beejay

Maybe we should have a poll to decide if RP or GWistooshort posts are the most boring. Then again, the result would be unanimous

Lucas isn't in the squad after getting back late from South America.

I get the impression that Rafa's rotation policy has been scaled down this season and drafting both Torres & Gerrard in after the minimum recuperation time is an example. As someone else said, he will be criticised by the sky brigade whatever his decision - if one is on the bench, it will be a case of "if he's fit enough to be a sub he's fit enough to start" or if they start but aren't on top of their game it will be because they are unfit and shouldn't have been risked in such a big game. Thank f*** I'm at the game so don't have to listen to their b******s. I had a feeling Torres would be fit enough but I'm very surprised that Gerrard is in the squad given his well-publicised comments the other day about not playing unless 100% fit and with proper preparation.

It's crucial to get on a roll, make the opposition fear playing you - that's how leagues are won. That's why it's worrying that other supporters think their team has a good chance against us, so 3 points against ManU and a performance that stands out could be so, so important to our season.

It's interesting that no-one outside Liverpool gives us a chance. Talking to supporters of other teams (I was at the England game in Barcelona) we not rated in the same league as "the top 3" and most expect us to be fighting it out as also-rans for 4th place. We only have 2 class players was a common theme. Most get their opinions from Sky I suppose so it would be a real statement for us to beat ManU without Gerrard & Torres, particularly if players who are capable of being top class such as Keane, Babel, Mascherano etc win their personal battles.

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They also suggest that we will be back in for Barry in January at a reduced price and I'm led to believe that barring any changes in management there is an understanding between the player & both clubs that this will happen.

I think, in Rafa's eyes, Lucas has moved ahead of Alonso in the pecking order and will play in more of the big games. I imagine Riera will be 1st choice on the left and wonder where this leaves Babel?

Of course there is, it can't be any clearer. Bascombe's piece has come straight from Parry.

Agree with this but I get the feeling Rafa thinks exactly the same and will do everything in his power to make the deal happen, even if it means selling someone he doesn't want to.

It's very strange but I doubt if it is brinkmanship at this stage. The papers are being briefed and Rafa is using them in a last ditch attempt to persuade the owners to go through with the deal. He says it is not about money so it must have more to do with their reticence to back the manager's judgement. I was foolishly beginning to think that G&H were getting their act together and understanding what they needed to do to build bridges with the fans and their support for Rafa was integral to this new approach. Now it seems they are yet again under the impression that they know more than the manager and we are back where we started - with Rafa fuming about their inertia and our plans for the new season in turmoil. FFS you pair of tossers, get the deal done before Rafa walks - then you will be in trouble, believe me, the supporters will not stand for it

Wouldn't mind betting that one of the yanks gave Rafa the green light last week and now the other one is holding back = Rafa caught in the middle and the club looking shambolic.

Reina, Agger, Skretl are bargains in my book, Torres as well despite costing £20m and given the price ManU are supposed to be paying for Tevez, Mascherano is a steal also. Some of our youth players coming through are very talented as well. Most of Rafa's signings have been excellent IMO but I take the point that we now seem to be going for quality not quantity and I really hope that this season we pick from a smaller pool of top players.

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http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-n...00252-21435805/

express & star say it's not!

Dave Usher says it's true

I'm led to believe that we are working on sales of Alonso, Benayoun, Pennant, Finnan & Voronin to pay for Barry & Downing. It's hardly earth-shattering new information but it comes from a decent source and bears out much of the summer speculation.

Fair play to this guy - he confirmed on RAWK it was the malmaison at 8.30 this morning, saying he was being picked up for his medical at 9. He got the usual dogs abuse from the sceptics on here for this post but has been proved right. BTW, his latest snippet is that we expect to land Barry pretty soon (supporting Barratt's article) Finnan going the other way and don't be surprised if Alonso is at the Emirates next season

Hammill to sign new contract then on loan to Blackpool? http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_3833211,00.html

There's a fairly tenuous link to an offer for Xabi here http://footylatest.com/news/news.php?extend.1193 Anyone find the spanish paper reporting this?

Echo http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21346775/ Strange article but it looks like its been briefed - Barry with a choice to make

Barry has been included in Villa's squad for the Intertoto game v Odense over the weekend apparently. Raising the stakes even more

That's a huge amount of cash - must be £50m plus another £10m for Dossena & Cavalieri. Carson, Itanje, Finnan, Riise, Crouch, Pennant is about £28m so that would still mean selling Alonso plus the £20m from our esteemed owners. There again, wasn't Dave Usher suggesting that Downing was back-up for Barry?