Portsmouth v. Liverpool [R]

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Well, I don't know exactly where Rafa will go with this. Disappointing result against Chelsea, but I expect him to rest a lot of the players. Champions League football is assured for next season. So...

--------Fowler------Crouch----------
Gonzo---Momo--Zenden----Anderson
Riise----Hyypia--Agger-----Arbeloa
---------------Padelli------------------

Subs: Reina, Gerrard, Lindfield, Pennant, Darby

I thought maybe naming some younger players in the squad for experience and some older players to get some playing time. Not sure which youngsters would be available to Rafa, any help? Would have considered playing Dudek, but not after his comments to the s*n.

I think 2-1 to the good guys ought to do it.

[Red Bird]

I lik eth idea of playingh some youngsters but I think we shall field a strong team, to start off with. Portsmouth always defend against Liverpool. Some creative spark is needed and why not re-jig the formation. I'd like to go 3-4-1-2.

------------------Reina----------------------
--------Carragher-----Hyypia-----Agger------
--------Pennant-----Sissoko----Alonso----Riise---
---------------Gerrard----------------------
--------------Crouch-----------Bellamy-----


Once the game is safe, whichever way, we could introduce Anderson and another, Paletta, maybe. But we need to win this match and maintain momentum into week.

[usscouse]

Well these buggers took 2 points from us at Anfield and we need to vent a little before the second leg semi next week. (Yes, we are still in that one you guys!!!)

I'd like to see a goalfest here but they're a tough side. They "defended" against Manure by taking the game to them and winning 2-1.

Red bird, it'll be interesting to see how they play against us.

[Red Bird]

Yep, it would be interesting. Redknapp will not want to give anything away.

Regardless, I want us to attack them-- this conservative approach is providing very little in terms of points or entertainment. And people will be travelling to Portsmouth looking for entertainment not a borefest. I was mightily pissed off with the Villa and Man City matches when we simply contributed to some of the most boring football for some time.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Portsmouth will definitely be looking for three points, for two reasons.
1. They need the three points, because they are still in contention for a UEFA Cup spot.

2. They want the three points, if they win it means they would have taken four points from us through the season. Not good for us.

Because of those two reasons, I think the game should be a good one.

[usscouse]

True you guys. My comment: Interesting to see how they play us? Should have been: It'll be interesting to see how we let them play.
We just have to take charge!

[catenaccio_L'pool]

Who cares about Pompey at this stage...rest whoever needs to be rested - the biggest game of the season is upon us. We'll think of EPL after Chelsea...might not be fair to the rest of the league and fans in attendance though.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

It got me thinking when I said "if" Pompey beat us they would have taken four points from us. Which teams, out of the top four that took significant points from us.

Everton 4 points (loss at Everton, tie at home)
Blackburn 4 points (tie at home, loss at Blackburn)
Bolton 3 points (win at home, loss at Bolton)
Newcastle 3 points (win at home, loss at Newcastle)

Don't know what this really means, besides the fact that we have problems getting results against mid-table teams away from home.

[Red Bird]

Don't know what this really means, besides the fact that we have problems getting results against mid-table teams away from home.We've been particularly bad away from home this season. That cost us any chance of chasing for honours. I recall, though, that we were within Chelsea's sight at one stage. And then we started flapping around once more.

[stanaccrington]

Who cares about Pompey at this stage...rest whoever needs to be rested - the biggest game of the season is upon us. We'll think of EPL after Chelsea...might not be fair to the rest of the league and fans in attendance though.


Sorry I do! I know its bitter and twisted, and I don't hate them as much as I should, but Portsmouth sucks.
In the early 70s we played them in a pre season game, a wednesday night, it was a nice night and I had just got a car. An austin 1300, Red, as red as the boys shirts. It was the new Pool mobile, our plans were to go to every away game that year. It was 200 quid well invested. Off we went to P-orts-muff, a jolly band of 4 red men (boys). Parked in a side street, went to their shi thole of a ground and watched a really good game between 11 guys wearing red and P-orts-muff. Sorry, Jack Whitham and Chris Lawler played.
Left the ground went for a quick pint, found some fish and chips, headed to the pool mobile. Where the the red love of my life should be was a parking spot. No car. We hunted the place in case we parked somewhere else, to say I was pissed would be an understatement. We got hold of the cops, they did absolutely sweet Fuk all. Never did get the car back, and had to splash out on a train ticket home. The first train from that god forsaken piece of shit town was at 7 in the morning. When ever I hear P-orts -muff mentioned I want us to put 7 past them. :mad:

[el-capitano]

Momentum? Meh......

Go with the B team, or sub the important A teamer's early on, if they play.

If we only score 1 goal against Chelsea in normal time, which is highly probable, then we are looking at extra time.

The fresher our players are- the better they will be able to play if that happens- let alone being fresher during the normal game.

Chelski have to play their full team on the weekend to keep up with the Mancs- we would be foolish not to take advantage of that.

I'd go with

--------------Reina--------------
Finnan-----Carra----Sami----Arbs
-------Momo--------Zenden-----
Gerrard---------------------Gonzo
---------God-------Bellamy-------

Gerrard, to get a rest after 50 minutes, Pennant on (as I'm starting him on Tues)

Agger on for Carra at same time- (dont want him cramping up on Tues)

And if Kewell is fit- give him 20 or so minutes at the end.
If not give Arbs a rest for Riise around 60-70 minutes.

The rest get a full 90 to run their hearts out.

[Crown Paints]

Question. Do away goals count if they are scored in extra time?

[el-capitano]

Question. Do away goals count if they are scored in extra time?

Good questions- unofficially we had a chat here at work and said that it cant be- as why should Pool be penalised for having the extra time at Anfield.

If its 1-1 in normal time- extra time is just like a new game at a neutral venue- it starts from scratch.

Officially- though- I'll have to find out!! :confused:

Ok- found this-

For the quarter-final and semi-final stage, the clubs play two matches against each other on a home and away basis, with the team scoring the greater aggregate of goals qualifying for the next round. In the event of both teams scoring the same number of goals, the team which scores more goals away qualifies. If this proves inconclusive, extra-time of two periods of 15 minutes is played after the second match. If during extra-time both teams score the same number of goals, the away goals count double (ie. the visiting team advances). If no goals are scored during extra-time, the winner is decided by penalty kicks. link (http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/format/)

Hence -If Chelski score a goal in extra time- we need to score two.

[AussieLFCfan]

That's sh it!

Chelski are hard to stop from scoring.

As far as Pompey goes, I'd go with this.

reina
finnan(if fit?) carra agger riise
pennant sissoko gonzalez
gerrard
god bellamy

taking off carra, stevie and rise to get some rest.

[Bobinhood]

Dudek


arbolea sami palletta peltier


reserve zendon sissoko gonzalez


reserve bellamy



Which i suppose makes sami the captain :)

anybody hear anything whatsoever about finnan?

[Suss]

I think Rafa is going to rest almost everyone for this. Sissoko will probably play just so he is ready for Tuesday. Maybe Kewell comes on as a sub to see if he can give us anything.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Dudek


arbolea sami palletta peltier


reserve zendon sissoko gonzalez


reserve bellamy



Which i suppose makes sami the captain :)

anybody hear anything whatsoever about finnan?

I would not like to see Dudek start. After his comments toward Rafa and club, deserved or undeserved were out of line. Why reward him with a start? Personally, I would like to see one of are younger keepers start. They will make as many mistakes as Dudek.

[RCCook]

Soccernet is quoting Rafa as saying Gerrard, Carra, and Reina will not be with the squad tomorrow. So it looks like Dudek.

[AussieLFCfan]

Soccernet is quoting Rafa as saying Gerrard, Carra, and Reina will not be with the squad tomorrow. So it looks like Dudek.

FCUK Dudek! probably let in several on purpose.

[liverbird]

Official teamsheet:

Dudek
Insua
Hyypia
Paletta
Arbeloa
Zenden
Alonso
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Bellamy
Fowler

Subs:

Padelli
Pennant
Kuyt
El Zhar
Hobbs

How about them apples:D