Terenceeeee!!!

Now I know what it's like to be wrong

I hope that day never comes for me

Delusional

Aye, i did think that. But sort of came to the impression that Rafa may be fearful of injury and not risk it. That was the impression i got near the end of last year after the semis, where the final was still weeks away yet we rested players for Fulham. Could well be wrong though - after the Arsenal second leg formation it's sort of impossible to predict what he'll do (although i feel obliged to mention i did get that 100% right ).

News from the reserves are by the way that Nemeth and Insua missed out against Wigan whilst Plessis and Spearing only made cameo appearances towards the end (15 mins in the Frenchman's case, not sure about Jay though). These guys could be in contention for tomorrow, although my guess is, apart from the possibility of Plessis, none will start.

I'd love to see Nemeth get his senior debut this season, and too see Insua get another chance after last year. My guess would be that there could be a real makeshift side going out against Birmingham in a weeks time, with Chelsea having to play United and us having a big advantage fitness wise (albeit meaning Benitez's long-running failure to defeat the Brummies will continue into next year!). Also, it'd be nice to see Plessis get a second start at some point. He could for me be a part of the main squad next year because of our lack of a real cover for Mascherano. His composure against Arsenal was amazing and he shows promise (plus promoting one reserve player would give the rest a huge boost in terms of hope), although i'm not getting too carried away (Neil Mellor vs. Arsenal, anyone?)

The closer the Fulham game is getting though the more i can see quite a strong side fielded. I foresee Rafa just trying to kill any chance of Everton catching us and then totally resting next weekend. It'd be good to go in on a high against Chelsea with them being in some quite tame form lately... Either way this game should be intriguing.

I'd also love to see Nemeth get a run-out for the first team, Ive been very impressed with the hungarians performances and goals for the reserve team this season. Not only is he a good goal scorer but he has pace, his hold-up play is good for a player that isnt the tallest, and he brings other players into the game also. He kinda reminds me of Michael Owen but I won't go as far to say Nemeth is as good as him at this stage of his short career.

I seem to remember upon signing for us in the summer, he cited that he was hoping (along with his, younger, compatriot Andras Simon) to be as good/better than Robbie Fowler...

I'm watching this, with the team Rafa has put out, this is a brilliant chance for Fulham to take 3 points.

Agreed. They're getting forward well and creating chances at least. Good chance for a point.

Line up:

Reina
Finnan
Skrtel
Hyypia
Riise
Benayoun
Pennant
Lucas
Mascherano
Crouch
Voronin

i hope Jimmy gets a goal...

No Torres but they've been singing his song (fantastic song I might add) all game

They should sing the Mascherano song.

V r nin is starting

PENNANNNNTTTT

Germ-ain scores. 1 - 0 Pool.

Pennant? With a goal?

I needs to lay off the acid.

So close... Good passing Voronin-Pennant-Riise

Any Liverpool fans want to give me an opinion on Lucas so far in his Liverpool career? Personally haven't been that impressed when I've seen him but he looks a competent player who will improve.

My mate rated him very highly at the start of the season. Reckoned he could go on to better Gerrard one day but think his opinion has decreased somewhat over the past few months. A good run in the team appears to do him more harm than good. Perhaps the pressure

Yeah, earlier in the season I read a thread on a Liverpool forum about Lucas > Anderson but the hype around the blonde Brazillian has decreased somewhat, haven't heard that much from him.

Was apparently player of the season in Brazil, he'll surely have to show more than he has to have a chance at Liverpool.