Liverpool v Fulham: Ronny Goodlass talks tactis

Apr 19 2008

THE return of Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard after long spells out with injury has led to an improvement in Fulham’s form.

Both are important characters on and off the field and the home team will be lifted by their first away win at Reading.

Defence

KASEY KELLER has been giving number one Antti Niemi as run for his money this season and could dislodge him again this afternoon.

The experienced USA international has also played in La Liga and the Bundesliga. He has quick reflexes, is a good shot stopper and looks to command his area with safe handling.

Paul Stalteri won the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, and will bring an aggressive edge to the defence while using the ball well. Aaron Hughes came through the youth ranks at Newcastle where he made more than 300 appearances. He is versatile defender who can play right across the back-line, but excels at centre-half where his good organisation and swiftness stand out. Leads by example.

Brede Hangeland is an imposing centre-half from Roy Hodgson’s former club at FC Vikings. Although Texan-born, his battling qualities have earned him more than 40 caps for Norway.

Paul Konchesky was the youngest player to appear for Charlton at 16 years and 93 days. The left-back pushes forward and gets crosses in.

Midfield

SIMON DAVIES made 154 appearances and scored 24 goals for Tottenham before moving to Everton.

But his time at Goodison Park never worked out and it is only since moving to Fulham that he has recaptured his best form. He delivers good crosses from wide right, and chips in with goals.

Jimmy Bullard has suffered a long lay-off since his move from Wigan and only now are Fulham benefiting from the form his showed before his move south. He is full or energy and vision, with a good range of passing, he is also a threat at free-kicks.

A real bubbly character, he never stops talking out on the pitch. His presence in the dressing room will be equally important in helping create an atmosphere in which players can relax and break the pre-match tension.

Liverpool fans know all about Danny Murphy after seven years at Anfield, playing more then 200 games and being involved in winning five trophies.

The sort of midfielder who always makes himself available to keep his team on the move with good first-time passing.

Clinton Dempsey can play up front, but from the right side of midfield he likes to run at defenders. He is brave in the air.

Attack

BRIAN McBRIDE has built up plenty of experience of English football with Preston and Everton.

Renowned for his heading ability, he always gives his all for the team and is very good at supporting other players or linking up the play.

He has tremendous body strength and will either try and get in front of defenders or use his physique to knock them out of their stride.

David Healy was signed by Lawrie Sanchez from Leeds in 2007 and is well known for his winner against England in 2005.

A prolific scorer for Northern Ireland at international level with 29 in 59 games, who is sharp in and around the box.

Dangerman

BRIAN McBRIDE – everything revolves around the American. He will lead the line well.

Overall verdict

FULHAM’S confidence will have been helped by the win at Reading, but they still need the points desperately.

Liverpool want to wrap fourth place up as soon as possible. They will remember resting players and losing last year – but it won’t happen again.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON