PSV Second leg

[Gomez]

Now I am not arguing that be should, but will Rafa play some reserves and rest the big names? He's done this in the second legs of qualifiers when we've had a good lead and financially they are more important that this match?

 

I'm not saying he'll 'play the kids' but you know, Fowler, Dudek, Arbeloa, Zenden and maybe the odd kid like Guthrie if they are not all on loan. The kids don't have to be registered for the CL do they?

 

More interestingly will Koeman write it off as a bad job and play his stiffs / kids? Or will he go all out in an attempt to get back in it? What are PSV's commitments? They are top only top of their league by three points aren't they, not a forgone conclusion?

[nvdm]

This is the business end of the season. Every game is crucial and this tie is far from over.

[RP]

He won't play kids from the start, but in the second half if PSV haven't scored then he'll get a few key players off.

 

The tie is very close to over.

[Jeff guitar]

Think it will be a very strong line up that starts the game, from both teams but rafa will be a bit more discerning in his substitutions if all is going well with a half hour left.

[Rich Gobey]

The tie is almost dead, I cant see Rafa wanting to chance any revival.

 

His early season rotation seems to be paying off now, the players look really strong.

 

Actually, the squad is so strong I wouldnt care who played.

 

Except Dudek.

[Guest Anders Honoré]

Actually, the squad is so strong I wouldnt care who played.

 

Except Dudek.

 

hater.

[Guest ziggystardust]

The tie is a complete formality.

[Dog]

Stupid to talk as if it was all over. It's not over until the final whistle.

 

In Instanbul the AC Milan players were already celebrating at half time. Soon had the smile wiped from their faces.

 

PSV are a good side. They are capable of causing an upset and in no way will they be underestimated in the next leg.

CL is now priority. No silverware coming from elsewhere now.

[Gomez]

PSV are a good side. They are capable of causing an upset and in no way will they be underestimated in the next leg.

CL is now priority. No silverware coming from elsewhere now.

 

Yep, but will PSV see it that way. I could see them fielding an effective reserve side, which would be evident from the squad that travels, therefore this could alter Rafa's plans.

[Nebraska Red]

PSV have been caught in their own league by an Ajax team that was a fair way behind them not too long ago. Koeman will be looking to try and keep top spot in Holland. They had an 11 point advantage which is down to 3 with 4 games left.

 

I can see Koeman putting out a decent side, but not his first choice 11, and going for damage control by avoiding a slaughter.

 

Rafa will be able to play the likes of Arbeloa, Hyppia, Sissoko, Pennant and Bellamy from the start and we will not see much of a drop off from last night.

Edited April 4, 2007 by nebraska red

[Rich Gobey]

hater.

 

[Guest Ant]

Hopefully he plays his stongest squad....

 

I really don't want to tempt fate...

[Koller49]

He'll play full strength I reckon, no point on doing anything other really, the league is pretty much dead, and we've got quite a straight forward run in.

 

I sold my PSV ticket anyway though - the game is over as a contest, bar something horrendous happening first half.

Edited April 4, 2007 by Koller49

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

Rafa's not going to risk too much. You could see Pennant & Gonzalez both start (they did against Arsenal), perhaps Fowler and maybe even one of Gerrard & Carra rested.

 

It won't be the U-18s lining up though

[Falconhoof]

There are no easy games at this level.

[Nebraska Red]

welcome to cliche land.

[Gomez]

He'll play full strength I reckon, no point on doing anything other really, the league is pretty much dead, and we've got quite a straight forward run in.

 

The league is dead, but we need to finish at least 4th. That is not safe yet, we lost out on fourth last time we progressed this far in the CL due to resting players in the league to concentrate on the CL, it was a huge risk but fortunately it paid off. I doubt we'd risk it again unless we had to.

 

Secondly, we could be really cocky and rest players for the semi. I think that would be pushing it too far, but you can at least see that we would want to avoid bookings to crucial players at all costs? Gerrard / Reina / Carra etc can't be booked if they are not on the pitch.

[Cobs]

I really don't want to tempt fate...

not much....

[Falconhoof]

PSV will be like a wounded animal. Treat them lightly and all our chickens could come home to haunt us.

[JonShar]

PSV will be like a wounded animal. Treat them lightly and all our chickens could come home to haunt us.

 

Will all that happen before or after the fat lady sings?

[Guest Scot]

PSV will be like a wounded animal. Treat them lightly and all our chickens could come home to haunt us.

 

potential banana skin

[koppper]

Will all that happen before or after the fat lady sings?

 

Bugger the fat lady.

[RP]

PSV are a sh*t side, far and away the worst left in the competition. They ain't coming back from 3-0 down in the home leg.

[Guest Scot]

PSV are a sh*t side, far and away the worst left in the competition. They ain't coming back from 3-0 down in the home leg.

 

You're deliberately trying to get a 'mockers' cry, aren't you.

[RP]

Shove your f***ing mockers up your ar5e. How on earth is what I say on here going to affect the outcome of the second leg? Don't be so f***ing stupid.

 

 

No, what makes you say that?