Liverpool FC Forum

by **JoeTerp** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:37 pm

debating on whether I should leave work early for this one. I am blocked from any kind of streaming, and my only option would be to drive about a half hour to the nearest footy pub and I would probably spend at leat 15 dollars there, and thats if I try and keep it low PLUS I would miss out on three hours of work, in effect making it a $60 adventure

On the one hand it is a champions league night so its important, there aren't many. But its just the group stage, and on top of that its just the first game in the group stage. Also I only have 2 weeks left on my contract at this place so I will be unemployed again fairly soon and It could be important to make as much money as I can. If I work these three extra hours, I could pay for three months of Setanta, which is coming to cable in my area at the end of September. On the other hand, I really hate working and really want to watch the game today.

by **stmichael** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 5:36 pm

Make no bones about it, this is going to be a really tough game. They're a far better team than they were last season and there's no chance that we'll just go there and walk over them like we did last time out.

Was listening to a French journalist on the radio before and he was making the point that they have a lot of pace in their team and are very good going forward. They have a Senagalese striker Nyang upfront alongside Kone (ex PSV) and both are extremely quick so we;ll have to be on our guard. Also, Ben Arfa (ex Lyon) is a top class player who has been linked with many top European clubs in the past.

If we defend well I'm sure we'll get a good result. Upfront, I hear that Torres is unlikely to be risked, so it'll be interesting to see if Gerrard plays just off Keane with Kuyt reverting back to the right or whether he sticks with pretty much the same side from Saturday. If it aint broke don't fix it and all that.

Anyway, 2-1 to us I think. A draw wouldn't be the end of the world but we certainly need to make a better start to the group than last year when we were completely dire in the first 3 games and scraped our way through.

by **Toffeehater** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 5:39 pm

GILLETT FOLLOWS REDS TO MARSEILLE

By Paul Walker, PA Sport, Marseille

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett will be at the Stade Velodrome to see if his club can start their European campaign in the same form that saw Manchester United cut down to size at the weekend.

Gillett was at Anfield for that one, too, and will take the opportunity to see whether that Barclays Premier League victory was a flash in the pan as Liverpool prepare to face Marseille in their opening Group D match.

And Liverpool's young Dutch winger Ryan Babel will be just as keen to see his own form maintained.

He scored at the same stadium last season in the 4-0 Liverpool victory in December that sealed their amazing survival in the competition when all had, at one stage, seemed lost.

And Babel's winner against Manchester United on Saturday saw him become Liverpool's second most prolific goal-scoring substitute when he netted his eighth goal after coming off the bench.

Babel said of the weekend triumph: "It is normal when you win games of that importance that you gain a lot of confidence. It means you look forward to your next game.

"We have started the season well, we have seen the squad improved with new signings and I believe we can look forward to winning many more games.

"Liverpool had not beaten Manchester United for a few years, so it was an important victory. We must build on that win.

"I have good memories too of scoring here last season and I am now only intent on working hard and allowing the coach to decide whether I play as a winger or a central striker. It is up to him and I will just be ready to play where he wants me to."

Liverpool are without Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio for the clash following a calf injury sustained against Manchester United on Saturday.

Javier Mascherano is expected to have recovered from a knee injury, while both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are considered by Benitez to be fit to start.

Lucas, who missed out on Saturday having not arrived back from international duty, is also in the squad while French striker David Ngog has been left out.

Marseille boss Erik Gerets was so impressed by Liverpool's display against Manchester United that he described them as "Duracell bunnies" and an example to the world for their performance.

Benitez needed to have the famous battery advert explained to him but once he cottoned on, the Spaniard said: "It is nice that we have made such an impact. As far as battery-powered, I suppose they are talking of Mascherano.

"But as far as making an impression, I am only concerned about the impact it has on us and our confidence. Too many people want to talk too early about titles and other things.

"We did well against Manchester United but we must be focused on the next game, and that is Marseille. We must not allow ourselves to get carried away."

by **Number 9** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 5:47 pm

I want a win but wont cry if we get a draw,theres a long way to go!
It just depends what team turn up and who Rafa puts out.If we play anything like we did on Saturday we'll have them for tea.Saying that I think Rafa will be a lot more cautious tonight as he usually is away in Europe!
I'd like to see him stick with the same team as Sat(apart from Aurelio as he's got a knock)..I think they all deserve to play again after a great display.Rotating for the sake of it especially so early in the season is pointless.I feel it sends a negative message to players and they feel dropped,then ask themselves what more do they have to do!
Do I think he will stick with it?No,there will probably be 3 or 4 changes!

by **Effes** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:11 pm

Dont forget, Rafa sometimes puts mad teams out at the start of a European Campaign.

Remember Real Betis away? (Which we won 2-1 anyhow)

by **masterraj** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:14 pm

I cant see any better than a 1-0 win Gerrard...

by **woof woof !** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:39 pm

Not bothered about the scoreline as long as we win, AND I EXPECT NOTHING LESS !

If we're gonna show that we mean business then lets show that the victory over the Mancs was not just a one off.

by **metalhead** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:40 pm

I think we will win 3-1 or 2-1

by **Toffeehater** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:51 pm

Squad list out yet?

by **Toffeehater** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:54 pm

TORRES AND GERRARD RETURN FOR REDS
Paul Eaton in Marseille 16 September 2008

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard return to the starting line-up for this evening's Champions League opener in Marseille.
Rafael Benitez makes five changes from the team which defeated Manchester United at the weekend, with Lucas, Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena also earning recalls.

The Liverpool team for tonight's match is as follows:

Reina
Dossena
Carragher
Skrtel
Arbeloa
Lucas
Mascherano
Gerrard
Babel
Kuyt
Torres

Subs:

Cavalieri
Agger
Keane
Riera
Alonso
Benayoun
Degen

by **Toffeehater** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:55 pm

What a bench , its crunch time for lucas and babel , time to prove stu wrong . Keane on the bench . Rotation has started already i see . 5 changes for ffs , rafa not starting with riera , what a surprise

4-2-3-1

Reina

Arbeloa Carra Skrtel Dossena

Masch Lucas
Kuyt Babel

Gerrard

Torres

by **redhayesy** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:59 pm

woof woof ! wrote:Not bothered about the scoreline as long as we win, AND I EXPECT NOTHING LESS !

If we're gonna show that we mean business then lets show that the victory over the Mancs was not just a one off.

spot on mate! let"s show the attitude we did on sat & we will win.

i just hope whoever get"s in the starting line up,makes it difficult for raffa to leave them out for the game on sat, no need for rotation :eyebrow

if the players show they in the side to stay!

by **Number 9** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:02 pm

Fecking Lucas!

He needs a good game tonight,this fella has done virtually nothing at any given chance,Im gonna say he'll have a stinker and hopefully he proves me wrong!

by **metalhead** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:04 pm

I dont see lucas starting in the center today.

I see gerrard-masch in the center, which is a bit worrying for me because of lack of creativity in that area.

Maybe Torres can balance that out

by **stmichael** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:12 pm

Toffeehater wrote:What a bench

exactly what i was thinking.

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MARSEILLE VS LIVERPOOL - Champions league : sept 16 ko 19:45

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