Liverpool v. Internazionale [R] 1st Leg

just need one moment of brilliance . . . and a solid defense

1-0 for the good guys

 

I know he won't play that line-up, but I've no problem with it being a narrow attack. We haven't got means or need to go wider anyway. Italian defences can deal with the predictable English "get it wide and stick a cross in" all day and all night - whilst doing the crossword. Let's pack together and punch our way through the middle.

 

IMO I think Rafa will start Yossi to bring more creativity to the team. He can assist these guys and create goals for others.

Crouch I think will start, he has created danger every time he steps in the box. I think Rafa will put in a similiar XI to the turkish side he faced earlier.

'Aren't inter on a 29game winning streak, and Zlatan is back for them too.

Good luck boys, I hope you come through.

 

Poor Peter Crouch. In this lineup he generally gets blasted by four or five shots from StevieG, Masch and Yossi ... he just cannot keep out of the way.

If we are going with Crouch and Torres, we owe it to ourselves to hold Yossi out in favor of Pennant. For one, he can actually pick out a forward from a wide position. Second, he is better at drawing defenders away from the area - thus giving Torres more room to poach and snap at scraps (which Gerrard and Crouch should provide). Three, I am tired of seeing Green Acres to the touchline side of Yossi Benyouan for 80 minutes of the game. Let him do a Luis Garcia from the 60 minute mark.

It will be interesting to see how Materazzi handles Crouch and/or Torres. I hope that Crouch can stay away from ticky-tacky continental referee-type fouls and force Materazzi to play football.

Its not that Yossi's not good, but I agree that the funnel formation leads to so much exasparation and pressing from StevieG and Torres (who moves wider and away from the goal to find space) and Yossi is as big a contributor to it as anyone on the side.

I am not sure I want Finnan AND Arbeloa in there at fullback given the set-piece threats that Ibrahimovic, Materazzi, etc represent. Especially as good as Inter can be at serving in corners and free kicks.

 

we kept Zlatan quiet three years ago -- 180 minutes, 0 goals

granted there were legends in that team including Djimi, Igor, and even a young Scott Carson in the first leg

 

I feel nervy, like I'm on my way home to a waiting wife scantily clad, yet petrified I'll end up instead at the scene of a horrible car accident.

That's CL football for you.

 

methinks the thread needs some antacid

 

WOW

The Liverpool team in full:

Reina

Finnan Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Lucas Mascherano Gerrard Babel

Torres Kuyt
​

Subs: Itandje, Riise, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Pennant, Alonso, Crouch.

 

Todays's official teamsheet

Reina, Finnan, Aurelio, Carragher, Hyypia, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Babel, Torres, Kuyt. Subs: Itandje, Riise, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Pennant, Alonso, Crouch

 

Starting XI: Reina, Finnan, Aurelio, Carragher, Hyypia, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Babel, Torres, Kuyt.

Bench: Itandje, Riise, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Pennant, Alonso, Crouch

___________Reina__________

Finnan__Carra__Hyypia__Aurelio

_______Masch__Lucas_______

___Gerrard__________Babel___

________Kuyt___Torres______

Lucas over Alonso...Aurelio over Riise...Kuyt over Crouch...Finnan over Arbs...no Kewell in the squad.

 

I think Gerrard will be on the right or perhaps Lucas but not Mascherano

 

Actually i reckon we will line up like this...

___________Reina__________

Finnan__Carra__Hyypia__Aurelio

__________Masch___________

_____Gerrard____Lucas_______

____Kuyt___Torres____Babel__

...with Aurelio making very attacking runs behind Maicon (who is a very attacking RB)

 

really surprised to see Fabio get the call over Riise

somewhat surprised to see Lucas chosen over Xabi

and Kuyt . . . hmmmm, thought Torres alone or with Crouchie -- prove me wrong Dirk, please

where's that antacid

 

or maybe something like

___________Reina__________

Finnan__Carra__Hyypia__Aurelio

Masch_____Lucas
Gerrard

Kuyt____________Babel

Torres
​

 

Yea seriously, we are f*cked with Aurelio playing.

 

Will someone please post the lineup? I'm at work and am about to go on a media blackout while my DVR records the game....

 

Please dont bag our players before theyve played the game...that negative thinking really shits me. Rafa obviously trusts him to do his role and if he makes a mistake then you can tell me about it after the match.

 

Check the previous page...it was posted probably 4 or 5 times

 

I'm more worried about Kuyt playing wide than Aurelio's inclusion. I think Pennant provides more options than Kuyt wide. Aurelio has shown good form in the past, capable service, good shot, defense might be a little suspect.

 

I'm pumped. A couple of surprises in the line up, but here's to us coming out on top.

1-0 to the good.

 

I cannot help it, I'm a wreck over here. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't pay attention in class. The game is all I have been thinking about since Saturday and I can't say that I'm very optimistic. I'll reserve my judgement until after the game although I can't help the pre game jitters.