The semi-final build-up thread

[tomasjj]

A lot of talk about coincidences and superstition on here.

IS that where our belief is?

Mine is in Rafa and the lads.

They are more than capable of beating this team by two goals.

[Michael]

Sounds like a good plan!

But the fact that we have had a relatively free programme recently and some key players have been rested I’m a little concerned about our ability to storm out of the gates.

We have lost the momentum….. nobody’s fault mind, its just the way of things and Rafa has been right to rest players. But if the last few games have shown anything, it is that we take time to find our rhythm!

Alonso is particularly guilty of this, which is why he played on the weekend!

If I were the manager, I’d play it like I have described earlier. Then at 50 min, I’d bring on Folwer to exploit the space.

I’d also play Pennant from the start, because, amongst other things, he actually keeps position very well.

[red g]

A lot of talk about coincidences and superstition on here.

IS that where our belief is?

Mine is in Rafa and the lads.

They are more than capable of beating this team by two goals.

[badpiggy]

I hate to be negative....

but do we stand a chance on Tuesday?

I just think that they will be ready for the Anfield atmosphere.

of course we have a chance and maybe even a good one but i share your pessimism as the league positions don't lie, we don't have an away goal, chelsea only need 1 goal to put us in serious trouble, we lack penetration against strong defensive teams and all the rabblerousing in the world isn't going to alter those facts

positives though are anfield and carvalho out and hopefully essien in. this truly is the game for our big players to show up - mainly alonso and SG.

[anfieldanfield]

A lot of talk about coincidences and superstition on here.

IS that where our belief is?

Mine is in Rafa and the lads.

They are more than capable of beating this team by two goals.

Exactly, forget superstition and coincidences....

Are we capable of being Chelsea 1-0 at Anfield on a European night ?

Yes.

[tomasjj]

Sounds like a good plan!

But the fact that we have had a relatively free programme recently and some key players have been rested I’m a little concerned about our ability to storm out of the gates.

We have lost the momentum….. nobody’s fault mind, its just the way of things and Rafa has been right to rest players. But if the last few games have shown anything, it is that we take time to find our rhythm!

Alonso is particularly guilty of this, which is why he played on the weekend!

If I were the manager, I’d play it like I have described earlier. Then at 50 min, I’d bring on Folwer to exploit the space.

I’d also play Pennant from the start, because, amongst other things, he actually keeps position very well.

Yes, I share you concern about us not being ready from the kick off.
We rarely do, which I think is a bit of Rafa's style. You lose the ability to completely shock teams though, even if we did it against Juve.

Also agree on Pennant. SG on the right is a no-no as he doesn't stay on the right anymore. He did last season, but this year he has just been neglecting that.

[anfieldanfield]

I hate to be negative....

but do we stand a chance on Tuesday?

I just think that they will be ready for the Anfield atmosphere.

I dont think the atmosphere will scare them, but I dont think it will make us play better.

[Michael]

Yes, I share you concern about us not being ready from the kick off.
We rarely do, which I think is a bit of Rafa's style. You lose the ability to completely shock teams though, even if we did it against Juve.

Also agree on Pennant. SG on the right is a no-no as he doesn't stay on the right anymore. He did last season, but this year he has just been neglecting that.

Another argument for Pennant is that if thers isnt anyhting on, he looks for the simple pass. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t give the ball away very often.

Gerrard to start on the left, you can quote me on that one. Unless Kewell plays

[tomasjj]

Another argument for Pennant is that if thers isnt anyhting on, he looks for the simple pass. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t give the ball away very often.

Gerrard to start on the left, you can quote me on that one. Unless Kewell plays

Yes, Pennant keeps the ball quite well. I agree.

I would want SG on the left. Worked last time.

Kewell never plays. He hasn't even played reserves footy since the WC.

[Ataturk]

going to extra time would be nice...

2 hours of football with us winning at the end would be extra special, and extra depressing for maureen..

[redlancer]

Another argument for Pennant is that if thers isnt anyhting on, he looks for the simple pass. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t give the ball away very often.

Gerrard to start on the left, you can quote me on that one. Unless Kewell plays

Agree with Pennant on everything you say.

They will be looking at counter attacking and 10men behind the ball, Pennant will bring out thier full backs creating space and he is the one player who can cross the ball.
Pennant and Crouch are musts.

Stevie on the left will restrict Riise going forward but then depends on who the Chav's play on thier right.

I can see us doing this, Rafa and the players will have learn't from Benfica last year.

We have to go full stream just on the fact the Chav's will be kanckered.

[Guest]

Another argument for Pennant is that if thers isnt anyhting on, he looks for the simple pass. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t give the ball away very often.

Gerrard to start on the left, you can quote me on that one. Unless Kewell plays

It could be a possibility that Ste G plays on the left but has Elisha been posting about that somewhere else ?

[Craig_H]

he's being positive a welcome change on here
its more a battle cry than a statement of fact, he is getting behind us. Not ridiculous in my opinion

Battle cry or not, to suggest that chelsea dont stand a chance is ridiculous.

You can get behind us, whilst still being realistic.

[Craig_H]

What made the 2005 match the classic that it is is the early goal we scored.

If it is 0 - 0 at half time then it will be difficult.

that being said, I still think we will do it!

While the early goal would be great, we've no need to panic on this one IMO.

I'd take 0-0 at 70 mins right now. We only need to win 1-0 (initially).

[twistnkuyt]

Tuesday night another special European night falls upon Anfield. As the rumble and hussle of the Liverpool faithful fill the stadium like red liquid filling up a cauldron, the troops prepare for battle in the dressing room. Serious faces itched with conviction and destiny fill the hallowed room. As the cauldron begins to bubble, famous songs spark up like fires of hope from all corners of the Stadium. Anticipation and knowing smiles are testament that something special will happen there that night. Over the sound of clattering football boot studs, Primus Rafa strides up and down past his men issuing instructions and delivering words of believe and most importantly galvanizing them with his superior battle plan. The huge flag of Liverpool FC is unleashed and flows over the red faithful, seen from all four corners of the stadium, reminding those foolish enough to come here on European night were they are.

The sweetest battle cry of all time begins with those cherished words, When you walk, Through the Storm, Hold your heads up High. The heat in the cauldron increases exponentially, the crowd sing with passion and honor. The Troops are forming in the tunnel, serious faces no smiles here tonight. As the Battle cry reaches fever pitch, Walk on through the Rain, Walk On through the Rain, the Troops begin to move out … The historic sign above there heads THIS IS ANFIELD reminding those in the shirt what is expected of them and more importantly those not lucky enough to wear the famous Red Jersey what they are going to get.

Out they come two teams to a wall of Red noise and passion… one the most successful football club the country has ever seen, the most famous team in the world, a club with tradition, a club with history, a club with pedigree, a club with believe, players fresh rested and hunger, the other some knackered team from London


Walk On ! Red Brothers and Sisters Walk on ! We are having them Tuesday night no two ways about it !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asuOkOwMmfc

I'm about half way through that video but someone show me a montage of ONE chavski player doing all that and i might start thinking we won't do it.

**** it even if you include all the ****ers they wouldn't be THAT good.

And we've got CARRA as well.

LFC