Onwards and upwards, hope to see both sides put out less than full-strength sides.

From AVB's interview today: 'We went past a period of three games in six days which was difficult but we managed to get consistency in the team,' Villas-Boas said. 'Selection was based on freshness, regarding Lamps also that he was carrying four yellows and we are counting on him for the game against Liverpool"

Lamps to captain the side then, which is good I think. Games like Genk we were without a leader (and penalty taker!) on the pitch.

Cech, Bosingwa, Ivan, Luiz, Bertrand, Romeu, Josh, Lamps, Mata, Sturridge, and Anelka/Drogba/Torres/Kalou/Lukaku/Malouda/AVB himself. Seriously, no idea who the front three will be but hope to see Mata and Danny feature.

Most likely we will see

Turnbull

Bosingwa-Alex-(Ivanovic/Luiz)-Bertrand

Mikel-Josh-Lampard

(Anelka/Kalou)-Lukaku-Malouda

I think Torres will play in this.

Turnball

Bos, Alex, Luiz, Bertrand

Josh, Mikel, Lampard,

Anelka, Torres, Malouda

Josh better play 90 minutes in this, or I seriously worry that he has no future at the club under AVB.

From AVB's interview today: 'We went past a period of three games in six days which was difficult but we managed to get consistency in the team,' Villas-Boas said. 'Selection was based on freshness, regarding Lamps also that he was carrying four yellows and we are counting on him for the game against Liverpool"

He's the manager, he can do as he please with the team but that's garbage. How does that explain starting Drogba for 3 games in 6 days? While Torres hasn't started a game in about a month?

i think he will go with

Cech

Bos-Ivan-Alex-Bertrand

Josh-Mikel-Lamps

Anelka-Torres_Malouda

I hope we play a youthful side in this game. It is LC and although some might think this is the most realistic silverware we might win this season I think it is the perfect opportunity to use young talent. Josh, Romeu and Lukaku should feature.

Josh definitely. Romeu might depend on whether AVB is going to start him away at Newcastle. However I would start either Torres or Drogba as we need one of them to get some goals and need to take any opportunity for it to occur.

Dalglish stated that he wont select first team players, just 2 days after city derby. Anyone knows if they have any decent youth?

Edited November 27, 201114 yr by eldakar

Turnbull

Bosingwa Alex Luiz Bertrand

Mikel

Lamps MxEachran

Malouda Lukaku Anelka

Gives first team players a chance to rest, i would not risk getting Torres injured, also pack the bench with youngsters , its still a very good team who should be able to give anyone a run for their money, strong CB, apart from Mikel a strong MF and i really would like to see what Lukaku can do.

Im looking forward to getting Kakuta back in january and trying him out in the league, im worried that we will end up playing Mata every game and he runs out of steam beforethe end of the season.

I hope we play as many youngsters as possible Bertrand, josh, Lukaku, I'd also keep Romeu in for the added experience, I'd also give them all the full 90 except Romeu maybe 60 odd minutes because he'd be playing next weekend again.

I'm not convinved AVB will play that many youngsters when he is under so much pressure. If results go against us we could be out of the title, champions league and the league cup by mid December. That will pile the pressure on AVB and it could be wise to play a stronger side and look to stay in the tournament.

Let's not forget the dippers have a tough game today vs City so they are bound to rest players on Tuesday. We can afford to put out a mixture of experience, players in form and a few youngsters and still be too strong for them.

I would like to see:

...............Hilario

Ivan.... Alex....... Luiz........ Bertrand

...........Romeu..........Lamps.........

Sturridge.... McEachran.......Mata....

..................Torres.................

Subs: Turnball, Miereles, Ramires, Paulo, Bosingwa, Clifford, Lukakua (and hopefully Lukaku getting at least 30 mins).

Who are we going to play at centre back for this one? Ivanovic, Luiz and JT have all played 3 games in 9 days, not to mention the fact that JT is apparently suspended. This would lead us to assume that Alex is a shoe-in, but who will partner him? Maybe AVB brought Bosingwa on yesterday with a view to resting Ivanovic?

Who are we going to play at centre back for this one? Ivanovic, Luiz and JT have all played 3 games in 9 days, not to mention the fact that JT is apparently suspended. This would lead us to assume that Alex is a shoe-in, but who will partner him? Maybe AVB brought Bosingwa on yesterday with a view to resting Ivanovic?

Even if we're facing Liverpool I think Alex will play. He is a solid defender (not as good as he was now that he hasn't played much) and should do well enough against Liverpool. I don't think Ivan will be RB though, so it's either him or Luiz as CB.

Had we faced a different team I would think Ferreira might play, but I guess odds are that Bossy will be RB. Cole seems to play most games, but Bertrand hasn't been bad when he's played, so maybe he can get some minutes in this one.

Anyone know if this will be shown on tv?

Even if we're facing Liverpool I think Alex will play. He is a solid defender (not as good as he was now that he hasn't played much) and should do well enough against Liverpool. I don't think Ivan will be RB though, so it's either him or Luiz as CB.

Had we faced a different team I would think Ferreira might play, but I guess odds are that Bossy will be RB. Cole seems to play most games, but Bertrand hasn't been bad when he's played, so maybe he can get some minutes in this one.

Yeah, I have absolutely no problem with Alex starting this game, I was just concerned (despite my constant pro-Luiz and Ivanovic stance) that we might tire them out when they are really needed.

8 players started both our previous League Cup games (Alex, Luiz, Bertrand, Romeu, McEachran, Malouda, Kalou and Lukaku), but with a few people strategically rested at Wolves we might be able to guess the compromise AVB will reach between playing the youngsters and not getting battered.

Something like this: (?)

-----------------------Cech/Turnbull

Bosingwa--------Alex----------Luiz/Ivan-------Bertrand

---------------------------Mikel

--------------McEachran-----Lampard

-------Kalou-----Lukaku/Torres-----Malouda

Anyone know if this will be shown on tv?

According to official site only arsenal - city will be on tv

They have Utd - Crystal Palace the next day and not Chelsea- Liverpool......

At least the english channels, they dont mention for other countries

Edited November 27, 201114 yr by eldakar

Found a site though that in united states it will be shown in fox soccer

http://www.epltalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule

check out this site guys

I expect my team to play Spearing, Maxi, Coates, Carroll, Robinson and maybe bring on Eccleston.

Ideally, you should win this, we won't be putting out a strong side. Even though a trip to New Wembley is needed.

What is the rule if it's a draw? Does it go to ET or is a Return Leg to Anfield.

Im pretty sure it gets settled on the night. Thats what happened when we were at goodison this year. Be interesting to see the liverpool team. As you said a trip to new wembley and chance of a trophy for Daglish. Ive got a feeling it wont be as weakened as he suggested but we shall see

Dalglish will play most of his first teamers as this is about the only hope they have of a trophy...

In a way, this is our realistic chance to win a cup this year. I expect a strong team, torres has to start, so as our wonder boy Josh. We may as well throw in mata just to make sure we win and build some confidence. I'm sure they will play a strong team, suraez come off the bench at some stage

Torres, Bertrand and Josh have to start. I hope Mikel comes no where near the first team so hopefully Meireles, Lamps and Josh start in midfield. The two wide attackers could be Sturridge and Malouda. Although I'd be tempted to start Lukaku, I dont think he's ready to play against a big team.

Turnbull

Paulo Alex Ivanovic Bertrand

Meireles Lampard Josh

Sturridge Torres Malouda