Substitutes for CL final?

[New York Red]

Who will be on the bench? There are a few question marks I suppose. Will Jerzy be fit? Sami will be on the bench I guess. Will he take a chance with Kewell? Will Pennant be on the right and therefore bumping Xabi to the bench?

 

The biggest issue is will Kuyt, Bellamy, Crouch and Robbie all be in the running? I kind of like the option of having five great penalty takers in the game if it goes to penalties and that's why I'd really be in favour of Robbie coming on right at the death like in the semi final.

Edited May 15, 2007 by New York Red

[Benitez]

Kewell will be on the bench, be mad for him not to be. It's not taking a chance, as he has now played in 3 games, and has looked pretty damn sharp as well! And when you have 7 subs, then even if it was taking a chance, it's one worth taking.

 

Dudek was training today, so I guess he's ok as well.

 

I can't see Pennant starting, however well he's been playing recently, but that's just my feeling, cos I expect Xabi to start in the final, and Mascher, and SteG.

[anny road]

Kewell will be on the bench, be mad for him not to be. It's not taking a chance, as he has now played in 3 games, and has looked pretty damn sharp as well! And when you have 7 subs, then even if it was taking a chance, it's one worth taking.

 

Dudek was training today, so I guess he's ok as well.

 

I can't see Pennant starting, however well he's been playing recently, but that's just my feeling, cos I expect Xabi to start in the final, and Mascher, and SteG.

 

 

so was Garcia

[CaptainXabi]

I really think Kewell should start the final if Gerrard is on the right and Crouch is starting. Someone needs to feed the Crouch consistently. Sure as a sub he'd be on against tiring legs, but we need to make sure we don't leave ourselves a mountain to climb again.

[Joey]

Balague intimated that Kewell would start. Rafa's given him a chance before when he's not been 100% fit so it would suggest he rates him.

 

I would hope that he goes for a keeper, two defenders, two midfielders, and two strikers. It would definitely give Robbie a chance but I wouldn't disagree with an extra midfielder instead of a fourth striker.

[surf]

i'd hope he picks a few more players than that

[Joey]

i'd hope he picks a few more players than that

 

 

We'd trounce them with 11 players - after last time we need to make it even more interesting.

[IgPig]

I reckon Kewell will play only if we play 5 in Midfield (i.e. Gerrard in advanced position). If we play 4, it'll be Zenden I think.

 

Be mad not to have Fowler on the bench, if only for pens.

 

Is it 7 you are allowed?

 

If we play 1 striker, 1 of Bellamy or Fowler will miss out presumably. Hate it to be Robbie.

Edited May 15, 2007 by Post Kuytal Glow

[Guest Parm]

I think Kewell has to start from the bench and be brought on early in the second half. However, given how Rafa has played Kewell, whether fully fit or not, in every final we've reached of late, it wouldnt surprise me if Harry started. If this happens I'd expect Harry to be in a support striker role.

 

As for the rest of the bench, can see, fitness permitting, Dudek, Fowler, Momo, Sami, Bellers, Crouch.

[Guest RedIsMyColour]

Imagine if Robbie comes on for penalties and is the only one to miss and make us lose

 

[Joey]

I reckon Kewell will play only if we play 5 in Midfield (i.e. Gerrard in advanced position). If we play 4, it'll be Zenden I think.

 

Be mad not to have Fowler on the bench, if only for pens.

 

Is it 7 you are allowed?

 

If we play 1 striker, 1 of Bellamy or Fowler will miss out presumably. Hate it to be Robbie.

 

Rafa certainly seems to trust Zenden in the big games doesn't he? If Kewell doesn't start I think we'll definitely see him play (unless we're battering AC). I also think Robbie will be on the bench: because of pens, because he's more likely to do something than Gonzalez, and because I think Rafa has a little romantic streak that would love Fowler to score the winner.

[surf]

I reckon Kewell will start as he's our best option on the left.

[Joey]

As for the rest of the bench, can see, fitness permitting, Dudek, Fowler, Momo, Sami, Bellers, Crouch.

I assume you think Gerrard playing off Kuyt? It wouldn't surprise me at all but I can't see three forwards on the bench. Think Arbeloa (or Riise) would get the nod ahead of one of Bellamy, Crouch or Fowler.

[Ginu]

i don't see Rafa using Harry as a sub. If it goes to extra time and Kewell is used in the second half, he won't risk using 2 subs if Harry can't make it through. Kewell Alonso Mascherano Gerrard for me. Crouch and Kuyt up front - Kuyt needs to tire out old Maldini.

Edited May 15, 2007 by Ginu

[MFletcher]

If Kewell isn't fit enough to start, then we'll probably play Zenden. If Zenden plays, we might want to play Bellamy instead of Crouch. The reason I say this is because Zenden's crossing is poor, but he's more than capable of cutting infield and playing a through ball to someone with Bellamy's pace. Kewell has the ability to take his man on and deliver telling crosses, and if he starts then I'd prefer us to ply Crouch because he could really feed off the service from Harry on the left and Stevie on the right.

 

I imagine our line-up will be:

 

Reina

Finnan

Carragher

Agger

Riise

Gerrard

Alonso

Mascherano

Zenden/Kewell

Kuyt

Bellamy/Crouch

 

Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano and Kuyt pick themselves. The question is whether Riise plays left midfield, with Arbeloa at left back. Or if Rafa opts for Zenden/Kewell (even Gonzalez?) on the left. Kuyt's a definite up front, but its whether Rafa feels we'll have more joy in the air or behind the back line.

 

Likely bench: Dudek, Arbeloa, Sissoko, Pennant, Kewell/Zenden, Bellamy/Crouch, Hyypia

 

I expect Zenden and Crouch to start myself.

Edited May 15, 2007 by MFletcher

[floyd the barber]

for me, two of....... kewell,riise,arbeola...zenden or gonzalez is gonna miss out completly....cant see all 5 of them in the squad..

 

my hunch...gonzalez and arbeola... as i think the bench will be.......dudek,hyypia,fowler,bellamy,sissoko,zenden,pennant

 

with the first 11..

 

-----------------------reina-----------------------

finnan-------carra----------agger---------riise-

---------------------------------------------------

gerrard-------masch-----alonso--------kewell-

--------------crouch---------kuyt----------------

Edited May 15, 2007 by Winding Wheel

[New York Red]

for me, two of....... kewell,riise,arbeola...zenden or gonzalez is gonna miss out completly....cant see all 5 of them in the squad..

 

my hunch...gonzalez and arbeola... as i think the bench will be.......dudek,hyypia,fowler,bellamy,sissoko,zenden,pennant

 

with the first 11..

 

-----------------------reina-----------------------

finnan-------carra----------agger---------riise-

---------------------------------------------------

gerrard-------masch-----alonso--------kewell-

--------------crouch---------kuyt----------------

 

I'd agree with you totally with one exception. I think Arbeloa will be in instead of Sissoko. His form hasn't warranted a place and Arbeloa can cover either side of the back four. If Pennant comes in, Gerrard can move inside.

Edited May 15, 2007 by New York Red

[Guest green bin]

Anyone think Rafa will spring a huge surprise and select Little Luis on the bench

 

 

 

Sorry just checked the other thread,didnt realise.

Edited May 15, 2007 by green bin

[R A Softlad]

Reina

 

Finnan

Carragher

Agger

Riise

 

Gerrard

Mascherano

Alonso

Kewell

 

Crouch

Kuyt

 

 

Subs:

 

Dudek

Hyypia

Arbeloa

Pennant

Sissoko

Bellamy

Fowler

Edited May 15, 2007 by R A Softlad

[New York Red]

Reina

 

Finnan

Carragher

Agger

Riise

 

Gerrard

Mascherano

Alonso

Kewell

 

Crouch

Kuyt

Subs:

 

Dudek

Hyypia

Arbeloa

Pennant

Sissoko

Bellamy

Fowler

 

No Zenden? Rafa seems to like him presently.

[Hassony]

No Zenden? Rafa seems to like him presently.

thats only because Gonzalez has been poor and Riise is our best left back

[New York Red]

thats only because Gonzalez has been poor and Riise is our best left back

 

That's why I think he will be a sub. He's versatile, in decent form, and a great penalty taker.

[Hassony]

That's why I think he will be a sub. He's versatile, in decent form, and a great penalty taker.

yes, he will be a sub for sure, kewell to go off after 20 minutes, to be replaced by bolo who will score during the 90 minutes, and again in the penalty shoot out and kiss hid badge and leave a hero just like Vlad did 2 years ago

[Mondavi]

That's why I think he will be a sub. He's versatile, in decent form, and a great penalty taker.

 

Agree. Two will miss out, but I doubt very much Zenden will be one. If Kewell maintains his fitness during training, then gonzalez is likely to miss out as he only fills one role.

 

The other one to miss out is not so easy to pick. Rafa could decide one defender is enough on the bench, but I don't think so. I expect Momo to either start or miss out completely, probably the latter.

[floyd the barber]

no way will zenden not be in the squad...full of experience, good penalty taker, has featured in our semis vs chelsea can play left mid, central mid and if needed....left bk.

 

A definete....for sure