Champions League Semi Final-build up

[Xabi_is_God]

I dont care what formation or personnel rafa puts out as long as we win. to be honest i dont want to think about the game until half an hour b4 kick off cos it just makes me nervous

[anfieldanfield]

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.

That's far too attacking for Rafa.

[Shaggy]

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

That's far too attacking for Rafa.

You're probably right.

[Tee]

I go along with putting Gerrard on the left. He was very effective ther eearlier in the season, hopefully he will score this time if he gets a chance.

Crouch has to play as well, and I hope Bellamy is fit enough to make the bench.

My team would be Reina, Finnan, Carra, Agger, JAR, Alonso, Mascher, Pennant, Gerrard, Crouch and Kuyt.

[jonesie]

I'd go:

I think Rafa will play:

Reina
Finnan
Carra
Agger
Arbeloa
Pennant
Xabi
Stevie
Masher
Riise
Crouch

For me thats virtually guaranteed. That will be the line-up. Unless he does something daft and plays Kuyt instead of Crouch. This is all barring injuries tomorrow of course. We do have a game tomorrow you know. A MASSIVE game against, oh, Wigan. Ah well.

[jonesie]

Well, Bolo's up for it:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N155688070422-1213.htm

ZENDEN: WE ARE READY FOR CHELSEA

Bolo Zenden has said the tactical battle between Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho will play a major part in the Champions League semi-final and revealed Liverpool can't wait to face Chelsea.

The former Chelsea midfielder believes Liverpool can get a good result at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to take back to Anfield for the second leg.

"The tactics of the sides, maybe more than individual players, are going to be crucial to the result of this tie," commented Zenden.

"It will be a heated meeting at the Bridge, and I am sure at Anfield. I think it will be better for us if we play in the European way because we have shown how much that style suits us - and I believe we can get a result down there.

"That way we can also get most benefit out of the fact that the second leg is on our own ground. That way I think we can get to the final again.

"We have five stars on our badge for our five successes in the competition but there is room for another. And with Rafa Benitez having already proved himself to be such a good tactician in Europe we have a great chance of adding that extra star."

[Morph]

Kuyt will play, Rafa made him get that 1 match ban out the way for a reason surely

[Joe Le Toff]

I expect Rafa to start with a 4-4-2 with Kuyt or Bellamy dropping into midfield when we dont have the ball to make it 5.
Gerrard will start on the right, with Alonso and also Sissoko to start i think. Mascher on the bench.
Theres no way Rafa will go there to attack, but to set us up the way he has all season for the away games in the CL, tight, compact, disciplined and extremely hard-working, dont concede and try and nick an away goal.
If we come away with a goalless draw I fancy Rafa would be delighted with that, a scoring draw would give us a great chance.

[Jayesh87]

I think Rafa will play:

Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arboloa
Riise
Alonso
Sissoko
Gerrard
Bellamy
Kuyt

[marcus50bucks]

I am not confident about this game at all. I have faith in the lads to put on a good performance but I think Chelsea will shade it.

[ARIMAN]

I think Rafa will play:

Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arboloa
Riise
Alonso
Sissoko
Gerrard
Bellamy
Kuyt

Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arbola
Riise
Alonso
Masher
Gerrard
Crouch
Kuyt

If Rafa is feeling really defensive then Crouch for Sissoko and then we can play 4 - 6 - 0 when defending

[jonesie]

Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arbola
Riise
Alonso
Masher
Gerrard
Crouch
Kuyt

Yep, I'd go with that. Although I might be tempted to play Arbeloa instead of Arbola, which sounds like some form of virus which, while it must be said, would be quite useful ('Drogba takes on two and then projectile vomits') it probably wouldn't be as good a left back as the Spaniard.

[Howard_lfc]

Arbeloa played left back vs Barcelone because Rafa knew he would be against Messi - who always turns the same way - and plays right into the hands of a right footed left back.
I don't expect to see Arbeloa at left back on Wednesday.

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arbeloa
Gerrard
Mascherano
Alonso
Riise
Kuyt
Crouch

[Red_Polo]

I know Momo is not in the best of form at the moment, but he should start this game. These kind of games are made for him.