Pre-Match: Liverpool v Villarreal; UCL Semi-final, April 27th: KO 8pm

Games coming so thick and fast that we don’t even have a thread started for the small matter of a Champions League Semi Final.

Alisson
TAA
Konate
Virgil
Robbo
Fabinho
Thiago
Henderson
Salah
Mane
Diaz

Strange to have the first leg at home but we just about survived the Roma semi which was home first so it can be done.

Strange to have the first leg at home but we just about survived the Roma semi which was home first so it can be done.

We’ve been superb away from home in Europe this season. Might work in our favour this time.

I've just been watching the second leg semi final against Barca at Anfield on LFC TV after being 3-0 down from the first leg, what an atmosphere that was, could we engineer a win? we surely did, oh what a night  It's really put me in the mood.

Hopefully tomorrow night we can get a good lead to take back to Spain next week, gonna be hard, gonna be tough but we wouldn't have it any other way, full strength team for tomorrow, with Jürgen at the helm, we can do anything.

last CL game at Anfield this season make some f***in noise.
Was it 1981 Real in Paris  sounds good to me in 2022 also I dont want to face City in the final so as long as we do our job against Villa Real we can get retribution for 2018 with Mo getting a hatrick.

Taking my nephew to his first semi final tomorrow, should have been with me in the Barca game but his mam and dad wouldn’t let him finish college early , don’t think he’s forgiven them yet , as any time there’s a mention of it , he brings that night up 💥

Confident on this one. We will need to cut the open, they probably will make camp, try to fend us off. We have to shift it quicker than we did in the first half V Everton. One goal won't entice them out, probably not even two.

Diaz from the off or ace up our sleeve. Konate might get the nod as we will get plenty of corners and he could storm in causing mayhem in their area.

Their basic style is to defend deep and swift counter.
They won’t open up until they are in their own backyard.
If we can take a lead to theirs, I think we’ll win as they will have to be more adventurous which will suit us.

So far this run we got the job done in the first leg in which allowed us kinda coasted our way through the second leg. UCL semi-final I expect Anfield to be loud and intense.

I expect what we seen on the weekend with Everton we will see again with Villareal. We will have a lot of the ball, try to break down a compact defense, looking for fouls and making the game as frustrating for us as they can.

If we can ride the wave of the supporters early and get a goal to not allow nerves/frustration to settle in eith the players a supporters.

-------------------Alisson-----------------
TAA----Koante-------VvD-------Robbo
-------Ketia-----Hendo------Thiago--
--Salah----------Mane---------Diaz

Their basic style is to defend deep and swift counter.
They won’t open up until they are in their own backyard.
If we can take a lead to theirs, I think we’ll win as they will have to be more adventurous which will suit us.

We owe Emery one after his Serville mob did us in the Europa final in 15-16. He has won the Europa 4 times so he knows how to set up away from home. He'll play on being classed as the underdog, waste time, gang up on Mo. Could play 5 across the back with 4 in front with the lone runner.

Boss might hold Diaz back as his pace might be better used after they have defended for an hour. Only a matter of time till Diaz cuts inside and bury's one in the top corner. But playing Diaz from the off might draw attention away from Mo.

We owe Emery one after his Serville mob did us in the Europa final in 15-16. He has won the Europa 4 times so he knows how to set up away from home. He'll play on being classed as the underdog, waste time, gang up on Mo. Could play 5 across the back with 4 in front with the lone runner.

Boss might hold Diaz back as his pace might be better used after they have defended for an hour. Only a matter of time till Diaz cuts inside and bury's one in the top corner. But playing Diaz from the off might draw attention away from Mo.

I can't stand Emery's histrionics on the touchline. Can not be doing with them

Does Alberto Moreno still play for them? his first return to Anfield since he left?

Does Alberto Moreno still play for them? his first return to Anfield since he left?

Yep, but I think he's injured.

We know what it means to lift it so there will be no need to tell the players.

We will be focused and we will do our best to succeed and have good foundation for the away leg.

I wonder if Everton have done us a huge favour in playing the way they did as I wonder if Villa Real will approach the game in a similar way.

I wonder if Everton have done us a huge favour in playing the way they did as I wonder if Villa Real will approach the game in a similar way.

But villa real are more lethal on the break than Everton

They'll definitely sit back and counter, hopefully we can score a goal in the first 25 minutes so they have to come out.

Didn't watch their first game against Bayern but in the second leg Bayern totally dominated them, think they had like 40 shots on target between both legs.

But villa real are more lethal on the break than Everton

most under 12 girls teams are more dangerous on the break. I just think Jürgen has built this team into monsters never mind mentality monsters they are just monsters who will not accept getting beat.

Think those that were celebrating facing these over Bayern might be in for a bit of a shock tomorrow night. They've got a style that will frustrate us - similar to Sunday but with much more quality.

Any sort of win tomorrow will be great, will make them play a different way at their place which should open the game up for us more.

Think those that were celebrating facing these over Bayern might be in for a bit of a shock tomorrow night. They've got a style that will frustrate us - similar to Sunday but with much more quality.

Any sort of win tomorrow will be great, will make them play a different way at their place which should open the game up for us more.

I fully agree mate, we are well suited for a team like Bayern who are vulnerable at the back, leave space to attack in behind. This lot are cagey, well drilled and dangerous on the counter, plus they've had a week off to prepare for this game.

This will be a very tricky tie. any sort of win tomorrow night will do for me.

Think those that were celebrating facing these over Bayern might be in for a bit of a shock tomorrow night. They've got a style that will frustrate us - similar to Sunday but with much more quality.

Any sort of win tomorrow will be great, will make them play a different way at their place which should open the game up for us more.

The intensity will be much higher than it was in the first half V Everton. We want them hanging on by a thread coming out for the second half. Get in even one goal up at half time will put them on edge and feeling pressured. Bite and press at them every time and they will crumble.

Ahhh..the old Bite & Press routine...works every time..induces panic yer see..

We're used to the style Villareal will present, we get it nearly every week. Very confident. Mentality monsters is right. We'll be patient, calm and lethal when it matters.

We're used to the style Villareal will present, we get it nearly every week. Very confident. Mentality monsters is right. We'll be patient, calm and lethal when it matters.

Don’t underestimate Emery he’s more than a one trick pony and they can be dangerous in many ways they’re not just  a low block team. It won’t be easy but will have what it takes to go through.

Don’t underestimate Emery he’s more than a one trick pony and they can be dangerous in many ways they’re not just  a low block team. It won’t be easy but will have what it takes to go through.

I agree, there wil be spells in the game where they play high and press our back line. They have had the weekend off so will have fresh legs. I think we'll win but it will be a tough game.

Anfield under the lights gives oppo’s the fright’s, see I’m a poet, but you didn’t know it  , Champion’s league semi final, we have to expect a real battle whoever or wherever we play, Villarreal are the surprise package this year and have taken some notable scalps, but this is where their run ends,

At home we are a formidable hurdle to overcome and away we are the same, so like what Gerns, said, we take a lead going to theirs I think we make the final, I imagine Emery will set up parking a couple of bendy buses across the back and middle and counter attack, he will want the draw or goals against at the minimum, we will need a two goal advantage to take to Spain at least,

Attack attack, attack attack attack, for me and fast out of the blocks, don’t let them settle, get in their faces off the ball and running backwards on it, like I said in a previous post, the team kind of picks itself, maybe minor adjustments here and there, I’m going with thus……..


…….          Starters……..                            Alisson
                                                Trent    Konate   Virgil   Robbo
                                                                 Fabinho
                                                        Thiago          Naby la
                                                     Salah      Mane      Diaz


…….           Finishers…….             Hendo, Jota & Bobby, replacing Thiago, Naby & Diaz


Love us to go to Spain 2 up that would be ideal, 3 up would be job done, and face RM in the final, City fu**ed up last night, good watch btw, but conceding three at home won’t exactly give confidence going to the Bernabau, I fancy RM to finish them of at home  , tonight is pivotal, we really do need to take as much as we can to Spain along with a clean sheet.


3-0  Mighty Redmen    



                                                                          Y  N  W  A

Anfield under the lights gives oppo’s the fright’s, see I’m a poet, but you didn’t know it  , Champion’s league semi final, we have to expect a real battle whoever or wherever we play, Villarreal are the surprise package this year and have taken some notable scalps, but this is where their run ends,

At home we are a formidable hurdle to overcome and away we are the same, so like what Gerns, said, we take a lead going to theirs I think we make the final, I imagine Emery will set up parking a couple of bendy buses across the back and middle and counter attack, he will want the draw or goals against at the minimum, we will need a two goal advantage to take to Spain at least,

Attack attack, attack attack attack, for me and fast out of the blocks, don’t let them settle, get in their faces off the ball and running backwards on it, like I said in a previous post, the team kind of picks itself, maybe minor adjustments here and there, I’m going with thus……..


…….          Starters……..                            Alisson
                                                Trent    Konate   Virgil   Robbo
                                                                 Fabinho
                                                        Thiago          Naby la
                                                     Salah      Mane      Diaz


…….           Finishers…….             Hendo, Jota & Bobby, replacing Thiago, Naby & Diaz


Love us to go to Spain 2 up that would be ideal, 3 up would be job done, and face RM in the final, City fu**ed up last night, good watch btw, but conceding three at home won’t exactly give confidence going to the Bernabau, I fancy RM to finish them of at home  , tonight is pivotal, we really do need to take as much as we can to Spain along with a clean sheet.


3-0  Mighty Redmen    



                                                                          Y  N  W  A

Every time you write
It gives us great delight

Every time you write
It gives us great delight

Can't agree more.
The poet provides great insights for us to look forward for.

Thinking Konate is nailed on for this one. I’m foreseeing a 3rd consecutive CL goal for the big man after we get our first corner and put their game plan to bed.

Anfield under the lights gives oppo’s the fright’s, see I’m a poet, but you didn’t know it  , Champion’s league semi final, we have to expect a real battle whoever or wherever we play, Villarreal are the surprise package this year and have taken some notable scalps, but this is where their run ends,

At home we are a formidable hurdle to overcome and away we are the same, so like what Gerns, said, we take a lead going to theirs I think we make the final, I imagine Emery will set up parking a couple of bendy buses across the back and middle and counter attack, he will want the draw or goals against at the minimum, we will need a two goal advantage to take to Spain at least,

Attack attack, attack attack attack, for me and fast out of the blocks, don’t let them settle, get in their faces off the ball and running backwards on it, like I said in a previous post, the team kind of picks itself, maybe minor adjustments here and there, I’m going with thus……..


…….          Starters……..                            Alisson
                                                Trent    Konate   Virgil   Robbo
                                                                 Fabinho
                                                        Thiago          Naby la
                                                     Salah      Mane      Diaz


…….           Finishers…….             Hendo, Jota & Bobby, replacing Thiago, Naby & Diaz


Love us to go to Spain 2 up that would be ideal, 3 up would be job done, and face RM in the final, City fu**ed up last night, good watch btw, but conceding three at home won’t exactly give confidence going to the Bernabau, I fancy RM to finish them of at home  , tonight is pivotal, we really do need to take as much as we can to Spain along with a clean sheet.


3-0  Mighty Redmen    



                                                                          Y  N  W  A

That line up looks good to me billy. As long as the subs are made, only if they are needed. ie injuries, tired legs, tactical change. Not just for the hell of it.
It sometimes causes disruption to our rythm, and let’s opposition get a foothold in the game, they otherwise wouldn’t have.
Like v City in the cup game.

Anfield under the lights gives oppo’s the fright’s, see I’m a poet, but you didn’t know it  , Champion’s league semi final, we have to expect a real battle whoever or wherever we play, Villarreal are the surprise package this year and have taken some notable scalps, but this is where their run ends,

At home we are a formidable hurdle to overcome and away we are the same, so like what Gerns, said, we take a lead going to theirs I think we make the final, I imagine Emery will set up parking a couple of bendy buses across the back and middle and counter attack, he will want the draw or goals against at the minimum, we will need a two goal advantage to take to Spain at least,

Attack attack, attack attack attack, for me and fast out of the blocks, don’t let them settle, get in their faces off the ball and running backwards on it, like I said in a previous post, the team kind of picks itself, maybe minor adjustments here and there, I’m going with thus……..


…….          Starters……..                            Alisson
                                                Trent    Konate   Virgil   Robbo
                                                                 Fabinho
                                                        Thiago          Naby la
                                                     Salah      Mane      Diaz


…….           Finishers…….             Hendo, Jota & Bobby, replacing Thiago, Naby & Diaz


Love us to go to Spain 2 up that would be ideal, 3 up would be job done, and face RM in the final, City fu**ed up last night, good watch btw, but conceding three at home won’t exactly give confidence going to the Bernabau, I fancy RM to finish them of at home  , tonight is pivotal, we really do need to take as much as we can to Spain along with a clean sheet.


3-0  Mighty Redmen    



                                                                          Y  N  W  A

Hendo is defo starting he did the presser yesterday.

If you are not charged up after watching this, I have nothing else to say...

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1519236155715162112

But villa real are more lethal on the break than Everton

And will still get beaten. But they'll play the same defensive shitbag gameplan as the blueshite.

If you are not charged up after watching this, I have nothing else to say...

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1519236155715162112

I'd say actually endure one first.

It's more spine-tingling, draining, heart-pounding and taxing on the throat than any vid could ever show.

Tonight will be a tame affair compared to some of the other previous euro-semi's I've been too.

Just leaving for the game  have a good day reds .

Just leaving for the game  have a good day reds .

Have a good one mate!!!!

Part of me cautiously optimistic…..part of me thinks we smash them. Think I’ll go with the second one.

Tonight will be a tame affair compared to some of the other previous euro-semi's I've been too.

Always say that I'll never experience noise again at Anfield match like I did for Chelsea in 2005.

On sort of a separate note as well, but in comparison to European nights gone by - The lack of scarves (and red in general) at recent European nights is a bit disappointing. When you look back at footage from the big European games in the mid/late 00s (which isn't too long ago in the grand scheme) it's a sea of red & near enough everyone has a scarf, but fewer and fewer people seem to be making the effort these days. Must admit even I'm guilty of it myself quite a lot, especially the midweek Euro games as I usually just go straight from work.

Not sure if a lot of matchgoers chose not to wear red & bring a scarf as it could look quite daytripper-y & tourist, or if everyone has just started to take these nights for granted since Klopp. Probably a mixture of both to be fair. Think we should all start making more of an effort though because as sad as it may be to comprehend, these days won't last forever

Always say that I'll never experience noise again at Anfield match like I did for Chelsea in 2005.

On sort of a separate note as well, but in comparison to European nights gone by - The lack of scarves (and red in general) at recent European nights is a bit disappointing. When you look back at footage from the big European games in the mid/late 00s (which isn't too long ago in the grand scheme) it's a sea of red & near enough everyone has a scarf, but fewer and fewer people seem to be making the effort these days. Must admit even I'm guilty of it myself quite a lot, especially the midweek Euro games as I usually just go straight from work.

Not sure if a lot of matchgoers chose not to wear red & bring a scarf as it could look quite daytripper-y & tourist, or if everyone has just started to take these nights for granted since Klopp. Probably a mixture of both to be fair. Think we should all start making more of an effort though because as sad as it may be to comprehend, these days won't last forever

Should be refused entry if you havent got a scarf. I’m not one for wearing replica shirts, but I never ever went to a match without a scarf !

The euro nights atmosphere and cauldron of noise, is usually better when we’re at home for the second leg and a goal or more down.
If we don’t score relatively early tonight, there’ll be a lot of anxiety, that’s when the crowd go quiet.
We need to be on it from the start, full bore, 100% riot of
Noise.  That’ll get the lads so going !

think our lads feel invincible at the moment not at all arrogant just like a heavyweight boxer at his peak he can take shots from anyone and still beat them.
We know what we up against tonight and its two legs so we cannot win or lose the tie tonight but a good win even 1-0 is enough to take there .
Fancy a few special performance tonight though.

https://twitter.com/Watch_LFC/status/1519310422385610753?s=20&t=5T_3j_JG6sx9or6SqCKtgA

Any of you lot about be good to put a face to the name 👍

Any of you lot about be good to put a face to the name 👍

All I could see is a red mist, anti social behaviour was that. 

All I could see is a red mist, anti social behaviour was that. 

Haha 😂 I meant this evening 🤣

Do not know much about our opponents Villarreal tonight apart from them having a very decent manager in Emery. Still as ever going for victory for the reds by a two goal margin. Hope Diaz starts simply fantastic to watch  !

Like to see Joe Gomez get some game time tonight at some stage , Start with Trent then for last 25 bring on Joe , Konate has to start to save Joel for the title run-in , apart from that same as Everton game for me ,settle for a 2-0 tonight

Gutted, I'm not going to be able to watch this one. Won't be anywhere near a TV.

Just walked through town and had a quick pint before getting bus the ground. Loads of Villarreal supporters knocking about the bars draped in yellow enjoying themselves. Great to see. Just a shame we've got to tw*t them tonight because they seem like a sound bunch 😂

every game is just so important now the tension is huge and if it wasnt there would be something terribly wrong.
Jürgen and his band of marauders will surprise Villa tonight and will no doubt make us proud .Just for once though any chance of an evening without putting us through the ringer but then it wouldnt be Liverpool if it was easy.
Dont care what team he puts out they will be worthy of the shirt. for some this will be the most important game of their career so far but they will have the Anfield crowd to support them all the way

Gone for a 3-1 tonight for us.  Expect us to score but for them to make the second leg interesting with a late one.

Yeah there’s no chance we go into the second leg without making it a show, so don’t expect it to be won tonight… 2-1.

We should be ok tonight, fancy Diaz with brace..

3-1