Arsenal v Liverpool - Pre Match Thread (CL)

Wednesday 2nd April, 19:45 KO

Arsenal v Liverpool

Emirates

Well this could be our most important game of the season, it probably is.
Arsenal are missing three players from their first team due to injury's - Sagna, Rosicky & Eduardo.
Liverpool are also missing three players from the first team due to injury's - Agger, Kewell & Voronin.

I think if we are to contain Arsenal's pass and move game we'll have to be on our toes all night. I don't think for most games we have to play with two DMF's as we are quite a strong team defensively but against Arsenal sometimes you can't take no chances so I would stick to the XI that Rafa has been picking for the last few games... with the same formation.


----------------Reina
Arbeloa--Carragher---Skrtel---Aurelio
-------------Mascherano
--------Gerrard-------Alonso
---Kuyt---------------------Babel
---------------Torres


I would just change from the last game - Arbeloa for Hyypia, Aurelio for Riise & Mascherano for Lucas. John Arne Riise would be a big no no for this game. Near enough any time Arsenal come up against a team that can play good football, they lose. So the way to beat Arsenal is not to kick them, it's to outplay them.. which will be extremely difficult but I'm confident it can be done. I feel that we need to score an away goal to stand a chance as I do think that Arsenal will more or likely score at Anfield with the creativity they have in their team.

I think the way to really pile on the pressure is choke their midfield, this is the heart of their attack and needs to be stopped. Therefore my line up would be:

                         Reina

Arbeloa      Skrtel     Carragher     Aurellio

              Mascherano    Alonso

Pennant            Gerrard              Babel

                       Torres

Keep our shape and frustrate them, need to get on top early to set the tone of the match and grab that away goal. I know we can do it and we are probably the favourites to go through but it will all come down to if we grab that away goal at the Emirates. Their youngsters wont know how to handle us on a CL night in the Q/F and happy days!

Thats a different formation to what we have been playing recently Ra Ra but i think i know what you mean.

I would play with the same team though probably im not sure whether pennant or Kuyt or even yossi would be the best option out on the right. We just need to disturb two players to break up alot of thier play in my opinion. Fabregas and Flamini are the two controllers of arsenals play and i think if we can stop them from getting the passing flowing we can take control of the game. I think this is a game for babel to run at the RB aswell as sagna has been great this season and he is out so depending on who takes his place that could be a weak spot.

Voronin isnt injured by the way he just isnt playing.

If we go into the 3 Arsenal matches with the attitude that we can beat any team we will.I am sure RAFA will have done his homework and will use a different system for each match.With Torres in the form he is in the Arsenal defence will be more worried than our defence will be.On the point of defences I am so glad that RAFA signed Skrtel  as he is doing a good job and has got energy to spare as Everton will testify.

I think the way to really pile on the pressure is choke their midfield, this is the heart of their attack and needs to be stopped. Therefore my line up would be:

                         Reina

Arbeloa      Skrtel     Carragher     Aurellio

              Mascherano    Alonso

Pennant            Gerrard              Babel

                       Torres

Keep our shape and frustrate them, need to get on top early to set the tone of the match and grab that away goal. I know we can do it and we are probably the favourites to go through but it will all come down to if we grab that away goal at the Emirates. Their youngsters wont know how to handle us on a CL night in the Q/F and happy days!

Agree fully mate...
that's a TOP starting 11...experience to soak the pressure in the heart of the field and pace out wide...with the lethal Torres up front...

keep the same team as we did against the blueshite except of course change Lucas for Javier. I think we could get a result here as the gooners could be exhausted after that Bolton game at the weekend, being down to 10 men and coming back to win 3-2 may well have their confidence high, but old Johnny body might not be so willing.

I think we can get something out of this game but we need to get at Arsenal they dont like it,theyve been poor recently and hopefully we can capitalise on that id take a score draw get the away goal they we will beat them at home.

keep the same team as we did against the blueshite except of course change Lucas for Javier. I think we could get a result here as the gooners could be exhausted after that Bolton game at the weekend, being down to 10 men and coming back to win 3-2 may well have their confidence high, but old Johnny body might not be so willing.

Nope I would not play Sami H twice in a week, no way.

Fully expect Arbeloa and Aurelio to come back into the team along with Masch... even think Crouchy will get a run out.

                  Pepe

Arbeloa  Carra Skrtel   Aurelio

             Masch Xabi
Gerrard                     Babel
           Crouch Torres

Deny them the chance to get into our box at all cost and I believe we would have neutralized their threat where most of their goals are scored from inside the box. We need to stick to that Hleb and Fab fellow real close, hassle and frustrate them and we can't give them an inch to start anything fancy. Thank god Masch is back. If we can keep a clean sheet in the first half they'll need to be more adventurous and we hit them on the counter while thier defence is suspect at times. We need to be extremely discipline to wear them out.

Arsenal are missing three players from their first team due to injury's - Sagna, Rosicky & Eduardo.
Liverpool are also missing three players from the first team due to injury's - Agger, Kewell & Voronin.

Funny.

            Reina

Arbeloa  Carragher  Skrtel  Aurelio

        Mascherano  Alonso

    Kuyt     Gerrard     Babel

                Torres

Subs: Pennant, Benanyun, Lucas, Riise, Crouch

This is the 'must-win' match of the season.

This will be a very hard game, but I do agree that Arsenal haven't been at their best of late and do look a bit tried. I hope only having 10 men against Bolton has taken a lot out of them! We could be playing them at a good time. If we can keep it tight in the first leg I strongly fancy us to go though. Even a defeat by a single goal wouldn't be a disaster (as Chavski found out last year!) I only hope they don't turn us over by a big score as they have done a few times in resent years! I think were better equipped to deal with the Arsenals of the football world now and I do think we will progress to the Semi Finals!

Peter Crouch won't start, I'm 100% certain of that. We are playing a system that won't suit him, with Torres upfront where will Crouch play? In Kuyt's new role which is on the right side of attack? I don't think so.

If we play 442 then Crouch has a chance of starting, but if we play with one upfront then I can't give him even a bit of hope for starting before El Nino.

Arsenal obviously look more jaded than they did, and yes beating Bolton with ten men would have taken a lot out of them... but it just proves how fit their players are! It will be a very tough game...

personally i think that we wont put our strongest team out on the game on sat. we have a 5 point gap now and its clear that some players will need resting due to the fact that they wud have had to play a match ever 3/4 days.

we had a match on sunday against manu, the players had international match mid week, we've played everton this weekend and now we will play again in mid week. some players will need a rest and i reckon key players cud be rested in the premiership show down.

the 3 points against arsenal arent key, they're important, but not key. if we had a worse result against everton then yes i wud agree that the points are key and we wud have to win, but i reckon the team will be a little relaxed in the premiership.

at teh weekend i can see changes like hyypia on bench, and maybe even the likes of benayoun or pennant playing.

one things pretty much for certain, rafa will play the same team (or perhaps with teh change of riise or central defenders) on wednesday. best team will be out, no question.

Your probably right about us fielding a much changed team for the league game. We're 8 points behind Arsenal with only 6 games to play. A gap that is probably too much to make up. And we now have the luxury of a 5 point cushion over the Bitters. But I wonder what sort of team Arsenal will play? Their dreams of winning the tittle are over and the Champions league is their only chance of winning silver this season, So they might field a second string in the league game themselves.

Fabregas will not just be the player to stop, Arsenal play good football all around so this is why it's going to be tough to contain them. They don't like teams that play attacking football, if you sit back they'll finally score!

They dont like teams that play defensive either as it seems to be their downfall in alot of games just like us. Watch an interview of a game they have drawn and look at arsene wengers reaction and then read his post match comments hes always furious. We arent likely to play defensively against them so we dont even need to take it into consideration.

Obviously it isnt just stop fabregas and it stops arsenal no team has just one player who you can stop and automatically stop their play but he is the main threat in terms of attack he creates the most and strings everything together. Stopping him is as important to us doing well as them stopping stevie is to them doing well.

thats something iv pondered on.. what will arsenal play.. i wudnt rule them out the title race quite yet, a draw or worse last weekend against bolton wud ahve ruled them out but i still think they have enough to be in it.. i think they will need the victory at the weekend if they want the title, so i have suspisions that they will play their best team.

The most important part of this two-legged game is to be able to leave the Emirate with something; and not a goal-less draw either. A win is expected and its also the best scenario but a draw with goals at the Emirate is good. Then at Anfield, a win or a goal-less draw kills off Arsenal.

The most important part of this two-legged game is to be able to leave the Emirate with something; and not a goal-less draw either. A win is expected and its also the best scenario but a draw with goals at the Emirate is good. Then at Anfield, a win or a goal-less draw kills off Arsenal.

Summed up our aims excellently. We need to come away from the emirates with something in order to have a good advantage for the return leg at anfield and i feel we are capable of that.

I read this earlier in the paper its Martin Jols view on the match between us and Arsenal... I agree with some of his points but not with some others.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3646299.ece

I think this is going to be a tough match, but if we keep the ball, and just out play arsenal then we will come away with the goods. I think we will win 1-0. I'll also be happy with a draw with goals.

2-0 to the reds if we break down there passing an attack with pace,
we will get the better of them.

come red men!!

The fact Arsenal are conceding goals lately is a good sign for us. It's just the awareness of keeping them in check when they're on the attack I worry about. We've really got to be on our guard, because they can attack in numbers very very well.

But then there is no big need to throw the kitchen sink at them in the first leg so I'm confident we can be solid at the back and in midfield to try keep a clean sheet. Will be good to have Mascherano back. And with Torres on the pitch there's always a good chance we can get a crucial away goal.

I'd be happy to see practically the same team that played the bitters yesterday. I wouldn't mind seeing Gerrard play a little bit deeper in midfield though, just ahead of Mascherano and Alonso. We have to have a stronghold on the midfield. Babel can be an outlet and assist in attack and Kuyt can run around all game like he usually does - if Cliche plays then Kuyt might get a bit of space as Cliche likes to get forward usually.
Undecided whether playing Hyypia again would be a good thing. I think he deserves it after his performance in the derby, but then their attacks will probably be a lot faster than everton's was. Although having Carragher, Hyypia and Skrtel playing along the back does make you feel a bit more safe as all three of them are very good readers of the game I feel.

Defence and holding the midfield is the key in this game. But as long as we're not shy on having a go when the time is right and we have hold of the ball - I don't want to see us pegged back in our own half for most game! Let's hope we can test their keeper a good few times and cause problems in their half. But priority is a clean sheet.

An away goal is a must, as has been said. They have all the ability in the world to come at us at Anfield and get a goal, so we need to work some magic and come away with at least one goal. Even if we lose 2-1, that's a decent result and sets us up at Anfield with a little pressure off. I feel we're going to need alot of improvement when it comes to crosses into our defence, as we've seen a couple of times in recent weeks where Reina, Hyypia and Skrtel have got their wires crossed to let in a headed goal. With Arsenal having the massive Adebayor up front, Wenger may pick up on it and get his boys to sling some crosses in.

I disagree kenny, the priority is not a clean sheet, it's a goal. I've had this argument with my dad a couple of times, and I agree with him. When you're away in the Champions League, you almost have as much as an advantage as you do playing at home, because there is less pressure on you to perform, and you know that if you just nick an away goal things swing dramatically in your favour.

Another factor to consider is the absence of Arsenals best right back, Sagna. With him out for all three games, I'll be interested to see who Wenger puts there, as I feel someone like Justin Hoyte could be too inexperienced to deal with Ryan Babel and anyone else wouldn't have the pace to keep up. If Babel can rise to the occassion and prove himself to be worth the money Wenger didn't want to pay, he could swing things in our way.

And with Arsenal having to see us again at Emirates on the weekend, as well as a trip to Old Trafford, will Wenger look to keep a few players out of the clash thinking the premiership is still alive? Make no mistake, the pressure is very much on them at this point in the season, with so much expected of them during the first half of the season. At least our poor league position means we don't have to play for much (being 5 points clear) in terms of league position.

I'm not going to predict a score, but I'll be happy with a goal, even if they score one or two.

Well last season we didn't really have any real threat up front so teams like Arsenal would go out and attack us all game but now we got Torres they know they have to be cautious, a bit like Man Utd were when they played us. I think Arsenal won't go all out attack as leaving Torres in space could cost them, so this could well be a tight game!

An away goal is a must, as has been said. They have all the ability in the world to come at us at Anfield and get a goal, so we need to work some magic and come away with at least one goal. Even if we lose 2-1, that's a decent result and sets us up at Anfield with a little pressure off. I feel we're going to need alot of improvement when it comes to crosses into our defence, as we've seen a couple of times in recent weeks where Reina, Hyypia and Skrtel have got their wires crossed to let in a headed goal. With Arsenal having the massive Adebayor up front, Wenger may pick up on it and get his boys to sling some crosses in.

I disagree kenny, the priority is not a clean sheet, it's a goal. I've had this argument with my dad a couple of times, and I agree with him. When you're away in the Champions League, you almost have as much as an advantage as you do playing at home, because there is less pressure on you to perform, and you know that if you just nick an away goal things swing dramatically in your favour.

Another factor to consider is the absence of Arsenals best right back, Sagna. With him out for all three games, I'll be interested to see who Wenger puts there, as I feel someone like Justin Hoyte could be too inexperienced to deal with Ryan Babel and anyone else wouldn't have the pace to keep up. If Babel can rise to the occassion and prove himself to be worth the money Wenger didn't want to pay, he could swing things in our way.

And with Arsenal having to see us again at Emirates on the weekend, as well as a trip to Old Trafford, will Wenger look to keep a few players out of the clash thinking the premiership is still alive? Make no mistake, the pressure is very much on them at this point in the season, with so much expected of them during the first half of the season. At least our poor league position means we don't have to play for much (being 5 points clear) in terms of league position.

I'm not going to predict a score, but I'll be happy with a goal, even if they score one or two.

Good post mate. You're spot on about pressure being on Arsenal.

But I still think a clean sheet is priority. With conceding a goal or two in the first leg, the pressure would be on us at Anfield to go and throw the proverbial kitchen sink at them LFC Champions League style, if we didn't score - or scored less than they did. Against other teams I wouldn't be as concerned about that, but Arsenal can certainly hurt you if you go gung-ho at them. I think you're asking for trouble committing too many people forward against a free flowing side like them. The philosophy of having nearly as much an advantage with being away in this particular tie, isn't all that black and white. It's Premiership opposition and I'd say probably the most dangerous if you're not careful against them.

I must add though, I'm not saying let's go there and not try get a goal. I believe we can score against them. Which is one of the reasons a clean sheet is priority for me.

On second thought:

            Reina

Arbeloa  Carragher  Skrtel  Aurelio

           Mascherano

    Pennant     Gerrard     Babel

        Crouch      
                     Torres

Subs: Kuyt, Benanyun, Lucas, Riise, Alonso

Really dont want Torres alone on this one.

Link to the Times article

Assured Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool will overcome Americans’ civil war

It is a reflection of the extent of the divisions between George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks that Liverpool's feuding American owners have requested not to be seated together at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow evening, but, on the field at least, Steven Gerrard believes that there will be no shortage of unity as the team prepare for the first in their hat-trick of matches against Arsenal.

After the acute disappointment of losing to Manchester United nine days ago, a 1-0 victory against Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday provided Liverpool with the perfect fillip before the first leg of their mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

The North London club experienced a similarly morale-boosting win on Saturday when they came from two goals down with ten men to defeat Bolton Wanderers 3-2 at the Reebok Stadium, but, while Gerrard is forecasting a titanic tussle, the Liverpool captain believes that Arsenal's involvement in the Barclays Premier League title chase could provide an unwelcome distraction for Arsène Wenger's players.

“If Arsenal hadn't beaten Bolton, maybe they'd have only one thing to play for this season and that could have made it more difficult for us,” Gerrard said. “But with them still having half a chance in the league, maybe that could distract them a bit.

“It had been a difficult week for us, having to swallow the [3-0] defeat we had at Manchester United, but Sunday was all about bouncing back and making sure we could take a positive into the Arsenal game. We know it will be tough, but we will be going there with confidence.”

Arsenal may be the bookmakers' favourites to progress to the last four, but Liverpool under Rafael Benítez are a different proposition in Europe than they are domestically, as reflected in them reaching the Champions League final twice in the past four seasons.

Liverpool also face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the league on Saturday, three days before the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Anfield, but Gerrard is adamant that domestic form will count for little in the two European ties.

Under Benítez, Liverpool have lost five and won three of their nine matches in all competitions against Arsenal. “The Champions League games against Arsenal are going to be different to the league game we have there,” Gerrard said. “We found the Champions League games we had against Chelsea were different to the Premier League games, with it being a cup competition and not for three points.

“We're a good side in Europe and we're always confident, no matter who we come up against, that we are going to qualify. The other teams are more worried about us because we have proved in the last two or three years that we're one of the best teams in the competition. We've got nothing to fear.”

Sami Hyypia, the Liverpool defender, is similarly optimistic. “To score there could be important and we'll go there to win and play our game,” he said. “We'll go to keep a clean sheet and get a 1-0 win. They are a brilliant team at keeping the ball and passing it. They have great movement and are very dangerous, but we have enough quality in our team to be confident of containing them.”

Although the match will take centre stage, the sight of Gillett and Hicks in the directors' box at the Emirates Stadium would be no less eye-catching. Hicks is expected to travel to London with a party of 12 guests, while Gillett is scheduled to fly in from Colorado with his son, Foster.

Representatives of Dubai International Capital, the Arab investment group that wants to take over ownership at Anfield from the Americans, are also expected to attend the match, although no talks are planned for this week.


Good to hear the confidence, but I really really prefer the talking being done on the pitch.

Hicks is going to be there for the game though? Anyone reckon those twelve guests are security?....

We must not undermine Arsenal nor be too cocky about this. As for the team I would field I agree with most of the line ups on here, I am inclined to play Sammi again with Skrtel in the back providing they start with Adebayor because he needs to be muscled out of the game. As inconsistent as Riise has been defensivley this year I would give him the nod over Aurelio because he seems a bit quicker and more lively. Also because Sagna is out I am thinking Wenger will play Eboue in the RB role and push Walcott on the RM. But we also should not take a defensive approach.

And kenny mate what is with the kitchen sinks??

We are Liverpool Football Club.
Its Tuesday today. We are coming to get you...gooners
Arsenal 1 2 Liverpool

We are going to get them on the counter.

Common Liverpool...YNWA

And now, post Bitters-beating, can we get down to business?

Juicy one, very significant for us. Given the concerns of the Arse's ability to take advantage of a team that is on the all-out offensive, we don't want to leave ourselves with it all to do in the return fixture. Sure, easier said but I think that alot will depend on the mindset of the team. How do they approach this one?

Aurelio will probably get the nod ahead of Riise while we might see Kirk drop to the bench in favour of Jermaine "John Legend" Pennant. Lucas struggled against a chunky bluenosed midfield and may be more effective against Fabric Ass and co but, I think Masch will be back to galvanise and give Stevie more freedom. Its going to be a tight one, expect us to play compact and miserly at the back...no inch to give and hopefully none taken. Carra will probaby be joined by Ninja Turtle at the heart with Arbeloa returning to the starting lineup. Hopefully Babel gets another go at terrorizing another right back but we expect him to have a tougher task this time around if its Eboue he's up against.

I will be happy with a score draw but...its not like we actually can't win it...

Come on lads

Walk on...

IRWT

 

There was a comment from the Arsenal defender Kolo Toure the other day when he said he thinks Liverpool will be scared to play Arsenal because they beat you three times last season. Have you got anything to be scared of?
 
Rafa:   No.
________________________ ________________________ _____________
Brilliant

Bring it on

There was a comment from the Arsenal defender Kolo Toure the other day when he said he thinks Liverpool will be scared to play Arsenal because they beat you three times last season. Have you got anything to be scared of?
 
Rafa:   No.
________________________ ________________________ _____________
Brilliant

Bring it on

hahaha Rafa has no fear, he knows that Adebayor (or as i like to call him Adebayusless) is no Torres!

I personally think that we need to retain them and keep the game tight.  I just feel Arsenal play under pressure in the champion’s league.  I don’t think we should be too daring and keep the game in the balance.  If they get the lead they’ll get confident and chasing the game against them could be dangerous.  Especially considering the sign’s of tiredness seen in the latter part of the derby.  Wenger’s men have also shown sign’s of fatigue of late, but as long as we don’t let them play in cruise control, I think this will work in our advantage.   I really think that keeping a clean sheet should be a priority, and if does be 0-0, let it be.  Personally, I would take 0-0 to anfield.  And make it very special night at home. 

There are posters that have special request of throwing the kitchen sink at the Emirates, just want to point out this is a two legged affair.  If god forbid, they get 2-0 at home we will be sitting ducks. 

For me this has to be a tactical battle give nothing and take what you can from the Emirates, as a special night at the European capital stadium will just be the doctor’s orders. 
 

A lot of people here will disagree with me on this but Id go back 4-4-2 for this one with Crouchie coming in up front. I dont think Arsenal know how to deal with him and I think he would help create more room and space for Nando.

Id also revert back to Finnan at right back and Arbeloa back to left back with Aurelio pushed on. I think our 2 wide men will need to be able to get forward and back equally as good so here my 11


                                                                Reina
Finnan                       Carra                                     Skrtel                      Arbeloa

Gerrad                      masch                                    Xabi                        Aurelio

                                Crouch                                Torres

I have no fear of Arsenal at all but fear taht we may show them too much respect. They can be got at and we have the players to do it so I hope we try and put them on the backfoot. Im not talking about going gung ho but dont sit back and let them get in there stride. Raelly looking forward to this tie

I.R.W.T     

Brian, I like that line up with the possibility of using Babel off the bench in the last half an hour, but something tell me that Kuyt will be chosen a head of Crouch!

I agree, I think that formation is good, but theres no Babel and Rafa has been playing him pretty often recently. Also i dont like the idea of Gerrard playing on the right, he seems much more effective as playing as a 2nd striker to Torres. Maybe Pennant on the right to cross plays into Crouchie? Its a good thought though, and its something that will put Arsenal off because they'll be expecting something similar to what we've been playing currently.

Crouch has qualities that no other striker that we currently have has. If a player crosses the ball into Crouch's region 9/10 times he'll get the ball which is a quality that I think is priceless. An excellent example of when I think hes done this job suberbly was against Inter Milan (1st leg). He came on as a sub and when he did he changed the play completely and added another dimension to the squad.

The best formation for this match will be the 4 - 1 - 3 - 2; (Bench Alonso, so Mascherano is alone in front of the defenders then Crouch join Torres upfront. Against a world-class side, Torres becomes a victim of mauling and brutal attacks (Man U games), but with Crouch beside him, its hard to focus too strongly on Torres. Gerrard to revert back to his roaming midfield role.

I would like to change my line up:

                                 Reina

 Arbeloa         Carragher         Skrtel          Aurellio

                            Mascherano

   Pennant                Gerrard                 Benayoun

                        Babel
                                  Torres

I think with all the defence targetting Torres, now could be the chance for Ryan to step up with some responsibility. I think he should play around Torres and wait for that ball to pop out becuase lets face it Torres will have 2 men on him once he gets the ball. Babel i feel would the best player for us to do it up front, he is quick and has a great shot on him which is very important. Similarly you could play Crouchy and take him off for Ryan in that last 20-30 minutes as Arsenal will tire and Ryan could take full advantage of that. Rafa is boss and we'll see what will happen but im tipping a 1-0 win here or 0-0.

Bottom line Crouchinho, Torres will require a second striker to take the attention off him. That is the way forward. Torres alone upfront will be counter productive if he gets the kind of mean attention he received from Man U. The bitters fans already said the best way to stop Torres is to kick him. And with the way Steve Bennett handled all the kicking of Torres, you can expect some defenders to be overzealous.

Bottom line Crouchinho, Torres will require a second striker to take the attention off him. That is the way forward. Torres alone upfront will be counter productive if he gets the kind of mean attention he received from Man U. The bitters fans already said the best way to stop Torres is to kick him. And with the way Steve Bennett handled all the kicking of Torres, you can expect some defenders to be overzealous.

An assute assumption and having thought about it one I happen to agree with. I think Crouch along side Torres will give the gooners something to think about. But having said that I think what a lot of peeps are forgetting that this is a European game with a European Ref not one from the premiership so Torres could be protected a lot more than if he were in the EPL.

An assute assumption and having thought about it one I happen to agree with. I think Crouch along side Torres will give the gooners something to think about. But having said that I think what a lot of peeps are forgetting that this is a European game with a European Ref not one from the premiership so Torres could be protected a lot more than if he were in the EPL.

Good point. But with the UEFA head coming out and declaring total support for Steve Bennett's red card; see clearly, in the man u match, this ref didn't use the same rule book for Man U like the one he threw at Us. I wouldn't leave any stone unturned IMO, I will try to protect Torres rather than leave it to some ref.

I am going for 2-1 we have a pretty good away record at the Arse, goals by Kuyt and Mascherano as they will be to busy trying to mark Torres and Gerrard. A lot of shouts for Crouch to play (me included), but I cant see Rafa changing his formation for the start of this one.

Going to enjoy today winding up the Gooner in the office.

I see pennant played for the reserves against Everton,was this to make sure he is match fit for one of the Arsenal games.For tonights game I am picking Rafa to go with the same side we used at the San Siro.Except Alonso in for Lucas, Reina,Skrtel,Carragher,Mascherano,Gerrard,Hypia,Aurelio,Babel,Torres,Kuyt. Whatever team RAFA puts out  I just want us to go all the way get Manure in the final and give them a hiding they deserve which is long overdue.

With pennant having played last night that rules him out for tonights game. i think the same lineup as the derby will be sent out with masch in for lucas and arbeloa in for hyypia.

With pennant having played last night that rules him out for tonights game. I think the same lineup as the derby will be sent out with masch in for lucas and arbeloa in for hyypia.

Agree... but always expect the unexpected with Rafa... I expect even more changes on Saturday...

Agree... but always expect the unexpected with Rafa... I expect even more changes on Saturday...

True. I actually predict his team right most of the time bar a player or sometimes 2. I think he will drop hyypia due to his age and playing 2 games so close together and push carra back into the centre alongside Skrtel. And he seems to want to keep 1 of arbeloa and aurelio saved for one of the other 2 games against them so i think arbeloa will come in with riise having played well on sunday. If riise can have another performance like that or an even better one that would be fantastic for tonight.

Im hoping everyone performs well for us tonight and we can get a good result there. A convincing 2 or 3 goal win with a clean sheet would be phenominal but may be a big ask. This game will be huge and once again we have been written off by alot of people but that is to be expected now we have be written off in this competition so many times and shown everyone what we can do. Lets hope we can prove everyone that is doubting us wrong again tonight by beating Arsenal on their own turf.

Mighty Reds 2 - Toy Guns 0

With arsenal they play a passing game always, but this year there has been a change where they now put far more crosses in than before but having Carra & Skytel in the middle we are more than capable of nullifying that route.

Fabragas who along with Hleb are Arsenal's most creative players and if we can keep them two quiet we should then keep Arsenal quiet and it's why we have to play two holding players in Masch & Alonso.

Masch & Alonso are in top form and both are good at starting counter attacks and that's where the game can be won and with both Stevie G & Nando looking so good together an away goal or two would come in handy for the Anfield return....

Masch & Alonso are in top form and both are good at starting counter attacks and that's where the game can be won and with both Stevie G & Nando looking so good together an away goal or two would come in handy for the Anfield return....

Alonso only just had an okay game with the Bitters. He is not in top form. 

Would anyone take a 2-1 defeat tonight? I can see that happening tonight, but I wouldn't put it past us to get a win.

So pumped up for the game now, away goal is of such importance to us, but I'm more confident about getting past the arse over two legs than i was against Inter.

Anyone going tonight?

Would anyone take a 2-1 defeat tonight? I can see that happening tonight, but I wouldn't put it past us to get a win.

Interesting that. 2-1 defeat would leave us needing a 1-0 victory at Anfield to go through, which I can see us doing. I get the feeling that an away goal will have a very big importance in these kind of ties. I dont know whether I would settle for it. If we had a 1-0 lead and then lost 2-1 I would be dissapointed, but if we went 2-0 down and came back to 2-1, I wouldn't be as disappointed.

Would you settle for it Liverbird?

I'm confident of getting a result tonight, but as long as we're within a goal of Arsenal when we start the second leg I'm confident we will progress even if we get beat 1-0 tonight. But I do think we can get a least a draw if not nick a win. Just gutted I'm only watching it at home!

Well I'll be among pure gooners tonight at least 8 of em!!! Going to my mates house for a drink - lil ole me the only scouse - I'm gonna give them hell if (oops sorry) WHEN we win !! 1-2 to us, babel to score!!
COME ON YOU RED MEN!!

I have the same feeling tonight as well KopQueen! Im watching the match with my uncle whos a Arsenal supporter!

I have severe butterflye stomochy thingy does anyone else have this like you feel like you want to have a sh*t. Ive only ever had this before when my youngest girl has played in cup finals and big league games. I think the technical term for it is a nervous poo"!!!!!!!
Anyway Ive got butterflies for this one ahem!!!!

See Kuyt's been mouthing off on the back of the Echo again - just like he did before the manc game. I wish he'd just keep his mouth shut sometimes. It's a good thing there's confidence in the camp but I'd rather see it displayed on the pitch in the game.

I've got the butterflies as well Prag. I had to drive past Anfield a few times on my way back from work to settle them a bit!

COME ON!!!!!!!

I don't think there's a fan on here who hasn't got the butterfly stomachy thingy Prag!! Can't wait until 7.45pm..
Acouple of these will do the trick 

Well I've just received an email from UEFA -

Dear Football Supporter,

We are sorry to inform you that, as a result of the lottery process, your ticket Application with the Customer reference number: 68410 for the UEFA Champions League Final 2008 has not been successful.

Best regards,

UEFA Champions League Final 2008

I had the same last year, so lets hope it's a lucky omen.

I think we must not sit back against Arsenal tonight, as they play probably the best football in England on their day.
We must go and attack them, get into there faces and fight for every ball.
A goal could be priceless for us, and I have confidence in us scoring tonight.

I'm going for a 1 - 1 draw, and us to do the buisiness next week.

COME ON YOU MIGHTY RED MEN !!

 hi to everyone, tonights the night, never thought i,d say this but rafa please dont play riise tonight

we wont have a chance in hell if ,we play him 

I think I may eat my words later, but for me, Riise shouldn't play tonight. Aurelio can a least put a decent cross in form the left, Riise always struggle to beat his man an put in a worth while cross - sooooooooo annoying at times.

Carrager fumbled it against manutd and I'm praying for Agger to come back. Hyppia can trouble Adebayor in the air so I would love something like this

                        Reina
Carragher       Hyppia     Skrtel       Aurelio

           Mascherano          Alonso


Pennant               Gerrard               Babel
 
                           Torres
Pennant and Babel can mount the counter attacks and Masch and Alonso can do the job on Flamini and Fabrepass. Gerrard can put in the killer ball while Torress will score the killer goal. Come on lads.

I don't think I'll be watching the game, coulpe of reasons,
1, did not watch the sky games vs chelsea, barca, juve over that last few years and we did ok. (I did watch the 1st halves of chelsea and barca and we did not do too well until I left the pub.)
2, I get unhealthely nervous.

I wish you all well and will report back at 10ish.

I'm going for a 1 -1 draw tonight, I will be more than happy if we can get an away goal, we haven't done too well down there in recent years so a draw I think is the best we can hope for, although if we snatch a 1-0 I'd be ecstatic, an away goal though could be very crucial for the second leg.

Would like Crouch to get more than a minute tonight  although he's not really going to be match fit is he?
Don't really care which team Rafa puts out as long as it's a winning one 

Keep it tight at the back, control the midfield, and let Fernando run rings round their defence, get them all at sixes and sevens with each other, so they give away a penalty..........I wonder if Wenger will 'see' that one

Enjoy the game everyone.........

COME ON LIVERPOOL............... .....CHAMPIONS  LEAGUE  SPECIALIST'S

Interesting that. 2-1 defeat would leave us needing a 1-0 victory at Anfield to go through, which I can see us doing. I get the feeling that an away goal will have a very big importance in these kind of ties. I dont know whether I would settle for it. If we had a 1-0 lead and then lost 2-1 I would be dissapointed, but if we went 2-0 down and came back to 2-1, I wouldn't be as disappointed.

Would you settle for it Liverbird?

I would take it. I can see us getting at least two against them at Anfield, wouldn't want a 0-0 though because I it would make me to nervous going into the second leg!

But, we will win because I've got my Liverpool shirt on underneath another shirt, I started doing it against Besiktas, and we haven't lost! Or conceded a goal I think!

I don't think I'll be watching the game, coulpe of reasons,
1, did not watch the sky games vs chelsea, barca, juve over that last few years and we did ok. (I did watch the 1st halves of chelsea and barca and we did not do too well until I left the pub.)
2, I get unhealthely nervous.

I wish you all well and will report back at 10ish.

Huge Sacrifice. Liverpool will win this 2 - 0.

The way Toure has been yapping, he should be the player-manager of the club. Cant wait to see Torres & Gerrard run rings around him.

I don't think I'll be watching the game, coulpe of reasons,
1, did not watch the sky games vs chelsea, barca, juve over that last few years and we did ok. (I did watch the 1st halves of chelsea and barca and we did not do too well until I left the pub.)
2, I get unhealthely nervous.

I wish you all well and will report back at 10ish.

It worked RedPuppy, your banned from watching the return leg next week