Barcelona vs Liverpool

[Rory Fitzgerald]

This game has really caught my imagination as I am sure it has everyone else.

 

- Rafa is meticulous as we all know

- He has 10 days to prepare

- Team has gone to a training camp

- Plus its the only trophy we can win this season

 

How do you think he will prepare the team defensively?

 

- 3 center backs with 2 wing backs

- Flat back 4

 

How will we set up in midfield

 

- Will Momo, Xabi and Stevie all play

- Will Pennant and Gonzalez play as pacey outlets

- Bellamy upfront for his pace or Crouch for his height ?

 

I went with this post in a topic by Figaro last week.

 

Reina

 

Finnan Carra Hyypia Agger Riise

 

...Gerrard Sissoko Alonso....

 

........Kuyt Bellamy................

 

Rationale

 

Defence

 

I would go with 5 at the back. Given the way Barca can move the ball at speed with fast players, a tight back line could reduce the spaces between the channels of our defenders to slip players in. Carra can move out to right back if Finnan moves up the pitch when we attack likewise we have that flexibility with the left, though I dont anticipate that much attacking from our wing backs. Also Barca have good attacking wide players, Finnan and Carra double up on the right leaving

Hyypia Agger and Riise to man the rest of the box.

Alternatively we have Agger and Riise to double up on the left side leaving Carra & Hyypia in the center and Finnan at the back post.

 

Midfield

 

I think our strongest midfield consists of Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko. I dont think Gonzalez and Pennant would have much input into the game if we played 4 across midfield as I would anticipate that we will be the team without the ball for most of the match and would prefer to have added protection at the back. Gerrard on the right side of that 3 enables him to get back at Ronaldinho whilst also positioned to attack from that side of the field knowing that Sissoko and Alonso will be disciplined enough to hold if he breaks on a counter to support the attack

 

Attack

 

Kuyt and Bellamy. I would not play Crouch. I understand that he can hold the ball up but in order for that to work to the maximum, he would need support to get to him quick. Given that my personal choice of the team has no wingers and 2 holding midfielders, the only support would come from Gerrard and the running of Bellamy so he could get isolated. I would go for Kuyt because of his work ethic to support midfield and the options he can provide with his running and also Bellamy. If we are to get the ball deep, the pace and work rate and willingness of Kuyt and Bellamy to work the channels will be good outlets for Alonso and Gerrard. Those two can make something happen on their own whereas we would have to play higher up the pitch to get the best out of Crouch in my opinion.

 

 

 

I basically see the game in the Nou Camp as an effort to choke Barca, whilst having pace upfront in Bellamy Kuyt and possibly Gerrard to get forward aswell whilst knowing that we will not see ourselves naked at the back. I would not play Pennant nor Gonzalez as I think we would receive better support/protection by playing the additional center back and I would not play Crouch as I fell we will not get the best out of him.

 

As for Anfield, I think Crouch could be a potent weapon as our mindset will change and our attacking impetus will kick in - support should be plentiful and he could cause real problems for Barca at the back.

 

All in my humble opinion

[Paul B]

I think we'll only play with one up front but a five man midfield. Debatable whether to go for the experience of Hyypia or to stay with Agger at the back. Either way, I'd let the players know early on who's playing so they can get used to it. And that's why Rafa's the manager and I have never managed a team in a European cup final!

[RafaShanks]

3-5-2 for me.

 

Kuyt and Crouchy up front, with Dirk doing his usual working all over the place.

 

Stevie in a free attacking role. Momo or Javier alongside Xabi.

[Paul B]

3-5-2 for me.

 

Kuyt and Crouchy up front, with Dirk doing his usual working all over the place.

 

Stevie in a free attacking role. Momo or Javier alongside Xabi.

 

 

I think that's the way we'll play at Anfield rather than risk it over there though, don't you?

[Ostrich Man]

id play all the youth team, in the wrong positions.

[Logic]

Wouldn't be surprised if we went for 4-5-1.

 

Depending on fitness:

 

Reina

Finnan Carra Hyypia Aurelio

Momo Alonso

Pennant Gerrard Gonzalez

Crouch

 

Defence:

Hyypia in for Agger simply because of his experience. Agger has been doing great but this may be one season too soon to throw him in against the likes of Barcelona. Aurelio simply because he has played in Spain and is less likely to give the ball away than Riise at the moment.

 

Midfield:

In defense we could give Sissoko a free role. Basically let him run around tackling everything that moves and Gerrard drops to cover Carra and Hyypia in the centre.

 

In attack let Pennant and Gonzalez stay as wide as possible to hit Barca on the counter attack with Gerrard doing damage through the middle. With Pennant and Gonzalez in the team we can exploit the holes left behind their full backs.

 

Attack:

Simple really. Either get the ball to Crouch for him to play it to Gerrard or play the ball out wide and get as many crosses as possible for Crouch to work with (or just target Crouch with shots hoping he'll deflect one of those into goal rather than trust his heading ability. ).

 

Let's try to get the away goal by blitzing them them the first 15-20min and then play it safe after that. It's very likely that an away goal will be the difference between these two sides after boths games.

 

This manager thing is simple isn't it?

[CarraLegend]

Bellamy will be the first name on the teamsheet for this.

[Paul B]

Bellamy will be the first name on the teamsheet for this.

 

No, Reina will be.

[Gilps]

Bellamy will be the first name on the teamsheet for this.

 

It's funny. You can make a strong case for him playing as we're away from home. And a case for Crouch as they won't know what the feck to do with him. But I really can't see Kuyt not playing.

 

So in short, I've not got a bloody clue who we'll play up front.

[floyd]

id play all the youth team, in the wrong positions.

Like the Drunk did in 1994?

[CarraLegend]

It's funny. You can make a strong case for him playing as we're away from home. And a case for Crouch as they won't know what the feck to do with him. But I really can't see Kuyt not playing.

 

So in short, I've not got a bloody clue who we'll play up front.

 

Haha, true. I was hoping Crouch wouldnt play for England the other day as Puyol got to see a bit of what he's about. I'd defo play Crouch and Kuyt at home, away it wouldnt surprise me if we went 4 3 3 with Bellamy and Dirk dropping back without the ball.

Edited February 12, 2007 by CarraLegend

[Stevie H]

i'd be amazed if we played 3-5-2 over there on that size pitch and with their movement.

[Ostrich Man]

Like the Drunk did in 1994?

couldve been worse, roy evans couldve just been installed as manager.

[Rory Fitzgerald]

i'd be amazed if we played 3-5-2 over there on that size pitch and with their movement.

 

 

Does anyone know the difference in the pitch size between Anfield and the Camp Nou ?

 

It always looks massive on tv but I always put that down the camara angle as surely it can be that bigger ?

[Logic]

Does anyone know the difference in the pitch size between Anfield and the Camp Nou ?

 

It always looks massive on tv but I always put that down the camara angle as surely it can be that bigger ?

Nou Camp is 105 x 68 metres

Anfield is 110 x 75 m metres

 

 

 

 

 

according to wikipedia.... but that sounds all wrong for some reason...

[Big E]

Smaller than Anfield?? surprised at that. Should help our long ball game if Crouchy plays.

 

4-4-2 formation for me.

 

Reina

 

Finnan-Carra-Agger-Riise(although currently s****)

 

Gerrard--Alonso--Momo--Aurelio

 

Kuyt--Bellamy

 

 

Can't see any other formation with the injuries we have, and assuming no-one gets fit. Could possibly play Pennant and 5 in midfield, but I'd rather have Kuyt's workrate and Bellamy's pace. 3 centre backs too risky I'd say.

[Owen1978]

Cant see sami playing this one, they play on the floor quickly! - i can see sami being turned inside out by the likes of eto, messi, goofy etc..

[Stevie H]

Smaller than Anfield?? surprised at that. Should help our long ball game if Crouchy plays.

 

4-4-2 formation for me.

 

Reina

 

Finnan-Carra-Agger-Riise(although currently s****)

 

Gerrard--Alonso--Momo--Aurelio

 

Kuyt--Bellamy

Can't see any other formation with the injuries we have, and assuming no-one gets fit. Could possibly play Pennant and 5 in midfield, but I'd rather have Kuyt's workrate and Bellamy's pace. 3 centre backs too risky I'd say.

 

aurelio left-back and gonzalez left mid for me. aurelio has the whole brasil - argentina rivalry to play up with messi and besides, messi would rape the a*se out of riise right now.

[Knox_Harrington]

aurelio left-back and gonzalez left mid for me. aurelio has the whole brasil - argentina rivalry to play up with messi and besides, messi would rape the a*se out of riise right now.

I'd fancy I could get the better out of him over 90.

[12twelve]

it will be suicidal to play a back 3 against a front 3, even with wingbacks and so.

[Nebraska Red]

4-4-2

 

Reina

 

Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise

 

Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Gonzalez

 

Crouch, Kuyt

 

Crouch has to at least start the game, so we need a winger to cross the ball. As Gerrard will likely play wide right, it makes sense to start Gonzalez. Bellamy on the bench in case Crouch is getting nothing.

 

For me, the choice of referee is an important factor. If we get one of these fussy refs who don't allow any body contact, Crouch may be on the bench.

 

We could really do with getting the first goal, but not too early in the game. If we score early, i see us sitting back and they will be all over us.

[Big E]

aurelio left-back and gonzalez left mid for me. aurelio has the whole brasil - argentina rivalry to play up with messi and besides, messi would rape the a*se out of riise right now.

 

Yeah I can see the logic - my nan could rape the a*** out of Riise at the moment. and she isn't even a bloke any more

 

Just the Aurelio isn't the best defensively either, and Gonzales still doesn't convince although against Spanish opposition could be more suited to him. Either that, or put Riise at LM.

 

 

 

on a related note, to drag up a previous thread - we shouldn't have sold Warnock till the summer

[Guest]

Reina

 

Kennedy

Hansen

Yeats

Nicol

 

Barnes

Gerrard

Souness

McDermott

 

Dalglish

Rush

[crisps]

-------------Reina-------------

Finnan---hyypia---agger---carra

gerrard-alonso--sissoko--gonzalez

---------kuyt--bellamy----------

[CHRed]

Key for me is La Liga experiance. Therefore, I would expect the team to be moulded around:

 

Reina

Aurielo

Gonzales

Alonso

Sissisko

 

and if we get clearance for Javier, I would expect him to play. He is training and in Euro matches, being slower and more technical, I don't think he would struggle with lack of match fitness. I would go for two options:

 

Reina

 

Finnan Carra Agger Aurelio

 

Masch Alonso

 

 

Sissisko Gerrard Gonzo

 

 

Kuyt

 

 

Kuyt - to hold up the ball and be more mobile than Crouch (I think his display for England last week gave Rafa to answer not to play him)

Momo, Stevie and Gonzo to move about - plus Momo can track back against Ronny and I think Aurelio would be more mobile against Messi

 

If no Masch then

 

 

Reina

 

Finnan Carra Agger Aurelio

 

Momo Alonso

 

 

Bellers Gerrard Gonzo

 

Kuyt