Sami Hyypia

[FatTony]

Should he play instead of Agger in the second leg against Chelsea?

Yes, we need experience and Dogman isn't that pacey.

[RedProf]

That was one game mate,he had a bad day agreed but dogbreath was maybe unplayable that day but i still think the big fella would give him a much harder time in the air at least,Carra & Agger can't imo,i'd still play Agger,he can do the mopping up behind Sammi,Drogba can outpace all of our centre halfs but he'll find it much harder competing with Sammi in the air,i really think this is were the big fella is needed,we nullify Drogba then we nullify more than half the threat.
That's the way i see it anyway

Drogba also dominated Sami in the UEFA cup against Marseille a few years back. So for me, this isn't the answer. I think the best way to deal with it is as our Norwegian friend tomasj says, get bodies around him when they knock it long to him, and get those 2nd balls.

[simey85]

agger had a torrid game but thats what happens in a champions league semi against quality players your defence will be tested, i wouldn't drop him i would fully expect him and carra to up their game next week my main concerns are will our centre forwards be able to give their centre halfs any kind of problems!

[bazza76]

No, I think you understand the system perfectly. There is a reason that none of the of th etop managers use a back three against anyone but ****box teams.

I really fail to see what people believe an extra centreback give us which is not better done by bringing the holding midfielder back or asking them to man mark in certain situations.

Having three centrebacks does nothng but reduce the number of threats on the pitch by one IMO. There is a case that a specialist sweeper could allow the fullbacks to attack more but to be honest there is very little difference between the role an old school sweeper played and that played by a modern holding midfielder. The difference being we have two players who are specialist holding midfielders and I can't think of a single specialist sweeper in the country let alone our squad.

I think the specialist sweeper wouldnt suit a Rafa team though, We like to play offside alot, so that may be a reason for its no go, Id say Cara is the closest thing we have to a specialist sweeper. with Alonso and his partner nearly operation as footballing centre halves in midfield.
I think we will go with a back 4, and if we are to change to a back three, it will no doubt be during the course of the game, most like the second half at some stage. It can work though, as we have seen against what was recognised as the best defensive unit in Europe at the time in Istanbul.
I think people could get their wish, I mean those of us who want to see Gerrard in midfield with Alonso in the holding role slightly behind him. We need to offer a little bit more from midfield and Sissoko gives it away too much. Macher is still settling, and although Gerrard isnt recognised as diciplined in that area, he is an awesome tackler at times and a real goal threat.
My line up would be as follows.

Reina
Finnan, Carra, Agger, Arbeloa,
----------Alonso
---Pennant Gerrard Risse
-----Crouch Kuyt

however, id be surprised if this was the lineup
the other change id consider making is swapping Arbeloa with Hyypia and sticking Agger as a left fullback but only in this formation with Risse as a slightly advanced midfielder so Agger for the most part remains defensive.

[dww]

I think the specialist sweeper wouldnt suit a Rafa team though, We like to play offside alot, so that may be a reason for its no go, Id say Cara is the closest thing we have to a specialist sweeper. with Alonso and his partner nearly operation as footballing centre halves in midfield.
I think we will go with a back 4, and if we are to change to a back three, it will no doubt be during the course of the game, most like the second half at some stage. It can work though, as we have seen against what was recognised as the best defensive unit in Europe at the time in Istanbul.
I think people could get their wish, I mean those of us who want to see Gerrard in midfield with Alonso in the holding role slightly behind him. We need to offer a little bit more from midfield and Sissoko gives it away too much. Macher is still settling, and although Gerrard isnt recognised as diciplined in that area, he is an awesome tackler at times and a real goal threat.
My line up would be as follows.

Reina
Finnan, Carra, Agger, Arbeloa,
----------Alonso
---Pennant Gerrard Risse
-----Crouch Kuyt

however, id be surprised if this was the lineup
the other change id consider making is swapping Arbeloa with Hyypia and sticking Agger as a left fullback but only in this formation with Risse as a slightly advanced midfielder so Agger for the most part remains defensive.

I agree about the specialised sweeper.
I like the formation you put up.