Macabbi Haifa vs Liverpool (2nd leg) [R]

[Suss]

--------------Reina
Finnan--Hyppia--Agger--Auriello
Pennant--Sissoko-Alonso--Gerrard
----------Garcia---Crouch

Bench: Dudek, Paletta, Kromkamp, Bellamy, Gonzalez, Zenden, Fowler

Its kind of scary going into this game without Carragher. Any news on Finnan's injury? Lets take care of business and make sure we are in the group stages.

[el-capitano]

close but here my edit.....

--------------Reina
Finnan--Hyppia--Agger--Auriello
-------Sissoko--Alonso--
Pennant---Gerrard-----Gonzalez
-----------Crouch

[royalstilton]

I don't think I would play Gerrard on the same side as Aurelio. I'd rather see Gonzales on that side and Gerrard in Pennant's place. The problem with that scenario is that you have two untested players on the same side, and I don't recall whether the thrust of Macabbi Haifa's attack would come from that side.

Physioroom.com has Finnan out indefinitely. That means Kromkamp would need to play on that side. Perhaps then the best plan would be to play a 4-5-1 with Crouch, trying to gum up the midfield.

Not that it matters, but the names are hYYpia and auRELio...

[ForeverRed]

How bout Kuyt? Is he ready to go?

I can really see him doing great for us in Europe.

[LFCFanInCali]

How bout Kuyt? Is he ready to go?

I can really see him doing great for us in Europe.
In the article announcing his signing on the official site, it mentioned he would not be eligible for this game.

Both Carra and JAR will be out 2 to 3 weeks. Time to see if Agger's ready to jump into a bigger role.

[Ghostface]

In the article announcing his signing on the official site, it mentioned he would not be eligible for this game.

Both Carra and JAR will be out 2 to 3 weeks. Time to see if Agger's ready to jump into a bigger role.

A Shame Kuyt can't play, not to mention 2 big loses on the other end of the field.

I say start Crouch up front, BUT NOT BY HIMSELF!!! Really anything but the 4-5-1.

[Russian Scouser]

I thought Agger was excellent on Saturday - our backline was immediately playing 15-20 yards further forward, keen to take the ball into the opposition half - extra dimension, for sure.
Leaving work in an hour to go to Gatwick - gonna be a good one, this.

[Red Bird]

Sheffield United was a good jolt-- too many of us were getting carried away. But let's put it out of the way.

We'll probably play narrow on one side and wide on the other. Problem is that both full-back are novices. Still, they were brought in precisely for these injury situations, so earn their keepthey must . In that case, I'd go with Suss55's line-up with Kromkamp in for the injured Finnan. Both Sissoko and Alonso will need to be told to cover for when Gerrard drifts inside.

And, yes it matters; it's Hyypia and Aurelio ;)

[Red Bird]

I thought Agger was excellent on Saturday - our backline was immediately playing 15-20 yards further forward, keen to take the ball into the opposition half - extra dimension, for sure.Thought so too-- absolutely brilliant player. Hyypia play significantly less games this year if he keeps it up. Pity none of Zenden and Sisssoko backed him when he brought the ball out of defence.

Leaving work in an hour to go to Gatwick - gonna be a good one, this.Enjoy yourself.

[YNWAYNWA]

wow, three of our back four out -- don't like the sound of that (and Maureen whines about his injuries WITH his fooking squad)

need Alonso and Garcia to show up and show class, along with Stevie and Momo . . .

going to be another nervy one I fear -- but, we never do it the easy way

[Red Bird]

going to be another nervy one I fear -- but, we never do it the easy wayNo, we don't do we? Expect another not-very-good-for-the-ticker night.

[Suss]

Do we know for sure that Finnan is out? I haven't heard anything. There is a big drop off from Finnan to Kromkamp in terms of quality.

If we play Gerrard on the left and Garcia up front it gives the team some flexibility, because they could switch positions at any point in the game.

Aurelio may have been our best player against Sheffield, so I have confidence in him on the left side. He won't be easily rattled.

It will be good to get Xabi back into the team, and we need a big performance from Sissoko.

If we can score early, we might be able to run away with a comfortable win.

[liverbird]

My lineup

--------------Reina
Kromkamp--Sami--Agger--Warnock
-------Sissoko--Alonso--
Garcia---Gerrard-----Aurelio
-----------Crouch

Dudek
Gonzalez
Bellamy
Pennant
Zenden
Paletta

YNWA. Need to be more solid at the back so I'll play an English fullback and put a two way player who can pass in front of him. Xabi and Momo will need to cover hard for Kromkamp and Agger so Gerrard and Luis can interchange and support Crouch. Remember any draw gets us through.

[Suss]

Last I heard, Warnock was injured. Did he play in that friendly last week?

[Red Bird]

Finnan's apparently fit, according to the Echo (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_objectid=17597845%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=carra%2d%2di%2dcould%2dmiss%2dderby%2dday-name_page.html).

You'll also notice the slightly worrying news about Carragher. No mention of Warnock here (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php).

[liverbird]

Finnan's apparently fit, according to the Echo (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_objectid=17597845%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=carra%2d%2di%2dcould%2dmiss%2dderby%2dday-name_page.html).

You'll also notice the slightly worrying news about Carragher. No mention of Warnock here (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php).

Ok then place Esteban Finnanino at RB and drop Kromkamp.

[wemess0]

The official site reports that both Warnock and Finnan were part of the sqaud that flew to Kiev today. I'd say that indicates that they're fit for tomorrow (hopefully).

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N153229060821-1616.htm

[ForeverRed]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376635&cc=5901


Holy crap, what a torturous trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poor lads!

[quentinc]

Not that it matters, but the names are hYYpia and auRELio...
Not that it matters, but Hyppia's name was spelt correctly the first time (although purists would note the ï).

[Red Bird]

Not that it matters, but Hyppia's name was spelt correctly the first time (although purists would note the ï).
That would be Hyypiä, wouldn't it?;)