Very Tricky score line going into the game , expecting Aquilani to drop back to the bench and Lucas come in , but with our injuries we may see both start .. Atletico Madrid beat Tenerife 3-1 at the weekend with Aguero getting the 3rd could be a score we need on Thursday night. Reina Glen Cara Kyriagkos Agger Masch Lucas Babel Gerrard Benayoun Kuyt Think Agger is ok .. but doubts over Kuyt and Ngog ....
I think Aqualini did enough yesterday to get a start.I know Rafa can baffle us sometimes but without a recognised striker available at the moment(dirk,n`gog doubtful) i don`t think Rafa will drop him.He linked up well with stevie yesterday and seemed to be enjoying himself.I think Rafa will start him.
Time to get the Hammer out .. Have a lot of praise for Kuyt but thought we were much better when he went of yesterday .. within 5 mins we scored and then took full control of the game
Lads we've only had the lad since January but how the hell did we survive without Maxi! I'm gutted we can't use him on Thursday, he's such a great addition to the squad! Don't ever want to see Kite on the right wing anymore, Maxi is far more effective!
Looking at the way we finished the game yesterday and Kyriagkos not having a great game v Atlectico away i wonder is Rafa thinking off .. Reina Masch Cara Agger Glen Gerrard Lucas Babel Aquilani Benayoun kuyt. Unlikely ....
I reckon Aqua has to start this one. He brings tempo to our game, something that is a must on Thurs night
I 100% agree but I can see him with masch and lucas again. He is going to go for it but will have to be carefull aswell not to conceed . Thats why I can see him just sticking with them 2.
---------Masch---------Lucas---------- Gerrard---------Aquilani--------Yossi---- -----------------Kuyt------------------- If we still need a goal get Babel on for Lucas/Masch and drop Gerrard back into the middle.
Cant see Rafa moving Gerrard out to the right unless Kuyt injured and Babel plays up front ....? But looks good ......
Agreed but this is a differant scenario. I've lost count of the amount of time's Kuyt has come up with the goods right when it's needed most, especially on big European nights at Anfield. I think Aqua deserves a start. The stats when he is on the starting sheet speak for themselves & i know i'll certainly be disappointed if i see Masch & Lucas start in the middle. Nothing against them as Masch is back in business the past few months & Lucas deserves huge applaus & credit after the abuse he's taken over the past season, but they should not play together for this one imo with that aggregate scoreline. I hope Rafa thinks the same.
If kuyt's fit i expect him to start ... For me Masch and Lucas just makes the team to stagnant even when Lucas is given the freedom to get forward .
Yeah you're right and unfortunately I think Rafa will go with that as well. I would however like to this -------Masch--Gerrard Babel-------Aqua-----Benny -----------Kuyt Gerrard although not his favoured position can easily adapt to moving back into Lucas's positon, and it definitely imo doesn't weaken us defensively. But the big plus side from this is obviously our attacking potential. Not slagging Lucas here, as I think he has had a good season but it doesn't take Einstein to work out that Gerrard is more offensive than him.
Steven Gerrard is determined to add another glorious chapter to Liverpool's European history when they face Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final on Thursday night. The Reds skipper remains confident Rafael Benitez's men can overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and admits he 'can't wait' to face Los Rojiblancos in front of a baying home crowd. "We need to be positive from the start of the game and get the fans behind us and believe that we can achieve the victory," said Gerrard. "We've done it before so we are going to give it everything we have got on Thursday night. "The players are positive about Thursday night, I can guarantee that. We are up for it and we need to give every bit of sweat and blood out on that pitch. "Let's hope we can win it with two goals but if they score we have to get a third. We have to adapt during the game and do whatever it takes to win. There's been many occasions where we have had our backs to the wall and people have doubted us, but as a player we never doubt ourselves. "We go into every game believing we can win it and do everything that's possible on the night. Thursday can't come quick enough. We can't wait for it http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/we-can-t-wait-for-thursday
If Kuyt and Ngog dont make it we may need to use Riera Benni Masch Aquilani Riera Gerrard Babel Only other option I can think off is El Zhar.
Its good to see they are all positive. If we go with this positive vibe and get behind the team on thursday. I cant see us being bet no matter what the team.