Champions League Semi Final-build up

[Parm]

Well might as well start it.

This match keeps going through my head, cant seem to settle upon what formation (if I was in Rafa's shoes) we should use.
I have a feeling Rafa will go for a 4-5-1 with Kuyt on the left somewhere and Gerrard on the right and Crouch upfront. Think that will give him licence to then change it to a 4-3-1-2 if need be or even a 4-3-3 and go like fo rlike with the Chavs.

I personally hope he goes with 2 upfront, with Stevie in the middle with Mascher.

[JRG]

Pennant has to start for the width, and he played well against the chavs at home this year

[Parm]

i think so too, pennant on the right, but am worried about the left, dont really see Bolo as a starter. If Aurellio was fit then we'd be ok.

[JRG]

Yes difficult area for us at the mo

[Shaggy]

Pennant has to start for the width, and he played well against the chavs at home this year

Agreed. I said this last night, but I'll say it again!

I'd play Pennant on the right and Gerrard on the left. Masher & Xabi in the middle, with Crouch & Bellamy up front.

Chelsea have an obvious weakness at right-back whoever plays there - Geremi, Diarra, Ferreira, Boulahrouz - and Gerrard can exploit that. Pennant has played well enough recently to warrant a start and when you take into account Sissoko's dreadful form, then JP's case becomes even stronger.

[Parm]

Agreed. I said this last night, but I'll say it again!

I'd play Pennant on the right and Gerrard on the left. Masher & Xabi in the middle, with Crouch & Bellamy up front.

Chelsea have an obvious weakness at right-back whoever plays there - Geremi, Diarra, Ferreira, Boulahrouz - and Gerrard can exploit that. Pennant has played well enough recently to warrant a start and when you take into account Sissoko's dreadful form, then JP's case becomes even stronger.

on paper sounds good, but when we played them at the Bridge this season we had Stevie on the left and he never quite ripped Boularhouz a new one.

[Shaggy]

on paper sounds good, but when we played them at the Bridge this season we had Stevie on the left and he never quite ripped Boularhouz a new one.

He didn't, BUT we carved out loads of clear goalscoring opportunities, so, although we lost 1-0 to a wonder goal, you'd have to say it kinda worked. We never create that many chances on the road. If we play like that again we'll be taking a scoring draw back to Anfield.

[Milan_Milan]

I'd go:

Reina
Finnan
Carra
Agger
Arbeloa
Stevie
Xabi
Masher
Riise
Kuyt (maybe Bellers if fit)
Crouch

I think Rafa will play:

Reina
Finnan
Carra
Agger
Arbeloa
Pennant
Xabi
Stevie
Masher
Riise
Crouch

[Milan_Milan]

On second thoughts that second lineup looks better!

[brikkis]

I'm getting nervous already

[The incredible igor]

On second thoughts that second lineup looks better!

rafa knows best

[Parm]

I'm getting nervous already

one moment I'm good then the next I'm ****ting it

[sonsofthedesert]

Don't even want to try and guess at this one, just know it has started to panic me already.

[Howard_lfc]

Agreed. I said this last night, but I'll say it again!

I'd play Pennant on the right and Gerrard on the left. Masher & Xabi in the middle, with Crouch & Bellamy up front.

Chelsea have an obvious weakness at right-back whoever plays there - Geremi, Diarra, Ferreira, Boulahrouz - and Gerrard can exploit that. Pennant has played well enough recently to warrant a start and when you take into account Sissoko's dreadful form, then JP's case becomes even stronger.

BIG BIG Mistake Shaggy mate.
You'd be able to see his 'titty lip' from the stands if he was asked to play there.

[Parm]

BIG BIG Mistake Shaggy mate.
You'd be able to see his 'titty lip' from the stands if he was asked to play there.