Author Topic: FT: Liverpool 1 - 0 Sparta Praha --- A.G. 1-0 (Read 52492 times)

Mad Men · « **on:** February 24, 2011, 10:01:09 am »

Good morning/afternoon/evening folks.

Liverpool vs Sparta Prague tonight in what is a winner takes all tie. Liverpool must win this while Sparta will be hoping to nick a vital away goal to win this and to proceed on to the next stage of the Europa League.

The europa league remains Liverpool's only hope of a trophy this season.

Liverpool go into this tie on the back of two draws and only 1 goal scored with Raul being on fire of late with 4-5 goals in league match's.

With Steven Gerrard likely to be missing tonight, and Suarez cup tied, Liverpool will be looking to the experince of Raul, the cold comforts of Lucas and a steady back line to win this. Rumors are that Carroll will start on the bench tonight whilst the likes of Ngog and Maxi, Kuyt and an experinced international backline led by captain Jamie "big gun" Carragher will be hoping to ensure yet another clean sheet for near legend Pepe Reina in goal.

Liverpool are on form, with an unbeaten run that goes back to the league defeat by Blackpool in January, in what was Kenny Dalglishs' 2nd game in charge as manager.

Mad Men · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2011, 10:08:25 am »

Sparta coach Jozef Chovanec, a controversial figure at the moment in the Czech Republic as he is actually banned by the FA for 10 weeks for lying and to have fielded players under false identities after pulling them out of international duties for an under-21 fixture.

Give credit where due; Sparta played exceptionally well in defence in the first leg and defended stoutly, giving Liverpool very little room to breath in the opposition half of the pitch and were extremely quick on the counter attack.

Standby for more updates including match line ups.

Aristotle · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2011, 10:47:18 am »

Quote from: Mad Men on February 24, 2011, 10:08:25 am

Sparta coach Jozef Chovanec, a controversial figure at the moment in the Czech Republic as he is actually banned by the FA for 10 weeks for lying and to have fielded players under false identities after pulling them out of international duties for an under-21 fixture.

Give credit where due; Sparta played exceptionally well in defence in the first leg and defended stoutly, giving Liverpool very little room to breath in the opposition half of the pitch and were extremely quick on the counter attack.

Standby for more updates including match line ups.

Forgot that was them. It's like they didn't even bother trying to hide the players

Sparta are a lot bigger then I had realised. They won the league 6 consecutive times in recent years as well as being reigning champions now and having won too many titles for me to bother counting.

Sparta have also had some impressive players in their ranks. Such as the legendary Pavel Nedved, Chelsea's Petr Cech, all time top scorer Jan "the Dwarf" Koller, all time highest capped Czech Karel Poborsky, Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky and our very own Paddy Berger.

Their most famous player today though is without a doubt the ... controversial ... Tomas Repka. Highly thought of at Upton Park for his passion and from my (only) West Ham supporting mate is appearantly fondly remembered for his emotional farewell. Although others might remember him from the news a few years back where his maturity and sportsmanship got him in the news.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2011, 11:26:35 am »

Liverpool F.C. v AC Sparta Praha Fotbal

Date: 24 February 2011
Kick-off Time: 18:00 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Team News:-
L Suarez Cup Tied unavailable
J Shelvey Knee injury unavailable
S Gerrard Groin Strain very doubtful
J Cole Ankle/Foot injury slight doubt
A Carroll Thigh Strain slight doubt

Many teams around Europe now have a shirt number donated to their "12th man". This is true of Sparta who have reserved the #12 squad number for the fans. It's also true of Manchester United who reserve the #29 for match officials, usually Howard Webb when Meestir Ferguson gets a free choice. Strangely this fact isn't as well advertised as Sparta's.... not sure why?

One thing they share with Liverpool, as well as a love of Patrik Berger, in the nickname "The Reds" (Rudi). They are also known as Iron Sparta (Železná Sparta) by fans. That's a fairly accurate description of their defensive line from the first leg which stood firm that night. I expect it to be a very different story at Anfield though and hope the Kop's roar turns iron into damp paper!

Despite appearing in the first leg, Joe Cole has continued to struggle with an injury - the boy just can't get fit. Kenny has said Carroll is close to full fitness. Perhaps he will make the bench with a view to using him if we need a goal or 2 in the second half. Therefore, hopefully we don't need him! Gerrard, Shelvey and Suarez are all certain to miss the game tonight. I, like many fellow Reds, will home the lack of creative players available for us will see a chance given to young Dani Pacheco. I'm starting to fell a bit like it's now or never for the diminutive andalucian forward. He has linked up very well with Ngog everytime the pair featured together in the reserves. Hopefully they can find that understanding again if they both feature.

Buzz Killington · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2011, 12:16:22 pm »

Today's a very big day fellas, today is the day Kenny takes charge of Liverpool in his first European match at Anfield as manager! I'm expecting an electric atmosphere at Anfield which should hopefully spur the lads on to a victory, it's a sell-out game which for a 6pm kick off is remarkable. We shouldn't underestimate our Czech opponents however, as all it takes is one away goal for them to completely alter the tie.

There has been a lot of talk on whether people would like to finish 4th or win the Europa League, for me it's a no brainer, BOTH! However, if I can only pick one it would be the Europa League, nothing would satisfy me more than seeing Kenny win a European cup as manager of Liverpool football club.

I think we have enough to win the tie although it won't be easy, 2-0 Liverpool is my prediction for tonight with Dirk Kuyt and Joe Cole as the goal scorers.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2011, 03:29:29 pm »

Dirky is LONG overdue a Euro goal. He hasn't actually scored in Europe for us since Trabzonspor in the qualifiers. He hasn't scored from open play in any competition since the EPL match against Newcastle in December. However he is often the man to pop up with a goal in vital moments when we need it most. If we get a penalty tonight I'd bet a kidney on him slotting it away. There appears to be no dutch word for nervous!

The goalscoring of Liverpool has recently turned into the Raul Meireles show. He's scored in our last 3 consecutive league games and is 5 goals from 6 games in the league. He hasn't opened his Euro account for us yet so if you are looking for a bet at first goal scorer tonight, he could be a good option.

My choice for first goalscorer tonight is David Ngog. Hasn't been amongst the goals in quite a while (his last Euro goals for us was his brace in the group opener v Steaua, no league goals since the beginning of december) although his form seems to be creeping back with each game. He's still not anywhere near the player he was at the start of the season, I'm hoping he finds himself again this game. It would also be nice if Maxi could rediscover that goalscoring touch he had earlier in the season.

Lucas Leiva also has a habit of getting into more dangerous positions against European opposition than in the league. Who could forget his Suarezesque goal v Benfica in last seasons Europa league or this cool finish v Atletico Madrid in pre-season or this poachers effort from a few seasons back v Lucerne? The boy doesn't score enough goals for us but he gets in the right positions. Sooner or later he'll start putting them away. Goal scoring midfielders usually don't find the goal scoring touch until their mid 20's and that is the point Lucas is reaching in his career. You'd get very good odds on him getting on the scoresheet tonight also!

SRAWL · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2011, 04:21:00 pm »

The following is a list of the commentators for today's game:

SRAWL 0-15 / 45-60
Suso 16-30 / 61-75
Refo * 31-45 / 76-90

Please DO NOT send messages to these commentators during the specified time slots as your message will most likely not be posted/answered. Feel free to message us outside of these times. Other commentators available for pming THROUGHOUT the game are:

Aristotle
BabuYagu
WorldChampions
Mad Men
Frank.

Frank. · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2011, 04:59:00 pm »

Reina; Kelly Kyrgkiakos Agger Wilson; Poulsen Lucas Raul Cole; Kuyt Ngog

Bench: Gulacsi Skrtel Carragher Spearing Maxi Pacheco Jovanovic

Aristotle · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:03:43 pm »

Appearantly Sparta's youth wonder Vaclav Kadlec is a big Liverpool fan. Don't know if it's true, just heard it on the radio driving home that he was fulfilling a life long dream of playing @ Anfield.

If any of our numerous Czech RAWKites can confirm or deny that, it would be sweet. Let's just hope the only reason he remembers the game is because of the incredible amount of goals Liverpool score.

Aristotle · « **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:08:26 pm »

Joe Cole starts for Liverpool in tonight's Europa League clash with Sparta Prague - listen live from 5.55pm GMT.

There are also places for Danny Wilson, Daniel Agger and Christian Poulsen as the Reds look to book a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Jay Spearing and Jamie Carragher have been named on the bench.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Wilson, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Meireles, Lucas, Poulsen, Kuyt, Cole, Ngog. Subs: Gulacsi, Pacheco, Jovanovic, Maxi, Carragher, Spearing, Skrtel.

Aristotle · « **Reply #10 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:10:58 pm »

Interesting line up.

I'm assuming:

Reina
Kelly-Soto-Agger-Wilson
Poulsen
Lucas---Meireles
Kuyt----------------------Cole
Ngog

WorldChampions · « **Reply #11 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:34:47 pm »

We need Ngog to stamps his authority on the game more than last week, he got bullied.

Bet the atmosphere will be top draw with it being Kennys first Euro at Anfield!

Frank. · « **Reply #12 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:39:24 pm »

I'll be tonights RAWK Rep. Send me all your PMs including your views, questions for the other commies and me, facts and stats. I'll post the best ones here for all to see!

WorldChampions · « **Reply #13 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:49:53 pm »

Kenny confirms Johnson had a pain in his achilles and is left out as a precaution.

Aristotle · « **Reply #14 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:50:46 pm »

Let's spare a thought for Christian Purslow tonight. Whose plans to ruin the club from the inside in the name of greed, self serving interests and delusions of granduer have been cut off by FSG.

Buzz Killington · « **Reply #15 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:51:32 pm »

Quote from: Aristotle on February 24, 2011, 05:50:46 pm

Let's spare a thought for Christian Purslow tonight. Whose plans to ruin the club from the inside in the name of greed, self serving interests and delusions of granduer have been cut off by FSG.

Yeah, that is fantastic news, good riddance too.

SRAWL · « **Reply #16 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:52:26 pm »

I am really hoping the team kicks into gear tonight, Ngog was really not doing it for me last week! I am also really hoping for Pacheco to get a reasonable amount of game time too. Really impressed with the turnout for tonight's game, good job lads/ladettes! Hope the atmosphere is as it should be.

Just an interesting factoid, 21 out of 27 players registered for Sparta are Czech, and if you look at their backroom staff, they are also mostly Czech! (Pretty impressive in comparison to England's teams!)

SRAWL does not hold any responsibility for the accuracy of these facts as they were taken from Wikipedia.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:52:39 pm »

This is a VERY big night for Joe Cole. You have to be thinking this is his last chance to prove himself at Liverpool. He's been training with Steve Clarke for a while, a coach that clearly trusts him... Kenny's been saying confident things about him to the media.... so hopefully we see the real Joe Cole tonight. The one that ALWAYS seemed to terrorise us when in the blue of Chelsea.

He's on a massive wage here and he has to start giving performances to match that. If not you can be sure he will be top of Comolli's clear out list for the summer.

Come on Joe! Something like THIS from you tonight would be awesome!

Frank. · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:52:41 pm »

Time to open the spread betting, in which minute will Repka get sent off in?

Aristotle · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:55:52 pm »

Quote from: BabuYagu on February 24, 2011, 05:52:39 pm

This is a VERY big night for Joe Cole. You have to be thinking this is his last chance to prove himself at Liverpool. He's been training with Steve Clarke for a while, a coach that clearly trusts him... Kenny's been saying confident things about him to the media.... so hopefully we see the real Joe Cole tonight. The one that ALWAYS seemed to terrorise us when in the blue of Chelsea.

He's on a massive wage here and he has to start giving performances to match that. If not you can be sure he will be top of Comolli's clear out list for the summer.

Come on Joe! Something like THIS from you tonight would be awesome!

Holy shit. There's so long since that happened Owen Hargreaves could run!

Frank. · « **Reply #20 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:56:55 pm »

Liverpool in the usual red home kit and Sparta Paha in their Yellow main and black arm away kit.

Frank. · « **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:57:33 pm »

The first bet is in.

Quote from: BabuYagu on February 24, 2011, 05:56:49 pm

63rd minute for me. Second yellow for attempted mud wrestling with Ngog

SRAWL · « **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:57:35 pm »

Liverpool, according to Five, have gone for a 4 2 3 1 apparently.

BabuYagu · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2011, 05:59:40 pm »

Quote from: Aristotle on February 24, 2011, 05:55:52 pm

Holy shit. There's so long since that happened Owen Hargreaves could run!

Romario was still playing too! Which reminds me.... Bebeto is running for mayor of my city. There's some useless information for you to digest!

Frank. · « **Reply #24 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:00:20 pm »

Quote from: SRAWL on February 24, 2011, 05:57:35 pm

Liverpool, according to Five, have gone for a 4 2 3 1 apparently.

Probably be our starting formation but our team out there gives us the option to play around with formations after we see how they come out.

Aristotle · « **Reply #25 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:00:20 pm »

Quote from: SRAWL on February 24, 2011, 05:57:35 pm

Liverpool, according to Five, have gone for a 4 2 3 1 apparently.

On my stream it said 4-4-2

Reina
Kelly-Soto-Agger-Wilson
Meireles-Lucas-Poulsen-Cole
Kuyt-Ngog

Hope it's bullshit, Meireles is arguably our greatest goal threat and unless he's playing a free role 2007 Gerrard-esque role, could be a mistake.

SRAWL · « **Reply #26 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:00:24 pm »

1 - Sparta kick off towards the Kop

SRAWL · « **Reply #27 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:01:57 pm »

2 - Free kick to Liverpool. Taken by Meireles in to the box and hand ball by Pamic...not given

BabuYagu · « **Reply #28 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:02:06 pm »

Quote from: Aristotle on February 24, 2011, 06:00:20 pm

Agreed. Raul has to be in the center where he is looking lethal at the moment.

Buzz Killington · « **Reply #29 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:02:51 pm »

Looked a penalty to me if I'm honest, I'd have given it. But then again, that's why I'm not a professional referee.

Aristotle · « **Reply #30 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:02:51 pm »

Regarding the penalty appeal on the replay it looked very much like ball to hand. So the ref probably made the correct call there

WorldChampions · « **Reply #31 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:03:00 pm »

Would have been a soft penalty in my opinion. Would have been no complaints from me though had it been given

Frank. · « **Reply #32 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:03:14 pm »

Tomas Repka in his career has earned a total of 18 red cards and in other incidents has attacked game officials and cameramen.

SRAWL · « **Reply #33 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:04:09 pm »

4 - Liverpool lose the ball and nearly allow Kweuke to cross in. Agger manages to stop the ball going in to the box and lets it go for a throw in.

Aristotle · « **Reply #34 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:04:23 pm »

Quote from: Frank. on February 24, 2011, 06:03:14 pm

Tomas Repka in his career has earned a total of 18 red cards and in other incidents has attacked game officials and cameramen.

Video of that very incident can be found in one of my pre-match posts. Although the irony of sportsmanship and maturity might've confused some

BabuYagu · « **Reply #35 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:05:43 pm »

Have to say that was poor giving the ball away at the back like that. Hope it's a one off. Almost cost us big.

Joe Cole has had a good first few touches so far too!

WorldChampions · « **Reply #36 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:05:56 pm »

It has to be said that the surface looks superb tonight

SRAWL · « **Reply #37 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:06:03 pm »

6 - Poulsen lobs the ball in from 30m out....straight into the keepers hands. Liverpool are showing some good attacks, but really need to stay calm and control the match

Aristotle · « **Reply #38 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:08:02 pm »

Holy fuckballs

How far did Pepe throw that ball? Must've been something like 40-45 metres

SRAWL · « **Reply #39 on:** February 24, 2011, 06:08:08 pm »

8 - Late tackle on Meireles - freekick. The freekick is wasted and nearly allows Matějovský to break...