Fiorientina - Build Up Thread

[Pablo]

I think we are all in danger of taking Champions League group games for granted. Absolutely no mention of tomorrow night's game on here yet as far as I can see . I think we have gotten spoiled as Liverpool fans in recent years. The first few year's we qualified I used to get super excited before each and every Champions League game, now it's not quite the same feeling until it gets to the knockout stages.

I suppose it's a good sign, as we are truely back amongst Europe's elite, but we still shouldn't forget how lucky we are to be involved in these type of games every season!

Anyway on to tomorrow's game:

Reina

Johnson Agger Carra Aurelio

Kuyt Masch Lucas Benayoun

Gerrard

Torres

--------------

Could be a good time to give Aurelio and Agger (if fit) a start ahead of the weekend's monster clash. Might also serve to remind Skrtel that he has some stiff competition at CB.

Still it's a very tricky away game against a tough side. Would it be too risky to play two potentially rusty players? Would have been nice if this had been one of the easier games in the group so we could have rested a few players here.

[memzey]

Looks good, but what exactly has Insua done wrong?

[Shaggy]

Looks good, but what exactly has Insua done wrong?

I don't think he's suggesting that at all? Rather just that it's an opportunity to give Fabio more game time, no?

Insua should start at Chelsea but Aurelio needs games.

[Pablo]

Correct Shaggy - im actually paying Insua a compliment by saying we can rest him, Aurelio does need some game time and I think this could be the perfect game for his comeback. I would still start Insua against Chelsea, he's done nothing to deserve to be dropped, Aurelio is going to have to earn his spot back.

What about my other point though, does anyone agree that these group stage matches have lost some of their glamour and excitement? I used to be well up for these games a few years ago, now it just doesnt seem such a big deal, shame.

[RedReet]

I think we are all in danger of taking Champions League group games for granted. Absolutely no mention of tomorrow night's game on here yet as far as I can see . I think we have gotten spoiled as Liverpool fans in recent years. The first few year's we qualified I used to get super excited before each and every Champions League game, now it's not quite the same feeling until it gets to the knockout stages.

I think it’s just the nature of the tournament at the minute. All the big teams look like they’re set up to go through and in recent years there has been no real benefit in topping the group. Even if we do lose tomorrow, it’s no big deal as there is still 4 matches yet. I was more excited about the Leeds game than I will be about any of these games, although Fiorentina will be a good test before the Chelsea game.

[Chris]

I'll be amazed if Aurelio doesnt start.

And yeah the excitement has gone down, but thats what happens when it becomes to easy. And its reflected in performances over the last few years, we know we can get through in first gear or if not we'll just wallop everyone in the last 3 games like we did to Porto, Besiktas and Marseille.

[RedReet]

What about my other point though, does anyone agree that these group stage matches have lost some of their glamour and excitement? I used to be well up for these games a few years ago, now it just doesnt seem such a big deal, shame.

Think the whole format could do with a revamp, but with so much money involved, it’s not likely unfortunately.

[-V-]

It will be a tough game I reckon, Fiorentina have started hitting some form and generally do well at home. I think they have won their last 2 games.

Although if we play our strongest team then we will be too much for them as we are a class above, plus someone mentioned that Gilardino is suspended?? Not sure, is he?

[RedReet]

It will be a tough game I reckon, Fiorentina have started hitting some form and generally do well at home. I think they have won their last 2 games.

Although if we play our strongest team then we will be too much for them as we are a class above, plus someone mentioned that Gilardino is suspended?? Not sure, is he?

I think a draw will be a good result. Fiorentina are a decent side and are quite strong at home.

[-V-]

We are a much better side than them and should beat them and I would imagine that Rafa won't take any chances at this stage by resting anyone. He will play his strongest team (mascherano included) and make sure we get 3 points

[The Birdman]

We need to win, the earlier we qualify from the group the earlier we can give Torres, Gerrard and Carra a rest from the remaining group games - plus we are flying at the moment so another win takes the momentum nicely into the Chelsea game.

[Kenneth]

I think we are all in danger of taking Champions League group games for granted. Absolutely no mention of tomorrow night's game on here yet as far as I can see . I think we have gotten spoiled as Liverpool fans in recent years. The first few year's we qualified I used to get super excited before each and every Champions League game, now it's not quite the same feeling until it gets to the knockout stages.

I suppose it's a good sign, as we are truely back amongst Europe's elite, but we still shouldn't forget how lucky we are to be involved in these type of games every season!

Anyway on to tomorrow's game:

Reina

Johnson Agger Carra Aurelio

Kuyt Masch Lucas Benayoun

Gerrard

Torres

--------------

Could be a good time to give Aurelio and Agger (if fit) a start ahead of the weekend's monster clash. Might also serve to remind Skrtel that he has some stiff competition at CB.

Still it's a very tricky away game against a tough side. Would it be too risky to play two potentially rusty players? Would have been nice if this had been one of the easier games in the group so we could have rested a few players here.

Nah, we'll piss on them.

[BigChief]

Could be a good game to try out fringe.

Reina
Johson Skrtel TheGreek Aurelio
Masch
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Prince Saud
Torres

[Pablo]

In a way I'd like to rest Carra for this one but I just don't trust any of our other CBs to take control in his absence and marshall the defence in the way say Hyypia did when Carra was out. This is a problem for us IMO.

[Tee]

I expect a really tough game and would be more than happy to come away with a point in the bag. Fiorentina do look strong at home and they will really be up for this game, their biggest in recent years.

If we can get our football going we could sneak it, but if we are going to sit deep and rely on counter-attacks it could be a long night.

Main thing for me is that our main players come through unscathed and ready for the Chavs on Sunday.