CL Final Liverpool v Real Madrid (Paris)

[labourRed]

https://twitter.com/IanDoyleSport/st...61012554035200

That is fabulous.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Was about this time last year many were talking about how disappointing Thiago had been. He’s now absolutely pivotal to us winning the CL Final

And some were most certainly not doing so. Been on the Thiago Choo choo from day one. Guy could have taken a nap on the pitch and I would have found a way to excuse it and claim it was some sort of genius move.

[Paul12]

Next to zero chance of it being easy

Is a genuine 50/50 match up imo with their strengths countering ours and vice versa.

Great to see a final where both teams are so good and so well matched. Well as long as we win it will be great

Agreed. Think the big issue is Vinicius (rather than Benzema)...unless Bale does another worldie.

[Kenneth]

As much as we might deny it, Trent has been targeted this year, he’s perceived as our weak link defensively, so I expect Madrid to do the same, Modric to Vinicius will be the most attempted pass imo. How confident are we that a) Trent to keep up with Vinicius jr and stop him getting balls into Benzema, and b) that, simultaneously, Trent will be able to overlap and play his attacking role? Feels like the result of that battle could be the difference.

[Irishnev]

As much as we might deny it, Trent has been targeted this year, he’s perceived as our weak link defensively, so I expect Madrid to do the same, Modric to Vinicius will be the most attempted pass imo. How confident are we that a) Trent to keep up with Vinicius jr and stop him getting balls into Benzema, and b) that, simultaneously, Trent will be able to overlap and play his attacking role? Feels like the result of that battle could be the difference.

We will rely on Hendo and Mo to be diligent or stop them at source

[Pablo]

As much as we might deny it, Trent has been targeted this year, he’s perceived as our weak link defensively, so I expect Madrid to do the same, Modric to Vinicius will be the most attempted pass imo. How confident are we that a) Trent to keep up with Vinicius jr and stop him getting balls into Benzema, and b) that, simultaneously, Trent will be able to overlap and play his attacking role? Feels like the result of that battle could be the difference.

It's just one of a number of key battles really though isn't it. I think Trent can handle himself.

I would suspect they're equally worried about Mane, Salah and Diaz

[Montana]

As good as Real are in midfield and attack, they are weak defensively against high tempo, pressing teams. Militao especially is an accident waiting to happen and Carvajal often gets caught out at the back post. I expect Diaz, Mane and Salah to rip them apart if they're on form. They won't be able to cope with us.

Wouldn't be surprised if we beat them 3-2 or even 4-2 of Thiago plays

[Tribute]

Be nice for us not to make hard work of a final for once, but can’t see it happening. Real will let us have early possession and look to target The space behind Trent on the break. If they score first and early, they’ll sit deep and make us play higher and more aggressive, whilst trying to nick another on the break.

Their worst case scenario is a couple of early goals for us. They won’t have a game plan and their attacking intent will leave them open at the back for a third or fourth…

I wish it was all so simple…

8pm kick off so I’ll be half cut since 4pm in all likelihood…

[Mr Pink]

Was about this time last year many were talking about how disappointing Thiago had been. He’s now absolutely pivotal to us winning the CL Final

He had a difficult first season, with that horrific injury in the derby and covid etc… but this time last year, think most people were praising the guy- he was instrumental in our awesome form, to finish the season strong and qualify for the champions league.

[Harv]

It's just one of a number of key battles really though isn't it. I think Trent can handle himself.

I would suspect they're equally worried about Mane, Salah and Diaz

he has a habit of getting sucked into the middle when defending and losing headers at thew back post. You can bet your arse Ancelotti will know all about it too.

He will also leave huge gaps at the back for Vinicius to run into. Just got to hope our midfield and Konate/Matip can cover quick enough

[frank the tank]

He had a difficult first season, with that horrific injury in the derby and covid etc… but this time last year, think most people were praising the guy- he was instrumental in our awesome form, to finish the season strong and qualify for the champions league.

Him and Fab in the midfield for the last 10 or so games of the league season last year were both epic.

Thiago has been brilliant for us whenever he has been fit. His debut he got MOTM ffs and only played half the game???

[Mr Pink]

Thiago has been brilliant for us whenever he has been fit. His debut he got MOTM ffs and only played half the game???

and set an all time PL record for most successful passes in 45 min, or something like that.

[Paul12]

...if Thiago plays

I just can't see us gambling on the fitness of two players and Fab would frankly be a gamble so it is one or other as a starter I think.

[Sus]

5 subs though and the last game of the season, to be fair. If 1 or even 2 break down, might not be the end of the game

[Shaggy]

If Thiago comes through this week unscathed I think both will start.