Arsenal vs Liverpool (CL away, Prem away, CL Home)

[redeagle]

Interesting to see arsenal come back from 2 nil down to win 2-3. Albeit with a own goal and peno.

We face them 3 times in 7 days. With this unusual state of affairs I don't really see us beating them in all 3 games. In fact, I can't even call it.

I reckon we will win in the Home CL leg but not sure how the away match will go. The Prem lg match will depend mainly on if we beat everton tomorrow in team selection I'd imagine.

Ridiculous period.

[maloneavic]

I think we will loose the league game but with liverpool been so different in europe i can see a tight first game and a draw in london and a 1-0 win at anfield.

[GaryMc]

I think Van Persie's return for Arsenal could be a big factor. I think if he had been fit all season, they would be top of the league still. I can see us loosing the league match 2-1, drawing away in CL 0-0 and winning the home one 2-0 to go through. Mistic Meg....

[stunnedmullet]

coming back from 2-0 down with 10 men was impressive but honestly bolton were woeful in the 2nd as one would expect from a side likely to be relegated

not to mention their 3rd goal was pure arse :D

the wheels have fallen off their season in a big way, i don't see any reason we won't beat them over 2 legs of CL and snatch a draw in the league.

[edcarroll02]

I think Van Persie's return for Arsenal could be a big factor. I think if he had been fit all season, they would be top of the league still. I can see us loosing the league match 2-1, drawing away in CL 0-0 and winning the home one 2-0 to go through. Mistic Meg....

I would take that right now anyways, might pop down to ladbrokes just in case your right!

[Jockser]

1-1, 2-1, 1-0

[krazykeith]

1-1, 2-1, 1-0

I'd take that too

[Philly_kop]

OK people, what's going on? My plane touches down in Dublin at 8 AM on Wednesday. The wife and I are looking for a pub to watch the match that evening ... Where are the Red-friendly pubs? In particular, will the Irish Kop crowd be out on the town that evening?

Oh, and 1-0, 1-1, 2-0

[liamo3]

Torres injured in training and Carra doubtfull too omg!!

[Aido82]

Torres injured in training and Carra doubtfull too omg!!

April fool right, it better be liamo

[Jockser]

yeah its true and the liverpool bus had its tires slashed by a bluenose so Rafa and the lads are hitching down to london!

last i heard is they have had to put crouchy (who usually had to lie down the middle of the bus or be put up on the roof rack) in a horse box. El nino had no bother getting a lift and was the first to get picked up but Dirk and Skrtel are still outside the Albert! :( ........
anyone have a status update on the situation?

[stunnedmullet]

yeah its true and the liverpool bus had its tires slashed by a bluenose so Rafa and the lads are hitching down to london!

last i heard is they have had to put crouchy (who usually had to lie down the middle of the bus or be put up on the roof rack) in a horse box. El nino had no bother getting a lift and was the first to get picked up but Dirk and Skrtel are still outside the Albert! :( ........
anyone have a status update on the situation?

appears that dirk got a lift with 3 large bears and Skrtel got picked up by 4 large russians in a black rangerover

hope el nino makes it tho haha the truck driver may try and keep him!

[Juan]

just hope we dont sit back and invite them on us, if ever they are there for the taking its now.away goal would be the crucial factor here. and we are well capable of that, sit back=asking for trouble.

[edcarroll02]

just hope we dont sit back and invite them on us, if ever they are there for the taking its now.away goal would be the crucial factor here. and we are well capable of that, sit back=asking for trouble.

Not that i want to see liverpool sit back off them for the game but i don't think we should be going into this game to gung ho! I don't think they have the confidence at the moment to throw people forward on us especially if they're not getting much luck out of our defence and i'm sure they'll get frustrated very easily, an open flowing game would suit them an awful lot better. I hope we can just keep our heads and play sensible.

[Bren100]

I can see us beating the Gooners away and getting a draw at home.

[RedRuairi]

To be honest I can see us doing them in all three, providing we keep all players injury free and away from bookings. Mascherano will be the key I think, stopping the Gooners "free flowing" game in midfield.

[Molby Is a Legend]

one statement

MASCH IS BACK

[red1965]

anyone traveling to league game

[corcaigh]

1-1, 2-0 and 1-0 i reckon the PL match will be terrible for us, id be very surprised if rafa doesnt rotate with the biggest match of the season 3 days away. masch will help us a lot tomorrow night and he'll be the only man on the field completely fresh. i smell a performance simliar to inter.

[Jockser]

our players who are one yellow away from suspension..... Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Fabio Aurelio have already been cautioned twice.
I cant see us going 4 more games without stevie or jamie getting booked again....

[The Kopfather]

We can afford to rest players for the PL game. Arsenal can't, they need every point. This will stand us well in the home CL game.

Bring on the chavs

[GaryMc]

Ok, here is my stab at the team

Reina, Carra, Srktel, Hyppia, Aurolio, Pennant, Masherano, Alonso, Riise, Gerrard, Torres.

I think he may play a more traditional 4-5-1 rather than the 4-2-3-1 in the first leg. Try to stifle the midfield early on, and then let Babel at them for the last 20

[edcarroll02]

Ok, here is my stab at the team

Reina, Carra, Srktel, Hyppia, Aurolio, Pennant, Masherano, Alonso, Riise, Gerrard, Torres.

I think he may play a more traditional 4-5-1 rather than the 4-2-3-1 in the first leg. Try to stifle the midfield early on, and then let Babel at them for the last 20

I really can't see Benitez dropping Kuyt, interesting shout on riise instead of Babel and its probably not all that unlikely. He really does like to mix things up for the big games!

[redeagle]

I reckon its going to be teh same team we have seen over the last few weeks.

I hope finnan is fit, carra and skrtel for CB and left side probably riise.

COME ON MASCH

[teedeepee]

Need Babel on from the start; we're defensively solid enough to justify his inclusion, and he really does help us break with pace - something we'll need to do to nick an away goal I think.
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[Daz]

Ok, here is my stab at the team

Reina, Carra, Srktel, Hyppia, Aurolio, Pennant, Masherano, Alonso, Riise, Gerrard, Torres.

I think he may play a more traditional 4-5-1 rather than the 4-2-3-1 in the first leg. Try to stifle the midfield early on, and then let Babel at them for the last 20

defo can;t see Pennant playing after playing for the reserves last night

[GaryMc]

defo can;t see Pennant playing after playing for the reserves last night


good point, slipped my mind, no doubt it will be Kuyt then. I can though see Riise in for Babel.

[RedJohn]

Similiar to the Inter game, keep it tight and wait for Torres to work his magic, 1-0 win to us i'd say.

[Turbit]

Jesus lads, I am feeling physically sick about the game tonight.

This is going to be one of those games that I cant enjoy...

[ianmahony1977]

OK people, what's going on? My plane touches down in Dublin at 8 AM on Wednesday. The wife and I are looking for a pub to watch the match that evening ... Where are the Red-friendly pubs? In particular, will the Irish Kop crowd be out on the town that evening?

Oh, and 1-0, 1-1, 2-0

Sinnotts on St Stephens Green always has a good atmosphere and is usually full of Reds. I'll be heading there to watch it most likely.

I'd take nil-nil in an instant tonight and give them the chelsea treatment in Anfield next week.

[Fowler's God]

I thought yellow cards got removed after the group stage?

[wonit5times]

i think this is the team rafa will have out tonite

Reina

Finnan Carragher Skrtel Riise


Kuyt Mascherano Alonso Babel

Gerrard

Torres

Cmon redmen i hope we could sneak an away goal tonite and even get a score draw:):):)

[Liverpool-law]

If we weather the storm for 15 minutes and they get no joy and then go at em, they'll be nervous - the win against Bolton was only one in six league games. If they were ever there for the taking it's now. Come on you reds, I'll go for 0-2!!:D

[edcarroll02]

Jesus lads, I am feeling physically sick about the game tonight.

This is going to be one of those games that I cant enjoy...

I never mind playing arsenal, i don't know why but the only game that i really can't face to watch is liverpool utd!

This will be a very tense affair tonight but i think the lads have the quality over the two legs to show these youngsters what playing in Europe is all about. Hope the boys go out there and teach em a lesson!

[Ligger]

PMT kicking in now.. C'mon you red men. Would take 1-1 in a heartbeat. Whats the chances of 4 away wins out of 4 in the quarter finals, after last nights results?

[edcarroll02]

PMT kicking in now.. C'mon you red men. Would take 1-1 in a heartbeat. Whats the chances of 4 away wins out of 4 in the quarter finals, after last nights results?

Not sure what the chances are but the odds at the moment are about 7-1.
I'd absolutely love to see crouch playing tonight, i think the gunners can account for almost everyone else but they've never managed to get a hold on him.
What a hat trick that was last season!

[Ligger]

Not sure what the chances are but the odds at the moment are about 7-1.
I'd absolutely love to see crouch playing tonight, i think the gunners can account for almost everyone else but they've never managed to get a hold on him.
What a hat trick that was last season!

Tempting bet 7/1. Have us and the draw for €10 at evens V the home win with a lad at work.. :)

[redeagle]

I never mind playing arsenal, i don't know why but the only game that i really can't face to watch is liverpool utd!


im the same... can't stand watching pool play anyone.. but I dont mind when we play arsenal.

[corcaigh]

I thought yellow cards got removed after the group stage?

dont think so. arsenal have about 5 players on yellow, i cant remember the names but i think hleb and adbeyor are on that list. carra and gerrard could be easily booked tonight and miss the anfield leg....

[edcarroll02]

im the same... can't stand watching pool play anyone.. but I dont mind when we play arsenal.

Can't watch them play anyone eh? That must be tough!

[stunnedmullet]

Not sure what the chances are but the odds at the moment are about 7-1.
I'd absolutely love to see crouch playing tonight, i think the gunners can account for almost everyone else but they've never managed to get a hold on him.
What a hat trick that was last season!

true but i'd be very surprised to see him tonight. possibly in the home leg

[Juan]

im the same... can't stand watching pool play anyone.. but I dont mind when we play arsenal.


I tend to get quite drunk,while watching these ones, it tends to numb the pain a bit if its a bad result, while knowing we have a second bite at the cherry:p also it drowns out one of my mates,whos a complete doomsday merchant!

[redeagle]

Can't watch them play anyone eh? That must be tough!

i just get so nervous... :confused:

[dking]

"Jesus lads, I am feeling physically sick about the game tonight. "
"I tend to get quite drunk,while watching these ones, it tends to numb the pain a bit if its a bad result,"
"i just get so nervous"

Agree 100%.

Felt like this before the manu game 10 days ago but not the bitters game on sunday , which is a worry in itself !!!!

[edcarroll02]

dont think so. arsenal have about 5 players on yellow, i cant remember the names but i think hleb and adbeyor are on that list. carra and gerrard could be easily booked tonight and miss the anfield leg....

The players on yellows are Gael Clichy, Denilson, Emmanuel Adebayor, Aleksandr Hleb and Emmanuel Eboue for Arsenal and Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fabio Aurelio for Liverpool.


That would be a spot of luck if Adebeyor were to miss the second leg, i think without him they would be very easy to cope with without that lad. If everything goes well and Masch can keep fabregas quiet and whoever is playing right back can keep clichy from gettting too far forward i can see Adebayor getting quite frustrated and hopefully lashing out at someone (without injuring anyone in the process of course).

[robbie st leger]

nerves have already kicked in wud take a 1-1 draw now .

A few men need to stand up and show what thay are made of tonight and keep hleb and fabregas quiet.

Cmon the reds

[Turbit]

This game is so hard to call....We've had a really bad run (barring the 4-1) against Arsenal in the last couple of years..So as long as the tie is alive for the the home leg I will be happy..

[CHARMAC]

This game is so hard to call....We've had a really bad run (barring the 4-1) against Arsenal in the last couple of years..So as long as the tie is alive for the the home leg I will be happy..

I agree Turbit, we have to get something to bring back to Anfield

[obriener]

Aurelio in for Riise in the only change tonight. Voronin is on the bench from were he can be unleashed:D:D

[peterk]

.........................Reina
Carra.......Sami.........Skrtel..............Aurel io
.............Alonso.........Masch................. ......
Kuyt...............Stevie......................Bab el
..........................Torres.................. ........

[vodkacolly]

Honestly reckon we'll lose this one 2-1 but do them in the 2nd leg. But if I was any good at predicting results I'd go to the bookies more often.

[LOU2]

hopefully we wont be loosing this one would prefer us not having to leave it to next week to play catch up. fingers crossed we get at least a draw.

[Aido82]

The team in full for this evening's 7.45pm kick-off is:

Reina
Aurelio
Hyypia
Skrtel
Carragher
Mascherano
Alonso
Babel
Gerrard
Kuyt
Torres

Subs:

Itandje
Riise
Voronin
Benayoun
Crouch
Arbeloa
Lucas

[wickla_mucker]

good strong team picked for tonight - just one change which will be interesting... i guess aurelio has that little bit more pace than JA.
I think well get a draw tonight and finish them off in Anfield.
Hopefully El Nino can bag a goal or two - which is always a sure thing with Senderos playing :P

[LOU2]

thank god for that jesus me nerves

[MrsStevieG]

Stevey you f**king boy ya!!!!. And well done to Dirky too. Away goal, nice one;)

[Aido82]

Playing OK.

But We look poor from corners and set pieces, there always seems to be a few arsenal players free.

Thank god for stevie

[Molby Is a Legend]

Put your hands up for Dirk Kuyt he loves this city.......................

Stevie G and rest of midfield playing well Defence looks a bit dodge

Babel is having a bit of a mare

[wonit5times]

Its good that we hit back so soon after they scored...it killed off their momentum big style. Its something to build on now for 2nd half just hope we dont concede any in 2nd half

[dking]

Poor goal to give away but doin ok so far .
Stevie did great for the goal and fair play to Kuyt for getting in there.

MIAL , I know where your coming from with Babel but Arsenal are so afraid of him they are backing off all the time when he gets running and doubling up on him .

[GaryMc]

Babel very poor, would stick on JAR after 60. Look bad from set pieces. Van Persie very dangerous. Fabregas has been quiet so far

[red1965]

MIAL , I know where your coming from with Babel but Arsenal are so afraid of him they are backing off all the time when he gets running and doubling up on him .[/QUOTE]

ye but no good if he doesnt get a ball past them into space

[wonit5times]

van persie is off for 2nd half

[MrsStevieG]

Playing OK.

But We look poor from corners and set pieces, there always seems to be a few arsenal players free.

Thank god for stevie


True, the defense for the corner where Arsenal scored was atrocious. Adebayor had a free header, no one anywhere near him.

Arsenal are looking poor, please god they'll stay that way and we get another goal in the second half. I reckon Nando is owed one:)

Would be happy with the one away goal though

[LOU2]

wallcock is been given far to much space, defence need to tighten up badly

[Molby Is a Legend]

how was that peno not given.......... Maybe the bit of luck every team needs to win CL

[dking]

plus
good defending by arsenal ...................on our line:D

[RedMurph08]

OMG Voronin

[LOU2]

wat is the man thinking, he's absolute dirt

[red1965]

wat is the man thinking, he's absolute dirt

motm kuyt:D

[wonit5times]

we will take that back to anfield an finish them off fecking gooners!!!

[RedMurph08]

Get in! Thats a good result regardless what the critics say!

[wonit5times]

kuyt broke his bollix for us tonite he is a work horse delighted he scored motm imo aswell

[Molby Is a Legend]

motm kuyt:D


Agreed he was pushed hard by Stevie but on pure work load i would have to give it to Kuyt

[LOU2]

oh definately motm, he really is suited to the wing rather than up front. he is certainly helping masc do all the dirty work.

[MrsStevieG]

VERONIN :mad:

Yeah Dirky for MOTM. He had a smashing game. Well done lad.

Second half was poor from us but good result.

[weecorey]

someone phone me an ambulance, I must have had 5 heat attacks during that! Decent result, not fantastic and I dont think its any where near over, I reckon Arsenal will score at Anfield, they wher a far better side than us tonite, their quick, accurate passing was phenominal, some thing we need to learn rather than this hoof it over the top and hope it lands at torres feet.

[GaryMc]

Vorinin, I thought we had seen the back of him.

Apart from that good result although blessed with Febregas chance and the peno. F00K it, well done lads....

[wonit5times]

Why was veronin brought on? Poor sub didnt even try to close down the gooners at the back and he was only on for bout 7 or 8 mins.

[wonit5times]

Just watching Bendtnars clearance off the line again he kept us in it with that...What on earth was he trying to do? He could only be trying to back heel it in but got a bit confuzzled!!!

[red1965]

i have found us a left back great goal line clearance bendter sign him now:p:p

[weecorey]

As I have said before Kuyt deserves his place on this team, scored against Milan and now Arsenal. I'm sure it was hard for him to be demoted when Torres joined the team but fare play to him he has kept going and gives 200% for 90mins.

[jay jay]

Will Take That Result 2nite And Will Give Us A Boost For Saturday.what Changes Will Rafa Make If Ant.

[redeagle]

how we managed to keep it 1-1 is beyond me.

Happy with that...after about 75mins they looked out of sorts..

job done

[red1965]

play the reserves sat. and kick bits out of them:D:D
am going so hope not:)

[stevieg]

Well done Kuyt - great game.

Babel was fairly muck.

Did well to hold on in the second half,Arsenal are just one pass away when they play like that on the edge of our box from getting a one-one.

Roll on next week!

[wickla_mucker]

nice solid defensive performance...
yeah they prob should have scored the one that Bendtner cleared but i was happy overall.
thought aurelio did a fantastic job tonight, as did skyrtel, masch and kuyt.
babel look disinterested altogether

hope rafa plays a strong enough team on saturday, keep their confidence low...

[kaka2001]

Great idea red 1965, alot of changes will be made, I dont see Gerrard, Torres or Hypia taking part, they all looked tired at the end
Thank you referee and Bendtner!!

[teedeepee]

I'm tellin' ya.... Crouch vs. Kuyt, on tonight's performance, is a non-discussion.... box to box, good movement, and he was finally in the right place at the right time... And he'll only improve.
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[GaryMc]

Richard Keys has just said that Kuyt lives 5 miles from the ref in Holland while showing Kuyt giving the ref the thmbs up after peno claim.

[red1965]

i thought he was a belgium ref keyes listens to grey too much

[McGinty]

very happy with that result tonight. i would have ben happy with 0-0 but 1-1 is even better. babel was terrible, did you see when he booted the ball across his own goal? basic stuff and he couldnt do it right.

Kuyt had his best game of the season, Gerrard was good, Torres was poor but it was hard out there for him tonight.

what a defensive performance overall though, we all dream of a team of jamie carraghers!!

[RedWally]

Good result. Babel poor - still greedy and only 33% pass completion. Kuyt is improving with each game he plays on the right. Hopefully Rafa will rest a few guys on Saturday.

[teedeepee]

Good result. Babel poor - still greedy and only 33% pass completion. Kuyt is improving with each game he plays on the right. Hopefully Rafa will rest a few guys on Saturday.
Wouldn't call Babel poor, but he's still very raw. He'll come good though. I reckon he's quicker than Torres. Would like to see them both over 50 or 100metres.
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[corcaigh]

anyone watching rte? half time analysis from Donkey, straight away decided he'd say arsenal are not the team they were earlier in the season. whilst that is partially true, they are still an excellent team. he loves putting liverpool down in any way possible. at least he had to admit masch is an excellent player.

back to the game, i thought it was only ok, lucky at times. both teams looked very tired towards the end. rafa will surely rest players saturday, something arsenal cant really do. both goals were poor defensively. looking forward to a chelsea/inter/juve style battering tuesday!

[McGinty]

Wouldn't call Babel poor, but he's still very raw. He'll come good though. I reckon he's quicker than Torres. Would like to see them both over 50 or 100metres.

clichy is the first full back i've actually seen even keep up with torres. your right about babel being the faster though. pity he doesnt have the same football brain :p

[teedeepee]

Sunday's derby win looks even more significant now. We can afford to field a weakened team and potentially lose on Saturday but still be at least 2 points ahead of the bitters.
________
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[mypost]

how was that peno not given.......... Maybe the bit of luck every team needs to win CL

Fk luck! Where was our luck when Vieira handled the ball at Anfield?? :confused:

We can afford to field a weakened team and potentially lose on Saturday

No way. It's taken 10 games at least to get the advantage we have, don't want to throw it away instantly.

anyone watching rte?

For well documented reasons, NO.

[LOU2]

wouldnt wish a loose, we need to aim to win every match, we have only a few home games left where the bitters only have two away (i think anyway)

[dubit10]

anyone watching rte? half time analysis from Donkey, straight away decided he'd say arsenal are not the team they were earlier in the season. whilst that is partially true, they are still an excellent team. he loves putting liverpool down in any way possible. at least he had to admit masch is an excellent player.

back to the game, i thought it was only ok, lucky at times. both teams looked very tired towards the end. rafa will surely rest players saturday, something arsenal cant really do. both goals were poor defensively. looking forward to a chelsea/inter/juve style battering tuesday!

Think the RTE bias thing has been done.Most people just laugh at them now.They have it in for us...End of...As for the match.Rafa really is the best manager in european football at present.Got the tactics 100% spot on yet again come the big european nights.The man really is amazing.If he gets the funds we will destroy all before us in the coming years and can see us dominate the premiership and europe for years to come.Only one black mark against him......Why the F**k is voronion let anywhere near a football pitch wearing a red jersey.The guy is complete muck and it's a sad state of affairs when we bring a player like that off the bench.Muppet of a player.:mad:

[Jockser]

benter "clearance" didnt matter he was offside and it was flagged for offside too anyway
arsenal threw everything at us and looked broken for the last 5 minutes. i expect us to finish them off now.

[teedeepee]

Rafa really is the best manager in european football at present.Got the tactics 100% spot on yet again come the big european nights.The man really is amazing

Why the F**k is voronion let anywhere near a football pitch wearing a red jersey.The guy is complete muck and it's a sad state of affairs when we bring a player like that off the bench.Muppet of a player.:mad:

You can't have it both ways though! If you trust Rafa you trust Rafa.... he thought Voronin was worthy of introduction.... Might just be a business deal though, as if he plays some part in our success (even from the sidelines) then he'll be able to flog him for a couple of million squids... good bit of business then.
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[red1965]

wat is the man thinking, he's absolute dirt

Think the RTE bias thing has been done.Most people just laugh at them now.They have it in for us...End of...As for the match.Rafa really is the best manager in european football at present.Got the tactics 100% spot on yet again come the big european nights.The man really is amazing.If he gets the funds we will destroy all before us in the coming years and can see us dominate the premiership and europe for years to come.Only one black mark against him......Why the F**k is voronion let anywhere near a football pitch wearing a red jersey.The guy is complete muck and it's a sad state of affairs when we bring a player like that off the bench.Muppet of a player.:mad:

first half i agree with you
second part put him in shop window maybe someone will something good in him cant see any thing meself:)

[Monty]

It's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? Do we play a team to win on saturday or one to make sure we progress on tuesday. I personally feel there was a few players out there tonight that looked a bit jaded like torres and gerrard (lack of rotation..ha ha). I think they should be rested and play a strong defensive team on saturday, try and come away with a point(don't like saying that) and really put the fear of god into the remaining teams in the champions league, thst Liverpool are in it to win it. Watch the players wanting to come to the most sucessful team in the richest league. The future bright, the future's RED!!!

[teedeepee]

It's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? Do we play a team to win on saturday or one to make sure we progress on tuesday. I personally feel there was a few players out there tonight that looked a bit jaded like torres and gerrard (lack of rotation..ha ha). I think they should be rested and play a strong defensive team on saturday, try and come away with a point(don't like saying that) and really put the fear of god into the remaining teams in the champions league, thst Liverpool are in it to win it. Watch the players wanting to come to the most sucessful team in the richest league. The future bright, the future's RED!!!
Personally speaking I think we can rest Gerrard, Mash and Torres, play 4-4-2 with Yossi on the right and Kewell on the left (if he's fit???), Lucas and Xabi in the middle and Crouch and Voronin up front and STILL cause Arsenal's defence problems.
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[Aido82]

Have to play a weak team on saturday, for the pure fact of the possibility of extra time on tuesday. Dont want any one knackered we have to pLay for 120 mins

[mypost]

Personally speaking I think we can rest Gerrard, Mash and Torres, play 4-4-2 with Yossi on the right and Kewell on the left (if he's fit???), Lucas and Xabi in the middle and Crouch and Voronin up front and STILL cause Arsenal's defence problems.

We can't rest G&T at any time. The side collapses without them. These guys are super-fit professionals, and it's the business end of the season. These are the kind of games that are made for big players. We will probably not have Mascherano already. If we do rest players, we'll only feed the "rotation" headlines again.

If we win on Saturday, we go 8 points clear of Everton, that's the prize on offer. Lose, and all the good work of recent weeks is under threat.

[Monty]

Have to play a weak team on saturday, for the pure fact of the possibility of extra time on tuesday. Dont want any one knackered we have to pLay for 120 mins

agree, plus we have a good few away games left to cement fourth place and will need fresh legs....

[corcaigh]

For well documented reasons, NO.

not everyone has satelite, my friend! still so crazy that they are so biased against us.

i thought liam brady's and the studio's reaction to the non-peno was very strong, yea it was probably a peno but i've seen terry practially rape lads up the hole, no peno and the pundits don't raise an eyebrow.

[The Kopfather]

It's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? Do we play a team to win on saturday or one to make sure we progress on tuesday. I personally feel there was a few players out there tonight that looked a bit jaded like torres and gerrard (lack of rotation..ha ha). I think they should be rested and play a strong defensive team on saturday, try and come away with a point(don't like saying that) and really put the fear of god into the remaining teams in the champions league, thst Liverpool are in it to win it. Watch the players wanting to come to the most sucessful team in the richest league. The future bright, the future's RED!!!

Here Here monty old bean.

Agree that tuesday is a huge game, more important than saturday. Five points and a better squad is good enough to keep us ahead of blue shites. Can afford to rest a couple of the players. I won't pick a team because i don't get paid for it but.......

[McGinty]

Personally speaking I think we can rest Gerrard, Mash and Torres, play 4-4-2 with Yossi on the right and Kewell on the left (if he's fit???), Lucas and Xabi in the middle and Crouch and Voronin up front and STILL cause Arsenal's defence problems.

We can't rest G&T at any time. The side collapses without them. These guys are super-fit professionals, and it's the business end of the season. These are the kind of games that are made for big players. We will probably not have Mascherano already. If we do rest players, we'll only feed the "rotation" headlines again.

If we win on Saturday, we go 8 points clear of Everton, that's the prize on offer. Lose, and all the good work of recent weeks is under threat.

both good points, but i'm in teedeepee boat here.

Torres has had some tough games recently. he's covered a lot of ground up front there on his own, he could do with a rest.

we play a weakened team against arsenal (who cant afford to drop points like we can in the PL) then if the result goes against us its not a big deal. we play a full strength side and they beat us, morale will be low going into tuesday.

masc (still suspended??), torres, gerrard & carra should be rested imo

[mypost]

we play a weakened team against arsenal (who cant afford to drop points like we can in the PL) then if the result goes against us its not a big deal. we play a full strength side and they beat us, morale will be low going into tuesday.

masc (still suspended??), torres, gerrard & carra should be rested imo

A rested team would destroy continuity, ruin our recent good run, and boost Arsenal's confidence going into Tuesday. Look at the abuse RB got after the Reading fiasco. Simply can't do that on Saturday, or we'll get slaughtered. When we did that last year against them, we let in 6 goals. I wouldn't say no to subbing them after an hour if the score suited us, but not playing them at all is madness. It's Arsenal (a) we're playing, not Derby.

It's not like someone has an advantage here. The same teams play each other 3 times back-to-back. They're as likely to tire after 3 games as we are.

I'm not being greedy, but I want to be 6-8 points clear of Neverton by 2.45 on Saturday, not throw away our 5 point lead needlessly.

[RedRuairi]

I agree with the mypost above. Arsenal showed yesterday that they don't have a panel to play with either, Walcott and Bendtner are not world class players. Arsenal will have to play a full strength team on Saturday and next Tuesday and I reckon we should as well. Come 2200 on Tuesday night both set of player will be absolutely knackered. Remember Arsenal's next game in the PL is SCUM at Old Trafford.....They looked out on their feet against Bolton towards the end and then had to face us last night with 3 very difficult games to come!

[Ligger]

I would go with the following team myself.

Reina
Arbeloa Skrtel Carra Aurelio

Benayoun Lucas Alonso Babel

Kuyt Crouch

With Crouchy's record V Arsenal don't think this is a bad plan. Rest Stevie, Sami, Nando and with Masch suspended should set us up nicely for Tuesday. As for resting players and disrupting the rhythm I think you could play the reserves on Saturday and get bet 6-0 and it will make no difference to the 11 who come out on Tuesday night at our place. Can't wait.

[RedRuairi]

Im still not convinced with Lucas...he looked lost last night when he came on and just to add what the F*** was Voronin doing in the squad let alone playing....to think that Crouch was on the bench and Rafa play Voronin before Crouch is really kinda sending a message to Crouch (You'll be gone in the summer!!)

[Jockser]

benter "clearance" didnt matter he was offside and it was flagged for offside too anyway
arsenal threw everything at us and looked broken for the last 5 minutes. i expect us to finish them off now.
Im actually wrong here....see this picture.... http://i25.tinypic.com/2rc1pno.jpg it shows carras hand on the field of play which i didnt spot (who would have!?) last night so technically Benter was onside

[Gerry]

Good enough result last night, was pleased we drew level so quickly great work by stevie for the goal after all the stuff people have said about him lately,
the team really worked hard and javier was his normal brilliant self, babel was poor imho but the poorest performance of the night has to be the arsenal "fans" they were terrible no pride and no passion !

[corcaigh]

if we rest:
reina
finnan, srktel, arbeloa, insua
pennant, alonso, lucas, riise
benayoun
crouch

could we get a point from this team? agree with the point that it really looks like crouch is gone if voronin can get on.

[edcarroll02]

I think last nights performance still shows that in terms of ball retention and passing we are still miles off where we need to be. I know that Arsenal are a particularly gifted team but we were so poor whenever we had the ball. I thought our defence was outstanding barring one or two slip ups from Skrtel but the midfield looked completely out of sorts and i didn't think Masch had enough of an influence on proceedings, i hope he wasn't worrying about getting another booking becaues he needs that temper to operate.
Babel could have been off a lot sooner, worst performance of his short liverpool career and i thought that Benayoun looked steady enough on the ball when he came on, Kuyt had his best game in years which was great to see because he's not going to be dropped any time soon. Gerrard was pretty good but was getting very frustrated with the lack of support in the middle of the park.
Overall it was a great result but probably not one we deserved but all we needed was something that we could bring back to Anfield to give us a chance and we've got that.

[GaryMc]

I think torres, Gerrard and Masher should be rested this weekend, I am not a fan of rotation, but Torres was shattered near the end. I change to 4-4-2 on Saturday to try and confuse Arsenal in the middle game.

Reina
Arbeloa Carra Srtkel Riise
Pennant Alonso Lucas Benayoun
Crouch Kuyt

To be honest I think we will lose this one even if we put out the stongest team.

[stunnedmullet]

we were also mouthing off wondering why voronin was on the pitch, we assumed it was because he was "perceived" to be more useful than crouch at running at defenders, closing down, wasting time. which of course he did none of. :eek:

i'd certainly rest torres on sat. we need him sharp on tue, give crouchy a run out. don't think you could keep stevie g away from this one tho he'd bite your head off

[mypost]

the poorest performance of the night has to be the arsenal "fans" they were terrible no pride and no passion !

They're Londoners. Not known for creating hostile atmospheres. There'll be even less on Saturday.

The away goal helped though. ;)

[Juan]

i think we dropped anchor,and set out to play for the 1-1 early in the 2nd half. which is what i feared,how we got away with it.. i dont know
but a fantastic performance all round. i know masch wont be playing,and i really think torres should be rested on saturday.

[redeagle]

forgot to mention voronin... heart nearly went into my mouth when I saw his return.. hilarious!

[Molby Is a Legend]

we were also mouthing off wondering why voronin was on the pitch, we assumed it was because he was "perceived" to be more useful than crouch at running at defenders, closing down, wasting time. which of course he did none of. :eek:

i'd certainly rest torres on sat. we need him sharp on tue, give crouchy a run out. don't think you could keep stevie g away from this one tho he'd bite your head off

I was windering what Voronin was doing in London never mind on the Pitch:D:D:D

[McGinty]

A rested team would destroy continuity, ruin our recent good run, and boost Arsenal's confidence going into Tuesday. Look at the abuse RB got after the Reading fiasco.

he deserved stick after the reading fiasco. but this is a completly different scenario. resting players to furthu our chances in the champions league is completly acceptable at this stage in the season.

obviously if we could get 3 points and win a win next tuesday with two full sides on the pitch i'd be over the moon, but i'm just trying to look at the bigger picture here man!

[mypost]

obviously if we could get 3 points and win a win next tuesday with two full sides on the pitch i'd be over the moon, but i'm just trying to look at the bigger picture here man!

The bigger picture is that Saturday's game, long-term is more important. If we lose on Tuesday, it's sad but not the end of the world, but if we lose 4th spot however, budgets will have to be reviewed, and there will be general mayhem and uproar.

8 points clear looks more impressive than a 2 point cushion, and if we lose the Arsenal game, those 3 points will then have to be recovered elsewhere. When we tie up 4th spot, then we can rest players for Europe. We haven't done that yet.

[Ligger]

8 points clear looks more impressive than a 2 point cushion, and if we lose the Arsenal game, those 3 points will then have to be recovered elsewhere. When we tie up 4th spot, then we can rest players for Europe. We haven't done that yet.

Can't see us going 8 points clear (apart for the few hours till Everton beat Derby) and if we get a draw that gives us a 3 point cushion as our goal difference is far better than the Bitters. Defo have no problem with resting players tomorrow and anyone who does play should be giving it all on the hopes of getting a game on Tuesday.

[edcarroll02]

Can't see us going 8 points clear (apart for the few hours till Everton beat Derby) and if we get a draw that gives us a 3 point cushion as our goal difference is far better than the Bitters. Defo have no problem with resting players tomorrow and anyone who does play should be giving it all on the hopes of getting a game on Tuesday.

To be perfectly honest i can't see us beating the gunners in Emirates this weekend no matter what happens. It took everything we had to keep them out on a huge night in Europe and i don't think we could pull it off again. I'd be much happier to beat them in Anfield next tuesday and lose on saturday, the league will still be in our hands, but it does make our next game against blackburn a very important game.

[Tarabuses]

Can't see us going 8 points clear (apart for the few hours till Everton beat Derby) and if we get a draw that gives us a 3 point cushion as our goal difference is far better than the Bitters. Defo have no problem with resting players tomorrow and anyone who does play should be giving it all on the hopes of getting a game on Tuesday.

If we lose by a couple on Saturday and Everton score a hat full against a relegated side do we still have a 3 point cushion?

[edcarroll02]

If we lose by a couple on Saturday and Everton score a hat full against a relegated side do we still have a 3 point cushion?

No we'd have a two point cushion and a reasonabl goal difference. And out of Everton's last six games they include Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa while the only really difficult game we'd have of them is Spurs away but they've been very hot cold this season and i fancy our chances of having a clean sweep of our remaining premier league games barring this saturday!

[Yoko]

It's well known that a relegated side is a dengerous thing indeed. Besides can you see the bluenoses scoring a hatful? From where?

[mypost]

No we'd have a two point cushion and a reasonabl goal difference. i fancy our chances of having a clean sweep of our remaining premier league games barring this saturday!

Last year's corresponding fixtures:

Arsenal (a): Lost
Blackburn (h): Draw
Brum (a) 2005: Draw
Fulham (a): Lost
City (h): Win
Spurs (a): Win

Not easy at all.

[vodkacolly]

When we tie up 4th spot, then we can rest players for Europe. We haven't done that yet.


True, I dont want to see players like Gerrard or Torres rested tommorrow.

[robbie st leger]

we seem to forget that even with our strongest team for the past 8 years we have got little or nothing from this fixture so i would be happy to rest a few players and look after Tuesday nite then get back to business in the league.

[Turbit]

Rafa will rest all the big boys. Actually I expect Wenger to rest a couple also.

[dundalkred]

Yes, me too. Wenger will have to rest some of his stars, they arent any fitter than ours so a certain amount of changes were always going to be needed. Now comes the test of squad depth.

[mypost]

i would be happy to rest a few players and look after Tuesday nite then get back to business in the league.

The above quote makes it sound as though winning on Tuesday is a formality.

If we don't progress on Tuesday night, and lose today, by fielding a weakened team, then we have another fight to hold onto fourth and we face going into next week's game having seen Everton (albeit temporarily) overtake us before we play.. If Arsenal rest players today, that's their business. They can do so, their strength in depth is better than ours, and they're guaranteed CL football next year. Whereas we're not.

The business in the league resumes today, not next week. I expect Rafa to rotate the squad today. I believe it is a gamble not worth taking, and if it backfires, the financial and other consequences come mid-May are not worth it imo.

[arklowred]

todays team is Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Skrtel, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Benayoun, Lucas, Plessis, Crouch. Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Gerrard, Torres, Voronin.

[DaPitViper]

todays team is Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Skrtel, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Benayoun, Lucas, Plessis, Crouch. Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Gerrard, Torres, Voronin.


Has anybody seen this plessis lad play? what does he do sit back in midfield?

[redeagle]

very interesting team... good to see finnan get a game..and crouch

[GaryMc]

Thats still a team that can get a result.... a few lads with points to prove, Pennant and Crouch.

I fancy Crouchie for a goal

[redeagle]

Manuel Almunia
Kolo Touré
Justin Hoyte
Armand Traore
William Gallas
Emmanuel Eboue
Gilberto
Cesc Fabregas
Mathieu Flamini
Theo Walcott
Nicklas Bendtner

theres the arsenal team

[CHARMAC]

PLESSIS GETS DEBUT VERSUS ARSENAL
Jimmy Rice at the Emirates 05 April 2008
French youngster Damien Plessis is in the starting line-up to face Arsenal at the Emirates.
The defensive midfielder is one of eight changes made by Rafa Benitez from Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.

The Reds line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation for the 12.45pm kick off.

Here's the XI in full: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Skrtel, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Benayoun, Lucas, Plessis, Crouch. Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Gerrard, Torres, Voronin.


I'm really surprised to see him in the firat team so early,:eek: I hope
he does really well, I 'm delighted for him :) well done Rafa

[DaPitViper]

skrtel to score first 1-1 150/1

[GaryMc]

best team so far, some good football, lacking cutting edge. Benayoun should have done a lot better

[wonit5times]

i have seen him play a couple of times for the reserves looked really comfortable on the ball, passed it well and always looked in control but reserve footy is totally different to premieship. So far he looks pretty solid...:)

[wonit5times]

ya beauty!!!

[GaryMc]

the new lad in midfield has done very well, comfortable on the ball

[weecorey]

ye ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Chanter]

I fancy Crouchie for a goal

Good shout kopirish. Crouch has been extremely effective. He's linked up play really well. The ball sticks to him when it goes up to him and he's bringing the midfield into the game. Delighted to see him get one... good finish too.

[McGinty]

lovely!!!

how we lookin lads? i'm stuck in college studyin! How's the new boy Plessis looking?

[gowinit6times]

Skrtel looks more impressive every time I see him play. The future is bright with the first crop of Rafas kids (Plessis) starting to come through. Looks a good player on 1st half showing.

[GaryMc]

Pennant has been brutal, he gave away that free kick. A lazy tool

Game is there for the taking, Torres on for Pennant, Benayoun on the wing. Gerrard on for the new lad

[McGinty]

Pennant has been brutal, he gave away that free kick. A lazy tool

Game is there for the taking, Torres on for Pennant, Benayoun on the wing. Gerrard on for the new lad

have arsenal brought on any of the big boys?

[GaryMc]

Fabregas started, Adebayor is now on

Big gun Vorinin.... what a fookin miss, this guy aint a footballer...

[wonit5times]

voronin is a ****ing donkey!! shud of used his left peg

[wonit5times]

fair result we were lucky at times but voronin shud of won it for us... bring on tuesday

[GaryMc]

Delighted with the point. Vorinin had two chances to win, waste of space. What does Rafa see in him, I dont get it.

Crouchie man of the match. Fair play to him. "Glad I got a chance to remind people I am still alive!!!"

[Alex Raisbeck]

Well played.

Chuffed hleb didnt get that one at the end, it would have given them a big lift ahead of Tuesday.

Carra back on his game and the right time of the season.

[McGinty]

Well played.

Carra back on his game and the right time of the season.

Carra was back center half then yea?

lookin forward to tuesday, does it look like rafa will be making any changes to the starting XI on the back of this result?

[Beglin's Peg]

Thought the young lad Plessis had an excellent game. Looks better than Lucas who got caught in posession a number of times.

Disappointed with Reina for the goal, thought he should have come for it. Overall we were the better team IMO. Wonder who has the better reserves now?

Pennant was brutal. I'd say he'll be shipped out in the summer. Good to see Finnan back.

As for Triple H he should have stayed over at Wrestlemania.

[Beglin's Peg]

He played really well today. Hopefully he won't disappear back into the reserves for the next 12 months.

Looks very comfortable on the ball and put himself about a fair bit.

[Fowler's God]

Very impressive performance, he is a strong tackler too as Walcott will testify too. Looks a good prospect.

[Jockser]

very composed performance

[Fowler's God]

Good performance and result. Pennant and Voronin should be going bye bye in the summer useless the both of them.

[DaPitViper]

Did you see when Voronin was coming on he went to alex miller to find out the plan and without saying anything miller turned to rafa as if to say what exactly is it you think he can do

[red_shamrock]

Plessis likes a tackle and won his fair share. He misplaced a few passes, but nothing costly, he could teach Lucas a thing or 2. Hopefully he'll grow from here and become a regular. Stupid tackle by Pennant on Traore, he was brutal today. Every time I see Voronin in that #10 it makes me cringe.

[redeagle]

Only saw the first half, was really impressed with Plessis. Looks really comfortable. Good to see crouch playing well. Thought the overall play in the first half was great, probably should have taken the lead with riise (in fairness).

Be interesting to see those voronin chances.

Also does anyone know how many goals we have conceded in open play compared to set pieces for the first phase after a set piece.

[dubit10]

Plessis likes a tackle and won his fair share. He misplaced a few passes, but nothing costly, he could teach Lucas a thing or 2. Hopefully he'll grow from here and become a regular. Stupid tackle by Pennant on Traore, he was brutal today. Every time I see Voronin in that #10 it makes me cringe.

I think that's what makes me mad more than anything.The thoughts of some of the players who have graced that jersey and then you look at Vorinion.~Shanks would have shot him:mad:

[dking]

didnt see the game today but from reading the posts sounds like Plessis played in the first team as he does in the reserves, which has to be a good thing !!! Looking forward to seeing the highlights now.

[robbie st leger]

The above quote makes it sound as though winning on Tuesday is a formality.

If we don't progress on Tuesday night, and lose today, by fielding a weakened team, then we have another fight to hold onto fourth and we face going into next week's game having seen Everton (albeit temporarily) overtake us before we play.. If Arsenal rest players today, that's their business. They can do so, their strength in depth is better than ours, and they're guaranteed CL football next year. Whereas we're not.

The business in the league resumes today, not next week. I expect Rafa to rotate the squad today. I believe it is a gamble not worth taking, and if it backfires, the financial and other consequences come mid-May are not worth it imo.


Sorry if you read the post properly you would see that what is meant is that by resting some players they will be fresher come Tuesday nite example in point is fabregas (looked well shot today) do i want torres/gerrard/alonso burnt out for tuesday nite in the event of 120 mins - me thinks not - nowhere is it said that it is a formality that is your interpretation which you are intitled to and was never mentioned that The business in the league resumes todayjust that today was not a do or die and a defeat was not the end of the world imo.great pt today and we looked more comfortable today than wed nite . roll on tuesday and a 2-0 win.

[CHARMAC]

didnt see the game today but from reading the posts sounds like Plessis played in the first team as he does in the reserves, which has to be a good thing !!! Looking forward to seeing the highlights now.

dking, Plessis made a very good debut he was strong in the tackle, his
passing was very good and he looked comfortable on the ball, I think
Rafa was very pleased with his performance and mentioned him in the
after match interview, I was surprised to see him last the full ninety
minutes with it being such a big game and all, I knew that he was a decent player from watching him in the reserves games but he really
done himself and the reserves proud today, he also could have scored in the first in the first half when the ball fell for him on the edge
of the box but he was leaning back as he struck the ball and skyed it
I'd give him a 7.5 out of ten, NO make that a 8 for his debut :)

[teedeepee]

I was impressed with Plessis today - looked a wee bit nervous early on but he settled and put in some tasty tackles and used the ball well, if not dangerously. Lucas will be a cracking player - he's got great awareness but just needs to get to grips with the pace of the games. Crouch did well considering he was isolated a lot of the time; Benayoun was awful I thought; too lightweight and easily knocked off the ball. In fairness though he did show a willingness to beat the first man but he seemed to run out of ideas very quickly thereafter.

Voronin is getting a right slagging on here - I was berating him during the game - but since then I've softened my attitude. He's hardly played any football for weeks and weeks now, and he looked short of fitness and touch. That said, I still think he should be shot for trying to flick the ball in with his right foot when it was beautifully teed up for a swing of the old left peg. I HATE ONE FOOTEDNESS IN A FOOTBALLER!

[Fowler's God]

In fairness, he should have done better with his first chance, give him the benefit of the doubt on second chance where he kicked fresh air but he was dragged so wide it was impossible to score as well as been off-balance. Pennant should be bombed out his crossing quality, work rate and pure idiotic behaviour showed why he can't be dependable.

[Monty]

If Pennant's brains were dynamite, he wouldn't have enough to blow his nose.... brain dead tackle for that free kick. Plessis did a good job on his debut, good to see. Voronin is as good as his haircut....JAR will be gone in the summer.. I think Arsenal are begining to look a bit tired now, bring on tuesday....

[mypost]

nowhere is it said that it is a formality...roll on tuesday and a 2-0 win.

:o

So we finish our campaign against the top 3, having recovered the points lost at home to Chelsea and Arsenal.

We rested players today, and got a good result, but that doesn't mean I still support the policy. If we played the first team, who knows that we may have even won the game. If the league is the priority, then we should wait until 4th place is secure, before resting players for Europe.

[dking]

dking, Plessis made a very good debut he was strong in the tackle, his
passing was very good and he looked comfortable on the ball, I think
Rafa was very pleased with his performance and mentioned him in the
after match interview, I was surprised to see him last the full ninety
minutes with it being such a big game and all, I knew that he was a decent player from watching him in the reserves games but he really
done himself and the reserves proud today, he also could have scored in the first in the first half when the ball fell for him on the edge
of the box but he was leaning back as he struck the ball and skyed it
I'd give him a 7.5 out of ten, NO make that a 8 for his debut :)


Good stuff.
nemeth always gets good reports in the reserves (from myself included) but the night Xavi ,Harry and Agger played for the reserves
Plessis looked the part and well able to fit in , so its good news for us he is progressing . Masch will have competition soon enough so.

[CHARMAC]

Good stuff.
nemeth always gets good reports in the reserves (from myself included) but the night Xavi ,Harry and Agger played for the reserves
Plessis looked the part and well able to fit in , so its good news for us he is progressing . Masch will have competition soon enough so.

I don't think Masch has anything to fear yet but Alonso might have to start looking over his shoulder ;)

[dking]

I don't think Masch has anything to fear yet but Alonso might have to start looking over his shoulder ;)

ah ye know what I meant !!! ;)

[kaka2001]

Ye Plessis looked a tidy player
where was he when sissoko was getting games?

[dking]

Ye Plessis looked a tidy player
where was he when sissoko was getting games?
in the reserves learning his trade, nobody is saying he is ready for a regular spot but its good to see the lad making progress.

[RedMurph08]

Never ever have i pointed a finger at Reina but i think he has to take some criticism the past few games!!!!

[Jockser]

last 4 headed goals conceeded were reinas fault in my opinion

[dking]

Never ever have i pointed a finger at Reina but i think he has to take some criticism the past few games!!!!

last 4 goals conceeded were reinas fault in my opinion

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?MLC=/Sport/Football/Premiership/Arsenal/article&xml=/sport/2008/04/06/sfntac106.xml&CMP=ILC-mostviewedbox

[kaka2001]

Only joking about the Sissoko comment

Arsenal have definatley targeted Reina with inswinging crosses
He probably could have come for the ball yesterday

To be honest I have always been suspect of his ability to come for crosses, it seems to be his weakness

[Juan]

is it just me or should voronin be investigated for match fixing :)
because he looked like he deliberately tried NOT to score on a few occasions in yesterdays match,anytime he got the ball,he looked like a newly born fawn,kept tripping over himself:rolleyes:
let him carry the water, rafa. hes not good enough to wear the jersey.
on a more serious note,i agree with previous posts on plessis,, what a debut from him,he didnt look out of place.

[Malzheimer]

Reina also prevented a certain goal though from a cross when punching clear off Toures head. He is not perfect on crosses admittedly but his all round game apart from that by far makes up for it and saves at least a goal a game that other keepers would not.

Thought Plessis and Lucas were class, we have so much strength and depth now in the middle of the park. Good to see Rafa not afraid to give youth a chance. Defence was solid good to see Stevie Finnan getting a run out and showing he still has the class. As for Vorinin....what a pony! A polished performance, roll on an electric bouncy night in Anfield on Tuesday, I really believe the momentums with us and Arsenals season is fading away as I always said it would.

[Tarabuses]

It's well known that a relegated side is a dengerous thing indeed. Besides can you see the bluenoses scoring a hatful? From where?

You were quite correct - just the one to leave us 3 points plus goal difference ahead.

[corcaigh]

will rafa think twice about selling crouchie? great performance as the lone striker and more effective than torres on wednesday. every defender is absolutely terrified of crouch, two arsenal players challenged crouch for the aerial ball for the goal but he got the flick on and it led to more space.

voronin, if we get a tenner for him over summer, well be lucky! good run for his second chance but the touch and shot were awful...

[mypost]

How is Voronin Number 10, and JC and Reina, still 23 and 25??

Regular starters in the squad should be numbered 1-11, and squad players after them.

[sean]

How is Voronin Number 10, and JC and Reina, still 23 and 25??

Regular starters in the squad should be numbered 1-11, and squad players after them.

I'm guessing in the case of Reina and JC, they've requested to hold onto those numbers - be it for luck or whatever reason. Various players request various numbers for various reasons - I remember Buffon attracted plenty attention in his Parma days when he wore the controversial number eighty-eight jersey which seemed to signal his support for the far-right (he claimed it was just cos he like the number incidentally).

Also I think the number 1 jersey was available when Pepe arrived (open to correction on that) which would signify he requested that jersey in the first place. I do however take on board your point wondering how Voronin ended up with number 10!

Anyway, I don't see what relevance this has to Tuesday nights game so I'll leave it there ;)

[wickla_mucker]

must agree with posts regarding plessis, assured confident perhaps classy...?
however, just like arsenal seem to get fullbacks like they grow on trees... is it not the same with us and def midfielders? :P
i think we need creative talent - i guess astretivic? the young swedish guy looks like he has talent...

would love to see a few more of the reserves getting a run for the last couple of league games - certainly against the likes of fulham!

[Meijer the trier]

Absolutely offered nothing out wide on Saturday. Pennant should be sold to the first bidder in the summer and Riise isnt a left winger (is he a left back either?).
The more match time that Voronin gets the more you have to ask questions about Benitez. Crouch was very effective on Saturday but we all know that it'llbe Voronin that'll be brought on with 15 mins to go next Tuesday if its 0-0 or we're 1 up.

[RedMurph08]

The more match time that Voronin gets the more you have to ask questions about Benitez. Crouch was very effective on Saturday but we all know that it'llbe Voronin that'll be brought on with 15 mins to go next Tuesday if its 0-0 or we're 1 up.

Doubt it very much Meijer as 0-0 or us being 1 up with 15mins to go would suit just fine and then you would see a defensive midfielder or a defender coming on for an attacker to hold what we have for the last 15mins!
Remember the onus is on Arsenal to attack us they need to score we dont, hopefully leaving them open to a few counter-attacks to kill the game off!

[carramagic]

Will Rafa play Crouch tomorrow. He has indicated he's thinking about. I'd love to see it happen as Arsenal can't play against big guys like him and Drogba. I wouldn't tinker with the successful formation we are using too much - just let Crouch play down the middle and move Torres to the left side for this game. I'd still fancy Torres to score from there as he loves cutting in from that side as shown in his goals against Chelsea and Marseille this year

[redeagle]

Will Rafa play Crouch tomorrow. He has indicated he's thinking about. I'd love to see it happen as Arsenal can't play against big guys like him and Drogba. I wouldn't tinker with the successful formation we are using too much - just let Crouch play down the middle and move Torres to the left side for this game. I'd still fancy Torres to score from there as he loves cutting in from that side as shown in his goals against Chelsea and Marseille this year

think he might be saying that because of Crouch's comments yesterday?

-----------crouch
--torres-----------kuyt/babel?
----------gerrard


..we would really lack width with that formation, arsenal already go so narrow themselves there would be no space at all.

and the obvious 4-4-2 with gerrard in the middle or wide right brings its own problems.

I hope we have a go tomorrow, I thought we were lucky to even get a result against barca at home... ronaldhino inches away with that right footed shot.

[stunnedmullet]

don't think anything will change from the usual 4-2-3-1 with kuyt+babel (woeful as he was last Weds) on the flanks.

but crouch to surely get a run off the bench ESP if we're a goal down

if voronin gets a run ahead of crouch i will have a fit

[dking]

"if voronin gets a run ahead of crouch i will have a fit"

LOL

Sadly if you where a betting man you wouldn't put money on it NOT happening ,would you ?:eek:

[robbie st leger]

:o

So we finish our campaign against the top 3, having recovered the points lost at home to Chelsea and Arsenal.

We rested players today, and got a good result, but that doesn't mean I still support the policy. If we played the first team, who knows that we may have even won the game. If the league is the priority, then we should wait until 4th place is secure, before resting players for Europe.

Whilst delighted to get an unexpected point on Saturday our current league position and next fixture and team selection obviously shows the priority for the manager which imo i agreed with(some may not).

Resting those players will hopefully reap the reward tomorrow night.

[Bren100]

I think we'll get a 0-0 draw tonight.

[GaryMc]

2-0 reds, torres and Alonso screamer from 28 yards

[Aido82]

dreading this game at the moment, hoping the blackpool flight isnt delayed.

reckon it will be a draw again, dont think id be able to take penalties though

[redeagle]

here comes the pmt, and its only 10am.. arghhhhhh

[edcarroll02]

dreading this game at the moment, hoping the blackpool flight isnt delayed.

reckon it will be a draw again, dont think id be able to take penalties though

My heart won't be able to take anything other than a comfortable home win and i think that after the rest the players got a the weekend we really should be in for great game. Hopefully Masch will keep fabregas quiet and then its just a case of keeping Adebayour out and we should be ok.
Would be great to see crouch make an appearance because not only do defenders hate having him around but he loves scoring against them gunners too! Also i'm sure that crouch realises that if he does leave liverpool this will be his last quarter final in the champions league which should hopefully change his mind about leaving!

[teedeepee]

Just can't see us keeping a clean sheet; Arsenal have too much class I reckon. Mind you, I thought the same against Inter and Juventus, so I could be talking bollocks. If we score first then it'll be a cracking game. Nervous as hell though.

[liverbird!!]

Lets just hope we get through!

We can beat these if we play the right game. Will be nervous stuff i'd say, and i'll love to be there.

[teedeepee]

What have we learned in the last 2 games that will affect how we play tonight? There'll be tweaking of some description from Rafa, of that we can be sure. I'd imagine we'll give away less free kicks and that we'll defend set pieces better. If they score from a set-piece tonight I'd be very surprised. I'm just worried that when it clicks for them they seem able to open us up all to easily.

[redchiller]

just hoping we dont set ourselves up to go for a 0-0,a dangerous game,still sick from 89 gunners then also,would love to see crouch and torres up front,put them on the back foot from the whistle,the best form of defence is attack,cant see rafa going that way thou but heres hoping,thought crouch was excellent on saturday gave them plenty to think about,if only he could head a ball,an early goal for us plz to calm the nerves

[dking]

Its amazing how we all love this sport so much .
It can be 90 or even 120mins of torture
and we can get enough of it …….. :eek:

[mypost]

Lets just hope we get through!

We can beat these if we play the right game. Will be nervous stuff i'd say, and i'll love to be there.

It'll only be nervous if we're losing. At the moment, we're winning it. :)

[RedJohn]

1-0 to us, Torres, hope we don't give away any corners, we conceded from them too easily the last time.

[edcarroll02]

Whats everyone's prediction on the line up, apparently he's considering crouch but i can't see that happening.
I reckon it'll be

Reina
Carra Skrtel Hyypia Aurelio
Masch Alonso
kuyt Babel
Gerrard
Torres

But Rafa likes his surprises on these big nights but it appears to be system that he's most comfortable with at the moment. Does leave the option of brining Kuyt off if he needs to change things and bringing Crouch up front and Gerrard on the right!

[teedeepee]

Whats everyone's prediction on the line up, apparently he's considering crouch but i can't see that happening.
I reckon it'll be

Reina
Carra Skrtel Hyypia Aurelio
Masch Alonso
kuyt Babel
Gerrard
Torres

But Rafa likes his surprises on these big nights but it appears to be system that he's most comfortable with at the moment. Does leave the option of brining Kuyt off if he needs to change things and bringing Crouch up front and Gerrard on the right!
Can't see much wrong with that line up eduardo. Possibly Riise instead of Aurelio. I expect Crouch to get at least half an hour if it's still level after 60 minutes.

[GaryMc]

Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyppia, Aurolio, Masherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Babel, Torres.

If things go pear shaped, we will see Crouch on for Alonso and Benny for Babel.

If the sh*** hits the fan, we might even find Andy Vorinin on to score the winner. No would that be ironic or what considering the stick he has taken and how Rubbish he has been.

[Daz]

Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyppia, Aurolio, Masherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Babel, Torres.



that's the feckin confidence we need. We'll stuff these cockney twats with 10 men and Gerrard laughing from the sideline. How do you like them apples Wenger!!!!!!! Well in KopIrish:D

[MrsStevieG]

Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyppia, Aurolio, Masherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Babel, Torres.

If things go pear shaped, we will see Crouch on for Alonso and Benny for Babel.

If the sh*** hits the fan, we might even find Andy Vorinin on to score the winner. No would that be ironic or what considering the stick he has taken and how Rubbish he has been.

Kopirish don't even mention that lads name - it'll jinx us!!!.

Am very nervous about tonight but think we'll do alright out of it. If , over the last two games, we have learned our lesson re set pieces that is.

[GaryMc]

that's the feckin confidence we need. We'll stuff these cockney twats with 10 men and Gerrard laughing from the sideline. How do you like them apples Wenger!!!!!!! Well in KopIrish:D

you have worked out my favourite game. SPOT THE DELIBERATE MISTAKE. :D:D

First prize for DAZ is a framed photo of Andrei Vorinin in his shell suit :D:D

[Daz]

First prize for DAZ is a framed photo of Andrei Vorinin in his shell suit :D:D

topless I hope.? Flex those pec's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Kopfather]

Right here it is

Rafa will field the same 11 as last wednesday

2-1

Scorers - Torres, Babel

Gerrard og (had to get him on the scoresheet):D

[edcarroll02]

Right here it is

Rafa will field the same 11 as last wednesday

2-1

Scorers - Torres, Babel

Gerrard og (had to get him on the scoresheet):D

All joking aside it would be a fantastic time for Babel to get his confidence together and start scoring a few goals, last year people could rest easy enough if they controlled Gerrard. This year they've had a combination of Gerrard and Torres to keep occupied, imagine if they had a lightning fast Dutch winger with an incredible left foot scoring goals on top of that!
Keeping in mind that we have possibly the best passer of the ball in the land, the best tackler in the land and of course the hardest worker in the land and we have one very impressive midfield.

[teedeepee]

One day Babel is gonna burst the net and be lauded as one of the best prospects in World football..... Tonight would be a good time!

[Daz]

Tonight would be a very very good time indeed

[teedeepee]

What do you reckon lads. Should I stay in and watch the match or go down to the local here in Drogheda?

[Daz]

was in 2 minds myself but screw it I;m going out for beer. This is what big noights are for. enjoying ourselves. We;ve had enough shit times in the past.

[teedeepee]

Just can't stand all the ABL's who come out whenever we're on. Manc's are horrible people to be around at the best of times, but if Liverpool are getting beaten they're simply unbearable.

[redeagle]

TEAM NEWS

Peter Crouch will partner Fernando Torres in attack as Liverpool look to book their place in the last four of the Champions League at the expense of Arsenal tonight.
The Reds striker, who scored against the Gunners in Saturday's 1-1 league draw at the Emirates, comes in for Dutch winger Ryan Babel, with Steven Gerrard moving to the flank.

Sami Hyypia returns to partner Martin Skrtel in defence with Jamie Carragher and Fabio Aurelio in the full-back positions.

Liverpool team in full: Reina, Carragher, Aurelio, Skrtel, Hyypia, Mascherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres, Crouch. Subs: Itandje, Voronin, Lucas, Benayoun, Babel, Riise, Arbeloa.
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N159478080408-1845.htm


I reckon its crouch up front with torres left or right... ie in place of babel.

Interesting to see how this works for us.

[dking]

topless I hope.? Flex those pec's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

be carefull what you wish for Daz !! ;):rolleyes:

[dking]

"Peter Crouch will partner Fernando Torres"

even after Crouchies sat performance I think Wenger would have expected Rafa to go back to Stevie behind Fernando!!!

Up and at them so !!!!!

[red1965]

wll crouch play up front on his own with torres striking from left and stevie head on frighten the sh1t out of them and the turks for next round

[cubby]

Crouch
Torres Gerrard Kuyt
Thats what I think the formation will be. I hope it is anyway. Stevie would be wasted on the left

[McGinty]

not happy with the starting lineup, i'm expecting Alonso to have another quiet one tonight. he's not been great since he's come back from injury.

my confidence in us going through has dropped a little tbh

[The Kopfather]

Come On The Redmen

[Tarabuses]

Not a good start, in fact as bad as it could be.

[McGinty]

what is benitez thinking isolating gerrard on the wing

poor poor first half, lucky to be level. first "chance" after 23 mins, an aurelio shot.

alonso off, gerrard back to the middle, babel on

[The Kopfather]

Not able for this

Love this game

Off to work, Love work now

[McGinty]

lost for words (for once), unbeliveable, just unbelieveable.

jesus i'm sounding like Chris Kamara and all now

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YNWA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StevieGisMyIdol]

Holy Shit !!!!!!

What A Fooking Game !!!!!!

Undescribable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Molby Is a Legend]

Engrave our name on auld big ears lads he is coming home in may

[RedMurph08]

Dirk Kuyt give yourself a big pat on the back man one word
PHENOMINAL!
What a rollercoaster but we never do it the easy way!!!

[gav003]

We never do things straight forward.... ever!!! Torres class turns it our way- different gravy & what an inspired substitution Babel was.

[Molby Is a Legend]

Just heard gerrard being interviewed on RTE he said that was probably the worst preformance he has ever put in, in a liverpool shirt couldnt agree more with him.

I have always respected him as a player and as a person but to come out and say that striaght after a night like that has just raised him up another notch in my book

[keystone]

What a game!!

Bring on Chelski!!

[keystone]

Great fun on RTE now....Chippy going mad about Wenger being questioned!!!

Funny stuff!

[RedWally]

Cracking game. Over two legs Pool were lucky to get through. 2 questionable penalty decisions which both went in Liverpool's favour - you win some you lose some.

Long road yet!

[Molby Is a Legend]

Ahahahahahahahahahahaha Brady losing the plot altogether thats what he gets for being such a prat last week (Karma is a bitch)

[gav003]

can't wait to read about it (Brady)- got the game on ESPN here at lunch time in san francisco. karma police arrest this man:D

[MrsStevieG]

My god what a game,rollercoaster all the way. Really thought we were out of it a few times but happy days we're through!
Another great game for Dirky. Crouchy did well also and was delighted he got a start. Thought Skrtyl was excellent too - think he's gonna be great for us, along with Babel.

Funny stuff on RTE after the game with Brady losing the head!

Wuhoooo bring on the Chavs!!!!!

[RedWally]

I think Brady's point was with 6 mins to go Arsenal were through to next round and Wenger can't be judged (on whole season) based on following few mins.

[trucker]

I'm 1 of his biggest critics as captain but Gerrard just gave interview saying that was 1 of his worst ever performances in red shirt, fair f***in play stevie lesser man would have kept stum , u can have another go at stuffing the cockneys in 2 weeks, u f***in beauty. RTE is comical souness and dunphy have brady losing it