Ajax v. Liverpool [R]

[liverbird]

Finnan to make his first appearance for the Reds. I'm happy to see an Irish international in the squad again. Kewell may appear as well. Who else will play? How will we do? First real challenge of the pre-season.

[gdiersing]

I'm interested to see how Heskey and Baros carry on after their performances in the Far East.

If Heskey has finally figured it out (how to take his talent & strength and effectively turn that into on-pitch performance) this could be a delightful season. I would like to see Baros build on his good outings and pressure Heskey for the other foward spot. Hopefully the competition between the 2 will drive each to be more consistent.

Gawd, I can't wait for the season to start....

[liverbird]

Originally posted by gdiersing
I'm interested to see how Heskey and Baros carry on after their performances in the Far East.

If Heskey has finally figured it out (how to take his talent & strength and effectively turn that into on-pitch performance) this could be a delightful season. I would like to see Baros build on his good outings and pressure Heskey for the other foward spot. Hopefully the competition between the 2 will drive each to be more consistent.

Gawd, I can't wait for the season to start....

I'd also like to see Le Tellec. i'm getting the Summers' flu at 3 today.

[kopiteinkc]

I am ready for this one.

BTW, BigSoccer's premiership fantasy league has 95 teams in it. Wonder how many teams are gonna pick Finnan and Kewell? (see http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=62855&perpage=15&pagenumber=3)

Let's hope Kewell comes through the match today unscathed.

[Lanky134]

Originally posted by liverbird
I'd also like to see Le Tellec. i'm getting the Summers' flu at 3 today.

Replay at 9:00 for me.

[MadridForLife]

I agree that it would be great if Baros and Heskey start scoring and there will be competition to line up with Owen, and mabe throw Le Tallec in there a good amount of games if he can find the back of the net. And w/ Kewell pushing up behind them there could be big things at Anfield this season

[liverbird]

Originally posted by Lanky134
Replay at 9:00 for me.
That was my original plan but MiniLB needs a physical for his soccer camp so I'll be able to take him and still see the game in the afternoon.

[Victory]

Originally posted by Lanky134
Replay at 9:00 for me.

Just though I would rub in the fact that will be watching the game live......in person.....in holland.....at the stadium....

ASlso going to the game on sunday

[Lanky134]

Originally posted by Victory
Just though I would rub in the fact that will be watching the game live......in person.....in holland.....at the stadium....

ASlso going to the game on sunday

Yeah, but you'll probably be drunk and won't remember it. :)

[Lanky134]

Kewell to start. Finnan may be on the subs bench.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N141217030801-0810.htm

[kopiteinkc]

Game kicks off in about half an hour, anyone need text comms?

If you do let me know and I'll provide them.

[kopiteinkc]

Team news:

Harry Kewell has been recalled to the Liverpool starting eleven for tonight's game against Ajax but there is no place in the squad for fellow new boy Steve Finnan.

Kewell will make his third appearance for the Reds in the Amsterdam Arena after recovering well from an ankle injury sustained at Crewe a fortnight ago.

Unfortunately, tonight's game has come too early for Republic of Ireland international Steve Finnan. The full-back, who's Liverpool debut has been delayed due to a groin injury, has not been been named among the substitutes and his first appearance in the red shirt is now likely to be on Sunday against Galatasaray.

Team's in full:

Liverpool

Dudek, Vignal, Carragher, Hyypia (captain), Henchoz, Gerrard, Murphy, Diouf, Kewell, Owen, Baros. Subs - Kirkland, Babbel, Heskey, Smicer, Riise, Le Tallec, Pongolle.

Ajax

Stekelenburg, Trabelsi, Pasanen, Escude, Galasek, Pienaar, Van Der Vaart, Maxwell, Wamberto, Sneijder, Sonck. Subs - Van Damme, Litmanen, Yakubu, Obodai, Van Der Gun, Boukhari, Zwinkels.

[kopiteinkc]

Galatasary lost 3-nil to Inter Milan in the earlier match.

Liverpool wearing Red, Ajax in blue second shirts.

Teams coming out ...

[Spartak]

Live video here:
http://www.go01.com/live1.htm

Van der Vaart is Ajax's captain and he is only what 20 year's old?

[kopiteinkc]

Kewell starting on the right, Diouf on the left.

Hunter expects them to switch wings throughout the game.

Game underway ... Hyypia clears an early high ball.

Henchoz slams into Ajax player, no foul :)

I feel a bit in pre-season mode myself, finger stretch needed ....

[kopiteinkc]

Originally posted by Spartak
Live video here:
http://www.go01.com/live1.htm

Van der Vaart is Ajax's captain and he is only what 20 year's old?

I am getting a not enough bandwidth error :(

[kopiteinkc]

Van der Vaart with a shot, Dudek with the save

Ajax corner, headed over.

Lively beginning by Ajax, Reds still on the plane from Hong Kong at the minute.

[kopiteinkc]

Kewell gets free on the right, cross to Baros, Baros wastes it.

[kopiteinkc]

Free kick by Ajax, fumbled by Dudek. Rebound breaks to Ajax, no Gerrard clears. Close one.

Dudek doing his best Tim Howard fumbling impression there ...

[kopiteinkc]

Poor passing by Liverpool, Gerrard gives it away, Ajax blaze shot over the bar.