Something a bit different today

[Nufcian]

Anyone else got an inkling that Eddie will try something a bit different from the 4-3-3 today?

I think we?ll be looking to try and contain Salah, and with both Trent and Bradley unavailable then something a bit different to try and contain Salah, take advantage of their right back spot being weakened is something in my mind.

Obviously missing Hall and Gordon is a big miss, and really means we?re not in the best shape to control Salah and take advantage of their right back situation.

So I?m thinking Willock up front on the left (was impressed by his contribution and the way he battled against Brum) with him dropping into the middle when we don?t have the ball? don?t think Barnes add?s much defensively.

Struggling to really convince myself of anything though to be honest, we?re really stretched without Hall and Gordon.

[Zippity]

Massive blow, losing those two-they would have been able to exploit that 'weakness' on Liverpool's left.

But, it is what it is and I agree, I think Eddie will have something up his sleeve, like he did for the Arsenal away game. When I looked at the team and the setup, I was worried that we'd be handing too much initiative to one of the best passing teams around. But, what swung it for us on that night, was the players' attitude-the way they stuck to Eddie's gameplan and got right at Arsenal.

And, if we're to have a chance today, it'll be the players' attitude that will make the difference.

They have the better team, they are a better team and if they turn up, even if we do, they'll win. But, if we get at them, don't let them settle and stick to our jobs and not switch off defensively or be slack in possession (both traits we've shown an awful lot of recently) then we've got a chance.

[Jammy89]

I could see us going for the 5 at the back like we did against Arsenal.

Hall and Gordon are so massive, more so when you consider their weakness on teh right.

[Nufcian]

Totally agree Zip, attitude, effort, commitment, is going to be key in whatever setup and game plan Eddie goes with today.

Agree Liverpool are the favourites, you?d have to horse-punching blinkered to think we?re the favourites, but we do have players to hurt Liverpool.

I?d be worried if we followed the same plan we tried at The Emirates? think that worked as they didn?t have the players to get through the defensive approach we took? whereas Liverpool are blessed with attacking talent? Salah, Jota, Diaz, Gakpo, are just the obvious ones.

Think Burn will have to keep a cool head and not bonb forward as much, they are brilliant at breaking quickly and our defense doesn?t have the legs to beat them on the counterattack if they are too high up the pitch? that means the midfield would need to sit deeper to not leave a massive gap between them (repeat myself I know &#129315

So? that said, maybe playing to keep them out and making a difference on the break will be our best chance, maybe lining up with 5 at the back and Tino and Tripps supporting the attack, and a 5-3-2? or even a 5-4-1 with Willock left side of midfield supporting the attack and Isak as the lone forward? is the way Howe will go.

Just got my fingers crossed for a fully committed team, and no ref or VAR controversy? but VVD is the most likely to be involved in something dodgy if anyone, and Isak will need to watch out for ?clumsy? shoulders and elbows.

Whatever happens, making a second final in 3 years is a massive achievement? but I?d love it, love it, if we can surprise the bookies and get this f**king ?haven?t won anything? mockery monkey off our backs!!!

[Zippity]

In terms of a cool head, Burn needs to keep his fucking hands off players who are getting away from him. Both Jota and Salah are diving, little shits and will take full advantage. See, also, Schar diving in.

I also think big Joe needs to not try too hard. He's not been great-and will be aware of that-and I just worry that, with the way he can steam in, again, the Liverpool players will exaggerate absolutely any challenge he makes that might be a bit suspect.

Talking of cool heads, I think I need to find one now I've started talking about the team.

[Nufcian]

I could see us going for the 5 at the back like we did against Arsenal.

Hall and Gordon are so massive, more so when you consider their weakness on teh right.

Am torn, I think it’s possible but 5 at the back means we are only left with Targett on the bench for defense, and we start with Kraft as part of the 3 in the middle.

Maybe we’ll see Kraft and Burn in the middle with Schar playing more of a sweeper role.

Just keep coming back to how quick they are on the counter… so we definitely have to take that into consideration.

Just want to get to 15:30 now so we find out what plan Eddie has 🤣

[Sclox]

Firstly we need the best 11 on the field. It may he a mistake to go 5 at the back inviting pressure.

We pick a formation that the players are comfortable with and allows us to attack their weakness ie defence.

Negate Sslah and we are halfway there.

Disclipline and no cards or pens.

Go balls out fast and physical pressing the fk out of them.

We win.