Anfield Asylum: FanPosts

U-21s in Israel

2013-04-11T17:05:25Z

Hey everybody,

I'll be studying in Israel this summer during the U-21 Championships. Anyone have suggestions on a good way to get tickets with Liverpool supporters, or England supporters? I don't really know how to go about that.

Thanks for your help!

Evidently my post has to be 75 words long, so I'll just ramble for the last little bit until I hit 75, this is rather silly. I only need seven more words, yay.

Hey everybody,

Thanks for your help!

Evidently my post has to be 75 words long, so I'll just ramble for the last little bit until I hit 75, this is rather silly. I only need seven more words, yay.

Possible Torres to Liverpool Transfer?

2013-04-02T12:51:24Z

via www.darryljon.dsl.pipex.com

Multiple different sources (http://www.sportsbulletin.co.uk/football/chelsea-transfer-news-rumours-talks/04343/, http://miusoccer.com/chelsea-star-could-make-sensational-liverpool-move/11119, http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/04/01/return-of-the-king-chelsea-offer-liverpool-chance-to-re-sign-fernando-torres-in-sensational-cut-price-deal/) are suggesting a possible return for Fernando Torres back to Liverpool. While we all know that the media that cover the major football leagues is extremely speculative, I thought it would be interesting to hear what AnfieldAsylum had to say about this possible transfer.

Essentially the transfer would not cost Liverpool any extra money in acquiring Fernando, only to forfeit the 15 million euros still owed to them by Chelsea. A return to his former club might result in a return to his previous form, and since we have no real alternative at forward behind Sturridge and Suarez, it might be beneficial for the club to grab a serviceable striker who has the possibility of being a star again.

I was a huge supporter of Fernando (as were essentially all) in his Liverpool days, and while the move to Chelsea still sits as a bad taste in my mouth, I would welcome him back to Liverpool with open arms (provided he gives an apology to the fans / scores a hat against the blues every match against them).

Still, I know that some previous wounds cut too deep, and many would not easily forget Fernando's past actions. Seeing as he is a player who I believe needs to be loved by his fans, it would be imperative for Liverpool fans to be supportive of his return to the club if there is any chance of him being a fraction of the player he once was.

So what do we think? If Fernando, who at one point one was of the most devastating forwards in the Premier League, loved by all in the KOP, wants to make a return to his club and rediscover that goalscoring touch, would we welcome him back? To me it seems like a low risk / high reward transfer.

via www.darryljon.dsl.pipex.com

In Game Shots Ratio: Villa v Liverpool

2013-04-01T18:57:19Z

Originally featured here (link)

I came up with this method a week or so ago now and it’s really simple. It is one basic line graph which displays the Moving Average TSR battle throughout the 90 minutes. I think it shows us some pretty cool information in an easy to digest graph form and it only takes about 5 minutes to make.

Villa v Liverpool 1-2

The above graph shows the Total Shots battle as we move throughout the game. The scoreline and time of the goal is also evident on the graph. Once we know the time of goal we can be to look at score effects…..which are completely non-evident in this game!

Liverpool, from the 15th minute onwards, when the game had settled, completely dominated Villa in the shots battle. When the game was tied Liverpool were dominant, when Liverpool fell one behind their dominance neither shrank not grew. Even when Liverpool went 2-1 to the good they were still able to win the shots battle.

As for Villa, 1-2 down at home and fighting relegation they still couldn’t manage to create much offense and failed to out-shoot Liverpool in the last 30 minutes.

With Villa’s season in the balance it’s a poor showing, really.

Originally featured here (link)

Villa v Liverpool 1-2

As for Villa, 1-2 down at home and fighting relegation they still couldn’t manage to create much offense and failed to out-shoot Liverpool in the last 30 minutes.

With Villa’s season in the balance it’s a poor showing, really.

Your Liverpool Pubs - Where to Watch

2013-03-21T19:36:41Z

Come one and all and list the pubs in your cities where Liverpool supporters watch their games. I will compile the list and try to find a way to post it on the site so it sticks and is easily accessible. In addition, if you don't have a good Liverpool pub, let us know where to watch footy at 7am (or 4am for you hippie West Coasters) in your town.

It would be nice for those of us who travel to be able to find a nice spot to watch a match, or discover a spot you never knew about in your hometown.

I'll start with mine from South Carolina:

Madra Rua Irish Pub in North Charleston. Also home to the Official Liverpool Supporters Club of South Carolina (@LFC_SC)

And here in the Norfolk, VA area:

There is a pub in Virginia Beach called Murphy's that is decent about opening early. They were even open for a match right as a tropical storm rolled in this year which is nice since it is only a stones throw from the beach.

In Hampton there is Park Lane Tavern, but they won't open up early for games except during major tournaments.

It would be nice for those of us who travel to be able to find a nice spot to watch a match, or discover a spot you never knew about in your hometown.

I'll start with mine from South Carolina:

Madra Rua Irish Pub in North Charleston. Also home to the Official Liverpool Supporters Club of South Carolina (@LFC_SC)

And here in the Norfolk, VA area:

In Hampton there is Park Lane Tavern, but they won't open up early for games except during major tournaments.

Farewell, Michael Owen

2013-03-19T15:50:06Z

Michael Owen is set to hang up his boots at the end of this season. The one-time teenage phenom has had an illustrious career plagued by injuries. The product of the Liverpool academy, Owen was actually the joint top scorer in his first season in the Premier League with 18 goals. He then repeated that feat the following season and his name stands in the history books as the second highest goals scored by a teenager in the Premier League. Fellow Liverpool legend, Robbie Fowler is the only player to have scored more as a teenager with 23 goals. Owen was Liverpool’s top scorer for eight straight seasons (1997-2004). From the moment he made his debut, to the moment he left the club, Owen led his team in scoring every single year. In 264 appearances for Liverpool, Michael Owen found the back of the net 138 times and notched 7 assists in that time as well.* He became the youngest ever player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League. In 2001, the year Liverpool won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup, Owen received the Ballon d’Or and become just the fourth English national to win the award and first since Kevin Keegan in 1979. He was also the first Liverpool player to ever receive the award, and still is to this day.

In 2004, Owen was sold to Real Madrid where he did not find the same success he previously had at Liverpool. His tenure at Madrid did not last long at all, he only made 41 appearances for them and scored 15 goals*. After one season in Madrid, Owen was sold to Newcastle where his injuries really started to take over and we began to see the demise of one of the most clinical strikers of his generation. In his first season with Newcastle he only managed to play 11 games but he scored 7 goals in that short period. Injuries took over and he was sidelined for about 18 months. Upon his return to the field, he was never the same again. His final two seasons at Newcastle he played a total of 57 games and scored 19 goals. Very un-Owen-like as we were used to him scoring about 19 goals per season. In his final year at Newcastle, they were relegated at the end of the season and Owen moved to Manchester United on a free transfer.

At United he was never a major cog in Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans as Owen was now very fragile and was not able to play very much, when he did, it would usually end up in another injury. He managed a total of 52 appearances for United scoring 17 goals*. Now plying his trade at Stoke City, Owen is again spending the majority of his time on the bench. A one-time phenom destroyed by injuries and robbed from becoming an even greater player than what his career will show.

Farewell, Michael. It was a pleasure watching you play in your prime.

*stat from transfermarkt.co.uk

Farewell, Michael. It was a pleasure watching you play in your prime.

*stat from transfermarkt.co.uk

LFC Podcasts

2013-01-30T01:43:17Z

I got turned on to The Anfield Wrap podcast about 6 months ago and really enjoy it. Local Liverpool lads talking LFC football and music. It's free and comes out every Monday and Friday, and the Friday one is broadcast on Liverpools City Talk radio. I enjoy it a lot and highly recommend it to anyone looking to supplement their LCF intake.

I also subscribe to The Redmen TV. This is a monthly subscription and is similar to The Anfield Wrap, but is all video. They have had video of both fan site interviews with Brendan Rodgers this season and offer free match previews and recaps on YouTube. The subscription consists of two hour long episodes each week.

I'm always on the lookout for new content. Does anyone else have other podcasts they can recommend?

Q&A with Manc Blog, The Busby Babe

2013-01-08T14:28:12Z

Well, it's that time again for another round in our Q&A sessions with SB Nation's Man U blog, The Busby Babe, ahead of the always testy clash this weekend. Our ~~favorite~~ tolerable troll, nolefansam, and I will be exchanging questions to be answered. Feel free to leave your questions for them in the comments section and we will pick the best to be answered.

As stated, we will be answering their questions as well and will link their article when they post it.

January Transfer Window Thread

2013-01-03T17:34:30Z

So far, we have Sturridge in, Cole out, Morgan on loan. Feel free to use this to discuss the transfer dealings.

Now that SB Nation has modified its layout to mirror more of what it was before the big change, we are hoping that we can return to some sense of previous normalcy in using FanPosts and FanShots. Some more info and links on the changes are in this FanPost.

So far, we have Sturridge in, Cole out, Morgan on loan. Feel free to use this to discuss the transfer dealings.

Changes to SB Nation (yes, more)

2013-01-03T16:51:00Z

This time they appear to be for the better though. SB Nation, after much negative feedback, has decided to modify the new SB Nation United look to incorporate much of what we liked about the old format. Most importantly, the Fan Posts and Fan Shots are going to be much more prominent and placed to the right, just as they were on the old page. Hopefully this will improve the number of both that we get. There are also changes to the mobile site as well which should improve its performance drastically.

Feel free to discuss the changes here. In addition, check out SB Nation's page dedicated to state of SB Nation's blogs, Blog Huddle, where you can provide feedback and check out SB Nation's newest blogs and ideas.

Another fan on the pitch

2012-12-10T14:04:11Z

I wrote about this last year when a LFC fan got on the pitch in Norwich after Suarez hit his wonder goal for his Hat Trick. Yesterday it was not a friendly fan in Manchester Joe Hart had to stop a City fan from going after Rio Ferdinand(put aside the guy looked like a Hobbit compared to Rio and Hart, My fear continues to be a angry nut job with a knife or even his keys between his fingers. Where are the police and stewards? I understand you are never going to stop a full on pitch invasion but one fraking guy they should never get near the players.

I wonder what it is going to take before the FA and EPL do something about this. I would hate to see a player getting really hurt.

UEFA World Cup Qualifying Futures Odds and Betting Predictions

2012-11-20T18:44:06Z

By far the most interesting part of World Cup qualifying every time it rolls around is the UEFA qualification process — the long series of games that decide what teams will represent Europe. Not only are many of the world powers in Europe, but the sheer number of teams make it like a mini World Cup by itself. This time around there are 53 countries competing for 13 spots in Brazil, and that includes several teams that will go on to be among the favorites in the biggest tournament on the planet. UEFA qualifying also presents some pretty solid betting opportunities. The format lends itself both to cashing in on some heavy favorites in lopsided pools and looking for live longshots in more wide-open pools. Because the process is so long and spread out — the initial round of games are played over 13 months, with the second round lasting a month longer — there are plenty of chances to reassess, adjust your bets, and focus on the best situations for profit. Before you bet on UEFA qualifying you need to understand the process. The 53 teams are split into eight groups of six teams and one group of five. Each team in a group plays a home-and-away against each other team in the group. Each win is worth three points, and a draw earns a single point. After all the games are played the top team in each group automatically qualifies for the World Cup. The top eight second-place finishers are drawn into a home-and-home series with one opponent, and the winner of that series also qualifies for Brazil. Bovada has odds posted for the winner of each of the nine groups. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

Group A

Belgium and Croatia are tied for the lead in this group through four games, and they are well positioned to be the top two teams. Belgium is favored at 5/6, though, compared to Croatia at 6/5. Belgium has been more consistent defensively, so the odds make sense. The second game between the teams — the first was a 1-1 tie — happens in Croatia, though, so the slightly bigger price could be more attractive given that.

Group B

Italy is very heavily favored at 1/6, with the Czech Republic far behind at 11/2. The price isn’t attractive, but Italy is a very low-risk pick here — it would be a massive upset for them to get beat.

Group C

Sweden is a decent team, and in some groups they would offer nice value at 5/1. They are totally outclassed here, though — Germany is the heavy favorite at 1/7. Germany has played one lousy game — a 4-4 draw against Sweden — but the Germans have a lot of upside and immense talent, and they can be trusted to go all the way.

Group D

Holland is 1/16. Romania is the second choice at 10/1. The Dutch won the first meeting between the teams 4-1. This group isn’t a fair fight. There is little point betting on the Dutch because you could get about the same return at the bank, but the risk here is only slightly more.

Group E

This one is very interesting. Switzerland is favored at 2/3, with Norway not far behind at 3/2. Neither team is a traditional power, and both teams have some issues. Therefore, anything could happen. They played to a 1-1 draw in their opening matchup, so they are well-matched. Norway had a surprising and concerning loss to Iceland while Switzerland hasn’t faltered, so the Swiss seem like a slightly better pick.

Group F

Coming into this one it looked like Portugal would be the team to beat, though Russia would be a tough contender as well. So far, though, the Russians have been flawless — four wins in four games, eight goals, and no goals against — while the Portuguese have faltered. They tied Northern Ireland, and then they inexplicably lost to Luxembourg. They now find themselves five points back and in a hole. Russia is the strong favorite at 1/2 as a result, though Portugal is an intriguing option at 3/2 — a bet I’d take.

Group G

This is the most wide-open group of all. Bosnia and Greece both sit at 11/8, with Slovakia still in the picture at 3/1. The two favorites played to a scoreless draw, so there is little to separate the two. None of the three teams are anything close to a traditional power, either, so just making the World Cup field would be a strong accomplishment for the team. The price is better than most, but there is a lot of gamble involved here — probably too much. I’d take Greece, but mostly because I still have great memories of the team’s incredible Euro 2004 win.

Group H

England got a very easy draw, and they are 1/3 to win their group. The English should be easy to trust here. They are England, though, so if any elite-level team can find a way to screw everything up it’s them. So far they have played to two draws — both against teams they should have beaten — so they are two points behind Montenegro. That shouldn’t be a problem in the long term, but the lack of focus is so very English.

Group I

Spain (-400) has won the last three major tournaments, so there is no reason not to expect the Spaniards to be the team to beat again — even though they are going through a bit of a change of generations. France (+140) was the major European power before Spain, but the French have really struggled to rebuild after that team got old. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in their opener, but it’s hard to believe that the French can keep up with the Spaniards over the long haul. After all, Spain doesn’t look like they have yet played close to their best soccer, and they are still tied for the group lead.

By T.O. Whenham of Doc's Sports

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group I

By T.O. Whenham of Doc's Sports

Gerrard is GOD!!!!

2012-09-25T13:36:32Z

I am a huge Chelsea supporter, and I have been following football only for the past 2 years. But I have to say I think Steven Gerrard is the best player in the world. I mean forget other midfielders who play his position like Xavi or Bastian. I feel Steven Gerrard is in a class of his own. I mean even at this age his work rate is beyond awesome. His EURO performance left me stunned and his performance so far even in this league has been amazing.

This is video is one of my favourites of Gerrard -

Steven Gerrard - The Sniper - Best Goals.

Then as for your team. I think except the West Brom and the Arsenal game you deserved a win in all the other games. I mean the team was really working hard. The only problem was lack of finishing except that I had so much fun watching your games(No sarcasm, nor related to the fact that you lost or drew). Against Manchester City and also against Manchester United, Liverpool should have won. I really feel bad for the Liverpool team. Even after paying such excellent football they lag behind because of stupid mistakes of the referees.

But again Gerrard's work rate is so impressive. I like him more than any player in the world right now. Also his crossing ability is God Like. I mean I have never seen him misplace a cross in the last two years.

Sorry for your bad luck in this campaign but I am sure if you continue the way you are playing, you will surely bounce back.Too bad I was not able to see Gerrard during his prime. :(

This is video is one of my favourites of Gerrard -

Steven Gerrard - The Sniper - Best Goals.

Sorry for your bad luck in this campaign but I am sure if you continue the way you are playing, you will surely bounce back.Too bad I was not able to see Gerrard during his prime. :(

So, who's left?

2012-09-01T16:19:05Z

We all know we got rid of everyone, and brought in no one. But that's just what it seems. We do have some players left. So who?

Personally, I'm hoping we focus a first team on EPL, and let the Carling and Europa Cup games be kid chances. Let them work, and get some experience. We just don't have the depth to risk much needed points for those two Cups. We may not advance even if we went full speed ahead in Europa, so why not let Morgan, Yesil, Suso, Wilson, etc get 6 quality games of experience. I'll split the team in two, the best for EPL, with the rest getting Cup action or providing depth if the top group gets hurt, suspended, or whatever.

We all know we got rid of everyone, and brought in no one. But that's just what it seems. We do have some players left. So who?

Reina's a constant (we can hope) in goal. So;

Defenders:

EPL-Johnson, Enrique, Kelly, Agger, Skrte (and Downing)l. Kelly is the first sub. He can play centrally for Skrtel or Agger, for Johnson on the right, or Enrique on the left with Johnson flipping sides.

Cup-Robinson, Flanagan, McLaughlin, Coates, Carra, Wilson, Wisdom (and Downing). That's enough to field a full back 4. Carra can get his final runs out, captaining the kids as he transitions to a coaching role. The kids get much needed experience, with Coates in the middle, and Robinson/Flanagan getting much needed experience in case they're needed in more important games.

Midfield:

EPL-Gerrard, Allen, Lucas, Sahin, Shelvey, Henderson. Hopefully health survives. Like last year, what was once was deep, not is dangerously close to lacking bodies (as poor as Spearing and Adam were, they are better than nothing). If everyone stays healthy, we've got a good trio of Allen and Sahin behind Gerrard. If everyone can be healthy when Lucas gets back, we can slide Gerrard further forward. Otherwise, we've got Shelvey, and then Henderson, should one of the first choice 3 get hurt, suspended, be unable to go a full 90, etc.

Cup-Shelvey, Henderson, Suso, Cole, Coady, Teixeira, Roddan, Nacho, . Yeah, it gets thin. Shelvey and Henderson are young enough to be able to go midweek, and then again on the weekend. We've got nothing else, so that's where the u21/reserves come in. See who can play, and who can't, but we can't risk losing Gerrard, Allen, Lucas, or Sahin in these games since there's nothing else if we're missing them.

Attack:

EPL-Suarez, Borini, Assaidi, Sterling, Pacheco, Cole, (and Downing). Not much depth here either. Downing could work in here, or in the back. Unless Assaidi is the steal of the century, we just got nothing. And even if he is, we're dangerously thin. Cole might be able to give 10 minutes until a hamstring blows. Pacheco is still here, so hopefully he gets used. I assume we don't want to risk stunting Sterling's growth (see below), so either he or Assaidi, (or Downing) start alongside Suarez and Borini (now automatics with no one else) with Sterling coming on for someone around the 60 minute mark. I'd rather not start Sterling more than 10 games. As good as he is, he's just too young, and why risk him stalling at best (ala Walcott), or suffering an injury that keeps him from ever becoming what he could be (ala Wilshire). 10 starts, another 15-20 appearances off the bench. Flip that next year, and go slow (20 starts, rest as a super sub). It hurts to leave such talent on the bench. But I'd think the next 2 years aren't as important as what you'll get in the following 10-15.

Cup-Morgan, Yesil, Assaidi, Pacheco, Adorjan, Ngoo, Cole, (and Downing). Take out Suarez, Borini, and Sterling, because there's no point risking them when you want to maximize the bang for the buck in EPL games. So let Morgan or Yesil lead the line, with Assaidi, Pacheco, Cole (for his 10-15 minutes a month), maybe Downing, and the kids play off them gaining experience in case someone in the above group gets hurt, and we're forced to put them in EPL games. But don't risk Suarez, or Sterling, or even Borini considering how thin depth is, and let the kids get action.

Baltimore Friendly Tickets and Gatherings

2012-07-25T19:16:01Z

I am posting this first to offer up some tickets. I have 6 3 extra tickets in the Liverpool supporters section (Section 138, Row 14) that need a good home. If you or anyone else is looking for some tickets, let me know by e-mailing me at the address listed in my profile. I'll sell them at face value on a first come first serve basis. I can either meet you in Baltimore or drop them at will call (I assume they offer this feature since most stadiums do). I'll update this when/if they are sold.

Second, if anyone would like to meet before the game, feel free to offer up suggestions of where and when. It might be nice to finally put some faces with screen names. I don't know Baltimore at all, so I am just along for the ride.

Fantasy Football

2012-07-20T21:59:55Z

Would anyone from here be interested in having an Anfield Asylum league?

This would be my first year actually playing it, and I thought itd be fun if we had a league with some of the regulars and nonregulars here.

has anyone ever played before or already has a team entered in other public/private leagues?

if there's interest i can definitely set up a private league, or if there already is one, can i get an invite? haha.

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/

Would anyone from here be interested in having an Anfield Asylum league?

This would be my first year actually playing it, and I thought itd be fun if we had a league with some of the regulars and nonregulars here.

has anyone ever played before or already has a team entered in other public/private leagues?

if there's interest i can definitely set up a private league, or if there already is one, can i get an invite? haha.

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/