Fresh from an, erm…. convincing win away at QPR, Liverpool are set to take on Real Madrid in Champions League action in just a few hours. It’s fair to say that if a disjointed performance, like the one at Loftus Road, is produced again, a heavy defeat at the hands of the continent’s reigning champions is an inevitability.
We’re sure that Brendan Rodgers has a few plans up his sleeve ahead of the Anfield clash, but here are FIVE things we at FFC Towers would be looking to do if we were everyone’s favourite white-toothed Northern Irishman.
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON THE FAMOUS SCOREBOARD TO REVEAL THE FIVE
[/ffc-gallery]
[ad_pod ]
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
DEFEND!!!!!
//www.youtube.com/embed/ioDWNdjDRkU
It may be obvious, but Liverpool will have to produce their best performance in their own third this season if they’re to get anything against Real Madrid. The Reds’ woeful work at the back saw Bobby Zamora – yeah the ‘sat in row Z and the ball hits your head’ striker – look like a genuinely world class forward at Loftus Road on Sunday.
Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel – whom are likely to start alongside one another again – are by no means bad defenders, but lapses in concentration have cost them in recent times. The pair have what it takes to shackle either Javier Hernandez or Karim Benzema – depending on the latter’s fitness – so all is not yet lost for Liverpool.
Get a performance out of Mario Balotelli
Mario Lol-otelli gave his haters ample chance to wield their knives on Sunday as he produced a lethargic performance to cap what’s been a difficult opening few months to his Anfield career. The Italian missed an open goal and was caught on camera facing the wrong way when the Reds took the free-kick which gave them their their opening goal, leading some to suggest he must be dropped against Real.
But Brendan Rodgers is likely to stick with his “calculated risk” as he looks to get him firing. While ‘Balo’ has his critics, he’s actually the sort of player to come to the fore on the big occasions, so it would be fitting for the 24-year-old to really announce himself tonight. To get the best from Balotelli Liverpool will have to get support to him quickly, so Sterling in a central role may be key.
//www.youtube.com/embed/uxtetDES31U
Give Johnson some help against Ronaldo
Although a team littered with threats all over the pitch, Real Madrid’s main danger comes in the shape of Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo. Usually deployed from the left, dealing with ‘Ronny’ will be a job for Glen Johnson – presuming he keeps Javier Manquillo out of the XI – and it will be a tough one for the Englishman.
Leaving a full-back one on one with the winger could be suicide, so Brendan Rodgers may want to consider deploying his right winger in a slightly more reserved role in order to get around the Portuguese ace and cut down his time and space on the ball.
Make Sure Gerrard is not exposed
Steven Gerrard is practically guaranteed to start against Real even though he’s been a regular in the Reds’ XI at the age of 34 this season. The ‘No. 10’ experiment at QPR failed, so it’s likely that the skipper will be used in his deep role against Real in a bid to ensure that Liverpool have some possession.
With the likes of Ronaldo, Isco and Toni Kroos all major threats, the Merseysiders will need to ensure that their talisman is not left overly exposed. The running of Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson could be vital, with the pair possessing the energy needed to make up for the veteran’s lack of mobility.
Bring in Allen
Leading on from the last point, the inclusion of Allen would be wise. Although not as glamorous as Philippe Coutinho or as much of an exciting talent at Emre Can, the Welshman is an extremely effective midfielder. Allen’s forte is keeping the ball and playing the simple pass, which Liverpool may need to do tonight if they’re to have enough possession in key areas to hurt Real.
The former Swansea star came on and impressed against QPR on Sunday and is known to have the bravery in possession Rodgers craves from his players.
Believe
//www.youtube.com/embed/NKbrAU9wGqQ
The last time Real Madrid visited Anfield this happened! Plus there’s the inspiration of that night in Istanbul and the club’s wonderful European history…
