Liverpool can beat Milan at their own ‘control’ game
In a rematch of epic proportions, the formation Benitez will put out from the start needs careful consideration in the build up to the final.
Its fair to say that given the unpredictable nature of Benitez in relation to the tactics he employs for the team, determining who starts and where they play isn’t going to be easy. However when assessing the comments that the manager has made recently, I believe that starting line up in Athens will be as follows:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Agger Riise
Sissoko Mascherano Alonso
Gerrard
Kuyt Bellamy
Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Pennant, Kewell, Crouch, Fowler
In essence this gives Liverpool the platform to dominate (or as Benitez likes to put it….”control”) the game.
Sissoko will provide the energy and could be given the job of man marking Seedorf. Mascherano will almost certainly mark Kaka out of the game and Alonso will seek to control the tempo i.e. by slowing it down, switching the play from right to left or vice versa and picking up the ball outside his own penalty area and quickly turning defence into attack. Also don’t be surprised to see him spray balls over and through the Milan defence to utilise Bellamy’s pace to get in behind. Whether it works or not depends on Bellamy and whether he can time his runs.
Gerrard will operate behind the front two but his primary role will be to get beyond both strikers and take shots on goal. For this to work Kuyt will have to hold the ball up effectively and lay it off for the on rushing Gerrard.
If these tactics don’t work we have enough players on the bench to change the game in our favour. All three of Kewell, Pennant and Crouch provide very good attacking alternatives.
In comparision, Milan’s XI will be familiar and of course the usual suspects Kaka and Seedorf will provide the threat in the final 3rd. However to put it plainly, Liverpool have more attacking alternatives on their bench then Milan. In fact, of Milan’s subs that I think will feature, only Serginho might cause us a problem.
Predictions are always hard to make, but whichever way Benitez decides to go in terms of player selection and formation I think it will most likely be a 1-0 or 2-1 win for Liverpool in the 90 mins.
NO PENALTIES THIS TIME!
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Arvin,
the thing with Milan is that they don’t ‘need’ support from the bench to change matters, unless someone is injured.
Will Sissoko or Mascherano aim to injure Kaka in the first 15 minutes?
If Pool put Crouch or Kuyt on the bench then yes, they have someone who can come on and make a difference. Otherwise, they’re stuck.
Milan may look one-dimensional but they’re extremely good at what they do, at least when they’re up for it.
i think its better for rafa to use the wings with harry kewell on form and peanart on the other side.liverpool can punish milan with 2goals to 0.but if momo does not make kaka lose control of the game in the first 15minutes ,the game will be tuff for liverpool inthis case pool may also won it in extra time.after a goaless draw.
A containing strategy is probably the most sensible option. However I think your underestimating how tough its going to be. Theres no width, and Gerrard, as good as he is, hasnt got the craft of a Kaka or a Seedorf to link everything by himself. Having a five man midfield with wingers and gerrard in a free role could work, but that would pretty much be cancelled out by milans formation. What do all you Liverpool fansd think would be the best formation?
I agree with Arvin however as we all know Milan are a class side and can change things at the drop of a hat. Kaka will be the man to stop and if that can be done we can ‘control’ the game and cause some real damage. My only hope is that if Bellamy starts he plays out of his skin for the full 90 minutes and times his runs with perfection. I’m off to Athens next week and hope to god that we bring back that glistening silver trophy
Come on you REDMEN
Milan is way too gifted for any kind of above tactics to take shape against them. All liverpoo can do is be physical and hope for an odd goal to win. But my prediction is a 2-0 to Milan..
Lverpoool will win comfortably. If Rafa starts Sissoko and Mascherano to counter Kaka and Seedorf. He just needs Gerrard in a free attacking role and two wingers to beat Milan. Not two strikers.
People keep forgetting this is not the same Liverpool side of 2004-2005 that went behind by 3 goals at half time.
This is a new Liverpool and even the most pessimistic Liverpool fan would say Liverpool have the quality to dominate the match and I think Liverpool will win 2-1.
I think Crouch will score both the goals for Liverpool.
Rafa would not have the guts to play with two players in the attack. I hope he will but he will not. Milan ot the best midfield ensemble in any team in Europe and (Pirlo, Ambrosini, Gattuso, Kaka, Seedorf) and if they give 80% of what they are capable of, Liverpool will lose control of the game.As a milan fan, I hope Rafa play with 4 in the midfield.But Rafa is much smarter….
Thanx
Hi all.
I think the writer of this article Liverpool can beat Milan at their own ‘control’ game, hardly has any knowledge of the world game. Liverpool are a luaghable team that try to play nothing but a 20th century catenaccio. They are a physical team that depend very strongly on 5 things to score goals:
1. Unbelievable luck (fluke). They are the true and only definition of bogey team. (goals scored in the manner or circumstances (from the perspective of the liverpool faithful
): ‘is it a goal or is it not, or yes it is a goal against chelsea even when it never crossed the line: or our opponent’s goalkeeper can score for me so why do we need to score, our opponents think we are invisible so no need to defend, our opponents don’t want to play against us because we are so pathetic we are 3-0 down only in the first half, therefore, they wait for the last kick because we have proved we are just a joke in the world game!!! ) And how could I forget, we are a fluke unlike any other!!!
2. an opponent that blows away the match they would otherwise NEVER lose in any existence, or a team that just disgusts liverpool so much they do not want to play them
3. Undeniable stupidity in defence of a team to allow SOOOO….. much space for liverfluke to strike shots they practice every day in training as their ONLY training.
4. On rushing strikes against opponents that sleep in defence for a 10-15 yard or so run from midefield to score a header
5. masteful penalties earned from diving (gerard is the champion here!!)
Liverpool are a physical team that are simply a fluke and depend on some truly pathetic tactics. Valdano is right, they are a piece of shit hanging from a stick.
Milan are a different class of a team. They will simply destroy liverpool. The fluke they earned in Istanbul will NEVER happen in Athens.
Good luck liverpool, your shit luck and fluke has just left you in Athens!!!
Smin, I think you talk more sense than anyone else. Milan are indeed a coach’s, player’s and fan’s dream. It is hard to find a team any better in my opinion. Unless liverpool get some fluke going, they will be finished.
Just as much as liverpool think they have already won the champions league with some ‘just squeezing it out’ result, milan have the plan to demolish them.
Milan 4 - liverfluke 0
First and foremost, i am a liverpool fan.
It will be an extremely tough game for liverpool. Milan are not only out for revenge, but have the believe that they have better players and are in better form than liverpool.
As for liverpool, it have never been easy supporting them in a cup final. The entire team keeps the fans on their toes every minute of the game. But ultimately, it will take pure HEART, DETERMINATION and BELIEF that can drive liverpool to success.
Milan have “killer” players like Kaka and Seedorf who can turn around a match in an instant. Their defence altough old, is filled with experience. In Gilardino/Inzaghi, Milan has 2 very potential match winners.
Can Liverpool repeat the win of 2005? They sure have the ability, but need the heart, determination and belief to win. They can’t go down 2-0 or 3-0 like last time. Deep down, it seems like a Milan win. But i will be going all out to support liverpool.
God willing, they will win again!! All the red fans will be behind them. At least i know i will ……..
Yup, Milan is a dream side, but they’ve got some ANCIENT players. What’s up with that? That’s chance for L’pool, they are playing against people with grandchildren. Apart from that, Milan is much stronger. But goddamn Scousers will never realize that. Forget Istanbul already, you dumb fucks!
i love both
but realmadrid the best
The breakdown is simple……
Attacking advantage goes to Milan. This has to be admitted. They have flair and genious. Liverpool lack both, but score, rather, through force of will. This, though, is not as effective as scoring through sheer talent.
Defensive advantage goes to Liverpool. A.C. Milan is slow and wins because they usually score more goals than they conceed. Plus their keeper is very dodgey and more than should be tolorated makes a total mess of things.
The betting sights give a slight edge to Milan, and they know best. Nothing makes one objective like sheer monitary gain. They have Liverpool about 30% and Milan at about 40% with the draw the other 30%.
They are giving Milan’s revenge factor more value than Liverpool’s “Big game” performance boost.
I say it’s a coin flip but consider this - Nobody will blame Liverpool for failing this time, but Milan will FOREVER be labelled a “Super-talented failure” if they loose again. The pressure might just be too much for them…….Who knows.
Liverpool Fan,
James
any idea about the stadium @ athens…
the one at istanbul didnt favor wingers…
besides..an ideal team 4 liverpool would be…
Reina
Riise
Carragher
Agger
Finnan
Kewell
Pennant
Gerrard
Mascherano
Bellamy
Kuyt
Ameya, just curious why u haven’t included Xabi Alonso in the team… he is one hell of a passer of the ball. His through balls may prove vital for liverpool. Playing with 2 wide players (wingers) may not be ideal for liverpool unless they fit crouch in. Plus the wingers available aren’t that fantastic…
Honest opinion…
GK - Reina (Sub: Dudek)
RB - Finnan (Sub: Abreloa)
LB - Riise (Sub: Aurelio - can cover left midfield)
CB - Carragher (can cover right back)
CB - Agger (Sub: Hyppia, exp counts)
DM - Mascherano
CM - Alonso (Sub: Gonzalez/Kewell - anyone’s guess)
RM - Pennant
AM - Gerrard
ST/LM - Kuyt (Sub: Fowler, c’mon its his last match)
ST - Crouch (Sub: Bellamy, could be his last too)
Pity Zenden and Sissoko not available….
Come on Reds… Bring back the CL to Merseyside…
I recon Carlo Ancelotti is a dead set idiot. If Liverpool do go on to win, it will be because of his comments. Liverpool are very proud club, and he has given Liverpool plenty of ammunition to inspire a victory. I also think it’s a bonus that Liverpool’s chances have been talked down. All the pressure is on AC Milan, Liverpool have nothing to prove. After all Liverpool has already beaten two of the worlds best teams to reach this final. Being Barcelona and Chelsea, and AC Milan is excited over beating Man United.
Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Pennant, Kewell, Crouch, Fowler, harry kewell, With dis player we are cover i see Ac in trouble is time 4 liverpool to prove to them that will are better thank them and their old squad retire police men in food ball
I Equally support Kuyt Bellamy too with this kill payer subject. i see will are already secure the cup
Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Pennant, Kewell, Crouch, Fowler
In essence this gives Liverpool the platform to dominate (or as Benitez likes to put it….”control”) the game.
Sissoko will provide the energy and could be given the job of man marking Seedorf. Mascherano will almost certainly mark Kaka out of the game and Alonso will seek to control the tempo i.e. by slowing it down, switching the play from right to left or vice versa and picking up the ball outside his own penalty area and quickly turning defence into attack. Also don’t be surprised to see him spray balls over and through the Milan defence to utilise Bellamy’s pace to get in behind. Whether it works or not depends on Bellamy and whether he can time his runs.
Gerrard will operate behind the front two but his primary role will be to get beyond both strikers and take shots on goal. For this to work Kuyt will have to hold the ball up effectively and lay it off for the on rushing Gerrard.
If these tactics don’t work we have enough players on the bench to change the game in our favour. All three of Kewell, Pennant and Crouch provide very good attacking alternatives.
In comparision, Milan’s XI will be familiar and of course the usual suspects Kaka and Seedorf will provide the threat in the final 3rd. However to put it plainly, Liverpool have more attacking alternatives on their bench then Milan. In fact, of Milan’s subs that I think will feature, only Serginho might cause us a problem.
Predictions are always hard to make, but whichever way Benitez decides to go in terms of player selection and formation I think it will most likely be a 1-0 or 2-1 win for Liverpool in the 90 mins.
Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Pennant, Kewell, Crouch, Fowler, harry kewell, With dis player we are cover i see Ac in trouble is time 4 liverpool to prove to them that we are better than them. with their old squad retire police men in football
Robert
Are you a bitter little Chelsea fan by any chance?
Wilko1,
Nah- Robert is just a guy whose not used to a winning team.
LFC as an institution are behind their team. They’ve done it for years and the team will most likely win again. It’s just one of those things, I guess.
It’s a massive boost being the underdog again. Milan seem to think they can just show up and play flattering football and Liverpool will go away. Same as Barca. Chelsea just made it worse by their pre-match comments.
thats is fo sure no penalty..i optimist Milan will beat Liver…and i hope the game will run faster, no careful football stuff tomorrow…
by lets-joga.blogspot.com