Mainz

[leftpeg]

So, now that the first few friendlies are out of the way, and the last of our World Cup stragglers have joined in the fray, are we expecting to see something like a first team line-up on Friday against Mainz in preparation for the CL qualifier next week?

[univofchicago]

are we expecting to see something like a first team line-up on Friday against Mainz in preparation for the CL qualifier next week?

Um...good point.

I expect the line-up to be a bit different from Rafa's 'first team line-up'. It is the last game before our first competitive CL game, but with all due respect to Maccabi Haifa, that qualifier is going to have a semi-friendly feel to it (especially now that the 2nd leg has been changed to a neutral venue).

Just my opinion...

[Jack D Rips]

Um...good point.

I expect the line-up to be a bit different from Rafa's 'first team line-up'. It is the last game before our first competitive CL game, but with all due respect to Maccabi Haifa, that qualifier is going to have a semi-friendly feel to it (especially now that the 2nd leg has been changed to a neutral venue).

Just my opinion...

Hadnt heard of change. Where is it being played?

[PTP]

They always worry me the CL qualifiers, i know you usually play a poor team, but at this stage of the season when players aren't fully fit/sharp then the chance of a huge slip up can be huge.

I'd like to see a pretty strong eleven and to have a real go at them for 45 to 60 mins at most. Then take the foot of the gas and make a fair few changes.

[Ryan]

Am I the only person who finds it quite worrying that we've a Champions League qualifier in 7 days against a decent side, and our players aren't fit?

[red g]

Am I the only person who finds it quite worrying that we've a Champions League qualifier in 7 days against a decent side, and our players aren't fit?

It seems extremely strange.....this close into the startof the season and our kids/new recruits have been playing more than first teamers

[PTP]

Am I the only person who finds it quite worrying that we've a Champions League qualifier in 7 days against a decent side, and our players aren't fit?

no you're not. What worries me is our performances in the last 2 friendlies, I know there only friendlies but this close to the qualifiers I would of liked to see the players step up a gear or two.

[Ryan]

I can undertand the need for the World Cup lads to have had that extended break, but next wednesday's game is MASSIVE, and Haif aren't a bad side by any means - So you'f think we should at least be 'looking' ready for it, and have some idea of what the starting 11 will be.

Would anybody even dare guess what side/formation would play going by the friendlies thus far?

[Jack D Rips]

I can undertand the need for the World Cup lads to have had that extended break, but next wednesday's game is MASSIVE, and Haif aren't a bad side by any means - So you'f think we should at least be 'looking' ready for it, and have some idea of what the starting 11 will be.

Would anybody even dare guess what side/formation would play going by the friendlies thus far?

You are not alone in being worried.

Did the world cup players need so long an extended break?. None of them played any further than the QFs. Most of them didnt even get that far. I know they have to have a holiday but next weeks match is massive and the friendlies so far have been a shambles.


Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyppia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Crouch
Bellamy

?

Where is the second leg being played?

[Ryan]

You are not alone in being worried.

Did the world cup players need so long an extended break?. None of them played any further than the QFs. Most of them didnt even get that far. I know they have to have a holiday but next weeks match is massive and the friendlies so far have been a shambles.


Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyppia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Crouch
Bellamy

?

Where is the second leg being played?

Tha main reason in the extended break for some of the key players was down to the fact that the majority of them had played over a years football prior to it sans a break.

We started last season VERY early after winning the CL, and I think Rafa always had it planned to give them the much-needed recuperation time this summer.

[Harv]

I think Rafa will most probably stick with old faithful.

Finnan-----Carra-----Hyypia----Riise

Gerrard----Xabi-------Momo----Gonzalez

-------Crouch------Bellamy----------

The only new faces would of course be Bellamy and Speedy.

That lineup should start, i cant see Rafa blooding all the new boys in the one game. This line up is tried and true, its too much an important game to be changing things tactically.

[Ryan]

I think Rafa will most probably stick with old faithful.

Finnan-----Carra-----Hyypia----Riise

Gerrard----Xabi-------Momo----Gonzalez

-------Crouch------Bellamy----------

The only new faces would of course be Bellamy and Speedy.

That lineup should start, i cant see Rafa blooding all the new boys in the one game. This line up is tried and true, its too much an important game to be changing things tactically.

For once, we agree Harvey.

[Harv]

For once, we agree Harvey.

:handshake:

[Jack D Rips]

I think Rafa will most probably stick with old faithful.

Finnan-----Carra-----Hyypia----Riise

Gerrard----Xabi-------Momo----Gonzalez

-------Crouch------Bellamy----------

The only new faces would of course be Bellamy and Speedy.

That lineup should start, i cant see Rafa blooding all the new boys in the one game. This line up is tried and true, its too much an important game to be changing things tactically.

I left Xabi out of my eleven as he hasnt figured yet.

CAN SOMEONE please tell me where the second leg is being played?

[Ryan]

I left Xabi out of my eleven as he hasnt figured yet.

CAN SOMEONE please tell me where the second leg is being played?

It hasn't been decided yet Jack.

The decision is with UEFA, with Cyprus being the likely host venue.

[Jack D Rips]

It hasn't been decided yet Jack.

The decision is with UEFA, with Cyprus being the likely host venue.

Thanks Ryan. I was going on univochicago's post which said that it had been changed

[stevenage_kop]

i have also read that holland and slovenia are also possible venues for 2nd leg.

think it is because cyprus is bein used to get the people out of israel

[Shaggy]

I think Rafa will most probably stick with old faithful.

Finnan-----Carra-----Hyypia----Riise

Gerrard----Xabi-------Momo----Gonzalez

-------Crouch------Bellamy----------



Are we talking team for the Sheff United game here? If so I completely agree....that's the side I'd pick too. :handshake:

[stevenage_kop]

i agree but if xabi isnt fit put gerrard in middle and pennant on right.

pennant has looked like a good signing from his work in pre-season

[El Jefecito]

i agree but if xabi isnt fit put gerrard in middle and pennant on right.

pennant has looked like a good signing from his work in pre-season
Agree his wing play has been good, he's been creative and has done quite well with the through balls when he's moved inside. TBH Paletta aside he's been the most pleasant suprise.

[Peter Delvechio]

Against Mainz I want to see all the big guns playing and giving 100% and then the same 11 against Haifa.

..............................Reina............... .........

Finnan.........Carragher.........Hyypia.........Ri ise

Gerrard..........Alonso...........Momo..........Go nzalez

....................Crouch............Bellamy

It speaks volumes that for all our talk about Pennant - many of us wouldn't start with him in the vital Haifa fixture.

[Jack D Rips]

Against Mainz I want to see all the big guns playing and giving 100% and then the same 11 against Haifa.

..............................Reina............... .........

Finnan.........Carragher.........Hyypia.........Ri ise

Gerrard..........Alonso...........Momo..........Go nzalez

....................Crouch............Bellamy

It speaks volumes that for all our talk about Pennant - many of us wouldn't start with him in the vital Haifa fixture.

And many of us would

[Peter Delvechio]

And if Xabi Alonso's fit?

[Ryan]

He's playing tonight apparently.

[Rich]

It would be nice to see the side that is going to start against Haifa, even if it is for 45mins.

Reina
Finnan - Carragher - Hyypia - Riise
Gerrard - Alonso - Sissoko - Gonzalez
Crouch - Bellamy.

[Hamstrung]

Players will be physically fit enough by next Wednesday. They've been doing plenty of training, and for 1 game it won't be a problem. I'd be a bit concerned if the league started next week, but I am not worried about Wednesday's game.

[Jack D Rips]

And if Xabi Alonso's fit?

No Momo

[Peter Delvechio]

ahhhh...interesting. So you'd find no place for Alonso in our midfield four of Pennant, Gerrard, Momo and Gonzalez?

[Jack D Rips]

ahhhh...interesting. So you'd find no place for Alonso in our midfield four of Pennant, Gerrard, Momo and Gonzalez?

"No Momo" means Alonso plays and Momo doesnt. i.e. No Momo

[Peter Delvechio]

aahhh...sorry.

[Jack D Rips]

aahhh...sorry.

No probs.

I'm not that comfortable about leaving Momo out either. Its just that I want to see what Pennant can add to the side

[Leonard Crowley]

Pennant could be really good early in the season.

[leftpeg]

Well, here's the line-up for tonight from the official site:

Scott Carson
Jan Kromkamp
Jamie Carragher
Sami Hyypia
Djimi Traore
Bolo Zenden
Steven Gerrard
Xabi Alonso
Jermaine Pennant
Peter Crouch
Craig Bellamy

Subs:
Jerzy Dudek
Lee Peltier
Jack Hobbs
Gabriel Paletta
John Arne Riise
Paul Anderson
Salif Diao
Momo Sissoko
Luis Garcia

[Le Chacal]

Diao on the bench!:eyebrow:

[musicalred]

why is Traore playing - hasnt he gone to Charlton yet??no Gonzalez?is he injured?

[leftpeg]

I think he must be resting a few folks for next week. No Reina, Gonzalez, Finnan, or Fowler. Anyone spot any others? Are any of them injured?

[El Jefecito]

Still no Agger, thought was he might make this one :(