We'll never have a better chance...
to go on and win no.6 in my opinion. There are many reasons why but primarily it revolves around the team. Like it or not Rafa's rotation policy and our ability to rest players in recent weeks will pay dividends. Only Arbeloa and Reina have been ever present in the last 5 or 6 games. With Reina having little to do and Arbeloa not having had a full season behind him it's crystal clear that exhaustion should not be an issue in the coming weeks. This cannot be said for the other English sides.
Also I think our side is more settled. The back five pretty much picks itself with an inform Arbeloa a very assured back-up on either flank. Some would say he even deserves a starting shirt against Chelsea. Most of the players are also running into form. Kuyt, Pennant, Arbeloa, Crouch, Bellamy, and even Gonzo have been prominent in recent games. No one doubts that Carra will give 110% as well.
Despite what some may say Gerrard is still the main man and has always delivered when it comes to the crunch. He is a big game player. Personally I can't understand those who doubt this. Scoring in every cup final and dragging us when down and out in knockout games and some of those finals suggest a man who raises his game when the needs are greatest. He is rested, scoring, and hungry for more medals. I expect him to deliver.
Most importantly we have the perfect manager for Europe. Such games are more about tactics than anything else and Rafa has no equal. Some would argue that playing English teams such as Chelsea negate the european style of counter attack football. Well these games have always been akin to a sort of chess match, and we have the grandmaster in our camp. I have total confidence in his ability to out fox the Special One, Ole Red Nose, and Thatsyourlotti when the time comes.
The Opposition have problems. Chelsea have lost Essien and probably Carvalaho for the first leg. They will also be questioning their own ability after throwing away a chance to catch Manure, and also beat us knowing we have the upper hand on them in cup games. Manure also have injuries, and I'm not that convinced they'll reach the final. Milan will suffer from nightmares from Istanbul and will alter their style of play based on that. If we play them in the final I expect them to be a lot more circumspect and inhibited.
There is also Anfield to consider. There is no place like it on a big European night. I was lucky enough to be at the Barca home game and people tell me the Chelsea semi was much louder. God help the Chavs.
In short far from worrying now whether we'll get there I think it's ours to lose. Whilst most pundits are favouring Manure and Chelsea (see Daily Telegraph today) I'd be very surprised if we don't do it. Overconfidence? No. It's just a realisation that as a squad we are miles better than 2005, and the omens elsewhere look good. It's time to put aside fears of us playing in a bloodbath in Athens, and accept that No.6 should be sitting proud on an open top bus on in Liverpool in May. (fingers crossed)
Also I think our side is more settled. The back five pretty much picks itself with an inform Arbeloa a very assured back-up on either flank. Some would say he even deserves a starting shirt against Chelsea. Most of the players are also running into form. Kuyt, Pennant, Arbeloa, Crouch, Bellamy, and even Gonzo have been prominent in recent games. No one doubts that Carra will give 110% as well.
Despite what some may say Gerrard is still the main man and has always delivered when it comes to the crunch. He is a big game player. Personally I can't understand those who doubt this. Scoring in every cup final and dragging us when down and out in knockout games and some of those finals suggest a man who raises his game when the needs are greatest. He is rested, scoring, and hungry for more medals. I expect him to deliver.
Most importantly we have the perfect manager for Europe. Such games are more about tactics than anything else and Rafa has no equal. Some would argue that playing English teams such as Chelsea negate the european style of counter attack football. Well these games have always been akin to a sort of chess match, and we have the grandmaster in our camp. I have total confidence in his ability to out fox the Special One, Ole Red Nose, and Thatsyourlotti when the time comes.
The Opposition have problems. Chelsea have lost Essien and probably Carvalaho for the first leg. They will also be questioning their own ability after throwing away a chance to catch Manure, and also beat us knowing we have the upper hand on them in cup games. Manure also have injuries, and I'm not that convinced they'll reach the final. Milan will suffer from nightmares from Istanbul and will alter their style of play based on that. If we play them in the final I expect them to be a lot more circumspect and inhibited.
There is also Anfield to consider. There is no place like it on a big European night. I was lucky enough to be at the Barca home game and people tell me the Chelsea semi was much louder. God help the Chavs.
In short far from worrying now whether we'll get there I think it's ours to lose. Whilst most pundits are favouring Manure and Chelsea (see Daily Telegraph today) I'd be very surprised if we don't do it. Overconfidence? No. It's just a realisation that as a squad we are miles better than 2005, and the omens elsewhere look good. It's time to put aside fears of us playing in a bloodbath in Athens, and accept that No.6 should be sitting proud on an open top bus on in Liverpool in May. (fingers crossed)
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