Re: Liverpool Thread
COME ON LIVERPOOL!!! BEAT INTER FOR THE PRIDE OF ITALY!!!!
I am not giving ourselves much of a chance, but nice to see the Milan supporters (and I expect the rest of Italy) with us
I think the key tomorrow is with these players (obvious choices)
1. Gerrard - He has been not even half his best this season, but we know that when he is at his best, he is arguably one of the best CMs in the world, and can turn any match around
2. Carra - Again, been appalling next season, but he will be given the job to take care of Ibrahimovic. Carra is more than able to keep him in his pocket, but he's just not been the same.
3. Mash - MONSTER!! He can completely nullify the Inter midfield, if he wants to. I am expecting a big performance from him tomorrow.
4. Torres - Has been injured, and I don't think we have seen a Fernando Torres 'day' yet. He has been scoring goals with some magical moments, but I haven't seen him dominate a whole game so far, which he is more than capable of doing. Great pace, and clinical finishing, with some flashy tricks here and there, he will give us something we didn't have last season, a thread up front (Kuyt was our threat last season

). I really fucking hope Nando tears a new asshole for that absolute cunt of a player that is Materazzi (I hate him!). He fucking deserves it! Come on Nando, show him your wrath! :mrgreen:
Players we have to watch for
1. Maicon - I think he can be Inter's biggest threat, running up and down the right flank. Probably the best attacking right back after Alves in the world. He can absolutely destroy us, so I will be very interested in who Rafa plays on the left side (our WEAKEST side). We might play Riise, due to his experience, but I don't expect Babel to play on the left side, as Rafa would want him to track back as well to restrict Maicon.
2. Ibrahimovich - One of the best forwards in the world. He scores goals and gives assists, and extremely dangerous. Carra and Hyypia will have to perform on their best to take care of him.
3. Cruz - Inter's unsung hero. Pops in with goals very regularly, and he and Ibra will be more than a handful for our CBs.
4. Stankovic - Their playmaker, fantastic player, but I think Mash will be more than able to restrict him.
Overall, EXTREMELY tough match and I feel Inter are probably one of the strongest teams in Europe. The 12th man (supporters) will have to play a part, and the team has to play to their absolute best to win this one. BUT, this is Europe, and we have surprised people over and over again in Europe, and we can do it again this time. We have been in our worst form I have seen over the past few years. Beaten by Barnsley, down and out, and this is where we could be very dangerous. Beware the wounded animal, in his own backyard :mrgreen:
Plus, no matter what bullshit the media say, or the total disrespect given to him, Mr. Benitez is an extremely clever manager in Europe, and is a master at studying European oppositions and neutralizing their threat. He has managed to beat top teams in Europe before with an inferior squad, and I feel this is a better team than before. Everything we have achieved in Europe is because of him, and in Europe, you can never count out Mr. Benitez.
Overall, I expect a cagey affair, but very tactical. We will try to impose our pace on the Inter team, and will be very rigid in our formation to maintain our defensive shape. I can probably see a 4-5-1 formation, but I am still not sure about Rafa plans on the left side for Maicon.
I won't predict a scoreline, but I would bet on Inter if it was my money. But I am expecting a very exciting match. Don't expect it to be an attacking affair like Real vs Roma, but will be very intriguing.