AC Milan vs Liverpool Final build up [P + R]

[pefan]

Lets discuss tactics, key players, press conferences, mind games etc... I said before i wasnt keen on watching this game. But the chance to see Liverpools backsides handed to them is too much to resist. But no can deny Liverpool are something else in the champions league and its starting to look like its more important than the league. But honestly what happened to the days of the 80's when Liverpool played some real football as opposed to launching long balls.


Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has branded UEFA Champions League final opponents Liverpool 'a long ball team'.

The two giants of the European game will reprise their 2005 showdown in Athens later this month following contrasting semi-final wins.

Liverpool edged past Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out, while Milan were magnificent in thumping Manchester United 3-0 at the San Siro.


Gattuso has compared the two Premiership rivals and feels Liverpool are no match for their Manchester counterparts.

"I feel there is a noticeable difference in talent between Manchester United and Liverpool, and that we have beaten the better side of the two," said Gattuso.

"United have far more technical players, who are quick and able to do things on the ball. Liverpool do not have those individuals.

"What they have is a way of playing as a team. They are like an Italian team of 10 years ago.

"All they try to do is defend together, with everybody behind the ball and just one striker. Every ball is a long ball."

Gattuso is also relishing a midfield battle with Steven Gerrard, following the Reds captain's critical comments of the Italian in his autobiography.

The former Rangers ace added: "If he wants to say bad things about me to get me going, I'm very happy.

"I now have 20 days to prepare to play against him again.

"I still say I have respect for him and like the way he plays. I'm looking forward to playing him again and looking him in the eye before it starts."

 

[jani]

Milan will 95% surely will play this:

Dida

Oddo-Nesta-Maldini-Jankulovski

Gattuso-Ambrosini

Pirlo

Seedorf-Kaka

Inzaghi​

I wonder what Rafa will play? He's known to tinker.

 

[Frostwolf]

There will be no ****up by Milan this time. I guarantee a Milan win (unless it goes to penalties, when then Liverpool will win)

 

[Vedran-10]

Liverpool to win, penalties or not. Benitez and Liverpool are simply something else in the CL.

 

[Stotty]

wee bit early, no?

 

[pefan]

nah these things always have big build up. When is the final again? is it 2 weeks?

 

[Stotty]

23rd May.

 

[Help?]

The final is like 2 and a half weeks ago, its definietly a little too early to discuss this.

 

[theo]

Never too early for glory-hunting, eh?

 

[Harmsworth1]

Too early. Key players might get injured, who knows and because f their lack of input the outcome might be greatly overthrown.

 

[Vinnie Jones]

Never too early for glory-hunting, eh?

That´s gold coming from a Romanian Juventus fan

 

[ogsimon]

Ive been an adopted Milan fan for the past month, even parading around in the Jersey on match days so lets hope that we can avenge the injustice of Instanbul 2005.

 

[MaestroZidane]

Too early. Key players might get injured, who knows and because f their lack of input the outcome might be greatly overthrown.

Wouldn't worry too much about injury to key players seeing as how Pool have only one game to go and Milan 2. Most likely both team will be fielding second string teams

 

[Filipower]

Kaká to take it.

two goals from Gerrard from 30 yards, though.

 

[jani]

still no one has posted a likely Pool line up

 

[Kibe Kru]

Well, it's still too early to tell, though I'd say most of those who played against Chelsea in the semis will be on the pitch again for the final.

Maybe Rafa'll go for a lone striker, as Liverpool did have to score against Chelsea, so maybe he'll drop Crouch and put Alonso/Sissoko for better coverage against Kaka...

I'd go for this:
Reina
Finnan - Carra - Agger - Riise
Pennant - Gerrard - Sissoko - Zenden
Bellamy - Crouch (Kuyt)

 

[jani]

I've read on other forums and supposedly, now its all about Mascherano eating Kaka alive.

You dont even think he's gonna start?

 

[yoyo913]

Can't you guys play some one else instead of Zenden, he stinks on the wing.

 

[CarlosDanger]

Rafa seems to be pretty good at coming up with schemes to neutralize his opponents.

This should be an interesting tactical battle...

The thing is, Gattuso could mark Gerrard, but there really isn't a catalyst in the Liverpool side like Ronaldo in ManU where you know you can just key on him and shut down their offence.

 

[Kibe Kru]

I've read on other forums and supposedly, now its all about Mascherano eating Kaka alive.

You dont even think he's gonna start?

No, I do think he's gonna start. I just wouldn't pick him if it was down to me (sure, he's playing well. But I've seen him playing for Corinthians and I'm not convinced he can be all that effective against Kaka.)

Can't you guys play some one else instead of Zenden, he stinks on the wing.

With Garcia injured, there's Kewell... and Gonzalez... Or Riise and then play someone else at left back, though I'm not really sure about Aurelio's fitness, or Insua's capacity. Then again, we've won it in 2005 with Traore there.