Europa Semi Final (!!!) Build Up - Atletico Madrid

[Matt]

Hmmm...who to play? I think I'd start with this:

Reina

Johnson Soto Carra Agger

Benayoun Mascherano Aquilani Babel

Gerrard
Kuyt


Even though Aquilani gave the ball away a fair bit on Sunday, he kept the play going at a decent tempo and made our play a bit more dynamic. Having written that though, I've just realised that Lucas didn't play and so will most likely come straight back in

I'd give Babel another go though. It's a shame Riera was such a c*nt 'cos he could have been a good option here.

[Dalglish]

Assuming he doesnt break his hair or something Aquilani should play in order to ensure a good tempo. In both matches he's played this season ( ) he and Gerrard have linked well.

I'd actually stick Babel up front on his own. He's due one of his random hero games. I'd also tell him to shoot whenever he gets within 25 yards of the goal. Any closer and he'll try and think which wikll only end badly

[Exiled_red]

Has Kuyt recovered from his injury?

[Matt]

Assuming he doesnt break his hair or something Aquilani should play in order to ensure a good tempo. In both matches he's played this season ( ) he and Gerrard have linked well.

I'd actually stick Babel up front on his own. He's due one of his random hero games. I'd also tell him to shoot whenever he gets within 25 yards of the goal. Any closer and he'll try and think which wikll only end badly

It's a decent shout, although he tried ever so hard to not score that 4th on Sunday.

Has Kuyt recovered from his injury?

Not if you believe Kyrgiakos' Twitter

I'm sure he'll be fine, but will be an interesting selection if he's not. Riera reprieve? But I doubt it.

[Dalglish]

It's a decent shout, although he tried ever so hard to not score that 4th on Sunday.
.

That was classic Babel. One on one so go either side of the keeper? No, I'll batter it at him so hard that it will have to go in - gravity will prevail . He's an ongoing permanent physics experiment.

[Matt]

hahaha well I suppose if one brain cell is urging him left, and his other one is urging him right then it was always going to end up somewhere in between.

His celebration was something between confusion and bewilderment.

[Dalglish]

hahaha well I suppose if one brain cell is urging him left, and his other one is urging him right then it was always going to end up somewhere in between.

His celebration was something between confusion and bewilderment.

Yeah the poor boy never seems quite sure what's going on.

My favourite Babel moment (TM) was away to Lyon. An insane 30 yarder followed almost immediately by putting a free kick out for a throw in. Takes talent that.

[dom9]

Yeah the poor boy never seems quite sure what's going on.

My favourite Babel moment (TM) was away to Lyon. An insane 30 yarder followed almost immediately by putting a free kick out for a throw in. Takes talent that.

[Tribute]

That was classic Babel. One on one so go either side of the keeper? No, I'll batter it at him so hard that it will have to go in - gravity will prevail . He's an ongoing permanent physics experiment.

Djibril's shooting was exactly the same... aim for the corners but hit the keeper, the hit him again with the rebound... then aim for him again and chances are he'll be in a heap on the floor so it'll hit him and go in.

[Dalglish]

Djibril's shooting was exactly the same... aim for the corners but hit the keeper, the hit him again with the rebound... then aim for him again and chances are he'll be in a heap on the floor so it'll hit him and go in.

Cisse was certainly special. The only reason that stadiums have walls was so that he'd know when to stop running.

[Craig_H]

That was classic Babel. One on one so go either side of the keeper? No, I'll batter it at him so hard that it will have to go in - gravity will prevail . He's an ongoing permanent physics experiment.

[elrichio86]

Cisse was certainly special. The only reason that stadiums have walls was so that he'd know when to stop running.

[PTP]

I've got a ticket

[SB]

Atletico Return leg Build up

Who will lead the line at home?

Any news on Kuyt's calf strain or NGog's back injury?

I suppose Babel could play as striker but if the others are out we are quite short up front aren't we.

I'd start Aqua man again as I think he offers guile in the final 3rd that we need.

Any injury doubts?

[Matt]

Ahem!