Last night's dress rehearsal

[Zippity]

,,,did we learn anything for the final?

Hopefully, it won't be the same team. We miss Big Joe's energy, Botman's agility (compared with the two pairs of ageing legs we currently have there) and Isak's...well, Isak's everything.

To not have a shot on target throughout the entire game is shameful and if those three aren't back for the final-Isak in particular- we have zero chance.

But, if there's one thing we, or rather the players, have learned, it's that we can't afford to sit off Liverpool like we did last night. Insipid is the best way to describe it and that feeling will be fresh in the players' minds at Wembley.

So, in that sense, it was a useful experience because the players will be able to say 'well, we can't play like that.

Well, that's the hope, anyway.

Like I say, with any luck, it'll be a different starting 11. Plus, with the way Murphy's form has droppped off a cliff, I'd like to see Barnes start on the right. And, with Pope's positioning being, frankly, bizarre over these last two games, I'd actually rather start with Dubravka, Don't think it was evry fair to drop him, tbh (or the right footballing decision, either, but that's just my ill-informed opinion).

Thoughts?

[Jammy89]

Well firstly like I tell the year 11s who **** up their mocks - it's the mocks, not the real thing, now you have the chance to sort things and blow the proper exam out the water.

We can do the same.

In regards to actual post

We should be starting Dubs - Pope hasn't looked the same since his shoulder injury; I've noticed a few times now, he pulls out of full length dives into the floor.

Murphy. . . Ian is right about him avoiding the tackle and man, should be swapped out.

[Zippity]

Aye. Much as Murphy has really stepped up, I think he's had a Miggy purple period which is now dropping off.

He epitomises the type of attitude we want from our players...I just wish he was a better player.

[toptoon]

Murphy is a hot and cold player whereas Miggy had only one hot patch for us. Weve seen this from Murphy before which means, much as I like him, hes not consistent enough to be the number 1 RW.

[toptoon]

To win the cup we need a special first semifinal against Arsenal type performance.
IMO we didnt turn up for the last cup final and were also in the middle of a poor run of form. Our form at the moment is patchy and so we need a special performance on 16 March.

[TANYA_]

i fully expect us to beat them in the cup final.

We had Botman, Joelinton and Isak missing, add those players back into our starting lineup instead of Burn, Willock and Wilson and its a totally different game.

If Liverpool had Van Dijk, Mac Allister and Salah missing then they would be hugely disadvantaged

[Sclox]

100% Tanya, to back up what the lads said above, I would also be watching Murphy very closely in the next game and would consider benching him for the final if there is more of a drop off. I may also consider giving Bruno a rest in the next one too.

But aye, its different gravy with a full squad clean bill of health at a neutral venue.

[TANYA_]

100% Tanya, to back up what the lads said above, I would also be watching Murphy very closely in the next game and would consider benching him for the final if there is more of a drop off. I may also consider giving Bruno a rest in the next one too.

But aye, its different gravy with a full squad clean bill of health at a neutral venue.

My biggest worry mate, is that we mess this up and lose our top players.

A CL place will keep them here for another year at least and we can strengthen in the summer.

If we win the cup i believe the same applies.

But if we drift off into a meh top 8 finish, i can see Isak, Tonali, Bruno getting twitchy and maybe looking to move on.

I think Botman is safe for another year because of his time out.

Eddie needs to pull another 9 game winning streak out of the bag

[Sclox]

My biggest worry mate, is that we mess this up and lose our top players.

A CL place will keep them here for another year at least and we can strengthen in the summer.

If we win the cup i believe the same applies.

But if we drift off into a meh top 8 finish, i can see Isak, Tonali, Bruno getting twitchy and maybe looking to move on.

I think Botman is safe for another year because of his time out.

Eddie needs to pull another 9 game winning streak out of the bag

I would add Gordon to that list too.

IMO we need top 4 and a cup along with some qualilty summer signings to maintain the faith in the progress/project. Thats the reality unfortunately.

[tinostongue]

I would add Gordon to that list too.

IMO we need top 4 and a cup along with some qualilty summer signings to maintain the faith in the progress/project. Thats the reality unfortunately.

100% agree. They were sold "the project" but the project has stalled somewhat.Yes were in a final,6th in the league,BUT we havent delivered anything yet,ie won anything,but that might change soon! cant see it though unfortunately,I see another disappointment.We have to get rid of the losing mentality when it comes to finals, any other team than liverpool and i would have been confident, but im not,sorry.