Parker has done well helping out in that gap between benny and sig too. He made some vital interceptions and tackles against arsenal. - we'll need to see that again tomorrow. There's still a a lot of space out there though, it really isn't ideal.
saw a report on twitter last night that they've been hit by further injuries. No Matias Silvestre or Yuto Nagatumo. Doubts over Ranocchia and Samuel. Could now be without Guarin too, and as a result, they've had to call up 6 youth players. Apparently the coach fell out with Cassano recently, however, they've patched things up. - But he's said that he doesn't know whether he'll be in the team. The future's bright...
I think we could take their strongest team but let's hope we take full advantage tonight. Two massive matches this week and a good win will mean good spirits for the scouses.
I'm a great believe in success breeds success. We play our strongest team possible against Inter Milan (perhaps giving Friedel another run in goal) and then we play our strongest team against Liverpool. We're on a fantastic run at the moment and I wouldn't like to lose momentum by playing an under-strength team in the UEFA Europa League.
Like Roo mentioned, I've seen the news that they've got a pretty big injury crisis. The omen's looking good, Bale tore them apart when they had (what I believed to be) one of the best defences in Europe, now they're severely depleted at the back and have 6 academy players in their squad... Surely we'll take advantage of this?! COYS!!!
We can do this, but we have to be prepared for the "sitting deep" Tactics. They'll be aware of all our threats, and with a weakened team, I can't see them taking a "gung ho" approach at WHL. I think Holtby and Dembele could be vital tonight. (presuming he plays) I'd like to see Holtby dropping slightly, helping out Dembele and parker. I think this will dominate the centre of the park and if we're patient, we'll carve them open. Their focus will be on stopping Bale and Lennon, so tonight could be a time where we really need other "underrated" players to step up.
just seen this on an italian football site, its part of an article on five ways to stop spurs Javier Zanetti will likely be given the task of shackling Bale, but at the grand old age of 39, and despite being in prime physical condition, it might be a carnal battle too far, though his experience will be vital. So pairing him with a younger more spritely player could prove to be the perfect combination to stop Bale.
where is the <rubs hands together> smiley? Have they not noticed that Bale hasn't been playing on the wing?
If left one-on-one with Bale in a race for the ball, Zanetti's ****ed but lets not forget, Zanetti has been one of the best RB's of our generation, while he may not have the legs anymore, he's got the brains and know-how of dealing with some of the worlds best players. He'll use his knowledge and experience to ensure positionally, he's in the right places. Though I lets be honest, I think Bale's licking his lips for tonight and the news of a 39 year old marking him, regardless of how good he is/was, is sure to motivate him even more.
Their coach and youth players don't exactly have fond memories of playing us. [video=youtube;slwN9TKE2jw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slwN9TKE2jw[/video] Stramaccioni was in charge of them at that time. Repeat, please!
shambolic defending. Excellent. No sound here, who was blondie who got the opener(?) and the freekick at the end?
Inter hate us! destroying the confidence of their players, winding the fans up with chants, scoring goals for fun, will they be out for revenge or just happy to see the back of Bale again!
was that Pritchard who was responsible for the passes for goals 3 and...6? (I lost count LOL) I did laugh when i saw that their goal was a penalty!
Thats blondie yeah? He stood out i have to admit. (for the football, not just because he was easy to spot, lol)
Scorers were Pritchard, Coulibaly, Gomelt, Gomelt again, Colibaly's 2nd and Gomelt then completed his hat-trick before he was sent off in the 38th minute, which earned them their penalty. Pritchard finished off the scoring with the only goal of the 2nd half, with one of his seemingly trademark free-kicks.
