The semi-final build-up thread

[Red_hot]

They'll be ready, its not going to be an easy game and we need to score first, if they score first it could kill the crowd.

In the 2nd leg of the semi??? I seriously doubt it!!!!!!

[tomasjj]

we stand a chance if stevie g and alonso get the finger out and show more intensity and invention going forward. everyone has to do this but im singling them out because they are our most talented and inspirational players, we really need them to step up tomorrow because chelsea are resigned to losing the prem this is their big one now aswell!

Sure, they are the ones who should step forward....but they also needs some goddamn off the ball movement in front of them!

It has been lacking...

[enema of the state]

They'll be ready, its not going to be an easy game and we need to score first, if they score first it could kill the crowd.

Has everyone forgotten what happened last year against benfica.

like the 3 goals milan scored in istanbul did???

[redlancer]

That side crossed my mind on numerous occassions but it would be hard to omit Kuyt.His work rate is 2nd to none.

so true, but then we need goals not work rate, they will I imagine sit back and we'll need the height of Crouch and Stevie running in, with support from the wide positions Riise and Pennant. Leaving Alonso and Massa to cover.

Stevie free role should help us win the midfield if the situation arrises.

[SB]

The BBC reports that the following players would miss the final if they pick up a yellow card.

Quote"Didier Drogba and Joe Cole, who scored the only goal in the first leg, will miss a potential final in Athens if they receive a yellow card.

The same fate awaits Javier Mascherano or Jermaine Pennant should they earn a booking" Quote"

Surprised that both Masher and Pennant could miss the final if the get booked. Hardly dirty players are they?

[SB]

so true, but then we need goals not work rate, they will I imagine sit back and we'll need the height of Crouch and Stevie running in, with support from the wide positions Riise and Pennant. Leaving Alonso and Massa to cover.

Stevie free role should help us win the midfield if the situation arrises.

I'll not be surprised if your right but Kuyt did score 2 beauties against Wigan

[redlancer]

I'll not be surprised if your right but Kuyt did score 2 beauties against Wigan

NOt knocking Kuyt as I like him but WIgan and Chav's are 2 different teams by a country mile.

I wouldn't be dissapointed if he started but think we'll go for having the possesion and players to support Crouch.

[Eth]

Give them nothing! But take from them everything !!!!

That would make a great banner

[kopash]

Gerrard from left makes sense with Risse at LB. Can't see Arbeloa playing after playing the full 90 on Sat and his form in last few weeks.

Mascherano and Sissoko in middle though? Or Alonso?

[rushscored4]

Based on Saturday's line-up I think that the team tomorrow night will be Reina in goal, Finnan at right back, Arbeloa at left back (the only one who played a full 90 on Saturday) and Carragher and Agger in the centre. In the centre of midfield I think Rafa will surprise everybody and play Mascherano alongside Gerrard with Pennant on the right and Riise on the left. Up front will be Kuyt and Crouch.

On the bench will be Dudek, Hyypia, Sissoko, Alonso, Zenden, Gonzalez, and Bellamy (sadly no Fowler).

[Eth]

Chelsea are ****ed - I mean proper ****ed aswell - GET INTO THEM!!!!!

[Michael]

In the 2nd leg of the semi??? I seriously doubt it!!!!!!

semi

[Eth]

semi

semi

[simey85]

Based on Saturday's line-up I think that the team tomorrow night will be Reina in goal, Finnan at right back, Arbeloa at left back (the only one who played a full 90 on Saturday) and Carragher and Agger in the centre. In the centre of midfield I think Rafa will surprise everybody and play Mascherano alongside Gerrard with Pennant on the right and Riise on the left. Up front will be Kuyt and Crouch.

On the bench will be Dudek, Hyypia, Sissoko, Alonso, Zenden, Gonzalez, and Bellamy (sadly no Fowler).

i really hope fowler makes the bench if its still 1-0 to them with ten mins left we would really need him to come of the bench he offers far more of a goal threat than bellend especially if were gona be hoofing balls into the box! its not a game where rafa can afford to make cautious decisions!

[Craig_H]

i really hope fowler makes the bench if its still 1-0 to them with ten mins left we would really need him to come of the bench he offers far more of a goal threat than bellend especially if were gona be hoofing balls into the box! its not a game where rafa can afford to make cautious decisions!

Fowler's finished.