Im in a good mood now so i thought id have a go at starting a match thread...hopefully i get the title correct. If not, ive got 2 weeks to fix it ___________Reina____________ Arbeloa__Carra__Agger__Dossena Kuyt___Masch__Gerrard___Riera _____Torres 1000__Keane_____ Subs: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Aurelio, Xabi, Lucas, Yossi, Babel If its his knee, Skrtel will hopefully be fit for the 2nd half of the season if it isnt a grade 3 tear If only Agger started then maybe Skrtel wouldnt have been injured
Already, I like dwelling on victories -----------------------Reina----------------------- Arbeloa----Carragher------Skrtel-------Dossena Kuyt------Mascherano------Gerrard--------Riera --------------Keane---------Torres---------------- Subs - Cavalieri, Hyypia, Aurelio, Benayoun, Lucas, Babel, Ngog My guess is this lineup will change depending on what happens over the international break (crossing fingers, knocking on wood, praying rosary, etc, etc, etc.) Wigan has Zaki. Plus other average attacking and midfield players like Heskey, Kapo, Palacios, Koumas, and Valencia. My guess is Bruce will play 4-5-1, and park the bus in front of the goal. Heskey will play lone striker up top. They will hope to catch us on the counter. 2-1 to the good. Torres and Agger to net.
I also like Grinners' side. I thought the 4-2-3-1 made it easier for City to take Gerrard out of the game. Its much more difficult to man mark him when he plays as a central midfielder in the 4-4-2.
I love Masch, I really do and I feel he adds a tremendous amount to the team against certain opponents. However, I feel against lesser teams who can be expected to bunker and counter his strengths are often not needed. It is my opinion that the Wigan's of the world call out for Xabi's passing talents to progress our offense. Now, against big opponents and European matches there is no one else in the world I would like to see in the center of the pitch than Masch, one only needs to review a video of our victory against Man U to see why. Anyone share or vehemently disagree with these thoughts?
It's a toss-up. Alonso from a couple of years ago would make your statements obvious. Alonso's most recent form makes it a lot harder. Mascherano controls the ball a lot better than Alonso. Yes, Alonso's distribution is better. But defensively, he is shite. Offensively, his range of passing is better than Mascherano, but with Mascherano in the match we keep possession better. Mascherano in the midfield allows for more attacking fullbacks and more attacking midfielders.
I watched Mr Em playing the other day. He still lacks that 'magic' touch and still falls down easily. I don't mean he dives, I mean he has to be top heavy or something. Big as he is when there's a collision it's Emile that falls over.
Please no Bramble surprises this time around, unless its an own goal of course. I'm still waiting for Riera's first so come on Albert...make it happen.
Funny how easy it's becoming to guess Rafa's line-ups. I'm just glad that he's finally learned that you need a solid spine of players to really be a contender in the league. My guess in fantasyRafa this week: ----------Reina Arbeloa-Carra-Agger-Doss -----Alonso---Gerrard Kuyt-----Keane-----Riera ----------Jesus Alonso will start alonside Gerrard with Masch coming on for Stevie if we're up late. One of Yossi/Babel will see some time on the wing. Wigan are going to play some negative football and this lineup should have the attacking prowess to get a few goals. My prediction: 2-0 to the good with Torres bagging another and either Keano or Gerrard adding the second. I expect the new defensive pairing to be slightly shaky but the added attacking of Agger will almost pay dividends.
How many times do we have to remind you guys ...there is only one Jesus and he plays for Karlsruher in the Bundesliga and also is part of the Australian NT. Jeez...some people
I just wanted to add that mascherano not only is more defensive, he also is capable of running foward with the ball and getting to more dangerous positions that Alonso. So your right, its a toss at the moment really, but with all the hours of flight Mascherano will have, compared to Alonso, i expect Alonso will start.
That is a point i forgot to take into account. Rafa never likes to risk players that have long trips back from their Internationals, let alone down the road in another European country.