The Liverpool Offside - Premier League Coverage: Manchester United vs. Liverpool, Saturday, September 12thZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2015-09-13T03:00:02+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/90751422015-09-13T03:00:02+01:002015-09-13T03:00:02+01:00Rodgers: "We Need to Create More Opportunities"
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<p>After another abysmal performance and crushing defeat to rivals Manchester United, manager Brendan Rodgers talks about his concern over the team's lack of goals and their need to do more.</p> <p>After five games, <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> have only managed to score three goals, one of which was offside and unfairly allowed to stand. To suggest this is a team that hasn't created enough should go without saying. In their most recent game, an utterly disappointing 3-1 loss to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> on Saturday, Liverpool stepped onto the pitch looking for a 0-0 and had no reply once United had scored. It's the third loss in a row to their rivals in less than a year, and that is unacceptable.</p>
<p>Regarding the result, Rodgers <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Ffirst-team%2F193711-rodgers-reflects-on-reds-defeat-at-old-trafford&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2Fliverpool-fc-news-coverage%2F2015%2F9%2F13%2F9315991%2Fbrendan-rodgers-loss-manchester-united-need-to-create-more-goals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">said in his post-match comments</a>:</p>
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<p>"We’re disappointed with the result and the performance. I thought in the first half we were fairly organised but technically could have been much better with the ball.</p>
<p>"We didn’t keep the ball for long enough to create opportunities, but we didn’t give away too much either in the first half – it was only really when we gave the ball cheaply and put ourselves under pressure. So it was 0-0 at half-time, we’re okay and looking to play better in the second half.</p>
<p>"We’re disappointed with the free-kick. I thought both players were tangling for the ball, both had their arms up and <span>Ashley Young</span> jumps on the player’s [Clyne] back and gets a free-kick. But they worked it well and get the goal and we then gave away the penalty.</p>
<p>"At 2-0 you’re up against it. We then got on the front-foot, Christian scored an incredible goal with a high-level of technique, so we were back in the game at 2-1 and looking at maybe getting something. But we then conceded within a minute and at 3-1 the game is dead."</p>
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<p>This seems confirmation enough that they had intended to stay organized and tight in the back to try to limit the damage. This was always likely to be difficult with a back line that has too often looked shaky and unreliable, however, and which was again punished on Saturday when an unmarked <span>Daley Blind</span> scored a simple goal off of a set piece. The second goal was caused by the inexperienced Joe Gomez, who looks increasingly lost playing out of position. The third came when debutante Anthony Martial humiliated veteran center back Martin Skrtel.</p>
<p>Rodgers went on to acknowledge his team's shortcomings, saying:</p>
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<p>"We’re five games in and we haven’t created anywhere near as much as we would have liked. That’s something I need to go away with the coaches and staff and have a look at and how we can find ways in which to be much more creative.</p>
<p>"This is a team that, certainly for the first couple of years, was very offensive and creative.</p>
<p>"We’re still looking to find that way, with numbers of players coming in, to get that balance and efficiency in the team, but certainly we need to create more opportunities.</p>
<p>"With the players we’ll have coming back – players that are really creative dynamic and have speed - they’ll hopefully offer the team that."</p>
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<p>Certainly the returns of <span>Philippe Coutinho</span>, <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, <span>Adam Lallana</span>, and <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> will do nothing but help this team. However, it is important to note that most of these players -- bar Sturridge -- have played the majority of the games this season, where Liverpool have looked just as poor, even if results have at times been better. And Sturridge, while physically able to play soon, won't be at anywhere near match fitness for weeks yet and Rodgers would be reckless to expect him to have an immediate impact on games.</p>
<p>While fans may differ on their feelings about Rodgers, one thing they can all agree on is that there needs to be less empty words and more proof on the pitch that Rodgers is taking the right steps to fix his very broken team. Playing his talented players in their natural positions would be a good start. So too would dropping those players who are clearly favored and just as clearly under-performing.</p>
<p>Without that -- if it's just more talk of waiting for injured players to return while those Rodgers does have at hand continue to look lost that Liverpool fans can expect to see in the coming months -- it will be a long, cold winter indeed.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2015/9/13/9315991/brendan-rodgers-loss-manchester-united-need-to-create-more-goalsepicskyline2015-09-12T20:50:10+01:002015-09-12T20:50:10+01:00Manchester United 3, Liverpool 1: The Walking Dead
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<p>United poor, Liverpool worse in 3-1 defeat.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
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<p><b>Manchester United 3</b> <i>Blind 49', Herrera (PK) 70', Martial 86'</i><br><b>Liverpool 1 </b><i>Benteke 84'</i></p>
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<p>There's supposed to be fire when Liverpool face Manchester United. This is a match that should make you feel something unrefined deep down in your gut -- it's what makes this rivalry one of the best in all of professional sports. That feeling was mostly absent today, as Liverpool stumbled to a 3-1 defeat.</p>
<p><span>Brendan Rodgers</span> asked for trouble with his starting line up -- <span>Roberto Firmino</span> and <span>Danny Ings</span> out of position on the wings, <span>Dejan Lovren</span> on the pitch. But tactics can't explain the way that Liverpool responded to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United's</a> high press in the first half. Each time Liverpool won the ball back in their own defensive third, someone managed to give it right back to United. Simon Mignolet and Lucas both put the defense under immense pressure with a couple of careless giveaways, and Liverpool were fortunate to enter the half level.</p>
<p>Actual things happened in the second half. Unfortunately, most of the things that happened were bad things. United jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a bit of set piece trickery -- everyone crashed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> goal except for <span>Daley Blind</span>, who settled into vacated space at the edge of the box. <span>Juan Mata</span> squared the ball into Blind's path, and Blind rocketed it into the corner of the net.</p>
<p>Liverpool picked up their play a tick after conceding and had two excellent chances to level the score. A poor <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/david-de-gea-transfer-rumours-news">David de Gea</a> clearance led to a Danny Ings volley in a dangerous position, but de Gea did brilliantly to push the shot wide with his fingertips. Martin Skrtel nearly scored off a corner not long after the Ings chance, but he was denied by a last ditch block by Blind.</p>
<p>Despite the relative increase in attacking threat in the second half, Liverpool still appeared rather disjointed up front with <span>Christian Benteke</span> isolated in the attack. One goal looked like a big ask, and when United went 2-0 up through an <span>Ander Herrera</span> penalty, the match looked over.</p>
<p>But Benteke gave Liverpool fans a glimmer of hope with what might end up being the goal of the season. He made perfect contact with an acrobatic overhead volley, sending the ball screaming past de Gea. 2-1 with time left to chase an equalizer.</p>
<p>The elation didn't last. Not even for five minutes. Substitute prodigy striker Anthony Martial destroyed Skrtel with a marauding dribble into the box, and after leaving the center back for dead, he slotted cooly past Mignolet. 3-1, game over.</p>
<p><span>Philippe Coutinho</span> and <span>Jordan Henderson</span> would have helped in this one, but to blame their absences for this loss ignores Liverpool's deeper problems. There's no identity, little cohesion and a whole lot of question marks surrounding this team. What's most maddening is that the same things apply to United, but Liverpool couldn't take advantage because of their own ineptitude.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/9/12/9315707/manchester-united-3-liverpool-1-match-recap-full-analysisDan Bernstein2015-09-12T19:48:29+01:002015-09-12T19:48:29+01:00Manchester United 3, Liverpool 1: Man of the Match
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<p>With a loss in the books, we want to know who you think were Liverpool's best and worst performers and who your Man of the Match was.
</p> <p>Aside from a Christian Benteke wonder goal, that was awful.</p>
<p>Now let us know how you saw things. Clicking the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list-or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p>At the end of the month we'll go back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. </p>
<a class="rnkrw-widget" data-rnkrw-id="2206444" data-rnkrw-format="grid" data-rnkrw-rows="999" href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-soccer-goalies-of-all-time?utm_source=widget&utm_campaign=widget_link" target="_blank">Best Soccer Goalies</a><script id="rnkrw-loader" type="text/javascript" async src="//widget.ranker.com/static/rnkrw2.js"></script>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/9/12/9314301/manchester-united-3-liverpool-1-man-of-the-matchStitch Invader2015-09-12T19:24:12+01:002015-09-12T19:24:12+01:00Manchester United 3, Liverpool 1: First Thoughts
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<p>After a tedious and uninspiring first half, Liverpool succumbed to defeat in a second half that boasted some special goals.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
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<p><b>Manchester United 3 </b><i>Blind 49', Herrera 70 (pen)', Martial 86'</i><br><b>Liverpool 1 </b><i>Benteke 84'</i></p>
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<li> <b>Pre-match thoughts</b>: <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> decided to maddeningly and stubbornly stick with the inadequate <span>Dejan Lovren</span> in defence. <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> and <span>Wayne Rooney</span> were notable absentees from a game where both teams had much to prove. <span>Danny Ings</span> made his first start for Liverpool alongside <span>Christian Benteke</span>.<br><br> </li>
<li> In the first ten minutes, Liverpool showed frustrating lack of composure at the back. Sloppy play from Martin Škrtel and <span>Simon Mignolet</span> could have given the home side a couple of easy chances to take the lead. If only Liverpool had a composed centre back with experience and quality on the the ball in the squad.<br><br> </li>
<li>As the first half approached the 25 minute mark, Liverpool seemed content to sit deep and work off scraps on the counter. Manchester United recorded nearly 65% possession but couldn't muster a shot on target in a cagey encounter that lacked any fire or excitement. Liverpool, however, couldn't <br><br> </li>
<li>Where's the philosophy or football from Liverpool? Manchester United fans could very well ask the same question. Not impressive from both sides at all after 30 mins of uninspired football.<br><br> </li>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United's</a> 4231 and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> 433 have brought nothing. Having said that, a point for Liverpool would be better considering it's an away game and Liverpool took no points there last season.<br><br> </li>
<li> Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.<br><br> </li>
<li> <b>Half-time thoughts: </b>No shots on target from either side and one of the worst halves of football in this great fixture. Both sides have done very little, but that's probably more damning for the home side than the away side. The plan from Brendan Rodgers appears not to concede but do little else, which appears unsustainable with a bit of improvement from Louis van Gaal's side.<span><br><br> </span> </li>
<li> Well. The home side unfortunately took the lead on 49 minutes through a set piece. <span>Juan Mata</span> cut the ball back to <span>Daley Blind</span> who finished expertly from 18 yards into the top corner. There was nobody around him.<br><br> </li>
<li> Two chances for Liverpool on 55 and 57 minutes as the away side finally show some attacking intent approaching the hour mark. A less than convincing clearance from the untested <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/david-de-gea-transfer-rumours-news">David de Gea</a> leads to a cross that <span>Chris Smalling</span> had to clear off the line. De Gea redeemed himself by thwarting Danny Ings a couple of minutes later.<br><br> </li>
<li>The pendulum of fate has swung. On 65 minutes, <span>Roberto Firmino</span> should have restored parity with an open-ish goal after Ings was denied by Daley Blind on the line. Five minutes later, Joe Gomez poorly conceded a penalty through inexperience that <span>Ander Herrera</span> confidently blasted away. Game over?<br><br> </li>
<li>What a goal from Christian Benteke. An early contender for goal of the season. An overhead kick of exceptional quality after the ball hung in the air for what seemed to be an age. Superb technique from Liverpool's number nine. Liverpool back in with a shout?<br><br> </li>
<li> According to Anthony Martial, no. The youngster on his debut after coming on as a substitute scored a goal that was simply out of the Thierry Henry playbook. He ghosted past Škrtel too easily on the left before opening up his body to pass the ball into the opposite corner beyond Mignolet.<br><br> </li>
<li> <b>Full-time thoughts:</b> Liverpool's excessive caution and ineptitude on the ball made it easy for Manchester United for much of the game. The away side came into life after conceding, but to be honest, both sides still have a lot to prove. For Brendan Rodgers, there will be more questions for him to answer than Louis van Gaal.<br><br> </li>
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<p align="justify">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/9/12/9275211/manchester-united-3-liverpool-1-match-recap-benteke-overhead-kick-martial-debut-goalCStars2015-09-12T19:18:46+01:002015-09-12T19:18:46+01:00MUST WATCH: Christian Benteke's UNBELIEVABLE bicycle kick goal vs Man United<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_51RLm3ldYk" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>OH MY GOD</p></p></div>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/9/12/9315757/must-watch-christian-bentekes-unbelievable-bicycle-kick-goal-vs-manRob Usry2015-09-12T14:00:02+01:002015-09-12T14:00:02+01:00Lucas On Big Games, Missing Phil, And Optimism
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<p>Papa Lucas was back dropping some knowledge on us all, focusing on what it's like to run out for the first time at Old Trafford, and on missing his fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho. </p> <p>In a scant few hours, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> Football Club will run out at Old Trafford in the latest edition of the rivalry between England's two most successful squads. Given the youth and inexperience at Liverpool, the Reds might have to worry about the big moment getting the best of the new arrivals.</p>
<p><span>Lucas Leiva</span>, on the other hand, seems unfazed by the prospect in an<a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Ffirst-team%2F193611-lucas-old-trafford-debutants-can-handle-it&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2Fliverpool-fc-match-coverage%2F2015%2F9%2F12%2F9314633%2Flucas-on-big-games-missing-phil-and-eternal-optimism" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener"> interview with the club's official website</a>:</p>
<p>"It's different but it's something that you have to go through.</p>
<p>"I remember in 2009 I was quite young and I played at Old Trafford, we won 4-1 and I probably wasn't expecting that start - you just have to get through it.</p>
<p>"The young players today have a lot of experience at a very early stage, they play a lot of big games and with the national team, so I think they will be fine."</p>
<p>Roberto Fimino, <span>Emre Can</span>, <span>Jordon Ibe</span>, and Joe Gomez would all be making their Old Trafford debuts if they find their way onto the pitch. At least three of the above names seem likely to start.</p>
<p>And for any young would-be superhero trying to make up for <span>Philippe Coutinho's</span> unfortunate absence, Lucas had the following advice to give:</p>
<p>"Don't try to [do] what Philippe does because I don't think that's fair to anybody [to expect]."</p>
<p>Wise words from the long-serving Liverpool midfielder. As for the most recent disappointing match against West Ham?</p>
<p>"Of course our last result wasn't great but we had three other results that people were excited about, so it's three against one."</p>
<p>Lucas math(s), for the win. Let's hope his unsinkable optimism pans out with an equally positive performance away to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-match-coverage/2015/9/12/9314633/lucas-on-big-games-missing-phil-and-eternal-optimismZachary Marx2015-09-12T13:00:03+01:002015-09-12T13:00:03+01:00Matchday: Manchester United vs. Liverpool
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<p>Team sheets, television and streaming options, and live coverage as Liverpool lock horns with Manchester United at Old Trafford.</p> <p>Club football resumes after an early <strike>and unwelcome</strike> international break! There's only one potential problem, and that's Liverpool face an familiar foe where defeat would heap unhelpful pressure at this early stage of the season. The same is true for <i>the enemy</i> so hopefully it will be a good day for Liverpool FC.</p>
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<div align="center">The Match</div>
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<p><strong>Full Preview:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/9/11/9309051/manchester-united-vs-liverpool-match-preview-team-news-and-ways-to/in/9075142">Manchester United vs. Liverpool</a></p>
<p><strong>Kickoff: </strong>5.30PM GMT/12.30PM EST from Old Trafford</p>
<p><strong>Television:</strong> Sky Sports 1 <i>UK & </i><em>Ireland;</em> NBC <em>USA</em>; Fox Sports 2 <i>A</i><em>ustralia</em>; Star Sports 4 <em>India</em>; bein Sports 1 & Orange TV <em>Indonesia</em>; 102 (HD) mio Stadium <em>Singapore</em></p>
<p><strong>Online:</strong> LFCTV GO , Sky Go <i>UK</i>, NBC Sports Live Extra <i>USA</i></p>
<p><strong>Full Listings:</strong> <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/" target="new">LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
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<p align="center">De Gea<br>Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw<br>Carrick, Schweinsteiger<br>Mata, Ander Herrera, Depay<br>Fellaini</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>Bench: Rojo, Martial, Young, Romero, Valencia, Schneiderlin, McNair</p>
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<p align="center">Mignolet<br>Clyne Skrtel Lovren Gomez<br>Lucas Can<br>Milner Firmino Ings<br>Benteke</p>
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<p>Bench: Bogdan, Sakho, Toure, Moreno, Rossiter, Ibe, Origi</p>
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<p>If you haven’t already, sign up for an SBNation account and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a> where we'll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/9/12/9275179/manchester-united-liverpool-2015-epl-kickoff-time-tv-schedule-live-online-streamingCStars2015-09-12T11:00:02+01:002015-09-12T11:00:02+01:00Rodgers Hints At Ings Old Trafford Appearance
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<p>With Philippe Coutinho unavailable, question marks surround Liverpool's attacking options as they head to Old Trafford tonight. After a lively performance against West Ham, Rodgers suggested that Danny Ings may have just earned himself a spot on the pitch.</p> <p><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> faithful did not have a great deal to be happy about after the embarrassing 3-0 defeat to West Ham before the international break. However, <span>Danny Ings</span> was one of the few bright players in an otherwise second-rate, uninspired afternoon.</p>
<p>Boss Brendan Rodgers noticed as much, and spoke highly of the former <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc" class="sbn-auto-link">Burnley</a> striker in his <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Ffirst-team%2F193643-boss-backs-ings-if-united-chance-comes&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2Fliverpool-fc-match-coverage%2F2015%2F9%2F12%2F9314535%2Frodgers-hints-at-ings-old-trafford-appearance" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">pre-match press conference</a>:</p>
<p>"Danny scored there last year, and he's been a real bright spark since he came in.</p>
<p>"He knows he's going to need time for him to come in and adapt to the club.</p>
<p>"But I would have no qualms if I wanted to play him to pick him in the team, because he's a threat to the goal, he presses really well, he works hard and in and around the 18-yard box he has got the quality to score a goal.</p>
<p>"So I would have no hesitation of playing him if I felt that he could come into the team."</p>
<p>From the comments, it sounds like Rodgers is planning on bringing Ings in as a second half substitute again. Although Ings' inclusion last time out was definitely the correct move to make, there's only so much a striker can do when trying to claw back from an early multi-goal deficit.</p>
<p>Rodgers also noted that Ings scored last year at Old Trafford with Burnley, albeit in a 3-1 defeat.</p>
<p>Hopefully this time around, Ings (assuming he plays) will be coming on to secure points, and not to rearrange the deck chairs on a sinking ship.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-match-coverage/2015/9/12/9314535/rodgers-hints-at-ings-old-trafford-appearanceZachary Marx