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OMT: EPL - Derby v Liverpool@ Pride Park 26th Dec 15:00 GMT - Matchday 18

1.8K views 85 replies 29 participants last post by  Deo  
#1 ·
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Derby v Liverpool

When the two sides met at Anfield back on September 1, it was a clear case of 'Rams to the slaughter.'

The Reds were in rampant mood as they hit six of the best to leave the Premier League newcomers in no doubt as to what it would take to survive in English football's top Division.

Since then Derby have continued to struggle against relegation but there have been signs that they won't go down without a fight, and they showed they can match anyone on their day with a notable victory at home to Newcastle.

In new manager Paul Jewell they have someone who has masterminded the great escape with both Bradford City and Wigan Athletic, and although the Rams may struggle to avoid the drop this time around, they are already beginning to show the fighting spirit characterised by their manager.

The last time Liverpool visited Pride Park in December 2001, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory courtesy of a Michael Owen goal and they were also grateful to Jerzy Dudek for a fabulous penalty save to deny Fabrizio Ravanelli.

Another three points this time around would be the perfect post-Christmas gift for the Reds in what is a hectic festive schedule.​
 
#3 ·
Out of curiosity, where is Ravanelli now?

If memory serves me right it was that 6-0 thrashing that took us to the top of the league table and made us hope for a serious title challenge, then we had the international break and after that it was back to the ol' liverpool, hope this game proves that the win vs. Pompey wasn't a fluke and that we're back in business, serious business that is... I hope Aurelio will replace Riise, and if Riise plays, let's just hope that it will be his last game in a Liverpool jersey before we git some ridiculous offer for him (Newcastle to offer 12m pounds? :D)
 
#6 ·
I hope they're swept aside with another avalanche of goals. Anything less than a win is, needless to say, a f**king disaster.
 
#7 ·
Shaggy Alonso said:
I hope they're swept aside with another avalanche of goals. Anything less than a win is, needless to say, a f**king disaster.
That's the thing with our form; we're so unpredictable, sometimes we’d be world beaters and then lose in a way that you’d think the guys are playing in the same team for the first time or something... It’s good sometimes to prepare for each game separately from all the other games, but sometimes there is no shape or clear/consistent pattern for our performances...
 
#9 ·
It won't be as easy as the game at Anfield, we look a lot more organised under Jewell, and apart from the Calamity against West Ham, no-ones had an easy time at Pride Park.

Of course you still should win.
 
#11 ·
Liverpooldian said:
Good draw against newcastle which should have be a shocker of a win for derby.

Boxing day shock, pool to lose. :pp
Magic of the season, and all that :D
 
#12 ·
jimbo jones said:
It won't be as easy as the game at Anfield, we look a lot more organised under Jewell, and apart from the Calamity against West Ham, no-ones had an easy time at Pride Park.

Of course you still should win.
I do agree this game wont be as easy as the 6-0 at anfield .
I watched NUFC v Derby which was very good for Derby .. they kept fighting and leading 1-2 till the last 5 minutes when Viduka killed their happiness . They may depend on the counterattacks against the reds .

but , I see liverpool will win this game too . :)
 
#15 ·
I think

---------------Reina------------------
Arbeloa----Carra------Hyypia----F.Aurelio
Babel-----Alonso-----Gerrard-----Benayoun
--------Torres----------Crouch--------
 
#16 ·
F.Torres said:
I think

---------------Reina------------------
Arbeloa----Carra------Hyypia----F.Aurelio
Babel-----Alonso-----Gerrard-----Benayoun
--------Torres----------Crouch--------
what about Kewell & Kuyt ?

I predict we shall see the same line-up of last game against Portsmouth .:rollani:
 
#17 ·
I don't know, Rafa might tinker in the Christmas period, then again maybe he might not, considering he's found his best XI. I can see Xabi getting a start though.
 
#18 ·
Today team is:

Reina

Finnan
Carragher
Hyypiä
Aurelio

Babel
Gerrard
Alonso
Riise

Voronin
Torres
 
#19 ·
great seeing alonso gerrard partnership back in action and finnan back as well, just hope neither are too rusty!