Wednesday, May 23, 2007

AC Milan Vs Liverpool Preview





Just hours before the final, I've finally squeezed out some time to post an entry about the Champions League Final which everyone is talking about. It has been a long wait for both Liverpool and Milan fans out there for the final. This is the moment all of us are waiting for.

History is repeating itself but has not repeated. Both Liverpool and Milan faced each other again in Athens for the Champions League Final for the second time in 3 years. Liverpool won in 2005 after coming back from 3-0 down at halftime. No one will forget it. It's a final for Liverpool to remember and Milan to forget.

Now, the two teams meet again with the majority of the teams are still the same. The likes of Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso versus Gerrard, Alonso, Carragher. With experience in both sides, I do believe it would be a close encounter.

There were many questions and discussions of who's playing in the Liverpool team and who's playing at which position. Rafa, as usual, has always been changing and rotating his players until that no one can guess who's playing and even players themselves do not know. He's a great tactician and I do believe in him picking the best line-up.

As for me, I would put the following.
Reina , Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Kewell, Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard, Pennant, Crouch.

With a 4-5-1 formation, we would be able to control the midfield. We are not going to allow Kaka and Seedorf running the shows in the middle. We have to keep the ball and turn them into chances.

Kewell would be the left option for me because somehow, I do feel that he can offer much to the team despite of his lack of match fitness. He's a great winger and hopefully, it can be a dream comeback for him. With both Kewell and Pennant on the wings, we need a target man upfront. That's definitely Peter Crouch. His height is a major asset and his goals in European games proves it all. It shows that in Europe, not many defenders are able to stop him. With tall presence, I do believe he can cause Milan some problems.

With Gerrard playing just behind Crouch, Kewell and Pennant on the wings and Alonso, Mascherano protecting the back four, we can really create something despite being the underdogs. Of course, that's what I think, Rafa may have his own ways.

It won't be easy for us, for sure. However, we do stand a chance.

Come on Reds!
I've faith in you..

You'll Never Walk Alone..

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