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Darren
17 ~~Cath High, iMedia '08~~ SAJC 09S23, ~~Saints Hockey~~

Grand Slam Sunday

Friday, December 14, 2007

So first things' first, Italian manager Fabio Capello, who once successfully managed the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid to Champions League and their respective countries' league titles more than once, completed a deal that was worth more than what Sven Goran-Eriksson salary and was installed as England's second foreign manager. Hmm... Good choice I must say, given his reputation. He'll also be bringing a technical director, goalkeeping coach, assistant coach and fitness coach, of whom all are Italians as well. Reports claims he won't field superstars but players who are on top of their game and on form, might be good for England. Capello likes a defensive approach, not surprising since he's Italian, and loves to have a defensive midfield cover his back four. Hmm... The likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole might have to step up their game a notch if they're going to keep their place under Capello, as the likes of Stewart Downing, Darren Bent, Jermaine Defoe, Owen Hargreaves and Gareth Barry, even Kevin Nolan, might push for a place in the squad, and ultimately the starting eleven.

Now on to Grand Slam Sunday, Liverpool vs Manchester United, Arsenal vs Chelsea, Whoever wins will get a much needed confidence booster and three valuable points. Liverpool and Arsenal lost their games last week to Reading and Middlesbrough respectively, thus ending both sides' unbeaten record, but managed to win in their final Champions League group stage match, 4-0 against Marseille and 2-1 against Slavia Prague respectively. Manchester United and Chelsea on the other hand, won 4-0 and 2-0 last week, before being held by Roma and Valencia to stalemates. Only Liverpool out of those foursome was unable to rest their stars, and had to go all out for a win.

picture from Skysports.com

Anfield
Sunday 16 December 2007
9.25pm (SG, GMT+8)
Channel 27 (Football Channel)

Liverpool Line-Up (Probable):

25. Jose Manuel Reina

23. Jamie Carragher __ 4. Sami Hyypia

17. Alvaro Arbeloa ______________________________________ 12. Fabio Aurelio

21. Lucas Leiva ____ 20. Javier Mascherano

8. Steven Gerrard (C) ______________________________________ 7. Harry Kewell

18. Dirk Kuyt ______ 9. Fernando Torres

Substitutes (Probable):
30. Charles Itandje, 6. John Arne Riise, 14. Xabi Alonso, 19. Ryan Babel, 15. Peter Crouch

Other Players (Squad):
3. Steve Finnan (doubtful, calf), 46. Jack Hobbs, 22. Mohamed Sissoko, 10. Andriy Voronin

I really hope Steve Finnan does play, at right-back to push Alvaro Arbeloa to the left, to counter Cristiano Ronaldo's threat. But anyway, the back four will be the standard four, whoever is fit. Fabio Aurelio, who played 20-odd minutes at Marseille, should start. Daniel Agger is still not fit, thus Sami Hyypia continues to deputise in defence. I feel Rafa Benitez might stick Steven Gerrard on the right side of midfield, to allow two less offensive-minded players in Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano to sit in front of the back four, with Lucas still being able to add an offensive outlet with Mascherano to really sit in front of the back four. Harry Kewell should continue his run of games with a start on the left wing. Dirk Kuyt should be included as he'll defend from the front and close Manchester United's defenders and midfielder Michael Carrick, whilst Fernando Torres will be the main man to cause United problems. Xabi Alonso might come on if Rafa sees fit to add a different dimension to the Reds' midfield and to give Liverpool more passing ability. Ryan Babel might replace tiring Kewell to add to United's defensive problems. Peter Crouch is a different option in attack should Kuyt or Torres fade off. So c'mon Reds!

Enjoy the football!

Bye~!

my thoughts at 8:41 pm