The other Worthington Cup quarter finals are today. Our match is tomorrow. Interesting to see which line up GH uses. Does he see this as an opportunity for the "first team" to play and get their confidence back or a chance for some of the reserves and subs to get in and stake a place in the team. Didi is definitely out injured (he'll miss the Derby match this weekend too). Word is Sami will play. I would expect Owen to be rested too. He hasn't looked sharp at all. Also a chance for Dudek to play?
From: http://www.soccernet.com/england/news/2002/1217/20021217lfchoulliernew.html “Houllier will name his strongest available side for the cup showdown, and says the game offers a perfect opportunity to put things right ahead of next weekend's derby against Mersey neighbours Everton. He added: 'We want to win every cup. The game is all about silverware and winning trophies is what the players think of.' . . . [T]here is better news on Emile Heskey, who will be back involved after an ankle knock." My guess for the starting XI: ………………..Dudek Carragher—Hyypia—Henchoz—Traore …..Murphy—Gerrard—Diao—Riise …………..Baros—Heskey ----
Sounds about right, although after putting on my GH hat, I would likely partner Owen with Heskey, hoping it will spark him back to form. If not Owen, Diouf would be my second choice, Baros third. *GH hat off* I think that attitude is ass-backwards, personally, but whatever two are up front we are capable of going through. Let's just hope they've pulled their collective heads out of their asses by then. As an aside, even if you see Dudek in this game I'll give Kirkland an 80% chance of getting the start for the derby unless Jerzy looks like Superman. Kirkland has been our ONLY good player in each of the last three matches, and perhaps it's time to throw him into the fire.
I should be available to do comms if I don't have too many network problems. Can't wear the LFC necktie, though. Office holiday party is in the morning and I plan on wearing my Homer Simpson as Santa tie. Dave
Riise better damn well be in the lineup tonight and on Sunday. Soccerage is reporting Barca wants him 'cause he's out of favor. My a$$ out of favor..
Lineups: Kirkland Babbel Henchoz Hyypia Traore Murphy Gerrard Diao Riise Baros Owen Subs Diouf Heskey Smicer Carragher Dudek Villa to follow
Enckleman Boateng Johnsen Mellberg Samuel Leonhardsen Hendrie Hitzlsperger Barry Vassell Dublin Hadji Angel Kinsella Allback Postma
No, he transferred from Boro before last year (remember when Gerrard took him out at Anfield last September?). Dave
http://www.soccernet.com/england/clubs/middlesbrough/index.html Humbly disagree. He transferred FROM Villa TO Middlesbrough before this season - around £5,000,000. He has been a fixture in the starting XI all season long. Got a lot of attention for the spitting incident with Nick Barmby in Boro v Leeds earlier this year. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/soccernet/match?matchID=71731&leagueCup=ENG.WORTHINGTON Looks like Ulises de la Cruz (transfer from Hibs) is the other 'back. You had everyone else in the lineup correct !
OK, I'm an idiot. You're right. Who was involved with something with Southgate, then? LFC.tv are wrong, then. That's where I got the Boateng from. Soccernet lists Ulises de la Cruz.
Kickoff put back 15 minutes because of traffic. That will give me enough time to take care of business in time for the start... Dave
I can neither justify the cost, nor the download times of LFC.TV. Plus their "exclusive articles" are all of ten lines long. I am exceedingly jealous that you have access to the audio and video clips though. It won't be fun having to listen to Everton announcers this Saturday. But at least they are free.
The exclusive articles mean nothing. By the time I wake up, the articles have been reported by the press. But I like Hunter's commentary and the special features. Kickoff now delayed until 8:15 GMT. Thousands of people outside Villa Park trying to get in.
Remember how much people were complaining last year about the National Stadium being rebuilt at Wembley and neutral site cup games being played at Highbury? They argued it would make so much more sense to put the games in the midlands (especially B'ham) because it is so easy to get to/park/get in/get out of. LOL
Villa radio says the ground is roughly 3/4 full and an 8:45 kickoff is not out of the question. (Still "hoped" for). ... Something about tickets not being mailed out in advance; meaning every one had to wait in line to get their tickets, on top of waiting in line to get in the ground. Ed
Now set for 9 p.m., according to Villa Radio. They seem pleased just to have coffee. 9 p.m. ... at least, that is. There will be a short warmup for the players before kickoff. Ed