Discuss your line up's, injury news and tactics here.

shouldn't this thread be in the champions league thread??

anyways it will be an easier ride for you folks.

yes mate , sadly this topic has to be closed or moved!

Sorry, thought id take a bit of initiative

Its alright Marc, i dont exactly like the idea of our own forum having no Champions league topic as i pretty much dont like to go out of it. Good thought anywho.

Good initiative shown Marc. I like it

Love that sig thing as well did you make it?

Sure did mate You know where to come if ya want one

Im Glad to see the Champions League back, very nice change . Im confident over this one, after our performance on saturday should be an entertaining one. Possibly a few more goals to with the likes of Morientes and Garcia playing against a similar style of play they thrive on. Hope Alonso is back to even though Hamman did a superb job for us the other day .

Alrighty this is my line up

Reina
Finnan-----Carragher----Hyypua----Riise

Gerrard----Xabi----Sissoko-----Kewell

---------Luis---------------------------

-----------------------Crouch------

If Xabi isnt fit for the game than we have didi hamann. Anyway i am happy with the way the team is playing. Hopefully we will score few and got give away any

I'll be made up if we can get a 1 - 1. We'll have an away goal then and the game won't be too open. Benfica away is a hard place to go to and hopefully we'll still be in the tie when we play at Anfield

I'll be made up if we can get a 1 - 1. We'll have an away goal then and the game won't be too open. Benfica away is a hard place to go to and hopefully we'll still be in the tie when we play at Anfield

Geovanni will miss this match which is a real blow because he has been playing so well.

Robert was injured but i beleive he's alright now so he'll be able to play.

No Miccoli still out injured.

I really dont know what to expect. Benfica has not been playing well recently. 3 loses in the last 4 matches which is very worrying for us.

Koeman has got to stop screwing around with the lineup. We are over half way through the season and yet Koeman hasnt really established a starting 11 yet its ridiculous. He's got to let them get a team chemistry going.

I hope Quim starts. Moretto is a good goalie but our defence has been horrific since he went in net. Quim organizes the defence much better and is a good shot stopper.

My lineup:

-------------------------Quim------------------

Nelson-----------Luisao-------Anderson----Leo

-------------------Petit---------Fernandes------

Simao-----------------Karagounis----------Robert
-----------------------------Gomes----------------

I prefer Karagounis over Marcel. Marcel has done nothing so far and doesnt deserve to start but of course Koeman is to stupid to see how poorly he has been playing. Karagounis will be able to take on the defenders and brings in good experience.

From watching Liverpool matches i would like to see a lot of crosses. The Liverpool defenders imo doesn't seems all that comfortable when the ball is in the air.

I can see rafa employing a 5 man midfield for this game and we'll try to play a similar style as we did against Juventus in Turin last year. As any draw at Benfica, especially a scoring draw, and the tie is all over imo as I couldn't see Benfica coming to Anfield and winning, and the best way to stop Benfica controlling the game is to clog up the midfield and stop their midfielders dictating the play which would hopefully lead to a positive result for us.

I’d like to see the midfield consist of the following for this game:

----------Hamann---Alonso-----------
------Gerrard---Sissoko---Kewell-----

If we start with this midfield it would go a long way to stopping Siamo, Petit and co from dictating the play as they wouldn't be allowed to have any time on the ball with Sissoko in the middle and with two of the best holding type midfielders in the world sitting in front of the defence stopping any dangerous runs or long passes it would be very hard for Benfica’s midfield to command the game. With this midfield we'd obviously look to attack on the counter, with Alonso providing a long ball for Gerrard or Kewell on the wing and then they'd look to deliver a quality cross for Crouch.

I'd start with Crouch on his own up front as he's by far the best striker we have at holding up play, and he'll be full of confidence after his match winner against United. I'd keep the defence the same as always with Reina in goal as they have looked very solid in the last few games and there’s no reason to change anything at the back at the moment imo.

What are the Benfica Centre backs like? That seems to be our main feed of opportunites in recent times.

I had the same kind of idea. Though, if we were playing one upfront I'd prefer to see Morientes because I want to see how he would do. I think he could potentially be very good but I wouldn't really mind if Crouch started either. Its six of one or half a dozen of another to me. I think firstly we should concentrate on not conceeding then tring to score one or two goals. I think this game against is the equivelent of our game against Leverkusen last season. Hopefully we win these as comfortably as we did last season.


If you ask me, they are pretty decent. Luisao is a very good player. Good both in the air and on the ground. Rafa tried to sign him but they rejected the bid. I think he would have been a great signing for us. There other central defenders are Anderson and Ricardo Rocha who is also a left back. Those two are also more than competent.

----------------Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
------Gerrard Alonso Sissoko
--------------Garcia
--------Morientes Crouch

I'd fancy us playing that, though i know we wont be.

Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Gerrard Alonso Sissoko Kewell
Garcia
Crouch

That will be the team, for sure

Luisao and Anderson are both Brazilian Internationals. Luisao has played more for Brazil and Benfica beat Real Madrid to his signature. He is a very good leader in defence. We have spent maybe two years rejecting bids from teams such as Inter Milan and also Liverpool for him. Anderson is the former captain of money bags Corinthians and is also a great player. I've been very impressed by him. Both players are great in the air and are both pretty strong. Probably the best defensive combo Benfica has had for a while. Ricardo Rocha is also a very solid defender and a few Spanish clubs have shown interest. I don't expect him too start however. We also have the young Brazilian U21 defender Alcides who slotted in at right back against Man Utd. I was actually at the game and he played pretty well, definately a player for the future.

As for the game I would say form would probably be out of the question. Liverpool have the upper hand because they are European Champions after all. I expect a good performance from Benfica over the two legs but either team could go through. Simao and Robert are deadly off set pieces so that would be a large advantage for Benfica. The ambience at the Luz on a European night this large should lift the team... but Anfield would be just as bad in the second leg. A player to watch out for besides Simao of course would be Nelson. He has been a phenom this season with brilliant runs and crosses from the right...

I agree with Benfiquistas line up but with Koeman as coach he could play a keeper as a striker for all I know.
I just hope Benfica win! I really can't predict this one

Good Luck lads

My Team:

----------------------------------------------Reina-------------------------------------------

Finnan----------------Carragher---------------------------------Hyypia--------------Riise

Gerrard ©-----------Hamann-----------------------------------Sissoko-----------Kewell

-------------------------------------------Luis Garcia----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------Morientes---------------------------------------

Subs: Dudek, Traore, Warnock, Alonso, Cisse, Crouch, Fowler.

I'd keep Hamann and Sissoko in the center mid, they were like brick walls against Man Utd and it would be wrong to rush Alonso back in after injury. Crouch scored against United but i'd go for Garcia and Morientes upfront. Garcia is like the jewell in Liverpool's European crown and Morientes has shown some class in this season's CL aswell.

Simao and the Benfica board have really pissed me off over the last year or so, so this is time for the Wallet and his team to get abit of revenge.

They nocked out Man United but we all know how to do that . I don't think there will be too much problem with this fixture. We are used to playing Chelsea, Juve and Milan in Europe now, so a fixture against Benfica is abit of a breath of oxygen for us.

But don't think i mean any disrespect towards your team, we where the underdogs last season so i know the feeling. You could cause an upset, nocking out he European Champions but to be honest, a 2-0 defesit (sp?) going into Anfield and i would stil be confident we would be going into the Semi's.

I dont think that Moro alone upfront will do the bussiness.
When you play only one striker than he has to be quick or 8 times out of 10 he will win you the longs played.He his last goal for liverpool was against boro i think thats quite a long time back.
Crouch or Cisse upfront for me (if we are playing only one man)

RAFA - ALONSO FIT FOR BENFICA

Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez has received a boost as he prepares his side for tomorrow's Champions League clash against Benfica with the news that Xabi Alonso is fit to play.

Speaking on the eve of the last 16 clash Benitez said, "Xavi is ok. He has travelled, he is well and he can be fit for tomorrow's game."

And Rafa is also happy to be returning to Champions League action on the back of some fine domestic form.

He said, "The team is playing very well at the moment and we've just enjoyed good wins against the top 5.

"The Champions League is another competition and we know what we have to do. Our players have the experience of what it takes to win this competition and our idea tomorrow is the same, we want to score a goal and not concede if possible.

"It will be difficult because they are a good team with an experienced Manager and we have a lot of respect for them. They have a number of good players and their two central defenders are good in the air and can play the ball.

"Petit is a good player in midfield and of course there's Simao on the wing."

Benitez was asked about comments made by rival Managers this week, but he refused to be distracted from his team.

He said, "I like to see my team winning and not talk about other people, I have a clear idea about this. If people want to talk about us it must be because we're doing the right things and progressing."

Benfica in bad form lately, IF they wanna get anything out of this game they have to smarten up. But they will be very motivated to play, the key to the match will be the central midfield batter, Liverpool is exceptionally strong in this area of the pitch, if the Benfica midfield can overcome them they can have a chance, if not they will need to rely on quick breaks on the wings from Simao , Nelson, etc they got some fast players on the wings that can cause trouble they also have good delivery and strikers like Nuno Gomes will need to come up big.

Anyways Im predicting a low scoring game 0-1 Liverpool. 1 goal is all liverpool needs, first goal in this game will be very important, more than usual. (if there is a first goal...)

Players called up by Benfica:

Lista dos convocados:
Guarda-redes – Quim e Moretto;
Defesas – Anderson, Luisão, Léo, Alcides, Nélson e Ricardo Rocha;
Médios – Petit, Karagounis, Manuel Fernandes, Karyaka, Beto e Robert;
Avançados – Marcel, Simão, Nuno Gomes e Mantorras.

Good to see that Mantorras finally got a call up, and Karyaka aswell for i beleive hes underrated.

I always cheer for Portuguese club in europe, but I don't see Benfica going to the quaters.

Benfica is in really bad shape. I don't think they will win tomorrow, the best result they will probably get at home is a draw. I just don't see anything over that. Karayaka and Mantorras called up... why now? these guys haven't played for a while and now he thinks the best time to play them is in the CL? lol Koeman.. stay with Benfica next season, please lol.

benfica_maniac, Nelson was fantastic in the beggining, but lately... what has he done? Really?

Yeah true but we are talking about a different competition here. Its a different arena. Im not saying he is going to set up five goals in the game... Liverpool won the Champions League last season! What did they do in the league?

The adeptos will play a big role in this match, hopefully they can really get behind the team and inspire confidence.

The calling up of Karyaka and Mantorras is bewildering, but not necessarily a bad thing and I hope it turns out for the best.

If we compared recent form we'd say Benfica will have a mountain to climb in socks, but form isn't a deciding factor in European nights.

This is gnna be an immense game...so much in offer..benfica have done pourly in the league and so this could turn things round if we win today...but liverpool r on a high aat the moment after beating man utd...but benfica can pull an upset today

FORCA BENFICA!!!

Steve Finnan is looking forward to Liverpool's Champions League clash in Benfica on Tuesday night and is relishing the battle he will come up against with former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert.
From liverpoolfc.tv

Can anyone tell me how is he doing at benfica?? On his day he can be quite a handy player

Great the game is shown on ITV4 which isn't even out yet on Sky/Cable where I live (Leeds/Bradford) and they put crap like Due South on ITV3 and someother crappy programme that will get no viewer ratings on ITV2....where's the sence in that...........

Carra Hoping To Become Record Breaker




Jamie Carragher and the Liverpool defence are looking to become record breakers when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The European Cup winning side of 1983-84 went 561 minutes without conceding on their way to victory in Rome, and if Liverpool keep a clean sheet for 73 minutes they will break that record.

Rafael Benitez's hasn't conceded a goal in the Champions League since Real Betis' second half strike on the opening night of this season's Champions League. That's 489 minutes and the club has never gone six consecutive European games without conceding.

Although Carragher's main motivation is a good result to take back to Anfield for the second leg, the Reds defender knows breaking another record would be good for confidence.

"It's a good target to have in mind," explained Carragher. "The defence's job is to get us a clean sheet, and while it's not necessarily something you think about during the game, the longer you go without conceding the more determined you are to keep the run going.

"I remember in Japan when we were going for the record for most clean sheets in a row. Even though we had the game won, I was a bit worried when Sami Hyypia was taken off because I really wanted us to make sure we didn't concede a goal, even though we'd already done the most important thing and won the game at that stage.

"As we were saying then, we'd rather win the game and concede a goal than draw 0-0, but in Europe it's always especially important to keep that clean sheet.

"In these type of games it's not just down tothe goalkeepers and defenders. You need the midfielders and strikers sacrificing themselves as well because you know they're going to have a real go at us and try and create loads of chances.

"Any side that comes through a group with Manchester United, and then knocks them out, must be good.

"I know a lot of our fans were happy with the draw, but I think this is one of the toughest places we could come to. They've had a few problems recently but they'll be determined to do well against us.

"Their supporters will really get behind them and make it a good atmosphere. We're going to have to be at our best to ensure we get the right result."

-Reina -
- Finnan - Carragher - Hyypia - Riise -
- Gerrard - Alonso - Hamman - Kewell -
- Crouch-
-Fowler-

Stevie G might be rested

Scratch that last post.

Stevie G is out injured, not a serious one but the one he's been carrying the last few weeiks apparently, Garcia to start on the right or Cisse?

Gerrard is on the bench. From .tv:

Liverpool line up as follows:

Reina

Finann
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise

Garcia
Sissoko
Alonso
Kewell

Morientes
Fowler

Subs:

Dudek
Gerrard
Cisse
Crouch
Hamann
Traore
Warnock

Very attacking team from Rafa, hope we can get a goal or 2

Why is Gerrard on the bench? Strange.

Well since Gerrard is not playing I certainly can't see Liverpool winning. Carragher and Hypia aren't exactly what you would call a good partnership at the back both defenders are considerably week when it comes to set pieces. Liverpool don't have a player who can score. There strikers have a combined tally of 1 goal between them in 2006 so I can't see them posing a threat in the final thrid

I predict 3-0 Benifca, 2-0 Benfica at Anfield

I predict you're on a wind up or don't have a clue.

No Crouchy

Aren't these tough away games one of the reasons we bought him?

No correct me if any of my information is wrong but in recent weeks you throw away two games because of poor defending of set pieces and Crouch is your only striker who has scored in 2006

I predict you've been sniffing too much glue. That, or your a united fan in disguise, cause that's just wishful thinking.

Unfortunately, I think it might be the latter...

Im a little surprised that Gerrard is on the bench, but Im sure he'll come on at some point. Sissoko and Alonso to break up pretty much everything Benfica throws at them. Here's their lineup:

-----------Moretto--------------
Alcides--Luisao--Anderson--Leo
----Petit-----Beto----Manuel Fernandes
--Robert---Nuno Gomes---Simao--

Petit was good against Utd in the group stages, and we all know what Robert can do. Im hoping that Kewell will keep them busy defending so they can't get forward much. Lets hope Moro gets back to his Monaco-European form. I think it will be an open game with lots of chances but not too many goals as both teams are sound at the back. Im hoping we can just squeak a win, if not at least 1 away goal.

Benfica have a 6 foot 4 centreback, the aerial approach isn't going to be as effective. What will be though is the superior movement of Moro and the cleverness of Fowler. They have played very well IMO as a pair and I think they'll do well again here. Moro had one of his best games for us against United now he's playing in his favourite position and he has a massive chance to show what he can do.


"Carragher and Hyypia aren't a very good partnership"

They're the best in the league, consider yourself corrected.

So 2 games means we can't defend set pieces?

Well I haven't watched every Liverpool game this season because English football is a bit boring but the ones I did watch there were many defencive error. Do you remember Liverpool V Luton I lost count how many times Carragher was made to look like a school boy and there was another match I watch can't remember which one but Carragher and Hypia looked far from the best defence in the league.

All I am saying is Liverpool can't defend to well nor can they score so this game should be a win for Benfica and clean sheet

Fowler to score a hattrick. Liverpool just needs to run towards Luisão he has been pretty poor lately.

0-3 would be a wonderful result.

Hey rafa, why is Gerrard on the bench? It's like us putting Henry in the bench.

They do defend well, they have the most clean sheets in the league and have 3 straight in the last 3 games, which they've won by scoring goals. Benfica have let in what, 9 goals in their last 5 games? thats hardly clean sheet material.

Yes you're right, all those clean sheets have been an illusion.

I'll tell Rafa to get the lads back on the coach, there's no point us turning up.

I think Crouch might be on the bench because of that egg that got lodged on his head against United. Robbie Earle then on TV, "Liverpool will have to play everything to feet without Crouch". These fella's must take the mick on purpose, Moro will be good enough in the air to give us an option of going long, the way he said it though as if thats all we're capable off. Hopefully Xabi and Momo don't get outnumbered in midfield playing against 3 hard working players with Kewell and Garcia less than workmanlike helping them.

Fingers crossed, hope we can at least get a goal

Gerrards injured SwiftRyder, just a slight strain, I think they're just resting him to be honest. I don't see it as such a major blow. It's over 2 legs so if we lose we've still got a chance

By looking at Benfica's lineup Koeman is trying to control that midfield and make sure liverpool midfielders don't have to much time on the ball.

Im a bit concerned with our attacking options. Where is Nelson?

they said gerrard had a dead-leg.

fairly happy with the team, expecting little luis to pop up with a goal
come on you redmen and come on robbie, lets get a goal today son

just heard a nice stat by king kenny, and we all remember how many omands we had last time.

first one of the campaign again

liverpool have played benfica four times in the european cup, won all 4 and after beating them we have gone on to win the european cup on all 4 occassions

To be honsest, I think Benfica will win, but I'd like to them lose!

Massive game without Stevie, can't be an excuse for us.
Time to come up big and get a decent result, I am confident we will do so.
I trust in our defence and hope we can put 1 or 2 goals into Benficas net.

Btw, Liverpool is overrated! They won CL last year, and that's it!

Cicino mate, if i where to put your comments about our poor defence into something that might show you how silly what you are saying is, then i would be telling you that Beckham can't cross.