Would Rafa consider his 2nd half tactics in Istanbul

[Rory Fitzgerald]

Was just thinking about the change in tactics in the 2nd half in Istanbul:

 

3 @ the back, 2 wide attacking fullbacks, 2 holding midfielders, 2 attacking midfielders and 1 striker. In Gillet & Hicks language, it was a real Hail Mary set-up

 

Then I thought - would he even consider this vs Milan for real ?

 

....................Reina

 

..........Carra Hyypia Agger.............

 

............Mascherano Alonso..............

Finnan.....................................Riise

 

................Gerrard....???????

 

......................Crouch.................

 

?????= Take your pick from Kewell, Zenden, possibly even Pennant or Kuyt.

 

I dont think this will enter his mind realistically, but just interested to see what people thought..........

[uppsala]

Pennant should be on the right.

[Nerik]

I think he will start 4-4-2

 

Reina

 

Agger Carra Agger Riise

Gerrard Alonso Masch Zenden

Crouch Kuyt

 

A mix of experience, solidity and physical strength. Milan are at their strongest in the first half. He can then unleash the likes of Bellamy and Pennant in the 2nd half if needed, when the Milan legs tire. I sure hope Milan play with Maldini and Nesta at CB. One is crocked the other not as good as before. They will struggle to deal with Kuyt and Crouch.

[Magic8Ball]

I think he will start 4-4-2

 

Reina

 

Agger Carra Agger Riise

Gerrard Alonso Masch Zenden

Crouch Kuyt

 

A mix of experience, solidity and physical strength. Milan are at their strongest in the first half. He can then unleash the likes of Bellamy and Pennant in the 2nd half if needed, when the Milan legs tire. I sure hope Milan play with Maldini and Nesta at CB. One is crocked the other not as good as before. They will struggle to deal with Kuyt and Crouch.

tend to agree, and dont forget Kewell

[Guest macca777]

Finnan on the right instead of the second Agger maybe...otherwise agree with the above

[koppper]

I think he will start 4-4-2

 

Reina

 

Agger Carra Agger Riise

Gerrard Alonso Masch Zenden

Crouch Kuyt

 

A mix of experience, solidity and physical strength. Milan are at their strongest in the first half. He can then unleash the likes of Bellamy and Pennant in the 2nd half if needed, when the Milan legs tire. I sure hope Milan play with Maldini and Nesta at CB. One is crocked the other not as good as before. They will struggle to deal with Kuyt and Crouch.

 

 

Agger two?

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

I think Rafa plays more fluid tactics that a straightforward 4-4-2 3-5-1 or whatever.

 

When we look like we're plating 1 up front - say a 4-5-1, it's more like 4-5-1 when defending or not in possession & 4-3-3 when attaching

[Hassony]

here are the certain starters IMO 9if all fit)

 

Pepe

Finnan

Carra

Agger

riise

Gerrard

masherano

Kuyt

[Guest JayMc]

Tactics?

 

Looked like we just threw everything we had at them.

[DazzlaJ]

Agger two?

 

push pineapple, shake the tree

[Rory Fitzgerald]

Tactics?

 

Looked like we just threw everything we had at them.

 

 

Yeah it was a bit like that but I think Hamann and Alonso were told to remain disciplined in front of our back 3 so that we could throw Smicer and Riise forward on the wings with Gerrard and Garcia given licence to get up around Baros.