So, the big one....

[Gooner Spy]

So, all other distractions are out of the way now, and the trilogy begins. Both would clearly rate the CL tie as more significant objective now, right?

 

So, I was wondering, difficult as rafa is to second guess, is today's line-up pretty close to what you will field on Wednesday? Thought Hyppia and Skrtel had great games today, but surely Carragher wont be pushed to full back? and surely to God Crouch will start, given his rampant domination of our centre backs? But where would he fit into this new formation?

 

What do you Scousers think is gonna happen over the 2 legs?

Edited March 30, 2008 by Gooner Spy

[Leroy]

2-1 to us

[Swipe]

Over two legs, I think we'll win.

[Elisha_Scott]

Draw-Loss-Win

 

In that order.

[Guest Prongsy]

So, all other distractions are out of the way now, and the trilogy begins. Both would clearly rate the CL tie as more significant objective now, right?

 

So, I was wondering, difficult as rafa is to second guess, is today's line-up pretty close to what you will field on Wednesday? Thought Hyppia and Skrtel had great games today, but surely Carragher wont be pushed to full back? and surely to God Crouch will start, given his rampant domination of our centre backs? But where would he fit into this new formation?

 

What do you Scousers think is gonna happen over the 2 legs?

 

Crouch won't start. I'd like him too, because he is more than capable of dominating the CB's.

 

It's f***ing tough one to call, I think it's just down to what happens on the night. If we get an early goal at The Emirates, I think Arsenal could let their heads drop, but if you can take our first 20 minutes storm (which is what we will come out with) then I can see you taking the victory at your place.

 

It's a tough one.

[Maldini]

Draw-Loss-Win

 

In that order.

 

Yeah, I said the same to a Gooner mate of mine today. I'd take that now if it was offered.

[Swipe]

Win-Draw-Win

[MFletcher]

Draw-Loss-Win

 

In that order.

 

I agree.

[Gooner Spy]

Crouch won't start. I'd like him too, because he is more than capable of dominating the CB's.

 

It's f***ing tough one to call, I think it's just down to what happens on the night. If we get an early goal at The Emirates, I think Arsenal could let their heads drop, but if you can take our first 20 minutes storm (which is what we will come out with) then I can see you taking the victory at your place.

 

It's a tough one.

 

Do you really think you'll come to our place all guns blazing? I think we are all expecting a fairly defensive show on Wednesday, trying to keep it tight?

[Guest Prongsy]

Do you really think you'll come to our place all guns blazing? I think we are all expecting a fairly defensive show on Wednesday, trying to keep it tight?

 

Not a chance we'll go all defensive at yours, have you watched us in the European Cup over the last three years. This is just what we do.

 

We'll gun it for the first 20 minutes, then level off. After the break we'll try to keep the ball and roll it around, then when you've got it we'll try to hit on the break.

Edited March 30, 2008 by Prongsy

[Gooner Spy]

Not a chance we'll go all defensive at yours, have you watched us in the European Cup over the last three years. This is just what we do.

 

There's a big anomoly about Liverpool here. Rafa's record against top four PL sides= abhysmal, yet his CL record= phenomenal. So as fans, are you concerned that, to get to Moscow, its unlikely you're going to leave the UK before then?

Edited March 30, 2008 by Gooner Spy

[Maldini]

Not a chance we'll go all defensive at yours, have you watched us in the European Cup over the last three years. This is just what we do.

 

We'll gun it for the first 20 minutes, then level off. After the break we'll try to keep the ball and roll it around, then when you've got it we'll try to hit on the break.

 

Not away we won't. We always do that at home, at Chelsea away the last couple of times we kept it very tight and played on the break. I can't see us doing anything differently this time.

[Guest Prongsy]

There's a big anomoly about Liverpool here. Rafa's record against top four PL sides+ abhysmal, yet his CL record= phenomenal. So as fans, are you concerned that, to get to Moscow, its unlikely you're going to leave the UK before then?

 

I'm not so sure that we'll have to face Chelsea if we do manage to win against you. There is bound to be shocks and I'd not bet against Fener or Roma providing one.

[Cobs]

There's a big anomoly about Liverpool here. Rafa's record against top four PL sides+ abhysmal, yet his CL record= phenomenal. So as fans, are you concerned that, to get to Moscow, its unlikely you're going to leave the UK before then?

i think we'd rather be playing continental opposition

 

but i doubt yourselves or Chelsea would be looking forward to facing us over 2 legs either

[Gooner Spy]

i think we'd rather be playing continental opposition

 

but i doubt yourselves or Chelsea would be looking forward to facing us over 2 legs either

 

Without sounding like a dick about it, i would be sorely disappointed if I thought we couldnt do you over 2 legs. I think we need to play an English kind of tempo against you - the objective over the 2 legs must be to never let you feel like youre playing a Europan game, else we'll get battered. We need to take a lead to Anfield, else we're fecked!

[Maldini]

Playing a game over two legs is a lot different to playing a 90 minute league game though. We can beat anyone over two legs.

[Cobs]

Without sounding like a dick about it, i would be sorely disappointed if I thought we couldnt do you over 2 legs.

 

 

We need to take a lead to Anfield, else we're fecked!

 

dead confident then

 

[Guest Jon_G]

The atmosphere at Anfield will f*** up a few of your players, like it did with Chelsea

[Kuyt-fever]

To beat us over two legs you need to be either great or very very lucky. I dont think Arsenal are a great side so they're going to have to be very lucky.

 

I think you'll beat us on wednesday though.

[DJS]

Do you really think you'll come to our place all guns blazing? I think we are all expecting a fairly defensive show on Wednesday, trying to keep it tight?

I think you're right and normally, that irritates me when we go to your place with such a defensive mentality. In my view, if you invite Arsenal to control the game and try to sit back, they'll inevitably create chances...and probably convert a couple. You're too good not to.

 

However, in the context of a 2-leg CL tie, it's different. Having said that, maybe something in between the usual Emirates style of 'sit back and keep them out' and 'all guns blazing' would do nicely.

 

Obviously keep it tight, but there'll be moments in the game where we'll get a chance to pose a threat. We will need to believe in our ability to score there and realise that a fair part of keeping you at bay will involve giving you something to deal with at the other end.

 

As is so often the case, the outcome will depend hugely on our mentality.

 

If we go there thinking we can trouble you on the break and actually put some effort into doing that, i'm confident we can score and keep the tie well balanced going into the 2nd leg.

 

The usual 2-0 or 3-0 Emirates capitulation, and naturally, our european campaign will be over before YNWA blares out on the 8th...

[DJS]

The atmosphere at Anfield will f*** up a few of your players, like it did with Chelsea

 

And you get the impression that mentally speaking, Arsenal arent the strongest. It could have an affect on several of their younger players. That's why it's utterly imperative that we hold our own at the Emirates.

 

Shame Fabregas scored that winner for them at Bolton, as their confidence and morale would've been shot to pieces had they not won. Now they're going to be well up for Wednesday night.

 

Still, we have the experience and mentality for two-leg European ties, so it's there for the taking.

[Gooner Spy]

I think you're right and normally, that irritates me when we go to your place with such a defensive mentality. In my view, if you invite Arsenal to control the game and try to sit back, they'll inevitably create chances...and probably convert a couple. You're too good not to.

 

However, in the context of a 2-leg CL tie, it's different. Having said that, maybe something in between the usual Emirates style of 'sit back and keep them out' and 'all guns blazing' would do nicely.

 

Obviously keep it tight, but there'll be moments in the game where we'll get a chance to pose a threat. We will need to believe in our ability to score there and realise that a fair part of keeping you at bay will involve giving you something to deal with at the other end.

 

As is so often the case, the outcome will depend hugely on our mentality.

 

If we go there thinking we can trouble you on the break and actually put some effort into doing that, i'm confident we can score and keep the tie well balanced going into the 2nd leg.

 

The usual 2-0 or 3-0 Emirates capitulation, and naturally, our european campaign will be over before YNWA blares out on the 8th...

 

Thats the huge fear. Everyone gets 2 chances at least against us, and not everyone has Torres, which is scary. One thing for sure in my mind - if we concede on Wednesday, then we are well and truly f***ed.

[Gooner Spy]

And you get the impression that mentally speaking, Arsenal arent the strongest. It could have an affect on several of their younger players. That's why it's utterly imperative that we hold our own at the Emirates.

 

Shame Fabregas scored that winner for them at Bolton, as their confidence and morale would've been shot to pieces had they not won. Now they're going to be well up for Wednesday night.

 

Still, we have the experience and mentality for two-leg European ties, so it's there for the taking.

 

 

Not sure I would agree with that. The San Siro says different.......

[DJS]

Thats the huge fear. Everyone gets 2 chances at least against us, and not everyone has Torres, which is scary. One thing for sure in my mind - if we concede on Wednesday, then we are well and truly f***ed.

 

Not so sure that you'd be fecked by conceding an away goal - obviously it depends on how many you score yourselves, but in terms of creating chances and scoring at Anfield goes, you should be as confident of doing so as anyone. Your style of play and the ability you have to carve teams open usually equates to chances. Then it's just down to whether Samson can convert it

[DJS]

Not sure I would agree with that. The San Siro says different.......

 

Obviously you performed very well at Milan and no one would deny that. So yes, the San Siro says different. Recent league performances tell a different story, mind.

 

But as John Terry & co will tell you, anfield is a different kettle of fish on a CL night...

 

Chelsea had players who had 'seen it all' in their careers and they werent going to be phased by it...or so they thought.

 

It never ceases to amaze (or please) me how so many people underestimate Anfield on nights like that.

 

Long may it continue

Edited March 31, 2008 by Dj Sydney_A