Team for Chelsea 2nd leg

[wiw]

That was mainly because Gerrard was played on the left, but never actually stayed there.

Hmm yeah, mainly, but there was still too big a gap between our back 4 and front 4 (which was pressing high), especially in the middle. May have just been due to ball retention and the full backs not being able to squeaze (and Gerrard's roaming contributing to this). I don't know, I usually watch each game a couple of times but my heads full of revision I can't remember, despite going to it I'll stop rambling now

[Craig_H]

Take my word for it - i'm never wrong

[El Jefecito]

The fact that Torres has hardly had a sniff against Chelsea, Man Utd or Arsenal (when we've played 4231) suggests that it IS broke.

You can't just put that down to 4231. It's due to a number of factors including better quality of opposition, SG going missing, poor service Torres.

It's far more complicated than just the formation. SG needs to step up to the plate. That, not the formation, is the key.

[Craig_H]

You can't just put that down to 4231. It's due to a number of factors including better quality of opposition, SG going missing, poor service Torres.

It's far more complicated than just the formation. SG needs to step up to the plate. That, not the formation, is the key.

I'm actually only talking about games against Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea.

And it's all inter-linked, Stevie goes missing which means he doesnt get with Torres and therefore Nando gets isolated. When he gets service, he's snuffed out by two good CBs.

SG going missing leaves Torres far more isolated and ineffective in a 4231 than in a 442. So yes, the formation does play a part.

[Joe King]

Thats where our 'wingers' play a role in trying to suffocate the full backs and stopping them getting any joy from the wings. The play will be compact and short and quickly sprung to the wing for the full back to overlap the winger and exploit any spaces left which is why it was so unfortunate to see Aurelio go on Tuesday.

They will play three in the middle and so do we but we have to make sure the ball stops going through Makelele. At times, he starts the attacks with small passes and it is key Gerrard presses him and harries him to pass it either square or back.

For me, it is essential we win the second balls if the ball is going to be launched long towards Torres. At times, we will see the agricultural punt from Carragher and nine times out of ten, Terry will win but if Torres decides to stick on Carvalho, who isn't the strongest in the air, we might get some joy or even the diagonal ball towards Kuyt where Ashley Cole mainly plays.

[Craig_H]

If Torres is up front alone, chances are they'll comfortably pick up the 2nd balls, while our midfielders struggle to get high enough up the park.

[El Jefecito]

I'm actually only talking about games against Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea.

And it's all inter-linked, Stevie goes missing which means he doesnt get with Torres and therefore Nando gets isolated. When he gets service, he's snuffed out by two good CBs.

SG going missing leaves Torres far more isolated and ineffective in a 4231 than in a 442. So yes, the formation does play a part.

True, it's not the most significant factor though, IMO.

[Skillz]

If Torres is up front alone, chances are they'll comfortably pick up the 2nd balls, while our midfielders struggle to get high enough up the park.

Only way I would be happy to start with a 4-4-2 was if Stevie was on the right.

[Kenneth]

If Torres is up front alone, chances are they'll comfortably pick up the 2nd balls, while our midfielders struggle to get high enough up the park.

Only way I would be happy to start with a 4-4-2 was if Stevie was on the right.

My choice:

-----------Reina

Finnan Carra Skittles Arbeloa

Gerrard Mascherano Alonso Babel

---------Torres Crouch

[Skillz]

My choice:

-----------Reina

Finnan Carra Skittles Arbeloa

Gerrard Mascherano Alonso Babel

---------Torres Crouch

----------Reina

Carra-Skrtel-Hyypia-Arbeloa

Gerrard Masher Alonso Kuyt(or Bennie)

-------Torres Crouch


Wouldn't be fussed if Kuyt started ahead of Crouch and want Babel on by 60 minute mark (if required)

[JPK]

Nobody wants to score an own goal but people make mistakes – and nobody will blame me if it's 0-0 on Wednesday and we don't go through. Quotes from Riise from the offal.

This moron is seriously deluded if he thinks that. It was not a Mickey Mouse game.
Hope he is not in the 18.

[Marky]

Nobody wants to score an own goal but people make mistakes – and nobody will blame me if it's 0-0 on Wednesday and we don't go through. Quotes from Riise from the offal.

This moron is seriously deluded if he thinks that. It was not a Mickey Mouse game.
Hope he is not in the 18.

****.up.

[JPK]

****.up.

At least I can quote correctly. Go twirl your boyfriend again

[Craig_H]

Nobody wants to score an own goal but people make mistakes – and nobody will blame me if it's 0-0 on Wednesday and we don't go through. Quotes from Riise from the offal.

This moron is seriously deluded if he thinks that. It was not a Mickey Mouse game.
Hope he is not in the 18.

Nice sense of team spirit and cameraderie before tomorrow night...

[JohnDoe]

Alright you ****ing red men. It is our duty to prevent Chelsea and the mancs from winning this one. This isn't just about winning now, this is about making them cry and wiping their smug smile off their face.