Real Madrid build up

[Ben_Itez]

Yep the butterflies have well and truly started.....

Despite our excellent record in Europe i cant help but get extremely nervous for these games. One minute i think we'll tonk them....the next i think they'll stuff us.....and then the next my logic kicks in and tells me it'll be 0-0!

Is there any definite news on Torres yet?

[Chrono]

He definitely may or may not play

[Tee]

Yep the butterflies have well and truly started.....

Despite our excellent record in Europe i cant help but get extremely nervous for these games. One minute i think we'll tonk them....the next i think they'll stuff us.....and then the next my logic kicks in and tells me it'll be 0-0!

Is there any definite news on Torres yet?

Haha, so true that is.

I am feeling the nerves as well.... think there will be a few trips to the loo before kick off....

[dww]

It is a really odd one. Our squad looks pretty thin tonight. It is a real opportunity for someone to make themselves a hero - the problem is I've been hoping for that from Babel, Lucas, El Zhar et al basically all season.

[Chrono]

It is a really odd one. Our squad looks pretty thin tonight. It is a real opportunity for someone to make themselves a hero - the problem is I've been hoping for that from Babel, Lucas, El Zhar et al basically all season.

I'm not Lucas' biggest fan but I think he is ok, just that. Babel has been a massive dissapointment for me but weirdly although El Zhar is a late developer I think he could still come good and has always done pretty well when introduced. I guess starting against Madrid would be a big task but I don't think he would let us down assuming he had mature enough cover behind him as he does work hard to track back.

[PTP]

yeah i am feeling the nerves now! - It defo has hit me - need a beer and a smoke fast

[pondus]

Steven Gerrard will make his 100th European appearance for Liverpool if, as expected, the skipper is selected for tonight's Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
The inspirational number eight will join teammate Jamie Carragher (113) as only the second player in the club's history to break past the century barrier for European games played.

And it isn't just the club captain who will be hoping to mark a landmark evening with a win.

Midfield maestro Xabi Alonso will also celebrate 200 games in a red shirt if he features against the champions of his homeland.

[Assassin]

Am I correct in saying I see him play his first european game against Celta Vigo

[pondus]

Am I correct in saying I see him play his first european game against Celta Vigo

Yes, December 1998

[Ben_Itez]

I'm not Lucas' biggest fan but I think he is ok, just that. Babel has been a massive dissapointment for me but weirdly although El Zhar is a late developer I think he could still come good and has always done pretty well when introduced. I guess starting against Madrid would be a big task but I don't think he would let us down assuming he had mature enough cover behind him as he does work hard to track back.

I dont want El Zhar anywhere near the first XI tonight.....especially on the right with Robben out left for them. His ball retention can be quite shocking at times.....amybe bring him on if we're chasing the game but otherwise definitely not. On the other hand Lucas' game suits European football and i'd be quite happy for him to play but it's RB and the wings where we have problems.

A definite selection dilemna for Rafa tonight. Be very intresting to see what he comes up with.

My guess (assuming all are fit):

Reina

Arbeloa
Carra
Skrtel
Dossena

Mascher
Xabi

Kuyt
Aurelio

Gerrard

Torres

[meffin]

Am I correct in saying I see him play his first european game against Celta Vigo

think i saw his first as captain, in the league cup semi against Palace where we smashed them 5-0 or something

[leftpeg]

Here's the lineup from UEFA.com

Reina

Aurelio
Carragher
Skrtel
Arbeloa

Kuyt
Alonso
Mascherano
Gerrard
Babel

Torres

Subs:
Cavalieri
Dossena
Hyypia
Lucas
N'Gog
Spearing
Kelly

[Reece]

If that is correct then it's basically our best team

[meffin]

strong line up

[leftpeg]

Here's the Madrid lineup:

Casillas

Sergio Ramos
Cannavaro
Pepe
Heinze

Robben
Diarra
Gago
Sneijder

Raul
Higuain

subs:
Dudek
Saviola
Marcelo
Guti
Metzelder
Miguel Torres
Van der Vaart