We’ve all been expecting the worst in our heart of hearts and the reports that Mikey Antonio could be out for four to six weeks comes as no real surprise.
However, this Irons outfit is no one man team.
So having announced the big man’s absence which way will Moyes go with his team selection as we step out against the champions at Anfield tomorrow (Sat).
I don’t believe he will change things any more than he has to and reckon Seb Haller will step straight into the firing line for a match in which Liverpool are going to inevitably have plenty of possession.
I see Benrahma on the bench and perhaps playing a half hour cameo at some stage but beyond that I see little alteration to a team pattern which has served us so well.
Masuaku has the skill and ability to be a foil for Haller and if he’s at his best the Reds could find themselves having to cope with some attacking menace.
A tight defensive performance, knowing that midfield is as strong as its been for some years, could be enough to ensure we get something as was so nearly the case last season.
CandH likely team: Fabianski; Coufal, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Bowe, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku, Fornals, Haller.
In the meantime GET WELL SOON MIKEY and COYI
Way to slow if Haller comes in I think we have to bring in benrahma can’t expect Haller to play same as Antonio we need wingers whipping in balls… hallers not gonna run in behind
Totally pathetic and avoidable situation, another failure to be laid at the door of Sullivan. 2 senior strikers who are not a replacement for one another. You cannot slot Haller in to the role Antonio has been playing, that is where and why he has struggled. If you are going to play Haller you need another up front with him and I don’t see Moyes doing that. You cannot rely on your main striker remaining fit all season and it is laughable not to have a similar replacement or be prepared to change formation slightly to accommodate the striker you do have available.
It’s like last season all over again. Great start and then we lost Fanianski. We all know what happened next!
Putting Haller in the lineup vs. Liverpool is equal to showing the manager’s trust in this guy. So, Seb! Go out there and do your job. Do it the way it should be done.
It’s a good that we signed replacements for the strikers we have let go the last few windows.
Oh.
Seb Haller will play well if the others are more spontaneous. Cresswell and company need to get the ball up and in early. No need to hesitate, stop, look up and adjust. Whilst doing that, Haller has had to stop, wait and get crowded – not the best way to surprise the opposition. An early ball in the danger zone will play to Haller’s strengths. Up to him to make something of it. But, don’t kick and watch – kick and support – anticipate and make a nuisance of yourselves.
When Michail is ready to come back, there’ll be a place for him too playing the same team style.
COYI
I think Haller could work well against Liverpool in that he gives you more defensively than Antonio, when it comes to set pieces he can get back and defend much as Andy Carroll used to. If we are going to get anything out of Liverpool I’m guessing we will be under siege at some point in the game and the big man at the back to head away crosses could be very useful.
I agree with a lot of the comments on here, but Haller is only good in defence if he’s defending a corner, when the opposition is on the attack he hasn’t got the pace to keep up & get back & defend, like others have said this needs to be a game that plays to his strengths, whipping the ball in from the wings on to his head, without Van Dyke Haller should be a massive threat, & with Soucek & Fornals flanking him they should be a strong attacking front three, Haller can’t do what Bowen & Antonio can do & shouldn’t be expected to, with Cresswell, Masuaku, Coufal & Bowen all able to put excellent crosses into the box Haller just needs to be their target.