CL semis ..

justfortherecor · 10-04-2008 04:15PM

Well if Brown is considered a 'weak link' in a defensive back 4, it just shows how superb the other members of the back 4 are.

Brown has done very well coming into that position and I cant see Ferguson rushing back Neville to take part in the biggest fixtures of the season. In fact, Neville may struggle to come permanently back into the team at all if Ferguson does what we all expect and buys a RB during the summer.

growler · 10-04-2008 04:16PM

Didn't really want to face Liverpool again, losing a third time to them would eb unbearable (ish) and i'd have much rather take on the gooners , that said i'm very surprised at the number of arse/ utd / another team supporters who seem so confident in chelsea progressin this year, maybe I've jsut developed a grant inspired fit of football pessimism, which inherently afflicts all chelsea supporters, except during brief periods when we sign superstars / supermanagers.

Utd. to go through, Barca nowhere near their best at the moment, couldn't pick a better time to play them imo.

My only hope is that the second leg being at the bridge will give us more control of our own destiny.

PHB · 10-04-2008 05:22PM

justfortherecor wrote: »

Well if Brown is considered a 'weak link' in a defensive back 4, it just shows how superb the other members of the back 4 are.

Indeed, since Ferdinand Vidic and Evra could all easily be argued to be the best in the world at their respective positions.

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What I think is very interesting is that Rafa is actually still going to have to play decent teams in the league because they are at serious risk from Everton.
As such, I think one of Liverpools key advantages in the past against Chelsea is gone.

Oh, and I think Chelsea will go through, in spite of Grant.

Dont be at yourself · 11-04-2008 02:08AM

I think the game in between the two legs in the league is Birmingham (A). They've a terrible home record, so I'd imagine Rafa resting most of the big guns. Of course, Carra and Gerrard could be booked and out of the second tie, so we'll see.

I'm fairly confident we can beat Chelsea. They've still got their eye on the league, and a huge game against Man Utd in the between the two legs.

For the first leg, Essien and Cudicini is definitely out, and Cech is doubtful. That's gonna play in the minds of Chelsea, and I'd imagine they'll sit pretty deep and play for the 0-0 at Anfield. If we can get a result (a win or a 0-0) at Anfield, I think we'll take them at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will have to attack, and as we've showed against Arsenal, we can be very dangerous on the break. The threat of the away goal could be crucial in deciding the game.

I'm much, much happier that we're traveling to Stamford Bridge to play the second leg than to Turkey.

PHB · 11-04-2008 02:16AM

I think the game in between the two legs in the league is Birmingham (A). They've a terrible home record, so I'd imagine Rafa resting most of the big guns.

Except you've already dropped points against them.
Also you've got Fulham before, and they will still be desperately searching for points. Then you've got Man City afterwards, and if you win, you've got Spurs last match.
I really think Rafa would be foolish to rest players, those two ties are must wins!

Rafa should have learned his lesson from 2005, as we have identical situations developing, and Liverpool lost to Palace before the first tie, drew with Boro, then lost to Arsenal afterwards.

Luckily, Everton have a bitch of a run in.

Dont be at yourself · 11-04-2008 02:53AM

I would say a repeat of our performance against Birmingham at Anfield is unlikely. Fulham are dead and buried now, and definitely will be by the time the semi rolls around. Man City collapsed months ago, they're playing for nothing. Spurs are a potential banana skin, but it will all be over by then!

We've got better squad players when compared to this time last year. Benayoun, Crouch, Lucas, Finnan, Arbeloa can all come in and do a job. Considering every game is a must win for Chelsea now, it's their squad that'll be put to the test.

PHB · 11-04-2008 11:22AM

The squad is much better, I'd be surprised if you weren't able to win enough to get 4th place, but what I'm saying is that Rafa has to balance them better this time. I could see Gerrard or Torres playing in either of Brum or Fulham games.

eZe^ · 11-04-2008 11:26AM

I know Barca will more than likely get knocked out, but I cant help but be excited, potentially one of the great semi finals in the 00's.

Bring it on you Mancs.

CL semis ..

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