Author Topic: European Cup Final - AC Milan vs. Liverpool - Build up here. D-day (Read 48043 times)

Graeme · « **on:** May 15, 2005, 09:43:16 pm »

Its our next game and now Villa are out of the way this is the only talking point for the next few days.

No injuries sustained today so we can be pretty sure who Rafa will have available in Istanbul.

Lets have the thoughts...

Al Bol · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:47:32 pm »

My thoughts:

Oh shiiiite/C'MON REDMEN!/gutted I'm not going...

GingerRed · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:48:41 pm »

Dudek
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Traore
Alonso Hamann
Garcia Gerrard Riise
Cisse

Is the team I would play. I hope we'll adopt the same sort of tactics that saw us defeat Juventus 2-1 at Anfield. Let's press Milan, don't let them control the tempo of the game, and scare them with Cisse's pace...

suffolkrafa · « **Reply #3 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:48:48 pm »

God, my stomach is churning

castleman · « **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:49:32 pm »

I'm not sure I can wait ten days... it'll probably come around pretty fast though, with the nerves growing by the hour. I always believed I'd see a European Cup final for Liverpool sometime during my life, but it's only just sinking in that the first one for me will be this year.

I'm going to stop there before I get into a full ramble.

susie · « **Reply #5 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:51:05 pm »

I agree with Ginger Red's team, thats the best we've got

I'm getting nervous now which means it must finally be sinking in

ttnbd · « **Reply #6 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:54:29 pm »

I'm in 2 minds whether I want this to come round quickly. If it does it means I am only 10 days from my exams. Ah well.

We're the greatest team in europe and we're going to Istanbul
Istanbul, Istanbul

Bennett · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:54:39 pm »

Here is the likely team, in my opinion:

---------------Dudek
Finnan Hyypia Carragher Traore
Garcia Hamann Alonso Riise
--------------Gerrard
---------------Cisse

Can't bloody wait, easily the biggest game I've ever witnessed. Plenty more to come under Rafa as well, hopefully.

koolkamal · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:55:48 pm »

Im so excited

I'm pretty sure the team would be

--------------------Dudek--------------------
Finnan----Carra--------Hyypia----Traore
------------Didi-------------Alonso----------
Garcia-----------Gerrard--------------Riise
----------------Baros/Cisse-----------------

Subs: Carson, Pelle, Warnock, Le talent, Kewell, Nunez, Biscan, baros/cisse, welsh, potter, raven are all possibilites.

Gnurglan · « **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:56:17 pm »

Quote from: GingerRed on May 15, 2005, 09:48:41 pm

Dudek
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Traore
Alonso Hamann
Garcia Gerrard Riise
Cisse

That's the team that will start.

Bennett · « **Reply #10 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:57:09 pm »

Quote from: Gnurglan on May 15, 2005, 09:56:17 pm

That's the team that will start.

Rafa, is that you?

ttnbd · « **Reply #11 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:57:49 pm »

Quote from: koolkamal on May 15, 2005, 09:55:48 pm

Im so excited

I'm pretty sure the team would be

--------------------Dudek--------------------
Finnan----Carra--------Hyypia----Traore
------------Didi-------------Alonso----------
Garcia-----------Gerrard--------------Riise
----------------Baros/Cisse-----------------

Subs: Carson, Pelle, Warnock, Le talent, Kewell, Nunez, Biscan, baros/cisse, welsh, potter, raven are all possibilites.

pelle is cup-tied.

Gnurglan · « **Reply #12 on:** May 15, 2005, 09:59:19 pm »

Quote from: Bennett on May 15, 2005, 09:57:09 pm

Rafa, is that you?

Big Red Richie · « **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:02:42 pm »

Quote from: koolkamal on May 15, 2005, 09:55:48 pm

Subs: Carson, Pelle, Warnock, Le talent, Kewell, Nunez, Biscan, baros/cisse, welsh, potter, raven are all possibilites.

Pelle?
You mean pellegrino. I thought he was cup tied.There again, if the Villa game is anything to go by, he won't even get near the plane.

liverpoolynwa · « **Reply #14 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:03:52 pm »

Dudek

Finnan Carragher Hyypia Traore

Alonso Hamann
Gerrard
Garcia Kewell

Cisse

That would be my team.

ttnbd · « **Reply #15 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:05:51 pm »

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.

What's Riise done to be dropped?

Gnurglan · « **Reply #16 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:08:13 pm »

There's no way Riise will be dropped to make way for Kewell. Harry's only chance is if we drop Traore and play JAR at LB.

buckshee · « **Reply #17 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:11:18 pm »

Quote from: GingerRed on May 15, 2005, 09:48:41 pm

Dudek
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Traore
   Alonso Hamann
Garcia    Gerrard Riise
   Cisse

That's my starting eleven as well Ginger...... I think its the best we have to put out there at the moment. Like you I really hope we have a go at them early on just like we did against Juventus at Anfield.

PS - Bring it on

-Daws- · « **Reply #18 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:12:12 pm »

Cisse has to start, no question. Kewell will be on the benchas a secret weapon and Riise will work hard up and down the left-hand side. If we arn't in the driving seat, bring Baros on late to drag defenders out of position, but keep Cisse on to take advantage.

Graeme · « **Reply #19 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:12:27 pm »

There's very few permutations of a starting 11 really.

The following players are pretty much assured a start...

Dudek

Finnan Hyypia Carra Traore

Garcia Alonso Gerrard Riise

The only decisions to be made whether he plays 1 or 2 strikers. If he chooses 1 its then just about which one it is and then which player out of Hamann or Biscan slots into midfield.

jhype2005 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:25:05 pm »

10 days to go and I'm bloody nervous as hell. This is easily the biggest game I've ever witnessed and I can't wait.

Glad the players are going into it with a clean bill of health and I totally expect Cisse to play upfront after his recent performances

Code72 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:27:29 pm »

I have to agree with Graeme that

Dudek

Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Traore

Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Riise

are certain starters.

The big question must be what formation we would use, I was surprised Hamann did not start today, cause if he is likely to start against AC Milan this would have been a perfect match to gain match fitness in, so the fact that Biscan played today may indicate that Biscan would be preferred in the final, this is pure speculations but think about it.

Another thing that is interesting is the mind games.

I think Rafa will start with both Cisse and Baros up front, I thought Rafa would use the Villa match to try it out, but he may already have started the mind games!!

If we had used both from the start today, it would have been a sign that he considered the option before the final!!
Because he did not, I think everybody will think it is certain Liverpool will start in a 4-2-3-1 formation in the final, and maybe thats Rafa`s plan!!
Get everybody to think that, and then start with Cisse and Baros up front and really have a go at the Milan defense from the start of the match!!

I would have done it like this, and since Rafa is a clever manager I`m sure he must be thinking in the same direction

Gnurglan · « **Reply #22 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:35:51 pm »

Baros and Cisse have not had a chance to play together and we won't change the approach for a CL Final.

۩ Imperator ۩ · « **Reply #23 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:42:57 pm »

Quote from: GingerRed on May 15, 2005, 09:48:41 pm

Dudek
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Traore
   Alonso Hamann
Garcia    Gerrard Riise
   Cisse

Can't argue with that side. The only question for me is over Hamann. I wonder whether Biscan has done enough in the games against Juve and Chelsea to earn himself a place. I would go with Hamann's experience myself, though, but it will be a shame for Igor on a personal level if he misses out. If Kewell gets near the starting 11, I'm not watching.

Code72 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:43:27 pm »

Quote from: Gnurglan on May 15, 2005, 10:35:51 pm

Baros and Cisse have not had a chance to play together and we won't change the approach for a CL Final.

They played together before Cisse got injured, they played together today, they can play together every day at Melwood so I dont buy that!!
The fact Baros lost his form when he started to play as a lone striker is also a point!!

I really dont know, but I started to think about this possibility on Friday, and the fact we started with only one striker today made me even more certain that I`m on to something!

Andy-oh-six · « **Reply #25 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:43:35 pm »

The players who will definitely be chosen have been outlined above for me. Very few 'possibilities' for me - just whether Rafa goes with Cisse or Baros in the 4-5-1 formation. I expect he will have Gerrard in the 'hole' and won't be tempted to have another striker or Kewell there. Didi or Igor with Alonso in midfield is another decision. He'll probably go with Didi. Although him not playing today was surprising. Anyway, roll on Istanbul!

castleman · « **Reply #26 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:46:27 pm »

Quote from: Graeme on May 15, 2005, 10:12:27 pm

There's very few permutations of a starting 11 really.

The following players are pretty much assured a start...

Dudek

Finnan Hyypia Carra Traore

Garcia Alonso Gerrard Riise

The only decisions to be made whether he plays 1 or 2 strikers. If he chooses 1 its then just about which one it is and then which player out of Hamann or Biscan slots into midfield.

I'll agree with most people in predicting one striker and hoping that's Cisse. Igor probably deserves the central midfield slot on the basis of the last two rounds but the fact that Hamann's played finals at the very top level before means I'd probably go for him in the end. It'll be interesting to see what Rafa has up his sleeve though...

Gnurglan · « **Reply #27 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:49:40 pm »

Quote from: Code72 on May 15, 2005, 10:43:27 pm

They played together before Cisse got injured, they played together today, they can play together every day at Melwood so I dont buy that!!
The fact Baros lost his form when he started to play as a lone striker is also a point!!

I really dont know, but I started to think about this possibility on Friday, and the fact we started with only one striker today made me even more certain that I`m on to something!

Don't believe we'll play them both. We will look to have a solid central midfield. It is a CL Final after all. Given the defensive success vs Juve and Chelsea, I can't see us change that tactics. We will look for security at the back and so will Milan.

jiky · « **Reply #28 on:** May 15, 2005, 10:50:44 pm »

Quote from: Code72 on May 15, 2005, 10:27:29 pm

I have to agree with Graeme that

Dudek

Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Traore

Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Riise

are certain starters.

The big question must be what formation we would use, I was surprised Hamann did not start today, cause if he is likely to start against AC Milan this would have been a perfect match to gain match fitness in, so the fact that Biscan played today may indicate that Biscan would be preferred in the final, this is pure speculations but think about it.

Another thing that is interesting is the mind games.

I think Rafa will start with both Cisse and Baros up front, I thought Rafa would use the Villa match to try it out, but he may already have started the mind games!!

If we had used both from the start today, it would have been a sign that he considered the option before the final!!
Because he did not, I think everybody will think it is certain Liverpool will start in a 4-2-3-1 formation in the final, and maybe thats Rafa`s plan!!
Get everybody to think that, and then start with Cisse and Baros up front and really have a go at the Milan defense from the start of the match!!

I would have done it like this, and since Rafa is a clever manager I`m sure he must be thinking in the same direction

completety spot on and if it happens i will be on my knees praying to the Rafatolla!!!!
we gotta go with both up front.I dont want to see geerard play behind a lone striker::.....

Code72 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 15, 2005, 11:14:10 pm »

Quote from: Gnurglan on May 15, 2005, 10:49:40 pm

Don't believe we'll play them both. We will look to have a solid central midfield. It is a CL Final after all. Given the defensive success vs Juve and Chelsea, I can't see us change that tactics. We will look for security at the back and so will Milan.

Almost everything indicates that you are right, but lets take it a bit further.
I know everything about the way AC Milan play their game, and if we play with the same kind of tactics I dont think we would stand a chance!
They have the quality to pass the ball around in midfield all day and all night, and they have the quality up front to convert the chances they get!

AC Milan would love it if we sat back and played the waiting game!!
If you remember the matches they played against the mancs, that was exactly what happened, and AC Milan controlled the match 100%!!

PSV did attack AC Milan, and they played them off the ground!!
Juve attacked AC Milan at San Siro and played them of the ground in the first half!!

We have to do the same thing, we have to attack, and try to get the lead if we succeeds then we can defend, and to be honest that is exactly what we have done both against Juve and Chelsea at home!!

In this match there are no return leg, so we have to play our cards perfect, I trust Rafa 100% and I`m sure he knows what to do, thats why I think we will start with both Baros and Cisse up front!!
I have spotted AC Milans weaknesses, and I`m over confident that Rafa has done the same thing!!

waffle · « **Reply #30 on:** May 15, 2005, 11:23:06 pm »

is it just me or does gerrard seem wasted when playing behind the striker. the only game he has played well there was the Arsenal game when we won 2-1. i would much rather see Gerrard go back to his normal postion and either see an extra striker or a supporting striker like kewell playing there

Gnurglan · « **Reply #31 on:** May 15, 2005, 11:27:24 pm »

I hope we attack them. I really do. We'd be in charge of the game and I reckon that would be good for our confidence. But even if we were to attack them, I wouldn't expect us to play both Cisse and Baros. We'd use the formation we are familiar with.

Litherland_Leon · « **Reply #32 on:** May 15, 2005, 11:39:45 pm »

i'd play

dudek
finnan carra sami traore
garcia xabi biscan riise
gerrard
cisse

i can't make my mind up about Didi or Igor though, don't get me wrong i think Hamman is a great player but i just think Igor has been superb in Europe this season and if we going to play one up front bthen i think Didi might just slow us down too much.

kopkev · « **Reply #33 on:** May 15, 2005, 11:42:17 pm »

squad of 18 dudek, carson, finnan, warnock, hyypia, carragher, traore, riise,kewell, garcia, alonso,hamann, biscan, gerrard, nunez, baros, cisse, and one of josemi smicer or letallec
definitely need some depth at the back next season

i am sherriff john bunnel · « **Reply #34 on:** May 15, 2005, 11:58:08 pm »

milan forced to eat shit at the hands of a ten man lecce outfit in seria a today, great form for a championship run in, and the mighty rossoneri have now failed to win in, erm, 3 games. the proof that this milan team cant cope withg a team bringing the game to them has been seen for weeks now, and el gaffa will be planning for a bayer leverkuson style first half rampage, i am sure. also i think all facts point towards the success of this option, especially given the pace of the reds attack vs italian, er, "experience". cant wait to see nesta and maldini in a race with cisse/baros

themule · « **Reply #35 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:05:32 am »

I think it would be a trvesty if Igor didnt start. He's been absolute class in Europe, and regardless of my sentiments towards how good a player i actually think he is, think he should get the nod over Didi purely on merit.

Dudek

Finnan Carra Hyypia Traore

Biscan Alonso

Garcia Gerrard Riise

Baros

Stick with Baros above Ciise to start. If we let Ac milan get the ball down and play from the back we're screwed. We need to get amongst them and stop them playing all over the park. While many bemoan Baros' goal record, closing down and chasing all over the park is the one thing he will do all game. Ciise for my liking is far too lazy, ad would possibly be better off the bench to exploit tired and ageing legs in AC's defence

castleman · « **Reply #36 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:06:20 am »

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

Almost everything indicates that you are right, but lets take it a bit further.
I know everything about the way AC Milan play their game, and if we play with the same kind of tactics I dont think we would stand a chance!
They have the quality to pass the ball around in midfield all day and all night, and they have the quality up front to convert the chances they get!

AC Milan would love it if we sat back and played the waiting game!!
If you remember the matches they played against the mancs, that was exactly what happened, and AC Milan controlled the match 100%!!

PSV did attack AC Milan, and they played them off the ground!!
Juve attacked AC Milan at San Siro and played them of the ground in the first half!!

We have to do the same thing, we have to attack, and try to get the lead if we succeeds then we can defend, and to be honest that is exactly what we have done both against Juve and Chelsea at home!!

In this match there are no return leg, so we have to play our cards perfect, I trust Rafa 100% and I`m sure he knows what to do, thats why I think we will start with both Baros and Cisse up front!!
I have spotted AC Milans weaknesses, and I`m over confident that Rafa has done the same thing!!

We can be very attacking with only one 'recognised' striker though. It's all about the mentality, to borrow a word. And if we're going to stop them passing it around in midfield, sticking another man in there will help.

suffolkrafa · « **Reply #37 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:07:17 am »

9 days and counting, the tension oh god

koolkamal · « **Reply #38 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:18:19 am »

Quote from: ttnbd on May 15, 2005, 09:57:49 pm

pelle is cup-tied.

The best part is that I knew that. No idea why I put his name, I just put all the names that came to my head.

GingerRed · « **Reply #39 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?