Poll Milly or Shaq?

[rurikbird]

Just curious who people prefer to see start against Arsenal. The rest of the team pretty much picks itself (other than a bit of scuffle between Gomez, Trent and Lovren for 2 positions in defense), but this surely is the most consequential choice. With Shaqiri we will likely line up in Klopp's old-new 4-2-3-1 with Salah in the middle and will try to go for the jugular in the first half. With Milner, we should go back to the tried-and-tested 4-3-3 and will have more bite in counter-pressing and defensive solidity.

Technically there are other options, but based on recent form I don't think anybody here will seriously consider starting Lallana or Sturridge for this game, so I made this poll as a straight choice between Xherdan and James. Vote away!

 

[dantes]

Arsenal are still a bunch of snowflake pussies, I'd pick Milner to kick them around a little bit.

 

[doctor_mac]

On the other hand, their defence is shit. Best to grab them by the throat and attack. Shaq.

 

[dantes]

Shaq attack is already taken. I think reebok owns that phrase. Don't worry, if they sue I got this.

 

[rurikbird]

On the other hand, their defence is shit. Best to grab them by the throat and attack. Shaq.

That's my reasoning as well. For whatever reason, Arsenal and Emery's teams in general are much better in the 2nd half (this season 3 out of every 4 goals they scored was after the interval). So it stands to reason to attack them with all we got in the first and hopefully get a bit of a cushion, then add some midfield bite with Milner at the first signs of an Arsenal revival in the 2nd half.

 

[doctor_mac]

That's my reasoning as well. For whatever reason, Arsenal and Emery's teams in general are much better in the 2nd half (this season 3 out of every 4 goals they scored was after the interval). So it stands to reason to attack them with all we got in the first and hopefully get a bit of a cushion, then add some midfield bite with Milner at the first signs of an Arsenal revival in the 2nd half.

I'm on board with that.

 

[Judge Jules]

Milner gets my vote. I agree about attacking them, but I reckon we'd be better placed to do so with our standard front three and we need Milner in midfield for that. I'd fetch Shaqiri on later in the game (not necessarily for Milner - depends how things have gone up in the meantime) to give them something new to worry about, especially if they've got a head of steam up attacking-wise by then and we need to turn the tide a bit.

 

[Brizzle]

I’m completely up for going for the jugular from the off.

 

[Brizzle]

The main reason i can see Millie starting is that Shaq might not be up to speed on the high press whereas Millie is an exemplar in this regard. With Arsenal’s play it from the back mentality this might be a pretty hefty instruction given to Millie.