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

[dww]

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

Updates yesterday on the official indicate some hope of them playing but don't sound very definite.

[Tribute]

Dear Dirk, try wearing sponges down the front of your socks instead of shinpads, that way the ball won't just bounce off your shin like a ricocheting bullet...

[lickedlollipop]

aquliani won't see the pitch, that's for sure and kuyt is iron man, he'll be back ()

i just hope we win 2:0 or smth!

[SB]

Updates yesterday on the official indicate some hope of them playing but don't sound very definite.

Cheers Dave

[SB]

http://www.lfconline.com/news/tmnw/gerrard_fired_up_522749/index.shtml

Steven Gerrard is eagerly awaiting tomorrow's game.

The skipper can't wait for tomorrow's Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletico Madrid. With the Spaniards leading 1-0 from the first leg, Gerrard is looking to the crowd to inspire the players into another famous Anfield night.

"The sooner the game arrives the better," he said.

"These are the games players want to play in, and these are the nights heroes are made.

"If you don't want to play in these games there's something wrong with you. It's the biggest game of the season.

"The first game had very few chances for both sides. We never really threatened their goal or had any cutting edge in the final third, but it's only half-time and we're still confident we can progress in this tie.Which is why Aqua must play IMO

"I'm sure the next game will be different on our pitch. With our supporters behind us, the 12th man, we're capable of turning any result around - especially a 1-0.

"I'm sure we'll play at a high tempo and create a lot more chances.So Lucas won't be playing is what I'm reading here?

"They've got fantastic players, players who can hurt you. We know we're going to have to perform perfectly if we're going to get to Hamburg.

"We can't afford any mistakes because if they get an away goal it means we'll have to score three.Insua is out so that reduces that threat somewhat

"A couple of things will stand us in good stead: our experience - we've been here before; and the fact this kind of occasion is perfect for the supporters. If we get out of the blocks quickly then the place will erupt.

"We've got the experience and we've got the know-how, and no one is down in the dressing room because we've told Riera to sod offbecause everyone is really looking forward to Thursday and everyone is confident we can get to Hamburg."

[PTP]

can't believe this is tomorrow, i'm just not up for it at all i'm sure once i get out of work tomorrow and start making my way to the game i'll get up for it but right now it's a bit meh!

[SB]

can't believe this is tomorrow, i'm just not up for it at all i'm sure once i get out of work tomorrow and start making my way to the game i'll get up for it but right now it's a bit meh!

I hope the players don't feel the same way. Gerrard's comments in the papers seem to indicate he's right up for it

[PTP]

aye - i'm sure the players are you'd hope so - i think it's the small matter of work inbetween now and then that is the de-motivating factor

[SB]

aye - i'm sure the players are you'd hope so - i think it's the small matter of work inbetween now and then that is the de-motivating factor

Change jobs bro Just walk straight on in there and say thanks but no thanks

[PTP]

Unless i was too become a professional footballer, i think i'd be the same regardless of the job

[Tee]

Is Aguero back for Atletico?

[SB]

Is Aguero back for Atletico?

I'm sure he is

[Exiled_red]

Is Aguero back for Atletico?

I'm sure he is

Yes, he was just suspended for the first leg.

[SK]

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

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.

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.

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

[Bender]

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has hinted that he may be happy to keep Alberto Aquilani in the attacking free midfield role which saw the Italian make three assists in Sunday’s 4-0 victory at Burnley.

Aquilani played a more attacking game, pushed up behind Dirk Kuyt, who was substituted early in the second half.

Benitez said, “It is an option. He can play in both positions.

“In the first year, especially because he has been injured for a long time, to manage him and find the right position for him was not easy because the Premier League is very strong and physical.

“But in this position he has freedom and with Gerrard behind him they can pass to each other.

“Aquilani can pass the ball and when the game is open like in the second half he can move and give good assists.”