Boro Mania

The weekend is again upon us. It brings with it the promise of rest, relaxation and booze… It also brings us our second dose of Premiership football of the 08/09 season.

Looking back at the previous week, it looks like an exciting season ahead. The Premiership has opened with all guns blazing. Every football fan will appreciate that there’s been goals, and plenty of them. I’d began to forget how eager I was to flick over to BBC1 at 10:30pm, sit down with a cold one and bathe in the sticky mud of the Premiership like a pig in, erm, yeah… Saturday nights just aren’t the same. Bugger, they definately wern’t the same this weekend, we actually got extended highlights and wern’t bumped to the back of the queue. With that in mind I hope those who got to see the live action last week, or even just MOTD, were paying close attention taking note of the teams around us in the fixture list.

The Stadium of Lube

Liverpool last week visited our genetically polluted cousins Sunderland in what was supposed to be a wash over. Roy Keane it seems had done his homework on the Reds however, and his team of Spurs and Man Utd rejects controlled much of the game holding Liverpool’s team of stars surprisingly tight on the resistor. Romance it seemed was in the air and the Mackems were flirting rather dangerously. Diouf was up to his usual self as he left the field. He was seen on the bench rather proud of himself spitting for lubrication in anticipation of eventually seeing someone score, as he didn’t manage to do it himself, while Anthony Stokes was testing out his latest lipstick, puckering up and smacking his lips as the Mackem fans were roaring. He wasn’t getting any action on the field so perhaps he thought he could instigate an encounter with Diouf, who knows? Unfortunately, minutes later, Torres had other ideas… largely ineffective during the game, he looked over to the bench for instructions and at the sight of two rival players challenging him for lady boy status, he suddenly came to life as Sunderland’s grip on the game and that proverbial resistor, loosened. Torres suddenly burst into light and scored a brilliant long-range strike which was enough to dampen the fantasies of Sunderland’s opening week.

Well, while that story isn’t categorically full of truths, slightly, but not entirely… [hey, we all love a bit of bull faeces every now and again] we can take a few positives from the game in question.

1. Liverpool were rather dire going forward,
2. Gerrard looked out of sorts,
3. Xabi “best passer in the league” Alonso came on and couldn’t weigh a bag of Bon Bons never mind an accurate pass,
4. Liverpool’s defense resembled somewhat a curly wurly.

While these are of course valid points, Rafa Benitez will have been seething at the performance and demanding improvement. I can’t see that being a problem though however as Liverpool’s home form does strike fear into a lot of teams.

Out of Liverpool’s last ten home fixtures, they’ve won 8 and drawn only 2! — Looking on the bright side however, those draws were against so called “lesser” teams. [Wigan and Aston Villa respectively]

I can’t help but think that we could punish Liverpool on a performance like that. Sunderland have no teeth in attack and its not surprising they never scored, but Boro do have goals up-front.

Liverpool: Brief Introduction

Liverpool are one of the so-called Top Four teams. Since the creation of the Premier League, they’ve only failed to finish below 4th, four times, twice in the previous six seasons. Their lowest finish to date is currently 8th. They currently hold the record of most wins of the title, although Man Utd are catching them and are waiting to take that accolade away. Since the dominant 80’s, they’ve struggled to make anything of the Premier League and have failed to win it even once, coming closest in 2002 when they finished 2nd, trailing Arsenal by 7 points. Champions League success is indeed a different story. Many people, including myself, were up in arms with scouse fans in their extraordinary comeback and penalty win against AC Milan. In the past 4 years they’ve been in the Champions League final twice.

This summer has seen a mixed bag of sweets in the transfer department. To the dismay of Spurs fans, Robbie Keane has arrived for £19m, while Phillip Degan [B. Dortmund], Andrea Dossena [Udinese], Diego Cavalieri [Palmeiras] and David N’gog [PSG] have also been brought in to the ranks.

We’ve also seen potentially decent players leaving for relatively nothing, such as Scott Carson [£3m - Stoke], and Harry Kewell has been released. I’m not sure what the Scouser’s view on this is, but he looked like he was finally beginning to show some form. I suppose with the ability of Babel, he would be finding it difficult to break in. Peter Crouch was let go for £9m [Portsmouth], and im sure given a good run of games he’d of been in the goals, not to mention they’ve lost a very potent aerial advantage and some very unorthodox football, however with the potential £10m net spend on Keane, it’s not a bad bit of business.

Riise has also been let go [Roma - £4m]. Rafa was undoubtedly unhappy with his Ginger defender after his antics in the Champions League, netting a comedy own goal that won’t be forgotten for a long time yet.

Liverpool naturally have a strong squad. Like Tottenham, they have goals from midfield. Gerrard gets his fair share every season and is no stranger to scoring screamers against us, and Alonso chips in with half a dozen a season. Its not just that, but they have arguably two of the most influential strikers in the League at the moment, Keane and Torres, the latter also no strangers to scoring against us from long range!

It still remains to be seen whether Torres and Keane can work together effectively, as displays in pre-season and vs Sunderland suggest its not a budding relationship football wise.

One of the strongest defenses in the league, incorporating Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, and Arbeloa [im reserved on Arbeloa] means they leak few goals… not with Reina in goal anyway.

Twitching of the ‘Eye’

Our opening week was one of two feelings for me personally. I was on a high in anticipation of the clock striking 3pm, but the other of the feelings came at 2:30 when i saw the team sheet. Many of the fans who visit the site I’m sure have long memories, and on an unrelated subject, will remember a poll we recently took before the start of the season entitled “Who do you think should start in goal against Spurs?” Of course it was a washout, with almost all of the votes going towards Ross Turnbull. It appears Southgate is his own man and overlooked the fan’s view on the subject. Back onto the subject of long memories, i still haven’t forgotten the 7-0 drubbing we received from Arsenal, with you know who in goal.

I would like to stay on the subject of Jones for a minute or two with regards to his performance last week. He did start the game very nervously and i was taking particular interest in him as the game went on. Most fans should be able to appreciate the fact that he hasn’t had a lot of football over the past couple of years, with butter fingers Schwarzer being apparently un-droppable. What we witnessed in fact was a nervous keeper who grew in confidence as the game went on. He began to show good command of his area, and went to putting a little part of our fears to rest. Of course with experience comes confidence, so its only natural that you aren’t going to be Buffon in your first season between the sticks, but it will be a short lived experience [hopefully] if the defense infront of him cant rely on his ability as a keeper, which we may or may not see during the next few fixtures. Its crunch time, hes either got it or he hasn’t, so lets give him a chance to prove it and then judge him.

Scratching the Spurs

It couldn’t of been a better opening week, though. We’ve waited 8 years for a win on our opening day and it couldn’t have come at a better time in my opinion. We all know Spurs fans think they’re now the best thing since sliced bread, so to get one over on them was something to be proud of given the talent in their squad. Yet i dont want to waste time talking about the spuds, rather our own performance.

Boro gave a reason to fill the stadium last week with an assured attacking, attractive display of football, which is something we’ve lacked previous seasons. ‘Boring Boro’ was what we’d been labelled by the press and i agree to a certain extent, but Southgate has put a squad together which is starting to show promise. ‘Inconsistent Boro’ is more or less correct though, while we are weaker on numbers, we’ve got a lot more quality than previous seasons and with a team who are hungry for success, i think we’re going to be seeing a lot more goals, a more assured defensive displays and something to look forward to for a change, maybe we can actually look forward to a Saturday and think “yeah, i fancy us winning comfortably” instead of “bugger me, scapegoat time again”

A few of us will be looking forward to seeing Digard and Emnes play a full game. Our new French prodigy made an immediate, if not accidental impact on the Spurs game last week. His 20-yard shot from O’Neil’s back heel was going woefully wide until it was turned in by the sharpness of recently fit again Mido, but its chances like that we’ve been shy on in previous seasons, unless you count Rochemback who doesn’t hesitate to blast a ball to the Astra satellite at 22 degrees north. Aliadiere has been preferred on the right so far, and he’s put in the work to deserve another start, which will come as no surprise considering he won’t be getting a sniff up front unless its off the bench as an impact player, or because of injuries, at which point we’ll be wondering how Emnes will get in the team if Aliadiere is putting in good performances. Likely again off the bench.

Middlesbrough: Possible Team and Tactics

4-5-1: Jones, Taylor, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, Downing, Aliadiere, Digard, O’Neil, Tuncay, Alves

This week is a rather difficult fixture to for-see. Will Southgate keep the same system that beat Spurs or will he change to a 4-5-1 system to try and counter Liverpool’s attack? In my honest opinion, I can see two changes to the team, including a change of formation. Southgate will alter the shape of the team slightly to allow an durable attacking AND defensive display. Tuncay will play more central. His role will be to use his legs with help on defensive duties, but also be quick on the counter attack supporting Alves from deep. The team can switch between a 4-4-1-2 formation and a 4-5-1 formation depending on what’s happening on the pitch. Wheater will remain at right back on the back of his display last week to accommodate the promising partnership of Huth and Poggy, that is unless of course Pogatetz’ injury during his midweek game for Austria is serious enough to warrent him being left out. Digard’s defensive muscle and eye for a pass should adequately release the attacking players from kick-off, while O’Neil will be looking to play between Digard and Tuncay mainly, using his creative skills as much as possible to free up space. Aliadiere compliments Downing on the opposite wing with the two interchanging with eachother to hopefully catch out one of the full-backs. Aliadiere will be looking to run at the full-backs using his pace and will probably be forced inside to pass the ball into the box or towards the centre. Alves will play lone-striker for a lot of the game but will be looking to Tuncay for support. His job will be to play in to the runs from midfield and link in.

Liverpool: Possible Team and Tactics

4-4-2: Reina, Arbeloa, Dossena, Carragher, Agger, Kuyt, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Torres, Keane

I’m unsure of what to make of the Liverpool team this week. After last weeks average performance against Sunderland you could expect any number of changes, however apart from the Champions League qualifier and Sunderland, the current line-up has had some good games, which is what Rafa could be thinking also, especially when they’re at home with the Liverpool support. Dossena will be wanting to make an impact to cover at left back and cancel out the runs of Aliadiere, who will try and take him on. Arbeloa will play right of Carragher and Agger will be usefull from an attacking perspective when it comes to set plays. They will play a high line to put pressure on the Boro, as Agger likes to creep forward and make “Southgate-esque” runs through the opposition midfield from time to time. Alonso will give a bit of posession and passing range to the forwards while Gerrard will take place behind the front two in support. He’ll be looking to feed the strikers or take shots on goal from outside the area, as Boro have been vulnerable to long range shots in the past. Benayoun will stay wide left and use his skill to frustrate Wheater and right foot to supply crosses into the box and add another threat from long range. Kuyt will be again used on the right using his strength and ability to keep the ball to feed the midfield through into the box.

Middlesbrough Team News

Boro’s only definite casualty is Julio Arca who is out with an Ankle injury. Pogatetz was taken off early midweek during the Austria game with a suspected groin strain and is rated 50/50 to start on Saturday.

Jones is due to make his second appearance of the season in goal. New arrival Justin Hoyte will have to settle for a seat on the bench as Wheater is tipped to continue at right back unless Pogatetz isn’t passed fit, and Huth continuing in the centre. Downing and Aliadiare well continue on the flanks, with Emnes still having to wait for his Premiership Debut. Tuncay, Digard and O’Neil will take place in midfield. Mido sits on the bench for the 2nd week running. Alves will continue as first choice striker playing a lone role up front.

Possible Bench: Turnbull, Grounds, Hoyte, Shawky, Emnes, Johnson, Mido

Middlesbrough from: Jones, Turnbull, Taylor, Grounds, Hoyte, McMahon, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, Riggott, Hines, Emnes, Downing, Franks, Johnson, Shawky, Digard, O’Neil, Walker, Aliadiere, Mido, Tuncay, Alves

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool are without Philip Degan, so Dossena will cover in his un-natural left back position while Arbeloa remains on the right,

Agger has been pushing for a start and is tipped to get the nod over Hyppia. Ryan Babel, Mascherano and Lucas are still away from the squad, which see’s Benayoun covering at left midfield. Kuyt will keep his place on the right. Alonso will take his place alongside Gerrard at the expense of youngster Plessis, with Keane and Torres remaining up-front from the Sunderland game.

Liverpool from: Reina, Cavalieri, Dossena, Finnan, Arbeloa, Insua, Aurelio, Skrtel, Agger, Hyypia, Pennant, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Plessis, Torres, Kuyt, Keane, N’Gog, Voronin

Team vs Team Statistics

As far as teams go, we definately aren’t Liverpools bogey team. While over the course of the Premier League we’ve managed to notch up five victories, only three of those have come this decade! Score draws have however came 7 out of the 9 times. Losses infact came 4 out of the 10 since the Millennium. Judging by the stats, we’re more likely to lose or at least come away with 1 point either home or away.

Middlesbrough: W:5 D:9 L: 10

As you can imagine, victories usually involve goals, and Liverpool have scored quite a few more past us than we’ve managed to put passed them. we’ve managed a meager 19 goals in comparison to Liverpool’s 32. That’s a goal difference of -13!

Still though, that doesn’t stop the fixture from having an average goal rating of 2.13 per game, with 29% of games averaging 3 goals or more!

Middlesbrough/Liverpool Previous Results

Form Table so far this Season

Boro: W - - - -

L’Pool: W - - - -

Boro havent lost in their previous 3 games. They’re currently 5 games without a draw, and on a streak of 3 successive wins.

Liverpool havent lost in their previous 8 games and are currently on a two game streak.

Predictions for the Match

It could be a difficult day down in Liverpool if im honest. Our recent record suggest that they’re just too much for us so i’m not going to expect three points, not that anyone should at Anfield. While i do take in the recent history, it will be interesting to see how Gareths new tactics work out against a side brimming with attacking quality. The most we can expect realistically is a draw, but i think Liverpool might be too much for us on the day, with individual stars usually having good games against us [Gerrard and Torres]. We did manage to put some decent goals passed them last time at anfield, so heres hoping that if we somehow do go ahead, we can keep the lead.

Verdict

Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough

[Torres, Keane - Alves]

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