Author Topic: European Cup Final - AC Milan vs. Liverpool - Build up here. D-day (Read 47991 times)

Code72 · « **Reply #40 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:41:22 am »

Quote from: GingerRed on May 16, 2005, 12:22:38 am

The Didi vs. Hamann debate is an interesting one. Hamann's experience vs. Igor's quality, solid performances in this year's European Cup. For me, I'd go with Hamann. He's the answer I come up with when I pose myself the following question:

If we lost possession during an attacking move, and Milan counterattack, who would I rather have defending the midfield area against some of Italy's top players - Didi or Igor?

I have to agree, but when Hamann and Alonso plays together we get to defensive in my opinion!!
I would go with two up front and stick Gerrard and Alonso together in the middle!!

Dont know about this one though

The Didi vs. Hamann debate is an interesting one.

GingerRed · « **Reply #41 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:52:40 am »

Quote from: Code72 on May 16, 2005, 12:41:22 am

The Didi vs. Hamann debate is an interesting one.

Well, it's interesting for anoraks like me!!

I would like to see two up front, but as we need to dominate the midfield, I think we'll go with five. It's important, therefore, to ensure that full support is give to Baros/Cisse[whoever starts] by our midfield during attacking play.

Vinay · « **Reply #42 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:53:24 am »

Now how do we imagine the game? We are all expecting a win, I think; but how do we see the game developing?

Is it a clear cut win (ie 2-0, 3-1, etc), is it a 1-0 and then defend the score, or is it one of those games where anything can happen and we are just hoping for the best?

I am just waiting to enjoy watching it, and come what may come ( I guess it will be a bit like the victories in the League Milk Cup against Tottenham and against Man Utd in the early 80's, even though I would like it to be less nail biting - I have had enough of that this season, and I already feel 4 years older)

WelshMike · « **Reply #43 on:** May 16, 2005, 01:04:45 am »

We'll make it 1-0 somewhere between 45mins and 60mins and pretty much defend from there, with some really good chances in the last 5-10 for us.

Hopefully anyway.

CG1986 · « **Reply #44 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:23:04 am »

Quote from: liverpoolynwa on May 15, 2005, 10:03:52 pm

Dudek

Finnan Carragher Hyypia Traore

Alonso Hamann
Gerrard
Garcia Kewell

Cisse

That would be my team.

that is the team that is going to bring home number 5!!!

Robert_B · « **Reply #45 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:24:38 am »

Quote from: CG1986 on May 16, 2005, 02:23:04 am

that is the team that is going to bring home number 5!!!

I agree except Riise in for Kewell. I absolutely cannot see Rafa dropping Riise for the final.

notyouraverage · « **Reply #46 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:40:05 am »

I think were gonna come out of the blocks with two goals then MIlan are gonna pull two back and then one of our players is gonna step up and get the winner. I just have a feeling this is gonna be a blockbuster match

La Ligapool · « **Reply #47 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:41:58 am »

I think we should go with:

Dudek

Finnan Carra Hyypia Traore
Luis Xabi Stevie Riise
Kewell
Cisse

I know most will not agree with playing Kewell but I think that Milan's heart is not in it at the moment and I think it would be a travesty to drop Riise after the season he has had. Harry has very little time to show us he can do but i think he could prove a few people wrong.

If its not working then swap HK for Milan.
If we are a goal or two up then drop HK for Didi and strengthen the midfield.

I hate it when we play Stevie to far forwards. We need him controlling things with Xabi in the middle. For me he is a little too out of the action when he plays off the lone striker.

La Ligapool · « **Reply #48 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:47:44 am »

I'm not even thinking about winning yet. For me it's about putting on a performance, with the world watching so that the players we need for the future, Joaquin and whoever else , know that we are the future.

We have already knocked out two of the world's best teams in Chelsea and Juve and we soundly Leverkusan.

All it needs is for us not to be battered and the world will take notice.

I can't see us getting battered (no one has managed it this season really).

Of course if we are European champs???!!! Whole new ball game.

codger · « **Reply #49 on:** May 16, 2005, 04:12:58 am »

Cisse must now be a likely starter ; but will Milan sulk again, if left on the bench for ANOTHER Cup Final?
Dunno on Hamann/Biscan.. Didi is the better player, but he may not be 100%; & sure ain't too mobile these days (if he ever was). I feel Igor can, on his day, be the better partner for Alonso. If we go a goal down, does Didi have the pace to get back & cover v Milan's breaks, as LFC go chasing the game? Tho of course if Louey can snatch another early 'goal'; then Hamann is the ideal defensive midfielder.

JAR must surely start at LM; but it is just possible Rafa will put Kewell on at RM (as in the MM Final); or as the middle one of the '3'.
Still not that sure about Steven Gerrard as the attacking MF. He needs to be on the ball & involved; without a regular supply from Alonso/Didi, he may go chasing the ball, & get lost in that 'hole' again.
Benitez may look to spring a surprise somewhere to unsettle Milan. If we let them play their game; or just sir back, then their superior quality will tell. And the sort of sloppy free-kicks which LFC tend to concede, may prove costly in what is unlikely to be a free-scoring game

SMD · « **Reply #50 on:** May 16, 2005, 08:54:04 am »

We'll win 3-1.

Cisse 2, Gerrard. Kaka for them.

jfpower · « **Reply #51 on:** May 16, 2005, 09:02:59 am »

Cisse's performance agaist Villa must put him down as first choice striker.

His acceleration will give Milan's aging back 4 problems.

I would go with one striker and bring Baros on if we need to chase the game. I thing Didi has to play ahead of Biscan. He was class against Chelsea and has so much experience.

beardsley4ever · « **Reply #52 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:27:17 am »

IF we've learned anything from this season, it's that we really struggle to attack a team when Gerrard plays behind a lone striker rather than in the midfield with either Alonso or Hamann (clearly it's Xabi, when available). I expect to see Gerrard Alonso in the middle of the park and Kewell up front with Cisse. I think that Rafa will do that and attack them hard for the first 45 mins. Then he has a fresh Hamann and/or BIscan to bring on in the second half to close the game out.

jiky · « **Reply #53 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:39:36 am »

dudek

---the D-boys----

garcia--hamann----gerrard--riise

ciise-baros

its gotta be full out from the start

beardsley4ever · « **Reply #54 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:43:32 am »

Quote from: jiky on May 16, 2005, 10:39:36 am

dudek

---the D-boys----

garcia--hamann----gerrard--riise

ciise-baros

its gotta be full out from the start

Xabi Alonso

No chance of Rafa starting with Cisse and Baros. We'll use them both together at teh end of the match if we're chasing a goal, but not from the start.

Hamstrung · « **Reply #55 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:46:19 am »

I agree that I'd rather see Gerrard in midfield where he can influence more. Maybe Kewell on the right and Garcia behind Cisse?

Dudek
Finnan Carra Hyypia Traore
Kewell Gerrard Alonso Riise
Garcia
Cisse

I prefer Luis behind Cisse rather than Kewell, as while he can't tackle, he closes down and harrases more than Kewell.

I imagine however, we'll see Gerrard behind Cisse and Hamman and Alonso in the middle.

gramck24 · « **Reply #56 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:24:39 pm »

For me....

Dudek
Finnan Carra Hyypia Riise
Garcia Gerrard Alonso Kewell
Baros Cisse

I say lets put as much pressure as we can on there ageing back four.

Not worthy · « **Reply #57 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:42:51 pm »

Dudek
Finnan Carra Hyppia Traore

Biscan Alonso

Garcia Gerrard Risse

cisse

is my prefered formation.

Biscan over Hamman because for the first half we want to really go at them & i think Biscan helps better at that. Then when we have the 2 goal lead

Hamman can be brought on early in the second half to protect it. Hopefully if the tempo is high there will be a few tired legs out there so Kewell/Nunez/Baros may come on in the second half (assuming my formation).

Sadly that means one of the mentioned players will have to miss out on playing altogether. Or are you allowed more than 3 subs in the champions league? I dont think any deserve to be left out

Spanish Fan · « **Reply #58 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:51:03 pm »

An excellent preview of the game by a Milan fan.

http://www.xtratime.org/forum/showpost.php?p=2927137&postcount=96

The Albert Cock · « **Reply #59 on:** May 16, 2005, 02:54:23 pm »

dont think I have been as nervous about a game in my life before, with still over a week to go.
crazy, i was only 8 in 84. I think it was just a normal day, no nerves but then watched it on the box, was cackign myself during penalties, diving everywhere like a 8 year old does.

its like i've said to people who look shocked that so many of us will pay over £500 quid for 24hr trip, its the journey of emotions the reds take us on, priceless.

zigackly · « **Reply #60 on:** May 16, 2005, 03:38:13 pm »

Quote from: Code72 on May 16, 2005, 12:41:22 am

The Didi vs. Hamann debate is an interesting one.

Too right! Do you use his nickname because after watching him so often you feel you know him, or stay formal and use his surname, preferably with "Mr" in front? He might be getting on, but if you get it wrong he could still give you quite a clattering ...

hoonin · « **Reply #61 on:** May 16, 2005, 03:40:26 pm »

9 days? I cant wait for 9 fucking days. I'm going crazy here!

GingerRed · « **Reply #62 on:** May 16, 2005, 03:43:47 pm »

Quote from: zigackly on May 16, 2005, 03:38:13 pm

Too right! Do you use his nickname because after watching him so often you feel you know him, or stay formal and use his surname, preferably with "Mr" in front? He might be getting on, but if you get it wrong he could still give you quite a clattering ...

It depends what sort of mood he's in...if we've been heavily beaten, then Didi is right out of the question...

Col · « **Reply #63 on:** May 16, 2005, 03:49:54 pm »

Igor to start for me.

Their main man, Sheva apart, is Kaka. We will need someone mobile to track him for as long as possible, whilst being able to link up with the attack now and then too.

Should we be getting tired and need to defend a lead, I'd much rather be bringing Didi Hamann on than off.

codger · « **Reply #64 on:** May 16, 2005, 03:52:06 pm »

Quote from: GingerRed on May 16, 2005, 03:43:47 pm

It depends what sort of mood he's in...if we've been heavily beaten, then Didi is right out of the question...

Nah; no way will Didi (sorry; MISTER Hamann) let his final LFC game be anything other than close-fought battle.

GingerRed · « **Reply #65 on:** May 16, 2005, 03:55:23 pm »

This all depends on the tactics really. If we're planning on an early destruction of AC Milan, a la Juventus, then it would probably be best to start with Igor then bring on Didi to defend the lead, anchoring whilst we launch counterattacks.

myrlas · « **Reply #66 on:** May 16, 2005, 04:03:14 pm »

Quote from: Code72 on May 15, 2005, 11:14:10 pm

I have spotted AC Milans weaknesses, and I`m over confident that Rafa has done the same thing!!

Enlighten me please...

codger · « **Reply #67 on:** May 16, 2005, 04:04:02 pm »

Quote from: GingerRed on May 16, 2005, 03:55:23 pm

This all depends on the tactics really. If we're planning on an early destruction of AC Milan, a la Juventus, then it would probably be best to start with Igor then bring on Didi to defend the lead, anchoring whilst we launch counterattacks.

Quote from: GingerRed on May 16, 2005, 03:55:23 pm

This all depends on the tactics really. If we're planning on an early destruction of AC Milan, a la Juventus, then it would probably be best to start with Igor then bring on Didi to defend the lead, anchoring whilst we launch counterattacks.

Fair enough. I do have this nightmare of Milan scoring first, and Didi trying to contain their counter-attacks, as we chase the game; rather than sitting in front of the Liverpool Back4, picking off attackers.

hoonin · « **Reply #68 on:** May 16, 2005, 04:06:30 pm »

Quote from: myrlas on May 16, 2005, 04:03:14 pm

Enlighten me please...

They're all geriatrics...

myrlas · « **Reply #69 on:** May 16, 2005, 04:11:51 pm »

Quote from: Spanish Fan on May 16, 2005, 02:51:03 pm

An excellent preview of the game by a Milan fan.

http://www.xtratime.org/forum/showpost.php?p=2927137&postcount=96

I suggest EVERY one reads that one. Couldn't have said it better if I tried...

Aidan_B · « **Reply #70 on:** May 16, 2005, 04:23:29 pm »

God, nine days of pure agony await. Fucking come on you redmen.

That piece by the Milan guy really is remarkably balanced, and says a lot.

The key questions for Rafa I think though are to try and out-wait Milan or to fly out at them ?

Does he still with Djimi/Riise down the left or give Kewell a start ?

Does he play Milan or Cisse ? Or Both ?

Igor or Didi ?

Perhaps play Garcia/Kewell as a second striker or behind the lone striker ?

For me I simply can't decide, but will go with

Dudek in net,

a back four of Finnan, Carra, Hyypia and Traore

A midfield of Garcia, Alonso, Gerrard and Riise

With Kewell and Cisse starting up front.

This is considering that earlier in the season I was calling Kewell a Shithouse. So maybe, in fact, Biscan in for the Aussie and more freedom to Garcia ?

Fuck it, I don't know. Rafa, you're paid more in a week than I am in a year, and in nine days you'll prove why. There is no reason to not have faith in whatever you choose.

We'll do what we can, but in a stadium without a roof and miles from the pitch, it'll mainly be down to you and your boys.

Get amongst them, and play as if your lives depended on it.

Gnurglan · « **Reply #71 on:** May 16, 2005, 05:07:33 pm »

Quote from: Spanish Fan on May 16, 2005, 02:51:03 pm

An excellent preview of the game by a Milan fan.

http://www.xtratime.org/forum/showpost.php?p=2927137&postcount=96

That's a great piece!

Guz-kop · « **Reply #72 on:** May 16, 2005, 05:08:01 pm »

For once before a game, I'm not arsed who plays and what tactics we use etc. etc

Quote

European Cup Final - AC Milan vs. Liverpool

Just reading that sends a little tingle down my spine

magpie · « **Reply #73 on:** May 16, 2005, 05:38:37 pm »

"The Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadium will rock like it has never rocked..."
I feel a song coming on!!

SMD · « **Reply #74 on:** May 16, 2005, 05:38:54 pm »

Quote from: myrlas on May 16, 2005, 04:11:51 pm

I suggest EVERY one reads that one. Couldn't have said it better if I tried...

But didn't you try?

Shanks1965 · « **Reply #75 on:** May 16, 2005, 09:26:55 pm »

In the last few big games I've noticed something unusual. When we score I go mental like I always have but just recently I also go really dizzy. Against the blue nose when Garcia scored I actually had to sit down because I nearly fainted. I must be old age creeping on. I think if we score against Milan the same thing will happen and if we win I'll probably pass out.

Kop King · « **Reply #76 on:** May 16, 2005, 09:58:06 pm »

according to ssn, Ambrosini is doubtful for the final. he picked up a muscle injury in the 2-2 draw with leece.

Shanks1965 · « **Reply #77 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:20:16 pm »

Quote from: Gnurglan on May 16, 2005, 05:07:33 pm

That's a great piece!

It is a great peice and it would seem that their fans have a reputation for making a bit of noise. Well so do we and we're going to prove it a week on Wednesday.

lukas · « **Reply #78 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:51:23 pm »

I cannot wait for the whole trip arriving at John Lennon airport at around 5am!! Get in i cannot wait for this trip gonna be something ill never forget and hopefully one of many many more!

My shout for the team:

Dudek

Finnan Carragher Hyypia Traore

Alonso Hamaan

Garcia Gerrard Riise

Cisse

I would have said baros as i didnt think cisse would be up for a full 90, but going off his effort and fairly good performance im going for cisse. Getting the two goals aswell will give him a huge boost you could see how much it meant to him to get back the scoresheet.

Now for a hatrick Djib lad

baz · « **Reply #79 on:** May 16, 2005, 11:00:58 pm »

Liverpool FC

Champions League Finalists

Istanbul 2005

Lets go do it you Mighty Reds. Lets. Lets. Lets. Come on.
We love you Liverpool

Author Topic: European Cup Final - AC Milan vs. Liverpool - Build up here. D-day (Read 47991 times)

hoonin

hoonin