Liverpool vs Valerenga Preview

We are getting towards the business end of pre-season now as Liverpool take on Valerenga. The Reds are in Norway to prepare for their match tomorrow night against the Norwegian team. This is our second last pre-season game as we take on Lazio and that will be it as far as pre-season is concerned. Just 180 more minutes left for Rafa to tinker around his team and get some combinations going together with upping the players fitness.

Liverpool have always had a great following in Norway and should attract a sell out crowd for the game. I remember a time we had quite a few Norwegian players in the team. The likes of Heggem, Bjornebye, Leonhardsen and Kvarme who I thought was one of the worst defenders to ever play for Liverpool. Valerenga should not provide too much of a challenge to us but it will be a good work out for the Reds. Judging by Saturdays win over Rangers, it looks like the players are starting to get into the swing of things.

I hope Rafa starts with Keane and Torres upfront again. There were a few glimpses of the potential the two can have together on Saturday and the more games they play together, the better. I am sure Rafa will start with a pretty strong side tomorrow, boasting regular first team players. I expect Reina to start in goal as he needs a bit more game time as we get closer to the start of the season. The new Brazilian goalkeeper, Diego Cavalieri, has not done badly at all in the games he has played. He has looked quite good infact. There has been a lot of debate on who our central defence pairing should be this coming season. Some say it should be Carragher and Agger, some, Carragher and Skrtel. With some even going as far as leaving Carra out and opting for Agger and Skrtel. There is no doubt that the Agger – Skrtel combination is one for the future but for now I feel Carragher still has a vital role to play in the team and should thus start.

Options will be plenty for Rafa in midfield tomorrow. All the talk lately has been about Gareth Barry. It would have been great if he was signed soon so he could start playing for us. Hopefully he will be at Liverpool in time for the Lazio game. For now Alonso is still part of Liverpool and I expect him to get a run in tomorrows game.

Liverpool should win this game comfortably. It would be nice to see Keane get onto the score sheet together with Torres.