Seems that ALLEN has some sort of problem so CAN starts in his place.
Nothing against Can starting as a considered gamble but if we're being forced to through yet another injury that's cruel luck. Jürgen's mentioned Pirlo's propensity for picking up the odd niggle here and there and that might well have a big influence on Jürgen's thinking if Joe can indeed hold a long term squad space.
Hopefully the rumours are wrong though because starting a less than match fit Can and Lucas as our midfield would be nobody's idea of the perfect centre for a game of this magnitude. Milner in the centre and leaving Emre exposed doesn't fill me with any kind of confidence either, considering they will set up for the full on counter we can't afford to go wandering, positional discipline will be crucial.
At this point the only decision Jürgen will really have to make is if Sturridge starts and of course it's a big decision but at home I think it's much easier to let him off the leash. What we do need is a much better performance from Sturridge than we got at Swansea, we need him firing on all cylinders and making himself and others available with plenty of movement up top. If they sit, as we suspect, then just dropping into midfield occasionally probably wont cut it, we need to pull their defenders out of position. So if he does get the nod I want to see him really put maximum effort. Anyone watching Real v City last night when Ronaldo got switched to CF will have seen him sprinting after defenders, closing down and forcing errors, if it's good for someone as self obsessed as that then Danny should realise it's the least we can expect from him.
Obviously it's not just Studge's responsibility, everyone needs to realise if we're having to throw Emre into the mix that they need to up their workload, take on the responsibility and produce "a game to tell their grandchildren about". Let's get through to the final and listen to Anfield roar, the ingredients are all there for a special occasion, a special night and Anfield has delivered so many in the past here's hoping she serves up another treat.
Come on Redmen!!
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