Alonso

He must be rubbish as he's not even made the Brazil squad to face England!!

Weren't they flying out to Spain on Monday?

Has this been officially reported or do you have an inside track? Be a shame to see him leave as I still think he has something to offer next season.

1,000 square foot HD screen

Unfortunately not altho would miss 30-45 minutes as we have to be there at 5.30 and it finishes at 8.30

Anyone watching the game in Bristol? If so where abouts? Anyone know of any decent places? Thanks

I've got the chance to go to the exit trials for those players who have been released in a purely "go along to watch" sense. Would it be worth going? Thanks

I would like to see: Reina Finnan Carragher Agger Riise Mascherano Alonso Pennant Gerrard Kewell Crouch I think the subs will be: Subs: Dudek Hyypia Arbeloa Zenden Sissoko Bellamy Kuyt So Fowler and Gonzalez will miss out altho I?d be inclined to have Fowler over Zenden for sentimental reasons! Arbeloa can always come on for Kewell and then push Riise to LW if Zenden isn?t on the bench. Bellamy needs to be there cos he can offer that pace on the break and Kuyt as an alternative/partner to Crouch. Sissoko will provide cover for Alonso/Mascherano and Hyypia for Carragher/Agger.

I thought UEFA and FIFA were both happy (in a legit way) that we signed Mascherano and baring in mind how long the FA/PL took before they gave us his clearance then I don't think we have too much to worry about.

The £25-30m Rafa has had each season has been essentially to build the squad that he wants. Now the squad Rafa wants is pretty much in place we can expect 1 or 2 players near that price to add that real quality to the first team especially now we have Gillett and Hicks. This is similar to what Utd and Chelsea have been doing and we can now start pushing on. If that happens then next season is gonna be the real test as to how we do over the 38 games and we should be judged then, not now whilst we have essentially been squad building and on a limited budget.

From HERE Injury appears to have robbed Jerzy Dudek of his last chance to play in front of the Kop. With his contract up in the summer and rival Pepe Reina injured, the stage looked set for the Pole to bid an emotional farewell against Charlton on Sunday. However, Rafa Benitez today confirmed the 34-year-old has failed to recover from a problem which kept him out of last week's visit to Fulham. The Spaniard told a Melwood press conference: "Sissoko is not available, Reina is injured and maybe also Dudek. It will be difficult for Jerzy to play." Italian under-21 stopper Daniele Padelli is likely to deputise in goal. It'll be good to see Padelli get a game but I wonder who will be the GK on the bench then if Dudek and Reina aren't fit? Suppose it'll be Martin if he's returned from his loan spell at Accrington or even Carson if his loan deal ended last week or whether officially it's up after the last game of the season.

He's been dubbed "THe New Falcao". Wouldn't be right if he wasn't the new somebody!

According to an article from Channel 4's Football Italia section he holds an Italian passport: Milan have reportedly targeted Lucas Pezzini Leiva and Evaldo Silva Santos, both currently contracted with Gremio. The 19-year-old Pezzini, who also has an Italian passport, is set to leave the Brazilian club in January and has also been eyed by Atletico Madrid, whereas Evaldo could move at the end of the season.

Bit of background on him from HERE FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 Lucas ready to lead Brazilian charge The year 2006 saw Lucas break new ground. He inspired Gremio to 2007 Copa Libertadores qualification on their return to the Brazilian top flight, became the youngest ever recipient of Placar Magazine's Golden Ball, awarded to the domestic championship's top performer, and earned a first call-up to the senior Brazil squad. Surpassing such a profitable 12 months was always going to be an arduous task for the all-action midfielder, however, having already skippered his country to glory at the 2007 South American U-20 Championship and helped his club make a positive start to the new season, he believes this goal is within his reach. That said, Lucas is aware that his mission rests abundantly on one factor: whether or not he can lead the Seleção to gold at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007, which begins on 30 June. A city of revelations Just like their cross-city rivals Internacional, whose post-millennium revelations include attacking jewels Diogo Rincon, Daniel Carvalho, Nilmar, Rafael Sobis and Alexandre Pato, Gremio have gained a reputation for unearthing fine prospects in recent times. Indeed, both two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho and FC Porto luminary Anderson are products of their youth academy. But while the pair share a similar style, which serves to thrill audiences and unlock defences, Lucas provides a different service. Predominantly a defensive midfielder, the 20-year-old is an expert marker and ball-winner. His capabilities, nonetheless, stretch beyond breaking up opposition attacks. An inventive passer who possesses a neat first touch, well-rounded is an adjective that fits Lucas like a glove. Mature leadership After helping Gremio win the Rio Grande do Sul state championship at the front end of the year, Lucas Pezzini Leiva, to give him his full name, played the transcendent role in the Tricolor Gaúcho achieving an unexpected third-placed finish in the 2006 Brasileiro. And as the team celebrated securing Copa Libertadores qualification, their star turn was rewarded with Placar's prestigious Golden Ball, an honour that has previously befitted the likes of Zico, Falcao, Careca, Junior, Romario and Kaka. In spite of Lucas' accomplishment, however, it was another Porto Alegre-based youngster that captured the majority of the headlines going into the 2007 South American U-20 Championship. And while Alexandre Pato certainly vindicated his pre-tournament hype, Lucas' influence proved equally important to Brazil. In addition to his proficient orchestration of play and mature leadership, the Gremio player weighed in with four goals, including the equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Argentina and the opening goal in the title-clinching 2-0 win over Colombia. Competitive field With Argentina looking to defend their crown, a highly-touted Mexico side eager to etch their own name on the trophy, Congo having suggested that they are capable of mixing it with the elite and European heavyweights Spain and Portugal among the qualified nations, the 16th instalment of the FIFA U-20 World Cup promises to be the most competitive to date. Following their capture of the continental title in Paraguay, though, Brazil will enter the tournament confident of matching Argentina's record of five titles. For Lucas, nephew of Palmeiras legend Leivinha, leading Nelson Rodrigues' side to a global triumph would be a huge step towards turning 2007 into an even more successful 12 months than his breakthrough year. Moreover, with full national team boss Dunga sure to be casting a keen eye over proceedings in Canada, it would improve his chances of becoming a firm fixture in the senior Brazil squad. Ironically, when the Seleção won their first FIFA U-20 World Cup title at Mexico 83, Dunga performed handsomely in their engine room. Is the stage set for a new midfield general to spearhead Brazil's trophy charge?

Don't think we'd have got away with playing him in the youth team and Owen certainly wouldn't have been ready for the first team!!

Berbatov's scored 10 away goals out of the 22 he's scored this season. They came at: Besitkas Leverkusen Fulham (2) Everton West Ham Chelsea (FA Cup) Wigan Boro Charlton Stats Make of that what you will.

How about Brown's tackle tht broke Scott Sinclair's foot? I haven't seen it and wondered if that was a bad one? Mourinho lost his temper in the second-half after United winger Chris Eagles was only booked for a two-footed challenge on Shaun Wright-Phillips and then a Wes Brown challenge left Scott Sinclair with a broken metatarsal bone.

They could have quite a handy team next year if they get Nugent and Barton what with Cahill returning from injury and Vaughan and Anichebe a year older too.

This is surely the right answer: Current Standings: Kuyt.......................................58 Alonso....................................54 Bellamy....................................51 Pennant..................................45 Agger.....................................44 Gerrard....................................40 Carragher................................37 Sissoko...................................36 Finnan.....................................22 Reina......................................21 Mascherano............................19 Crouch....................................18 Hyypia.....................................16 Garcia.....................................10 Riise/Zenden/Fowler...................6 Insua.......................................3 Gonzalez..................................2 Warnock/Aurelio/Arbeloa/Dudek/Kewell...........1

Is what I'd go for only Kewell for Arbeloa.

a) Riise and Kewell - Lets try and attack down the flanks as they have a narrow midfield. Riise should be able to cope defensively as the full back is their main attacking option down the flank. b) Behind Crouch - That gives him the freedom to roam yet provides a solid 3 when defending as he'll have 2 other CMs behind him in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Agree with that.

We also have Leto coming in. We will have to sell at least 2 left sided players next season. Garcia is obviously staying as I would imagine is Kewell if he comes back fit as Rafa clearly rates him. They will be the first 2 options down the left next season so where would Leto AND Gonzalez fit in not to mention Riise and Aurelio who can play there. Zenden is on his way out IMO as his contract is up come the end of the season.

Kaka, se de nos nao podes ganhar vem conosco jogar!!

Agree with that, altho we could see Kewell play some part.