Jon Flanagan’s rise in form has positively shocked most Liverpool fans. Today, Neil Collins looks at whether the 20-year-old is a solution to first-team problems…
FLANAGAN?! That was my baffled response to the team news emerging before kick-off last Saturday.
I almost spat my pint out when I realised Rodgers had opted for the youngster over Touré and Sakho; who are experienced defenders even if they’re not natural full-backs. Martin Kelly wasn’t even in the squad and doesn’t seem to get a look in these days. And where was Cissokho? Actually, forget about him.
Social media was also flooded with fans questioning Flanagan’s inclusion; just like it was a few weeks ago against Arsenal.
But 90 minutes later we were all proved wrong as Flano produced a Man of the Match performance and became a derby-day hero.
Big Game Player?
In October 1991, Rob Jones made his Liverpool debut just 48 hours after signing from Crewe. Souness threw him to the sharks at Old Trafford, but the 19-year-old dominated Giggs and helped the Reds to a goalless draw. Jones’ performance is still spoken of amongst Kopites.
Likewise, Flano was hurled in at the deep end but responded with one of the finest Merseyside derby displays you’ll ever see, and it will be remembered in years to come.
Yet, I don’t why I felt so nervous about Flano’s starting role because he’s always performed well on the big occasion.
King Kenny’s Reign
Dalglish showed great confidence in handing Flanagan his debut in April 2011 against Man City despite having limited experience even with the reserves. He acquitted himself superbly up against the likes of Tévez, Džeko and Yaya Touré though.
In the subsequent weeks, Flano covered for the injured Johnson and Kelly with performances that portrayed experience far beyond an 18-year-old.
On the opposite flank to 17-year-old Jack Robinson, Flano gave another gutsy display at Arsenal; even inadvertently knocking out Carragher in a full-blooded aerial challenge.
The Scouser quickly made the right-back role his own and he looked like he’d played there longer than a handful of games. In total, he started in Liverpool’s last seven fixtures of the season including clean-sheet wins over Birmingham and Newcastle. His great form landed him the club’s Young Player of Season award and a bright future seemed inevitable.
The King’s Last Stand
Upon receiving the award, Flano thanked Dalglish for the confidence he’d shown in him and said he couldn’t have wished to play for a better manager.
He was given a starting role once again on the first day of the new season against Sunderland. Yet, he only featured sporadically throughout the campaign and never really progressed due to more intense competition for places.
Flano began to naively commit himself into tackles and the potential for a clanger crept into his game. In his last appearance of the season at Blackburn in April 2011, his under-hit back-pass resulted in the dismissal of Doni and it was relief when he was subbed.
King Kenny was sacked the following month and Flanagan lost a father-figure.
The Rodgers Regime
However, the initial signs were positive under the new regime. Flano featured heavily in the Being: Liverpool documentary in which Rodgers cradled the youngster’s head in his hand whilst proffering his wisdom like a Northern Irish version of The Godfather.
But despite blooding youngsters like Sterling, Suso, Wisdom and Shelvey; Rodgers didn’t seem to fancy Flanagan and handed him just two appearances all season. This was particularly odd given that Kelly was ruled out for the whole campaign. He still didn’t get a chance when Enrique was injured and eventually dropped below Wisdom in the pecking order.
Flano’s own niggling injuries and a lack of interest from other clubs in a loan deal also played their part. Yet, when Rodgers didn’t start him against Mansfield and Oldham in the FA Cup, it looked like his days were numbered.
Back with a Bang
Over the summer I feared that he would be sold for a small fee, which would’ve been a terrible waste of potential (much like Adam Morgan now).
However, Rodgers threw us all a curveball by naming Flanagan in his starting line-up at Arsenal for his first league appearance since that Ewood Park showing.
Deployed at right-back in the absence of Johnson, he saw plenty of the ball throughout the first half and was one of the few players who could hold his head high.
His professionalism and persistence in training then paid off with another starting role against Everton. The 20-year-old barely put a foot wrong all afternoon. He reminded me of a young Carra in the way he executed tackles and bust a gut to chase after lost causes.
At one point he smashed into Coleman but won the ball fairly, which whipped the away end into frenzy that continued every time the local lad got the ball.
Despite conceding three goals, Flano wasn’t at fault for any of them and for Everton’s third he was even trying to mark Lukaku after Agger had gone missing. He coped well up against Mirallas, and could’ve performed even better had the Belgian been sent off.
Regular Left-Back?
Rodgers has tinkered occasionally with Agger, Škrtel, Touré and Sakho at full-back, but to no avail. Therefore, it makes sense to give the role to a natural in that position.
With Enrique out until February, the door is open for Flano to nail down the left-back slot; especially with Wisdom and Robinson out on loan. Kelly would usually be a shoe-in, but he’s completely in the shadows at the moment. And Cissokho looks like scuffing the ball into touch or falling over it altogether whenever he’s in possession.
Flano’s proved himself against the big teams, and now there’s a perfect opportunity to excel in a run against the lesser sides of Hull, Norwich and West Ham. If he comes through those games, he can look forward to further testing his mettle against Tottenham, Man City and Chelsea over the Christmas period.
His chant could still do with a bit of work on it though. That tune from The Muppets is terrible.
Jon Flanagan’s rise in form has positively shocked most Liverpool fans. Today, Neil Collins looks at whether the 20-year-old is a solution to first-team problems…
FLANAGAN?! That was my baffled response to the team news emerging before kick-off last Saturday.
I almost spat my pint out when I realised Rodgers had opted for the youngster over Touré and Sakho; who are experienced defenders even if they’re not natural full-backs. Martin Kelly wasn’t even in the squad and doesn’t seem to get a look in these days. And where was Cissokho? Actually, forget about him.
Social media was also flooded with fans questioning Flanagan’s inclusion; just like it was a few weeks ago against Arsenal.
But 90 minutes later we were all proved wrong as Flano produced a Man of the Match performance and became a derby-day hero.
Big Game Player?
In October 1991, Rob Jones made his Liverpool debut just 48 hours after signing from Crewe. Souness threw him to the sharks at Old Trafford, but the 19-year-old dominated Giggs and helped the Reds to a goalless draw. Jones’ performance is still spoken of amongst Kopites.
Likewise, Flano was hurled in at the deep end but responded with one of the finest Merseyside derby displays you’ll ever see, and it will be remembered in years to come.
Yet, I don’t why I felt so nervous about Flano’s starting role because he’s always performed well on the big occasion.
King Kenny’s Reign
Dalglish showed great confidence in handing Flanagan his debut in April 2011 against Man City despite having limited experience even with the reserves. He acquitted himself superbly up against the likes of Tévez, Džeko and Yaya Touré though.
In the subsequent weeks, Flano covered for the injured Johnson and Kelly with performances that portrayed experience far beyond an 18-year-old.
On the opposite flank to 17-year-old Jack Robinson, Flano gave another gutsy display at Arsenal; even inadvertently knocking out Carragher in a full-blooded aerial challenge.
The Scouser quickly made the right-back role his own and he looked like he’d played there longer than a handful of games. In total, he started in Liverpool’s last seven fixtures of the season including clean-sheet wins over Birmingham and Newcastle. His great form landed him the club’s Young Player of Season award and a bright future seemed inevitable.
The King’s Last Stand
Upon receiving the award, Flano thanked Dalglish for the confidence he’d shown in him and said he couldn’t have wished to play for a better manager.
He was given a starting role once again on the first day of the new season against Sunderland. Yet, he only featured sporadically throughout the campaign and never really progressed due to more intense competition for places.
Flano began to naively commit himself into tackles and the potential for a clanger crept into his game. In his last appearance of the season at Blackburn in April 2011, his under-hit back-pass resulted in the dismissal of Doni and it was relief when he was subbed.
King Kenny was sacked the following month and Flanagan lost a father-figure.
The Rodgers Regime
However, the initial signs were positive under the new regime. Flano featured heavily in the Being: Liverpool documentary in which Rodgers cradled the youngster’s head in his hand whilst proffering his wisdom like a Northern Irish version of The Godfather.
But despite blooding youngsters like Sterling, Suso, Wisdom and Shelvey; Rodgers didn’t seem to fancy Flanagan and handed him just two appearances all season. This was particularly odd given that Kelly was ruled out for the whole campaign. He still didn’t get a chance when Enrique was injured and eventually dropped below Wisdom in the pecking order.
Flano’s own niggling injuries and a lack of interest from other clubs in a loan deal also played their part. Yet, when Rodgers didn’t start him against Mansfield and Oldham in the FA Cup, it looked like his days were numbered.
Back with a Bang
Over the summer I feared that he would be sold for a small fee, which would’ve been a terrible waste of potential (much like Adam Morgan now).
However, Rodgers threw us all a curveball by naming Flanagan in his starting line-up at Arsenal for his first league appearance since that Ewood Park showing.
Deployed at right-back in the absence of Johnson, he saw plenty of the ball throughout the first half and was one of the few players who could hold his head high.
His professionalism and persistence in training then paid off with another starting role against Everton. The 20-year-old barely put a foot wrong all afternoon. He reminded me of a young Carra in the way he executed tackles and bust a gut to chase after lost causes.
At one point he smashed into Coleman but won the ball fairly, which whipped the away end into frenzy that continued every time the local lad got the ball.
Despite conceding three goals, Flano wasn’t at fault for any of them and for Everton’s third he was even trying to mark Lukaku after Agger had gone missing. He coped well up against Mirallas, and could’ve performed even better had the Belgian been sent off.
Regular Left-Back?
Rodgers has tinkered occasionally with Agger, Škrtel, Touré and Sakho at full-back, but to no avail. Therefore, it makes sense to give the role to a natural in that position.
With Enrique out until February, the door is open for Flano to nail down the left-back slot; especially with Wisdom and Robinson out on loan. Kelly would usually be a shoe-in, but he’s completely in the shadows at the moment. And Cissokho looks like scuffing the ball into touch or falling over it altogether whenever he’s in possession.
Flano’s proved himself against the big teams, and now there’s a perfect opportunity to excel in a run against the lesser sides of Hull, Norwich and West Ham. If he comes through those games, he can look forward to further testing his mettle against Tottenham, Man City and Chelsea over the Christmas period.
His chant could still do with a bit of work on it though. That tune from The Muppets is terrible.
Liverpool have been dealt a major blow ahead of the busy festive fixtures after Daniel Sturridge suffered suspected ankle ligament damage in training on Friday.
All major newspapers are reporting the news that Sturridge rolled his left ankle in the latter stages of the training session. He left the club’s training ground on crutches.
The Telegraph report:
The England striker was sent for a scan and was still awaiting the full results of that assessment last night, but if it is ligament damage he could be out for a minimum of six weeks.
Sturridge suffered a similar injury earlier this year in a friendly for England, in his right ankle, which required two months on the sidelines.
The Guardian write that Liverpool “are braced for bad news” once the scan results return.
Sturridge’s extended absence is a major blow with three games inside seven days, followed by trips to Tottenham, Man City and Chelsea all in December.
Brendan Rodgers will likely opt to change to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Victor Moses on the left of the three, Philippe Coutinho in the “number 10″ role, and Jordan Henderson drifting inside from the right.
Earlier today we identified five players who can benefit from the busy run of fixtures.
Liverpool have been dealt a major blow ahead of the busy festive fixtures after Daniel Sturridge suffered suspected ankle ligament damage in training on Friday.
All major newspapers are reporting the news that Sturridge rolled his left ankle in the latter stages of the training session. He left the club’s training ground on crutches.
The Telegraph report:
The England striker was sent for a scan and was still awaiting the full results of that assessment last night, but if it is ligament damage he could be out for a minimum of six weeks.
Sturridge suffered a similar injury earlier this year in a friendly for England, in his right ankle, which required two months on the sidelines.
The Guardian write that Liverpool “are braced for bad news” once the scan results return.
Sturridge’s extended absence is a major blow with three games inside seven days, followed by trips to Tottenham, Man City and Chelsea all in December.
Brendan Rodgers will likely opt to change to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Victor Moses on the left of the three, Philippe Coutinho in the “number 10″ role, and Jordan Henderson drifting inside from the right.
Earlier today we identified five players who can benefit from the busy run of fixtures.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Daniel Sturridge for his attitude towards being dropped for last weekend's derby.
The England striker, 24, was reportedly struggling for match fitness having played the full 90 minutes in the preceding England defeat to Germany - and Rodgers elected to name him as a substitute against Everton.
That did not stop Sturridge scoring a dramatic equaliser following his late introduction to the game - nodding in a Steven Gerrard cross to snatch the Reds a 3-3 draw and silence Goodison Park.
Rodgers was quick to praise Sturridge's contribution when speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Hull City, with the Northern Irishman saying: "I think that is what good players do.
"Players will react differently. You will find some players, if they are not in the team, they just shrivel and die and have no fight.
"The top players when they don't play they show you every single day what they can do and that has been the case this week.
"He has certainly trained very hard this week. He has been really determined, strong and aggressive and he looks ready for the weekend.
"He has worked exceptionally well and when he does that his quality is there for all to see.
"We have another day to go to prepare and see where all the players is at. I like to give every player the chance to show they can be in the team."
With Friday bringing about floods of tributes to Ryan Giggs on his 40th birthday, Rodgers paid tribute to his own veteran star - Steven Gerrard.
"(They are) two players who have unquestionable quality and it is just really about fitness, and at this moment in time with Stevie his fitness is holding up very well.
"He will be 34 at the end of this season and I look at his fitness and him playing and I think he is as fit as he's ever been. He is looking after himself."
You can watch Liverpool's clash with Hull City live on Sky Sports 1HD on Sunday from 1pm.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Daniel Sturridge for his attitude towards being dropped for last weekend's derby.
The England striker, 24, was reportedly struggling for match fitness having played the full 90 minutes in the preceding England defeat to Germany - and Rodgers elected to name him as a substitute against Everton.
That did not stop Sturridge scoring a dramatic equaliser following his late introduction to the game - nodding in a Steven Gerrard cross to snatch the Reds a 3-3 draw and silence Goodison Park.
Rodgers was quick to praise Sturridge's contribution when speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Hull City, with the Northern Irishman saying: "I think that is what good players do.
"Players will react differently. You will find some players, if they are not in the team, they just shrivel and die and have no fight.
"The top players when they don't play they show you every single day what they can do and that has been the case this week.
"He has certainly trained very hard this week. He has been really determined, strong and aggressive and he looks ready for the weekend.
"He has worked exceptionally well and when he does that his quality is there for all to see.
"We have another day to go to prepare and see where all the players is at. I like to give every player the chance to show they can be in the team."
With Friday bringing about floods of tributes to Ryan Giggs on his 40th birthday, Rodgers paid tribute to his own veteran star - Steven Gerrard.
"(They are) two players who have unquestionable quality and it is just really about fitness, and at this moment in time with Stevie his fitness is holding up very well.
"He will be 34 at the end of this season and I look at his fitness and him playing and I think he is as fit as he's ever been. He is looking after himself."
You can watch Liverpool's clash with Hull City live on Sky Sports 1HD on Sunday from 1pm.
Liverpool’s owners are set to give their full backing to Brendan Rodgers‘ position at the club by offering him a new five-year deal, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Rodgers has been at Anfield for almost a year and a half, meaning he is half way through the three year deal he signed when he switched from Swansea City.
Peter Guy of the Liverpool Echo claims that the club are “desperate” to agree a new deal with the 40-year-old Norther Irishman.
Guy quotes an unnamed source as saying:
“My understanding is that Brendan is close to agreeing a new deal.
“I believe the club may want to make it a longer term five year agreement and are hoping it can be sorted over the next few weeks.”
Jack Wilson of the Daily Star also reports the news, suggesting Liverpool’s owners are worried manager-less clubs will try to snap Rodgers up if he doesn’t commit himself to life on Merseyside soon.
Rodgers has orchestrated vast improvements at the club during his short time on Merseyside and goes into December with Liverpool sitting second in the Premier League.
Rodgers is now looking towards bringing in new personell in the January transfer window to strengthen his squad further.
Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand has been the subject of increased speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool this week, whilst Barcelona youngster Martin Montoya has also been targeted.
Liverpool’s owners are set to give their full backing to Brendan Rodgers‘ position at the club by offering him a new five-year deal, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Rodgers has been at Anfield for almost a year and a half, meaning he is half way through the three year deal he signed when he switched from Swansea City.
Peter Guy of the Liverpool Echo claims that the club are “desperate” to agree a new deal with the 40-year-old Norther Irishman.
Guy quotes an unnamed source as saying:
“My understanding is that Brendan is close to agreeing a new deal.
“I believe the club may want to make it a longer term five year agreement and are hoping it can be sorted over the next few weeks.”
Jack Wilson of the Daily Star also reports the news, suggesting Liverpool’s owners are worried manager-less clubs will try to snap Rodgers up if he doesn’t commit himself to life on Merseyside soon.
Rodgers has orchestrated vast improvements at the club during his short time on Merseyside and goes into December with Liverpool sitting second in the Premier League.
Rodgers is now looking towards bringing in new personell in the January transfer window to strengthen his squad further.
Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand has been the subject of increased speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool this week, whilst Barcelona youngster Martin Montoya has also been targeted.
Brendan Rodgers addressed a room of journalists at Melwood on Friday afternoon ahead of this weekend’s Premier League trip to Hull City.
There wasn’t much asked of Rodgers, who will be hoping his side can bounce back from their dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton last weekend when they visit the KC Stadium this Sunday.
The Northern Irishman did, however, give an update on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge, who played just 11 minutes of the Merseyside derby.
The official Liverpool FC website quote Rodgers as saying, “He has certainly trained very hard this week. We’ve got another day to go to prepare and see where all the players are at.
“I like to give all the players every chance to show that they can be in the team. He has worked exceptionally well and, when he does that, his quality is there for everyone to see.”
Aside from that, Rodgers aid he had no other major injury concerns.
Meanwhile, Hull boss Steve Bruce told press in his pre-match press conference that he believes Brendan Rodgers keeping hold of Luis Suarez at Liverpool this year was the Reds’ boss’s biggest achievement yet.
“I think that was his biggest achievement so far, turning that situation around because it must have been difficult at times,” Bruce is quoted by the Independent as saying.
“I think they were adamant that they were holding on to their best player and any club, if they’ve got aspirations to go and compete at the top level and win the league, have to keep hold of their best players.
“Certainly Suarez is that for Liverpool.
“He has proved year in, year out that he’s as good a player as there is in the Premier League.”
HulL City vs Liverpool gets underway at 2pm on Sunday, 1st December 2013 and it’s live on Sky Sports.
Look out for more match build-up throughout the weekend on This Is AnfieldRory Fitzgerald’s tactical analysis of the Reds’ opponents.
Brendan Rodgers addressed a room of journalists at Melwood on Friday afternoon ahead of this weekend’s Premier League trip to Hull City.
There wasn’t much asked of Rodgers, who will be hoping his side can bounce back from their dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton last weekend when they visit the KC Stadium this Sunday.
The Northern Irishman did, however, give an update on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge, who played just 11 minutes of the Merseyside derby.
The official Liverpool FC website quote Rodgers as saying, “He has certainly trained very hard this week. We’ve got another day to go to prepare and see where all the players are at.
“I like to give all the players every chance to show that they can be in the team. He has worked exceptionally well and, when he does that, his quality is there for everyone to see.”
Aside from that, Rodgers aid he had no other major injury concerns.
Meanwhile, Hull boss Steve Bruce told press in his pre-match press conference that he believes Brendan Rodgers keeping hold of Luis Suarez at Liverpool this year was the Reds’ boss’s biggest achievement yet.
“I think that was his biggest achievement so far, turning that situation around because it must have been difficult at times,” Bruce is quoted by the Independent as saying.
“I think they were adamant that they were holding on to their best player and any club, if they’ve got aspirations to go and compete at the top level and win the league, have to keep hold of their best players.
“Certainly Suarez is that for Liverpool.
“He has proved year in, year out that he’s as good a player as there is in the Premier League.”
HulL City vs Liverpool gets underway at 2pm on Sunday, 1st December 2013 and it’s live on Sky Sports.
Look out for more match build-up throughout the weekend on This Is AnfieldRory Fitzgerald’s tactical analysis of the Reds’ opponents.
Rory provides his analysis of the opposition ahead of Sunday’s visit to the KC Stadium to face Steve Bruce’s Hull City side.
General Form
Hull have had a curious start to the season and its mainly due to the opposition they have face in home and away games.
At home, they have played the teams that currently sit 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th. By playing their ‘peers’ at home, Hull have managed to record the joint best defensive record in the league by conceding only 2 goals. That said, it must be remembered that the average position of these teams played at home is 17th. However, what is also noticeable is that at home they have only scored 4 goals in 6 games against the lower placed sides of which 2 were penalties and 1 was an o.g.
Away from home, they have faced teams in the higher echelons of the league with the average placing of those teams being 6th. With 13 goals conceded in these games, they have the 3rd weakest defensive record on the road with only Spurs failing to score more than 1 goal against them in these games. In fact, only 2 teams have scored less goals that Hull this season, namely Sunderland and Palace, currently the worst 2 teams in the league.
As such, when you break down Hull’s season so far, its been their defence at home that has given them the platform to build up a small 4 point buffer from the relegation zone with goals being rather harder to come across and only once have they scored more than 1 goal in a game and that was in their sole away victory at Newcastle, winning 3-2 against an erratic side at that stage of the season.
Hull’s set-up
It is difficult to predict what tactical set up Hull will employ on Sunday. They largely played with a wing-back system last season that delivered promotion. However, Steve Bruce has largely played a back 4 so far this season.
Bruce first used a back 3 with wing-backs at Spurs and had them sitting deep. It worked relatively well as Spurs were very fortunate to get a dubious penalty to win the game 1-0. After its relative success away at a strong team, Bruce set his team up again this way when playing away at Southampton. However, after going down 3-0 in the first half, he quickly switched to a back 4 with the manager saying after the game:
“You can talk about tactics, formations and systems. Ours worked perfectly well against Tottenham two weeks ago and we thought we’d go that way again, in hindsight I wish I’d have gone with a back four”.
However, it cannot be ruled out that Bruce would revert back to this system given that Liverpool have played with 2 central forwards, something of a rarity in the league. The obvious value is that it gives the defending team numerical supremcy in this area of the pitch and when you consider the relative quality of Liverpool’s strikers and Hull’s defenders, it would not be illogical for the manager to revert back to his favoured formation from last season and provide additional cover in defence.
Allan McGregor should be back in goal after missing 3 games and he is likely to be screened by Curtis Davies and Paul McShane. Davies has played every minute this season whilst McShane has got the nod over Alex Bruce to fill in for the injured James Chester (ex-United youth player) who has been out for the past 8 weeks.
At right back, there is Liam Rosenior whilst at left back is the ex-Wigan player Maynor Figueroa. Considering that, a move to a back 3 could be prudent which could see Rosenior switch to the left, Figueroa come inside and Elmohamedy drop back from right midfield to play right wing back.
Defending Deep
At times this season, Bruce’s side have tended to drop deep in an effort to be more compact. There is no doubt that their defence has worked for them against their peer-group at home helping them to keep 4 clean sheets in 6 home games. Below are examples of how deep the back line can fall at times when the ball is in midfield. With Sturridge’s pace upfront and being supported by Suarez, I think Hull are more likely to revert to this type of defending rather than trying to push up like in the Newcastle game away.
Midfield
When in possession of the ball, Hull will look to play out from the back with both full backs Rosenior and Figueroa comfortable on the ball. However, the team are increasingly looking towards Tom Huddlestone as the pivotal playmaker in the side to provide a greater range of passing.
The former Spurs player is well-known for his technique, range of passing and ability to shoot with either foot and was an outside chance for an international call-up recently. However, he polarises opinion with some believing that he does not have the engine to play in a 2 man midfield. It will not come as a surprise that Huddlestone is Hull’s top passer this season.
His midfielder partner is Jake Livermore who is a more athletic player and will generally play much more of a box-to-box game. When the team attacks, it will be more likely that the No. 14 shirt will join the attack rather than the No.8 – both players like a shot from distance and they rank as 2nd and 4th for Hull in terms of shots per game.
Below is an example of Livermore picking the ball up outside the box and smashing 2 shots off the keepers right hand post against Sunderland and West Ham. As such, if Hull have limited possession and either gets on the ball near goal with limited pressure, they may only have one thing on their mind.
Style of play
Hull are a team that are more focused on attacking down the wings, especially the right wing where Elmohamedy plays. After Huddlestone, the Egyptian is the player who has got on the ball most for his team and he has attempted the 2nd most crosses in the Premier League this season.
In fact, in home games, no other side has attempted more crosses per game than Hull have at the KC stadium. With strikers like Danny Graham and Yannick Sagbo to aim for, Hull look to provide an aerial threat from out wide though unfortunately for them, Graham has been disappointing so far.
If Bruce goes with 1 upfront, it is likely to be Sagbo who is strong & quick and can get a shot off with either foot with the striker scoring 2 goals this season against Everton and Southampton. Note that their first choice striker, Sone Aluko, is injured.
Below is an example of how much they can rely on the right and, in general, their willingness to get the ball in the box from out wide.
Linked to their threat from outwide, Hull can deliver a dangerous set piece with players like Robbie Brady and Elmohamedy capable of delivering threatening balls. From observation, Hull are more likely to deliver their set piece more towards the near post than than overhitting it to the back post.
Below are some examples of such deliveries this season which caused teams trouble. Liverpool fans won’t need reminding that Lukaku, Dwight Gayle and Hernandez all scored from set pieces aimed at our near post.
Opportunities for LFC
I think the Hull defence can be dragged deep by Sturridge if he holds a high line. Whats more, I think Bruce would passively allow them to be pulled back rather than force them to try and step up. If so, it may create a few extra yards between the back line and the midfield, the kind of space that Coutinho and Suarez could look to move into to pick the ball up.
There is no question that Hull will put in a shift of work given that Liverpool are the 1st major team to visit the KC Stadium since their promotion. However, with Liverpool’s willingness to move through the lines quickly, its the style of play that could hurt Hull before they have time to get back and become compact.
Part of the reason their 5-4-1 was successful at Spurs is due to the criticism of Spurs not moving the ball fast enough in the transition, something that cannot be levelled at the reds this season.
I also think there is merits in pressing Huddlestone. Given that he is their focal point for getting them moving forward, he is likely to receive alot of the ball when they get it. However, he can sometimes be languid in possession and that alone presents an opportunity, one that Villa nearly scored from earlier in the season. There is no doubting his ability on the ball when he is presented with time and space.
Conclusion
Hull’s fight against relegation this season has been founded on a solid defensive showing at home against their peers which has allowed them to pick up 11pts despite only scoring 4 goals in those 6 games.
Away from home against teams that are a class above, they have lost 5 of 6 games and their defensive record becomes darker which is the 3rd worst for an away team.
Bruce has a tactical headache at the back as he will face a different challenge in 2 out-and-out strikers who have score more goals between them (18 goals) than 15 teams in the league have managed in total. As such, playing their 1st major team at the KC Stadium this season may see Bruce go with a 5-3-2 / 3-5-2 system, enough defenders to combat a front 2 yet two attackers to satisfy the crowd that they are trying to win the game.
When they get on the ball, I expect Huddlestone to be looking for the likes of Elmohamedy on the right and perhaps Brady or Boyd on the left. From these positions, if they are allowed, they are likely to be looking to get the ball in the box with the likes of Livermore & Huddlestone capable of firing off shots from poorly attempted clearances. However, I don’t expect to see the sheer volume witnessed in the graphics above as they may have less than 45% of the ball.
Overall, I think Hull will start off bright and try to push up the pitch given its a home game but as the game moves on, I would expect Liverpool to dominate the game more and more with Hull falling deeper.
I think Liverpool should be capable of keeping their 2nd away clean sheet of the season (only away clean sheet was vs Villa in August) and manage to create enough opportunities to win the game with my prediction being 0-2.
Rory
@RoryFitz9
References: Transfermarkt.co.uk, whoscored.com, squawka.com
Rory provides his analysis of the opposition ahead of Sunday’s visit to the KC Stadium to face Steve Bruce’s Hull City side.
General Form
Hull have had a curious start to the season and its mainly due to the opposition they have face in home and away games.
At home, they have played the teams that currently sit 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th. By playing their ‘peers’ at home, Hull have managed to record the joint best defensive record in the league by conceding only 2 goals. That said, it must be remembered that the average position of these teams played at home is 17th. However, what is also noticeable is that at home they have only scored 4 goals in 6 games against the lower placed sides of which 2 were penalties and 1 was an o.g.
Away from home, they have faced teams in the higher echelons of the league with the average placing of those teams being 6th. With 13 goals conceded in these games, they have the 3rd weakest defensive record on the road with only Spurs failing to score more than 1 goal against them in these games. In fact, only 2 teams have scored less goals that Hull this season, namely Sunderland and Palace, currently the worst 2 teams in the league.
As such, when you break down Hull’s season so far, its been their defence at home that has given them the platform to build up a small 4 point buffer from the relegation zone with goals being rather harder to come across and only once have they scored more than 1 goal in a game and that was in their sole away victory at Newcastle, winning 3-2 against an erratic side at that stage of the season.
Hull’s set-up
It is difficult to predict what tactical set up Hull will employ on Sunday. They largely played with a wing-back system last season that delivered promotion. However, Steve Bruce has largely played a back 4 so far this season.
Bruce first used a back 3 with wing-backs at Spurs and had them sitting deep. It worked relatively well as Spurs were very fortunate to get a dubious penalty to win the game 1-0. After its relative success away at a strong team, Bruce set his team up again this way when playing away at Southampton. However, after going down 3-0 in the first half, he quickly switched to a back 4 with the manager saying after the game:
“You can talk about tactics, formations and systems. Ours worked perfectly well against Tottenham two weeks ago and we thought we’d go that way again, in hindsight I wish I’d have gone with a back four”.
However, it cannot be ruled out that Bruce would revert back to this system given that Liverpool have played with 2 central forwards, something of a rarity in the league. The obvious value is that it gives the defending team numerical supremcy in this area of the pitch and when you consider the relative quality of Liverpool’s strikers and Hull’s defenders, it would not be illogical for the manager to revert back to his favoured formation from last season and provide additional cover in defence.
Allan McGregor should be back in goal after missing 3 games and he is likely to be screened by Curtis Davies and Paul McShane. Davies has played every minute this season whilst McShane has got the nod over Alex Bruce to fill in for the injured James Chester (ex-United youth player) who has been out for the past 8 weeks.
At right back, there is Liam Rosenior whilst at left back is the ex-Wigan player Maynor Figueroa. Considering that, a move to a back 3 could be prudent which could see Rosenior switch to the left, Figueroa come inside and Elmohamedy drop back from right midfield to play right wing back.
Defending Deep
At times this season, Bruce’s side have tended to drop deep in an effort to be more compact. There is no doubt that their defence has worked for them against their peer-group at home helping them to keep 4 clean sheets in 6 home games. Below are examples of how deep the back line can fall at times when the ball is in midfield. With Sturridge’s pace upfront and being supported by Suarez, I think Hull are more likely to revert to this type of defending rather than trying to push up like in the Newcastle game away.
Midfield
When in possession of the ball, Hull will look to play out from the back with both full backs Rosenior and Figueroa comfortable on the ball. However, the team are increasingly looking towards Tom Huddlestone as the pivotal playmaker in the side to provide a greater range of passing.
The former Spurs player is well-known for his technique, range of passing and ability to shoot with either foot and was an outside chance for an international call-up recently. However, he polarises opinion with some believing that he does not have the engine to play in a 2 man midfield. It will not come as a surprise that Huddlestone is Hull’s top passer this season.
His midfielder partner is Jake Livermore who is a more athletic player and will generally play much more of a box-to-box game. When the team attacks, it will be more likely that the No. 14 shirt will join the attack rather than the No.8 – both players like a shot from distance and they rank as 2nd and 4th for Hull in terms of shots per game.
Below is an example of Livermore picking the ball up outside the box and smashing 2 shots off the keepers right hand post against Sunderland and West Ham. As such, if Hull have limited possession and either gets on the ball near goal with limited pressure, they may only have one thing on their mind.
Style of play
Hull are a team that are more focused on attacking down the wings, especially the right wing where Elmohamedy plays. After Huddlestone, the Egyptian is the player who has got on the ball most for his team and he has attempted the 2nd most crosses in the Premier League this season.
In fact, in home games, no other side has attempted more crosses per game than Hull have at the KC stadium. With strikers like Danny Graham and Yannick Sagbo to aim for, Hull look to provide an aerial threat from out wide though unfortunately for them, Graham has been disappointing so far.
If Bruce goes with 1 upfront, it is likely to be Sagbo who is strong & quick and can get a shot off with either foot with the striker scoring 2 goals this season against Everton and Southampton. Note that their first choice striker, Sone Aluko, is injured.
Below is an example of how much they can rely on the right and, in general, their willingness to get the ball in the box from out wide.
Linked to their threat from outwide, Hull can deliver a dangerous set piece with players like Robbie Brady and Elmohamedy capable of delivering threatening balls. From observation, Hull are more likely to deliver their set piece more towards the near post than than overhitting it to the back post.
Below are some examples of such deliveries this season which caused teams trouble. Liverpool fans won’t need reminding that Lukaku, Dwight Gayle and Hernandez all scored from set pieces aimed at our near post.
Opportunities for LFC
I think the Hull defence can be dragged deep by Sturridge if he holds a high line. Whats more, I think Bruce would passively allow them to be pulled back rather than force them to try and step up. If so, it may create a few extra yards between the back line and the midfield, the kind of space that Coutinho and Suarez could look to move into to pick the ball up.
There is no question that Hull will put in a shift of work given that Liverpool are the 1st major team to visit the KC Stadium since their promotion. However, with Liverpool’s willingness to move through the lines quickly, its the style of play that could hurt Hull before they have time to get back and become compact.
Part of the reason their 5-4-1 was successful at Spurs is due to the criticism of Spurs not moving the ball fast enough in the transition, something that cannot be levelled at the reds this season.
I also think there is merits in pressing Huddlestone. Given that he is their focal point for getting them moving forward, he is likely to receive alot of the ball when they get it. However, he can sometimes be languid in possession and that alone presents an opportunity, one that Villa nearly scored from earlier in the season. There is no doubting his ability on the ball when he is presented with time and space.
Conclusion
Hull’s fight against relegation this season has been founded on a solid defensive showing at home against their peers which has allowed them to pick up 11pts despite only scoring 4 goals in those 6 games.
Away from home against teams that are a class above, they have lost 5 of 6 games and their defensive record becomes darker which is the 3rd worst for an away team.
Bruce has a tactical headache at the back as he will face a different challenge in 2 out-and-out strikers who have score more goals between them (18 goals) than 15 teams in the league have managed in total. As such, playing their 1st major team at the KC Stadium this season may see Bruce go with a 5-3-2 / 3-5-2 system, enough defenders to combat a front 2 yet two attackers to satisfy the crowd that they are trying to win the game.
When they get on the ball, I expect Huddlestone to be looking for the likes of Elmohamedy on the right and perhaps Brady or Boyd on the left. From these positions, if they are allowed, they are likely to be looking to get the ball in the box with the likes of Livermore & Huddlestone capable of firing off shots from poorly attempted clearances. However, I don’t expect to see the sheer volume witnessed in the graphics above as they may have less than 45% of the ball.
Overall, I think Hull will start off bright and try to push up the pitch given its a home game but as the game moves on, I would expect Liverpool to dominate the game more and more with Hull falling deeper.
I think Liverpool should be capable of keeping their 2nd away clean sheet of the season (only away clean sheet was vs Villa in August) and manage to create enough opportunities to win the game with my prediction being 0-2.
Rory
@RoryFitz9
References: Transfermarkt.co.uk, whoscored.com, squawka.com
Liverpool are getting closer to landing the signature of one of Spain’s most talked about young players – full-back Martin Montoya, according to reports.
Managing Director, Ian Ayre, has flown to Barcelona in hope of tying up a deal early for the 22-year-old, before January’s transfer window.
The Mirror’s David Maddock reports on Friday morning:
The Reds are at the head of a queue that also includes Arsenal and Inter Milan, after forging strong links with the Barca board during ongoing talks over the future of goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who could still move back to his former club at the end of this season following a year on loan at Napoli.
Similarly, Andy Hunter writes in the Guardian:
The Spain Under-21 international, who can operate in both full-back positions, is out of contract at the end of this season and his availability has alerted leading clubs throughout Europe. The 22-year-old and his agent have both claimed recently that he hopes to sign a contract extension with the Spanish champions but Liverpool are exploring the prospect of a permanent deal in January.
Chris Bascombe and Luke Edwards also report the story for the Telegraph .
Whilst Montoya is yet to break into the Spanish senior squad, he has made 22 appearances for the Under-21s.
Montoya’s arrival at Liverpool could help provide better options on Liverpool’s right flank, and competition for 29-year-old Glen Johnson.
Montoya has also previously played left-back. With Jose Enrique out injured until February and Aly Cissokho having a slow start to his Liverpool career, the potential arrival of Montoya in January could prove essential.
Liverpool are getting closer to landing the signature of one of Spain’s most talked about young players – full-back Martin Montoya, according to reports.
Managing Director, Ian Ayre, has flown to Barcelona in hope of tying up a deal early for the 22-year-old, before January’s transfer window.
The Mirror’s David Maddock reports on Friday morning:
The Reds are at the head of a queue that also includes Arsenal and Inter Milan, after forging strong links with the Barca board during ongoing talks over the future of goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who could still move back to his former club at the end of this season following a year on loan at Napoli.
Similarly, Andy Hunter writes in the Guardian:
The Spain Under-21 international, who can operate in both full-back positions, is out of contract at the end of this season and his availability has alerted leading clubs throughout Europe. The 22-year-old and his agent have both claimed recently that he hopes to sign a contract extension with the Spanish champions but Liverpool are exploring the prospect of a permanent deal in January.
Chris Bascombe and Luke Edwards also report the story for the Telegraph .
Whilst Montoya is yet to break into the Spanish senior squad, he has made 22 appearances for the Under-21s.
Montoya’s arrival at Liverpool could help provide better options on Liverpool’s right flank, and competition for 29-year-old Glen Johnson.
Montoya has also previously played left-back. With Jose Enrique out injured until February and Aly Cissokho having a slow start to his Liverpool career, the potential arrival of Montoya in January could prove essential.
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