend, but when Owen latches on to one and gets a chance, he will often put them away. Newcastle have the 5th best crossing accuracy in the league but they are 15th in the league for the number of crosses actually made. I think this is where they need to focus their attack, down the flank. Get as many crosses in as possible as Newcastle's ability to find a black and white player in the box from a cross is pretty high.
What do you lot think?