READING V LIVERPOOL
Rafa Benitez will definitely bring the Liverpool lads down to earth in response to their emphatic away win at PSV.
Rafa has even reminded the squad of Istanbul, where they came back from being 0-3 down to record a historical comeback, that its only half-time against PSV and there is the second leg to keep focus on.
That aside Liverpool have the visit of the impressive Reading that has somewhat taken the EPL by storm with their relentless work-rate and attitude.
Having said that, Rafa definitely will not take anything for granted and will have one eye on qualifying for the Champions League semi-final.
The media have so often blasted Rafa for his rotational policy and zonal marking system but it seems to have been working to Liverpool's advantage.
Take a look around EPL and Europe and you will notice managers complaining about injuries to players, tired players and having too many games to play. Liverpool, on the other hand looked fresh in the Philip Stadion and the zonal marking has practised almost to perfection.
And with the visit of PSV in midweek, Rafa will definitely make some changes. I imagine as many as 5 players could be rested for this game. Momo Sissoko, having suspended from the first-leg in likely to feature alongside captain Steven Gerrard. In come Jermaine Pennant on the right and John Arne Riise will slot on the left as he had done so effectively.
In defence we would probably see the return of Sami Hyypia partnering the colossus Jamie Carragher. Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa will complete the quartet. On the strike-front it will perhaps be a Craig Bellamy-Dirk Kuyt partnership with Kuyt suspended for the Champions League return leg. Peter Crouch scored a hat-trick when he came back from injury, perhaps Bellamy could do the same.
Rafa will probably have the likes of Xabi Alonso, Robbie Fowler, Peter Crouch, Mark Gonzalez and Daniel Agger on the bench to replace the tiring players.
But then again, nobody has ever second guessed Rafa's starting line-up correctly. He leaves it to the last and would usually catch the opposition off guard. That is the beauty of having a rotational policy. Different player are used for different tactical approach and Rafa selects players that will fit into his system.
Nonetheless Reading will be a tough nut to crack and they have been the spoilers of many big clubs. They have certainly done very well considering its their first season in the top-flight.
Former Gooners, Steve Sidwell has apparently caught the eye of the 'bigger clubs' with his impressive performances. Sidwell's refusal to sign a new contract has created a scramble for his signature leaving on Bosman. Liverpool also need to keep Leroy Lita on his track. The powerful striker is reminiscence of Emile Heskey of old with his robust style of play and lighting pace.
Liverpool will need to put on a patient and disciplined display and benefit from the mistakes that the Reading players are bound to make.
Probable line-up:
Rafa has even reminded the squad of Istanbul, where they came back from being 0-3 down to record a historical comeback, that its only half-time against PSV and there is the second leg to keep focus on.That aside Liverpool have the visit of the impressive Reading that has somewhat taken the EPL by storm with their relentless work-rate and attitude.
Having said that, Rafa definitely will not take anything for granted and will have one eye on qualifying for the Champions League semi-final.
The media have so often blasted Rafa for his rotational policy and zonal marking system but it seems to have been working to Liverpool's advantage.
Take a look around EPL and Europe and you will notice managers complaining about injuries to players, tired players and having too many games to play. Liverpool, on the other hand looked fresh in the Philip Stadion and the zonal marking has practised almost to perfection.
And with the visit of PSV in midweek, Rafa will definitely make some changes. I imagine as many as 5 players could be rested for this game. Momo Sissoko, having suspended from the first-leg in likely to feature alongside captain Steven Gerrard. In come Jermaine Pennant on the right and John Arne Riise will slot on the left as he had done so effectively.
In defence we would probably see the return of Sami Hyypia partnering the colossus Jamie Carragher. Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa will complete the quartet. On the strike-front it will perhaps be a Craig Bellamy-Dirk Kuyt partnership with Kuyt suspended for the Champions League return leg. Peter Crouch scored a hat-trick when he came back from injury, perhaps Bellamy could do the same.Rafa will probably have the likes of Xabi Alonso, Robbie Fowler, Peter Crouch, Mark Gonzalez and Daniel Agger on the bench to replace the tiring players.
But then again, nobody has ever second guessed Rafa's starting line-up correctly. He leaves it to the last and would usually catch the opposition off guard. That is the beauty of having a rotational policy. Different player are used for different tactical approach and Rafa selects players that will fit into his system.Nonetheless Reading will be a tough nut to crack and they have been the spoilers of many big clubs. They have certainly done very well considering its their first season in the top-flight.
Former Gooners, Steve Sidwell has apparently caught the eye of the 'bigger clubs' with his impressive performances. Sidwell's refusal to sign a new contract has created a scramble for his signature leaving on Bosman. Liverpool also need to keep Leroy Lita on his track. The powerful striker is reminiscence of Emile Heskey of old with his robust style of play and lighting pace.
Liverpool will need to put on a patient and disciplined display and benefit from the mistakes that the Reading players are bound to make.
Probable line-up:
- Liverpool (4-4-2): Jose Reina; Steve Finnan, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher, Alvaro Arbeloa; Jermaine Pennant, Steven Gerrard, Momo Sissoko, John Arne Riise; Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt.
- Prediction: Liverpool 2 Reading 0
No comments:
Post a Comment