Tuesday, March 11, 2008
So Liverpool head off to Italy yesterday and will be hoping to secure the last last 8 spot by tomorrow morning. They go into the game at San Siro with a 2-0 lead. Personally I don't rate a 2-0 lead, even though a lead is a lead, but its that Inter will surely be on fire and attacking from the word go. Complacency might set in into the Liverpool side. If Liverpool had gone into it with a 1-0 lead, they won't be as complacent, and that they will still try to get a couple of goals. Only had Liverpool gotten an unlikely 3-0 lead at Anfield would they be comfortable enough to sit back.
Now the strategy of sitting back will work into Inter's hands. The tie will really be decided on who gets the first goal. If Liverpool get that away goal first, and early, it just kills the tie with Inter needing 4 to quality, while if Inter gets it first, morale might deep for the Reds and Inter might be spurred on enough to get the second. Once Inter gets the second, it'll just go downhill for the Reds, and it'll be a test of their character from then on. So it's vital Liverpool get the first goal.
Why must Xabi Alonso's wife/girlfriend be going into labour now? Of all times?! Anyway, family takes priority over football, I guess. He was left behind as Liverpool headed out to Milan. Good news is that midfield chief Javier Mascherano is fit, and most likely, Lucas Leiva will retain his weekend place alongside the Argentinian. Skipper Steven Gerrard will take his place as the link man between Fernando Torres and the midfield, whilst Jermaine Pennant or Dirk Kuyt will take the right wing, and Ryan Babel should fill in at the left for the Reds.
The dilemma Rafa will most likely have is who to play in defence. Should Steve Finnan not be fit, Alvaro Arbeloa will definitely take his place. John Arne Riise or Fabio Aurelio at left back? Fabio Aurelio has formed a good understanding with Ryan Babel, so that might be his plus point, but John Arne Riise have more defensive capabilities and hardness in him. And with Martin Skrtel coming to form, who will partner Jamie Carragher in defence, Sami Hyypia or Skrtel? Hyypia for experience. Skrtel for a little bit more pace. So this will test Rafa's managerial ability. Good luck to him. Good luck to Liverpool.
Bye~!
my thoughts at 1:23 pm