Early team news for Tuesday

[Revo]

i dont think alonso is gonna play, dunno why but i think he comes off the bench

[Shaggy]

I'll be almost outraged if Pennant doesn't start.



I never, ever, ever thought I'd say that, ESPECIALLY about a European Cup semi-final 2nd leg.

[Fiddy]

I just cant see Rafa NOT starting with Xabi.

In every single 'big game' under Benitez, Alonso has always started.

I think it would represent a massive change if Rafa played Gerrard and Masher in the middle for this one.

If I were Rafa I would take a gamble and play Gerrard left and Pennant right, letting them switch sides every 15 mins or so depending on how the game was going.

Hah, was gonna mention the danger of Stevie playing on the left but I didn't dare

If we need him though, I think Rafa likes having the option of Pennant on the bench. So although there's a slight chance of him and Stevie on the wings, I think we're more likely to see a more conventional line up

[Rafa Shankly]

i remember not long ago arsenal were going for 4 trophies, man to see that hateful ****er squirm on tuesday night

i honestly think the guy will be reduced to tears when we beat them,he really wont take it well.

[Shanks]

They will be but Essien will have Terry next to him. In the league game at Anfield it was Essien & Ferreira at centre back, so they won't be such a shambles this time.

Think Terry might be a little more exposed without Carvalho, be interesting to see how he bosses Essien on the back line.

There may well be a Big blue double decker parked at the Anny Road goal end on Tuesday.

[James]

If finnan IS fit, then he can play RB with Arbeloa LB and Riise LM.

Riise always offers a threat at LM, which is more than Gonzalez does.

Makes sense....have a gut feeling that he might play Riise LM and Agger at LB with Hyypia next to Jamie in the centre. This way if Chelsea play one up front Jamie can step out of defence and we would effectively have a back three. Same goes for if Finnan pushes up on the right...they all step across to form a back three.

Gives us more attacking options.

[lfc4ever]

I'll be almost outraged if Pennant doesn't start.

I never, ever, ever thought I'd say that, ESPECIALLY about a European Cup semi-final 2nd leg.

*cough* *splutter* *gurgle* *blurb*

However, it does speak volumes about the actual strength of our squad.

[Rafa Shankly]

I'll be almost outraged if Pennant doesn't start.



I never, ever, ever thought I'd say that, ESPECIALLY about a European Cup semi-final 2nd leg.

a mate of mine actually hated the guy and is now singing his praises,hes done well and deserves to start.

[anfieldanfield]

i honestly think the guy will be reduced to tears when we beat them,he really wont take it well.

Yep...

If we can put Chelsea out on Tuesday night I think Mourinho will be truly mortified.

It would certainly represent his lowest moment in management...

[Craig_H]

Makes sense....have a gut feeling that he might play Riise LM and Agger at LB with Hyypia next to Jamie in the centre. This way if Chelsea play one up front Jamie can step out of defence and we would effectively have a back three. Same goes for if Finnan pushes up on the right...they all step across to form a back three.

As much as i think that'd be a decent option to use, i cant see Rafa doing it.

[Rocket]

As much as i think that'd be a decent option to use, i cant see Rafa doing it.

too big a game, too much of a gamble

[Gaz]

Yep...

If we can put Chelsea out on Tuesday night I think Mourinho will be truly mortified.

It would certainly represent his lowest moment in management...

If we do manage to put them out and if they don't win the Prem will most probably result in him losing his job

[Craig_H]

too big a game, too much of a gamble

I imagine Rafa will feel that way too.

[James]

I imagine Rafa will feel that way too.

As I say jusy a gut feeling - he will probably play it safe and go for Zenden!

[Kopite_Colin]

They will be but Essien will have Terry next to him. In the league game at Anfield it was Essien & Ferreira at centre back, so they won't be such a shambles this time.

Then Crouch has to pull onto Terry to keep him quiet, and Dirk needs to be all over Essien like a rash. Or vice versa.