Benfica build-up

[SB]

We need to start the game at a high tempo and get after them from the start, the way things are going in the league this could be all we have to play for in the remainder of the season

This is it as far as I'm concerned. 4th place has gone IMO. It will be tough without Maxi, Babel & Insua tonight

[Exiled_red]

I forgot Insua was out, is Aurelio fit? (don't laugh)

[SB]

I forgot Insua was out, is Aurelio fit? (don't laugh)

You had me there for a minute

[Shaggy]

I forgot Insua was out, is Aurelio fit? (don't laugh)

Nope.

In total we have Aurelio, Insua, Maxi, Babel and Skrtel out. Plus Riera of course.

[Guest]

I reckon we'll line up with Carra at left back.

[dww]

Nope.

In total we have Aurelio, Insua, Maxi, Babel and Skrtel out. Plus Riera of course.

and Kelly - who would have been an option at left back.

Be interesting to see what we do tonight in defence.

I wouldn't rule out a 3-4-3 formation.

[SB]

Pepe
Johnson
Cara
Greek
Agger
Masher
Lucas
Kuyt
Stevie
Riera ( but probably Yossi )
Torres

[Exiled_red]

and Kelly - who would have been an option at left back.

Be interesting to see what we do tonight in defence.

I wouldn't rule out a 3-4-3 formation.

I thought about that but where do we get width from? Johnson right side of midfield??

[Mattshark]

**** these cunts up big time! I'm still on a bit of a football downer after the weekend but come Thursday my loathing if benfica - only when they're playing us mind - will be allied to the realisation that it's s step on the way to potentially the only football happiness we'll have this year. Hope anfield is ****in thunderous and we rip the cunts apart. 4 - 1 to us I say.

[Chris]

European semi's feel amazing and we're one game away from it....

Hopefully Fulham go out and we end up the only English team left in Europe!

[SB]

European semi's feel amazing and we're one game away from it....

Hopefully Fulham go out and we end up the only English team left in Europe!

But some will still only refer to it as a tin pot cup. Even if we do win it!

[Exiled_red]

European semi's feel amazing and we're one game away from it....

Hopefully Fulham go out and we end up the only English team left in Europe!

There's a phrase I never thought I'd hear

[Gazmo1]

European semi's feel amazing ..................

Ahem, each to their own, I guess.

[dww]

I thought about that but where do we get width from? Johnson right side of midfield??

That would be what I would have thought in that formation. We've done it previously with Finnan moving into midfield earlier in Rafa's reign.

I wouldn't think that any of the other formations that will be put forward would have more natural width given the options available in teh squad and the fact that Riera is unlikely to play.

[The_weatherman]

That would be what I would have thought in that formation. We've done it previously with Finnan moving into midfield earlier in Rafa's reign.

I wouldn't think that any of the other formations that will be put forward would have more natural width given the options available in teh squad and the fact that Riera is unlikely to play.

I really don't like going for a formation with three at the back as IMO that will give Di Maria too much room.