Thought on Tactics for Tuesday

[Leo No.8]

As encouraging as the scoreline and performance so far when considering Tuesday is how flat Arsenal look - particularly Fabregas, Gallas and Toure. Also here's an interesting but I'd say justifiable statement bearing the next game in mind.

 

Gallas and Toure looks far less comfortable against Crouch than they do Torres. Make of that what you will. Obviously Torres has to play, but is there justification for playing him just behind on the right with Crouch up top for this game as a one off?

 

It's not entirely unfamiliar to Torres either - he has played there quite a few times before for Atletico. Worth thinking about anyway I'd say, with Kuyt on the left to provide protection to Aurelio and Babel on the bench as an impact sub.

 

Torres anywhere but up top where he's most dangerous isn't normally something I'd consider, but Gallas and Toure are both very quick so nullify his pace a bit, wheras they can't seem to handle the big man.

[psl]

Its a decent idea, Crouch should play on Tuesday but the difficulty is whether to change a winning formation or who to leave out.

[Guest Sabre]

I think we're strongest 4-4-2 against Arsenal. Gerrard on the right, Xabi and Masch in the middle and Kuyt on the left, supporting Crouch and Torres. Torres can drop in and allow Gerrard tuck inside when we don't have the ball.

[surf]

Never going to happen, it will be the same XI as the first leg, with perhaps a change in defence.

[Leo No.8]

Never going to happen, it will be the same XI as the first leg, with perhaps a change in defence.

 

Probably will be - but I didn't think it worked all that well last week despite the good result. It just seems a shame to leave out our most effective player against Arsenal, which is what we'll be doing if we leave Crouch out.

 

I don't want to see us let Arsenal come out and dictate the play, which I feel may happen if we stick with what we've been using. Crouch keeps the ball exceptionally well and could help us retain more possession like today first half.

 

Then again with Fabregas playing another gruelling full 90 minutes it may be better just to stick with the safe option rather than mess about with the formation.

 

Still think it'd be extremely effective against Arsenal though.

Edited April 5, 2008 by Leo No.8

[Rimbeux]

If we're chasing the game, I'd stick Crouch on in a hurry. in general terms, I think you can get at Arsenal with pace wide getting in between centre and fullback as they defend so high. Torres wide is an option, but you'd really have to play three full up and three tight in midfield to make the best of Torres in that system, a different set up to how we've been going, either that or it's 4-4-2 direct, which has it's plus and minus points.

[Kvarme Ate My Food]

If we're chasing the game, I'd stick Crouch on in a hurry. in general terms, I think you can get at Arsenal with pace wide getting in between centre and fullback as they defend so high. Torres wide is an option, but you'd really have to play three full up and three tight in midfield to make the best of Torres in that system, a different set up to how we've been going, either that or it's 4-4-2 direct, which has it's plus and minus points.

 

its

 

otherwise, I agree

[Billy Dane]

I think Crouch would be a good option, but can't see Rafa taking the gamble on starting him on Tuesday.

[Magic8Ball]

Someone explain to me how the away goal is an advantage when we know Arsenal are going to score ?

Seems we're going to have to score 2 goals to go through - therefore I suspect the same formation and players as the first game

[Rory Fitzgerald]

Someone explain to me how the away goal is an advantage when we know Arsenal are going to score ?

Seems we're going to have to score 2 goals to go through - therefore I suspect the same formation and players as the first game

 

The magic 8 ball is a kids toy - its not always right.

 

Arsenal are the team that has to score - if they dont we are through, thats how its advantage us.

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

crouch caused all kinds of bother today. Hopefully Rafa noticed

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

Someone explain to me how the away goal is an advantage when we know Arsenal are going to score ?

Seems we're going to have to score 2 goals to go through - therefore I suspect the same formation and players as the first game

what?

 

Simple - Arsenal HAVE TO score. They don't, they're out. We can pick them off

[Magic8Ball]

The magic 8 ball is a kids toy - its not always right.

 

Arsenal are the team that has to score - if they dont we are through, thats how its advantage us.

LOL nice... thankyou. My point was 'when was the last time we kept a clean sheet against Arsenal? " we're more likely to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea than Arsenal. Therefore we are going to have to score too, and probably twice.

 

Given that I think we're going to need Torres and that means 4231

[psl]

Someone explain to me how the away goal is an advantage when we know Arsenal are going to score ?

Seems we're going to have to score 2 goals to go through - therefore I suspect the same formation and players as the first game

 

Because we don't know Arsenal are going to score.

 

And if they do, the fact that we have an away goal means that we don't need to score two to compensate.

 

HTH.

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

LOL nice... thankyou. My point was 'when was the last time we kept a clean sheet against Arsenal? " we're more likely to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea than Arsenal. Therefore we are going to have to score too, and probably twice.

 

Given that I think we're going to need Torres and that means 4231

 

It's an odd one this. Just because we don't keep clean sheets doesn't mean we won't. BUT - if we score first, it doesn't change Arsenal's mentality - they still need a goal or they're out; all it does is changes a goal for a win to a goal for ET, they have to go no more hell-for-leather than at 0-0

[psl]

I've been convinced that Chelsea woud get an away goal in two Anfield games and they've not managed it. Maybe Arsenal won't score on Tuesday. Its rare that they don't get a goal though.

[Magic8Ball]

thanks all,

I don't want to hijack this thread, but as I can see Arsenal scoring and pressing us we're going to need to counter attack at pace. That means no Crouch as far as I'm concerned.

You could argue that Rafa's rested our speedier players, because he thinks so too.

[Bootle Buck]

In games were we have to soak up some pressure Crouchy offers a great option for pumping the ballp to him to take some pressure of. I think having Crouchy will worry Gallas and Toure and leave openings for Torres, especially as Crouchy can put Torres through with his flick-ons and knock downs.

[Lee W]

Probably will be - but I didn't think it worked all that well last week despite the good result.

 

Think that was mainly because we played so deep and let them come onto us. Away goal or not, it would be suicide to play that way at home - even with an away goal.

 

Still think it'd be extremely effective against Arsenal though.

 

He'll have a role to play on Tuesday I reckon, no matter how it pans out. He was excellent today though, as you mentioned.

[Rory Fitzgerald]

I have always believed Crouch is an effective player, so is Gerrard and so is Torres. But how do we keep a balance by playing all 3 and getting the same performance out of Gerrard and Torres ?

 

One solution is 2 up top with Gerrard free to roam behind them and go narrow with Alonso, Masch and Lucas perhaps ?

 

However, does that leave us susceptible to their full backs attacking. We could perhaps counter act their midfield play with 3 players and take advantage of their full backs going forward.

 

To be honest I would start with the same formation as in the last few games with the same personnel and take some comfort in knowing that Crouch is an effective player if we need a goal.

 

One a different note;

 

I think when the 89th min comes, if a team is losing then just 1 goal will get ET or win the game. I dont think either team will have the luxery of being able to concede a goal in the 89th min and still be in a position to go through - I think both sets of fans will have skid marks in their cacks - I just hope we will be singing at the end.

[Extraordinary Swindle]

Crouch would be more effective from the bench on Tuesday.

[mooks]

"We know Arsenal have weaknesses and we will try to exploit these weaknesses"

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtm....xml&page=2

 

Rafael Benitez won't contemplate Arsenal loss

 

By Henry Winter

 

Rafa Benitez is so competitive he refuses to let his elder daughter Claudia win at snakes and ladders. Arsene Wenger's idea of a relaxing night in is watching tapes of French second division football with a notepad and a carafe of still water. This evening, these two driven managers will stand by the Anfield touchline, praying their seasons do not come to an ignominious, premature end. Expect fireworks.

 

Such is the depth of reverence that each individual stirs in local flocks, Benitez at Liverpool and Wenger at Arsenal, that neither should really worry about their long-term prospects with their current employers (although anything is possible for Benitez given all the boardroom tension at Anfield).

 

Even though each man knows that a Champions League exit would leave them with nothing to play for (and discounting Wenger's Premier League dream), each will continue building for the future. Wenger chases Lyons' highly-rated attacking midfielder, Hatem Ben Arfa. Benitez also wants to strengthen.

 

Life will go on but the inquest into defeat will be loud and long. By tomorrow morning, either Benitez or Wenger will be called to account for a season's failings. Neither is likely to accept defeat meekly. Sir Bobby Robson once famously observed that Wenger needed to learn how to lose with grace.

 

Yesterday, Benitez admitted he was a bad loser. "You should talk with my wife [Montse]" Benitez smiled at Anfield when talk turned to his hatred of setbacks.

 

"She always says that I never let the children win at anything! Sometimes I might let the little one [Agatha] win, but not with the older one [Claudia]! It's important to sign players with this mentality.

 

"I remember when I was a child I was always trying to win and I always really hated losing any game, chess or stratego," added the Spaniard of his nation's version of Risk.

 

"But clearly after 20 years' winning, or being part of a system that is normally winning, my mentality is to compete to win." Benitez was shaped by Real Madrid, and their obsessive pursuit of the European Cup dating back to the golden age of Alfredo di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas and Gento. After a modest career with Real's B team, Benitez moved into youth coaching at Bernabeu, at times working with Gento.

 

His passion for Europe stems from a pain felt in 1981. "My first European Cup final memory for Real Madrid was when they lost to Liverpool in 1981," recalled Benitez of Alan Kennedy's winner in Paris.

 

"The 'keeper was Agustin, my [former] team-mate, and there were other players who I had played with or was close to. I have the video in Betamax of the game. Liverpool ruined my day then.

 

"The other Madrid wins before then? I was too young. And when they won it after then, I was at Valencia and competing against Real."

 

The Castillians' philosophy became his credo. "I was 10 years as a player and 10 years as a coach in the Real Madrid system and to finish second is not enough. So I have this mentality. It's my background. It is why I like to play these kind of games."

 

Conscious of the high stakes, Benitez is also aware that he has the playing resources to prevail. Of the two anticipated starting line-ups, Liverpool boast more experience with an average age of 27 to Arsenal's 24 years seven months. And if the game goes to penalties, which it will if it finishes 1-1 after extra time, Benitez will trust in Pepe Reina, such an accomplished performer in shoot-outs.

 

With Arsenal denied two clear penalties in the past week against Liverpool (with Dirk Kuyt's pull on Alexander Hleb followed by Lucas Leiva's tug on Cesc Fabregas), Wenger's side will fill due a spot-kick or five this evening. Reina, though, has a superior record at keeping them out than Manuel Almunia.

 

A tense, compelling, inevitably noisy evening is expected. As Liverpool have the away goal following the 1-1 Emirates leg, Arsenal must attack. This is hardly against their nature, although it does mean they could be vulnerable to the type of lightning counters the Merseysiders specialise in.

 

Steven Gerrard relishes these sorts of winner-takes-all occasions, and he will be ready to shoot from range against Almunia or guide Fernando Torres through.

 

If Wenger continues to trust in Philippe Senderos at centre-half with Kolo Toure filling in for the injured Bacary Sagna at right-back, then Torres will definitely fancy his chances. "Torres is on fire," said Benitez.

 

"The first time I was speaking to him about coming here [from Atletico Madrid] he was very, very excited because he wanted to play at this level. He is quite a nice boy, but he is mentally very strong."

 

Torres running at Senderos will have been an image stalking Arsenal fans' sleep last night.

 

Most supporters would prefer to see Emmanuel Eboue dropped to full-back, Theo Walcott unleashed in right midfield and Toure resuming his excellent central-defensive axis with William Gallas.

 

"We know Arsenal have weaknesses and we will try to exploit these weaknesses," said Benitez.

 

Another concern for the visitors is that Wenger rested few of his regulars against Liverpool for Saturday's Premier League draw, and there is a fear that Fabregas could tire late on, particularly if Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso keep hounding him.

 

One thing is for sure: the technical areas will contain two agitated, gesticulating figures. Few observers can remember seeing Wenger so frantic as on Saturday.

 

"The reason for the frustration is because Arsenal knew they were losing the race for the title," said Benitez, rather twisting the knife.

 

"I remember two months ago, he [Wenger] told journalists that it was almost impossible for Liverpool to win the league because there were three teams ahead. Now there are two good teams ahead of Arsenal, teams who rarely lose, so the Premier League will be really difficult for them.

 

"I don't say it is impossible, but their main aim for trophies is the Champions League. We are both under pressure. I want to win a trophy this year and I only have the Champions League.

 

"It's not easy for us to win trophies at the moment without spending as much money as Chelsea and Manchester United. United had luck with a lot of local players coming from the Academy and playing really well. Chelsea bring in very, very strong players physically but also with quality.

 

"For us, seven finals and four trophies in the last four years is not bad. But because of the history of the club, everybody says we must win more."

 

Winning. It is in the DNA of Benitez and Wenger. Only one man will be left standing tonight. The odds favour Benitez.

 

How they see it

 

David Fairclough (former Liverpool striker) If there are any nerves in the Arsenal side they will be exposed. It is an intimidating place to play and this match could make or break any players. People expect Arsenal to score because of the way they play but with Fernando Torres the player he is at home, Liverpool should win

 

Prediction: 2-1 to Liverpool

 

John Aldridge (former Liverpool striker) I am quietly confident Liverpool will win. We rested players at the weekend and still got a draw - a good sign

 

Prediction: 2-1 to Liverpool

 

Dean Saunders (former Liverpool striker) I fully expect Liverpool to win because they have home advantage. Torres is on fire and I would expect him to put away nine out of 10 chances - and I have forgotten the amount of big games Gerrard has won

 

Prediction: 2-1 to Liverpool

 

Paul Davis (former Arsenal midfielder)

 

We've already shown we can beat AC Milan in the San Siro. Liverpool will think they hold the advantage with an away goal. But I think Arsenal will sneak through.

 

Prediction: 1-0 to Arsenal

 

Terry Neil (former Arsenal manager) The odds are against Arsenal, having conceded the away goal. History shows Arsenal can do it - the famous game in '89 at Anfield. I expect a cautious game until the last half-hour when Arsenal will have to take chances. It could be a step too far for them. I see a goalless draw

 

Prediction: A 0-0 draw

 

Paul Merson (former Arsenal midfielder) The first goal is vital for Arsenal. If it's still 0-0 with half an hour to go, I have to go with Liverpool. Gerrard and Torres will pick holes in Arsenal if they commit men forward.

 

Prediction: 1-0 to Liverpool

[Rory Fitzgerald]

Of the British journalists, I like Winter and Reade the most.

[Cobs]

Merson predicting Liverpool to beat Arsenal? WTF?

[Bailo]

f*** off with this "two penalty" s****. First one, yes. Second one, never in a million years.