Guess Rafa's tactics for the final...

[nobbylad]

No.

Had to sell my ticket.

FFS!

I told you the clan would assist

[kurtangle01]

Well, I defo think Bolo would have started if fit.
Now, and also considering Rafas comments, I think he is seriously considering it.
Could be Riise and Arbeloa behind him, but that depends on how good Arbeloa is looking in practice, cause he has been a bit dodgy in the last matches.

yup, the shameless snipers will be out, have no doubt. Sigh...

I agree that Arbeloa has looked pretty shaky recently. As someone else said on the thread playing Kewell and Riise could give us the best of both worlds. I have concerns about him lasting the pace though. As good as he's looked upon his return from injury it's different kettle of fish playing 20 minutes against Fulham and Charlton. I'd be concerned how he would cope if he had to go off injured after 20 minutes or so aswell.

If he does play from the start then I think that Rafa has to be 100% convinced on his fitness.

[Morph]

good idea for a thread by the way, not been nearly enough athens build up on here

[kurtangle01]

FFS!

I told you the clan would assist

I know, mate.

The problem I have is that Dawn is on statutory maternity at the moment, and is for the next 4 or 5 months, so I'm basically skint between now and the start of the season.

The help offered was very much appreciated but I just don't have the cash at the moment to pay it back.

**** really isn't it? Never mind, some you win and some you lose.

[WILF]

Having looked at everyone's line ups and reasoning it is hard to disagree , however for discussions sake how about

.........................Pepe..................... .

Finnan.......Carra.......Agger........Riise

Pennant.....Xabi........Masch.......Kewell

....................SG............................ .
........................Crouch...................


Reasons??

Milan have a strong but narrow midfield so Pennant and Harry would be able stretch them a lot, pushing onto their fullbacks and creating space for Stevie through the middle. 2nd leg against Chelsea Pennant provided a great outlet down the right and caused Cashley all sorts of problems.

With Xabi and Masher providing stability in the centre and Gerrard's ability to track back we should win/keep enough possession.

The 2 problems with this formation are,

1, How fit is Harry? Obviously if he tires quickly Arbeloa can be brought on and JAR pushes further forward.

2, We only have 3 players who are likely to score, Crouch, SG and Kewell (and maybe a Riise screamer )

I really have no idea about what Rafa will choose, he does like to spring suprises because he has so many possibilities

[El Jefecito]

Rafa will start with:

.........................Pepe..................... .

Finnan.......Carra.......Agger........Riise

Gerrard.....Xabi........Masch.......Kewell

....................Kuyt.......................... .. .
........................Crouch...................

[The_weatherman]

Having looked at everyone's line ups and reasoning it is hard to disagree , however for discussions sake how about

.........................Pepe..................... .

Finnan.......Carra.......Agger........Riise

Pennant.....Xabi........Masch.......Kewell

....................SG............................ .
........................Crouch...................

If Kewell is fit enough I think this will be Rafa´s choice, if Kewell comes off the bench I think Arbeloa and Riise will man the left wing with Gerrard possibly on the right and Kuyt behind Crouch like someone said. It gives us plenty of power in midfield to negate Milan but leaves us a bit short upfront which is why we put on Kewell on after 50 mins and quite possibly Pennant on 60 mins which will give us some width to stretch their midfield. But as we saw against Man Utd their wide players were invisible against Milan, so it will be interesting. Milan´s main dangerman will be Seedorf and Kaka who are both playing behind he striker which will occupy both Xabi and Javier, Javi must mark Kaka as Kaka is lightning quick, he´s faster than last time out I´m sure. The outcome of this game will depend a lot on Xabi and Javi IMO.

[lfcruleus]

The daft thing is with all the stress of tickets and travel i havent even thought about the game.
The big obvious thing Rafa needs to deal with is Kaka playing in the hole, for this reason i think he will start Xabi and Mascher. Whether he then plays Stevie right or behind Dirk im not sure. Personally id play him right with license to roam and play Dirk and PC, with Bellers for the last 20 for Crouch.
The left is a problem, If Zenden is fit he will play. If not then i dont think he will risk Harry from the start Arbeloa behind Riise for me, the rest of the team picks itself. Id love Jerzy to be on the bench and Robbie but i think Robbie will miss out.

Reina
Finnan Carra Agger Arbeloa
Gerrard Xabi Mascherano Riise
Kuyt Crouch

Subs
Dudek (Padelli if JD injured)
Hyypia
Kewell
Bellamy
Pennant
Sissoko
Fowler


maybe robbie wont miss out!!

[kopash]

I think Kuyt will definitelty start. Oddo bombs on a lot from right back so I would expect a more defensive player than Kewell to start at left mid.

Kut will be told to get on Pirlo so he does not have time to pick a pass and Monster is going to have to have the game of his life shackling Kaka.

[lfcruleus]

Dont worry him being an Argie an all he will enjoy kickin a Brazilian for 90 minutes

[Joe Le Toff]

My thoughts.

Crouch and Kuyt to start up front.
If Gerrard does start on the right, then I suspect that Momo may well start the game fitness permitting and he will be the one to mark Kaka. Hes tailor made for the job and it wouldnt restrict Mascheranos game so much.
If Gerrard starts in the middle, then Pennant to start on the right.
Kewell on the bench.
Alonso on the bench.
I think there is a very strong case for Riise staring at LM with Arbeloa at LB, assuming that Zenden is injured. If not, then Zenden to start and Riise at LB.

[tomasjj]

Shamelessly bumping my own thread.

[Eth]

Shamelessly bumping my own thread.

Oh the absolute shame

[tomasjj]

Oh the absolute shame

Says who?


Catch any fish, Eth?

[Eth]

Says who?


Catch any fish, Eth?

no it was too rough to go out

I might take a few days off next week and take out my own boat if weather improves.