Europa League Final: FC Porto vs. Braga

debaser wrote:Welcome

There's a couple of interesting Spanish-German clashes (Dortmund-Sevilla, Atletico-Leverkusen) - both hard to call.

Man City will probably win, think they'll want it more than Juve.

Who do you support?

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

Ricardo Wetzel wrote:

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

Kuyts only trophy he ever won was the Cup at Utrecht....

Napoli Coach Walter Mazzarri Makes Seven Changes For Europa League Tie At Steaua Bucharest
By Salvatore Landolina

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri believes his instrument of conquest against Steaua Bucharest will be to rest Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

Tinkering has become the hallmark of Mazzarri's strategies at San Paolo as he juggles his side, and he will rest several stars ahead of their Serie A clash against Roma, leading to critics blaming him for putting the league before Europe.

Among the stars that won't take part in Romania are Hamsik and Lavezzi. The Slovakian will have to wait until until at least Sunday to score his 50th goal for the club.

Paolo Cannavaro, Salvatore Aronica, Andrea Dossena, Hugo Campagnaro and Michele Pazienza are also on the bench. Jose Sosa is expected to start in midfield.

Palermo To Rest Javier Pastore For Europa League Clash Against Lausanne - Report
By Salvatore Landolina

Palermo will have to get their Europa League adventure off the ground without Javier Pastore when they take on Lausanne on Thursday.

The Rosanero are searching for their first win in Europe after losing to Sparta Prague a fortnight ago. The game is a defining element in their season as a loss tonight will add to their struggle.

And to make life less easy, Delio Rossi has decided to rest Pastore. He has been the leader of the team thus far, but is not expected to play at the Barbera.

Pastore should make his return when Palermo travel to Fiorentina on Sunday.

bluenine wrote:And it starts again... with this attitude, there is little hope for Serie A retaining their status in Europe... I hope this does not happen, but if its true then fuck you Mazzari, Rossi...

Rouslan91 wrote:

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

well i hope so! he's a good striker!but liverpool have attacking problems, not deffensive

Rouslan91 wrote:

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

well i hope so! he's a good striker!but liverpool have attacking problems, not deffensive

Axeslammer wrote:

Rouslan91 wrote:

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

well i hope so! he's a good striker!but liverpool have attacking problems, not deffensive

Van Wolfswinkel is one of the most overrated strikers in the Eredivisie

debaser wrote:

Rouslan91 wrote:

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

well i hope so! he's a good striker!but liverpool have attacking problems, not deffensive

You sure bout that? You defence looks dodgy as hell to me. Carragher's not what he was, Skrtel's dodgy, Agger's played out of position, Johnson can't defend..Reina can't bail you out every time

Code:

[b]PRE-MATCH DISCUSSION: MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL
[/b]

Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in what is one of thee fixtures in the football calendar. The match requires little introduction – one of the games I look for when fixtures are released for the new season (Manchester City being the first then Liverpool). I’ve been excited for this game for a good week now, I can feel the excitement within me as I type this – Sunday afternoon cannot come soon enough!! I woke up this morning, clenched my first and muttered to myself “come on, let’s be having ya!!” A must win game for United, with all due respect to Blackpool we could find ourselves already seven points behind Chelsea.

What should we expect from Liverpool? Under Roy Hodgson we should expect less animosity between the two managers, well perhaps not for 90 minutes. The Liverpool team we face today will be quite different than the previous meeting between the two sides – during the summer they were very active in the transfer market bringing in several players including Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Raul Meireles, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen.

After Saturday’s results Liverpool enter the day in 17th position having amassed five points in four games – their sole victory coming against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. Last weekend against Birmingham City, Liverpool apparently looked devoid of ideas with Fernando Torres receiving negative comments for his performance, or lack of it. We all know his record against United so to dismiss his threat would be foolish, I’m sure Nemanja Vidic isn’t! Personally, I envisage a huge performance from the big Serbian.

On Thursday, against Steaua Bucharest (in the Europa League) Hodgson rested several players – Liverpool will be fresh and ready for the fight. Both clubs have had disappointing starts to the season, but there is nothing like this fixture to raise spirits of players and fans alike.

How will United line up?

The main two discussion points in back five are right back and central defence.

John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Rafael are vying for the right back spot or does Gary Neville fancy a turn against the old foe. Sunday could turn into a battle of a match and as a consequence I’d rather have Brown by my side – “Big Bad” is not going to shirk any 50/50 challenges. What do you think?

Should Rio Ferdinand start? To be honest, I’m really undecided on this point – I can see the merits and disadvantages of his inclusion. The game against Glasgow Rangers is no real barometer to judge his fitness (the fact he completed 90 minutes is positive) or readiness as he was seldom tested. At Anfield last season he appeared less than 100% fit and was brushed aside by Fernando Torres to score Liverpool’s first goal – for some reason that incident is sticking in my mind… Then there is of course Jonny Evans.

With the absence of Rio there was a suggestion Evans may steel a march on the England captain, that once fit Rio may struggle to reclaim his place in the team. This has not been the case as the Northern Ireland International has received plenty of criticism for his performances this season, notably against Fulham and Everton.  For ninety minutes against Everton he and Nemanja Vidic were rocks in the centre of defence, throwing themselves into challenges, blocking efforts on goal and in the main won the aerial battle. He played well, much better than his performance against Fulham, where he probably deserved criticism. Evans has proved himself to be a good defender, one of real potential – he’s held his own against the likes of Drogba, but oddly struggled against Bobby Zamora. He’s had one poor performance this against Fulham in my opinion.

In such a big game is Sir Alex prepared to risk an undercooked Rio or perhaps a low in confidence and feeling the pressure Evans? I really don’t know, what do you think?

With the horrific injury Antonio Valencia suffered against Glasgow Rangers, Nani will start in his preferred right wing role. The left wing position however brings a further discussion point. The options: Ji Sung Park, Ryan Giggs or Gabriel Obertan. Park offers the defensive option, perhaps doing a job on Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole by tucking inside. Obertan recently returned to action for the reserves so is an unlikely starter, perhaps a place on the subs bench is on the offing for the French man and there is my personal preference Giggs as he offers the greater attacking option, which was lacking at home to Rangers. What do you think?

After recent comments and praise from Sir Alex, Dimitar Berbatov is a certainty to start on Sunday. With his selection we are likely to start the game in a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 formation, which is an unusual step compared to last season where 4-5-1/4-3-3 was preferred in the so called bigger games. If needed the formation could switch with Rooney playing as a wide forward on the left. We saw against Everton that Berbatov is capable of playing the lone striker role.

My preferred team: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidc, Evans, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs; Berbatov, Rooney

Prediction: With constant heavy rain during the early hours of Sunday morning the surface will allow for quick slick passing. I’m expecting both teams to play at 100mph whether in defence or attack. I’m going to plumb for a 2-0 United victory with goals from Berbatov and Rooney. What do you think?

If you wish to discuss this issue further with myself or other members of the Stretford End Arising community, you can do so in the Stretford End Arising Forum

You can follow me on Twitter at SEA_MUFC

Sgoater1 wrote:Manchester City (from): Hart, Given, Richards, Zabaleta, Kompany, K Toure, Boyata, Cunningham, Lescott, Boateng, Silva, De Jong, Y Toure, Barry, Vieira, Milner, Johnson, Tevez, Adebayor, Jo, Santa Cruz.

caovanloi wrote:

Code:

[b]PRE-MATCH DISCUSSION: MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL
[/b]

Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in what is one of thee fixtures in the football calendar. The match requires little introduction – one of the games I look for when fixtures are released for the new season (Manchester City being the first then Liverpool). I’ve been excited for this game for a good week now, I can feel the excitement within me as I type this – Sunday afternoon cannot come soon enough!! I woke up this morning, clenched my first and muttered to myself “come on, let’s be having ya!!” A must win game for United, with all due respect to Blackpool we could find ourselves already seven points behind Chelsea.

What should we expect from Liverpool? Under Roy Hodgson we should expect less animosity between the two managers, well perhaps not for 90 minutes. The Liverpool team we face today will be quite different than the previous meeting between the two sides – during the summer they were very active in the transfer market bringing in several players including Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Raul Meireles, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen.

After Saturday’s results Liverpool enter the day in 17th position having amassed five points in four games – their sole victory coming against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. Last weekend against Birmingham City, Liverpool apparently looked devoid of ideas with Fernando Torres receiving negative comments for his performance, or lack of it. We all know his record against United so to dismiss his threat would be foolish, I’m sure Nemanja Vidic isn’t! Personally, I envisage a huge performance from the big Serbian.

On Thursday, against Steaua Bucharest (in the Europa League) Hodgson rested several players – Liverpool will be fresh and ready for the fight. Both clubs have had disappointing starts to the season, but there is nothing like this fixture to raise spirits of players and fans alike.

How will United line up?

The main two discussion points in back five are right back and central defence.

John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Rafael are vying for the right back spot or does Gary Neville fancy a turn against the old foe. Sunday could turn into a battle of a match and as a consequence I’d rather have Brown by my side – “Big Bad” is not going to shirk any 50/50 challenges. What do you think?

Should Rio Ferdinand start? To be honest, I’m really undecided on this point – I can see the merits and disadvantages of his inclusion. The game against Glasgow Rangers is no real barometer to judge his fitness (the fact he completed 90 minutes is positive) or readiness as he was seldom tested. At Anfield last season he appeared less than 100% fit and was brushed aside by Fernando Torres to score Liverpool’s first goal – for some reason that incident is sticking in my mind… Then there is of course Jonny Evans.

With the absence of Rio there was a suggestion Evans may steel a march on the England captain, that once fit Rio may struggle to reclaim his place in the team. This has not been the case as the Northern Ireland International has received plenty of criticism for his performances this season, notably against Fulham and Everton.  For ninety minutes against Everton he and Nemanja Vidic were rocks in the centre of defence, throwing themselves into challenges, blocking efforts on goal and in the main won the aerial battle. He played well, much better than his performance against Fulham, where he probably deserved criticism. Evans has proved himself to be a good defender, one of real potential – he’s held his own against the likes of Drogba, but oddly struggled against Bobby Zamora. He’s had one poor performance this against Fulham in my opinion.

In such a big game is Sir Alex prepared to risk an undercooked Rio or perhaps a low in confidence and feeling the pressure Evans? I really don’t know, what do you think?

With the horrific injury Antonio Valencia suffered against Glasgow Rangers, Nani will start in his preferred right wing role. The left wing position however brings a further discussion point. The options: Ji Sung Park, Ryan Giggs or Gabriel Obertan. Park offers the defensive option, perhaps doing a job on Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole by tucking inside. Obertan recently returned to action for the reserves so is an unlikely starter, perhaps a place on the subs bench is on the offing for the French man and there is my personal preference Giggs as he offers the greater attacking option, which was lacking at home to Rangers. What do you think?

After recent comments and praise from Sir Alex, Dimitar Berbatov is a certainty to start on Sunday. With his selection we are likely to start the game in a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 formation, which is an unusual step compared to last season where 4-5-1/4-3-3 was preferred in the so called bigger games. If needed the formation could switch with Rooney playing as a wide forward on the left. We saw against Everton that Berbatov is capable of playing the lone striker role.

My preferred team: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidc, Evans, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs; Berbatov, Rooney

Prediction: With constant heavy rain during the early hours of Sunday morning the surface will allow for quick slick passing. I’m expecting both teams to play at 100mph whether in defence or attack. I’m going to plumb for a 2-0 United victory with goals from Berbatov and Rooney. What do you think?

If you wish to discuss this issue further with myself or other members of the Stretford End Arising community, you can do so in the Stretford End Arising Forum

You can follow me on Twitter at SEA_MUFC

what's do you think



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instant cash games

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

caovanloi wrote:

Code:

[b]PRE-MATCH DISCUSSION: MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL
[/b]

Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in what is one of thee fixtures in the football calendar. The match requires little introduction – one of the games I look for when fixtures are released for the new season (Manchester City being the first then Liverpool). I’ve been excited for this game for a good week now, I can feel the excitement within me as I type this – Sunday afternoon cannot come soon enough!! I woke up this morning, clenched my first and muttered to myself “come on, let’s be having ya!!” A must win game for United, with all due respect to Blackpool we could find ourselves already seven points behind Chelsea.

What should we expect from Liverpool? Under Roy Hodgson we should expect less animosity between the two managers, well perhaps not for 90 minutes. The Liverpool team we face today will be quite different than the previous meeting between the two sides – during the summer they were very active in the transfer market bringing in several players including Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Raul Meireles, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen.

After Saturday’s results Liverpool enter the day in 17th position having amassed five points in four games – their sole victory coming against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. Last weekend against Birmingham City, Liverpool apparently looked devoid of ideas with Fernando Torres receiving negative comments for his performance, or lack of it. We all know his record against United so to dismiss his threat would be foolish, I’m sure Nemanja Vidic isn’t! Personally, I envisage a huge performance from the big Serbian.

On Thursday, against Steaua Bucharest (in the Europa League) Hodgson rested several players – Liverpool will be fresh and ready for the fight. Both clubs have had disappointing starts to the season, but there is nothing like this fixture to raise spirits of players and fans alike.

How will United line up?

The main two discussion points in back five are right back and central defence.

John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Rafael are vying for the right back spot or does Gary Neville fancy a turn against the old foe. Sunday could turn into a battle of a match and as a consequence I’d rather have Brown by my side – “Big Bad” is not going to shirk any 50/50 challenges. What do you think?

Should Rio Ferdinand start? To be honest, I’m really undecided on this point – I can see the merits and disadvantages of his inclusion. The game against Glasgow Rangers is no real barometer to judge his fitness (the fact he completed 90 minutes is positive) or readiness as he was seldom tested. At Anfield last season he appeared less than 100% fit and was brushed aside by Fernando Torres to score Liverpool’s first goal – for some reason that incident is sticking in my mind… Then there is of course Jonny Evans.

With the absence of Rio there was a suggestion Evans may steel a march on the England captain, that once fit Rio may struggle to reclaim his place in the team. This has not been the case as the Northern Ireland International has received plenty of criticism for his performances this season, notably against Fulham and Everton.  For ninety minutes against Everton he and Nemanja Vidic were rocks in the centre of defence, throwing themselves into challenges, blocking efforts on goal and in the main won the aerial battle. He played well, much better than his performance against Fulham, where he probably deserved criticism. Evans has proved himself to be a good defender, one of real potential – he’s held his own against the likes of Drogba, but oddly struggled against Bobby Zamora. He’s had one poor performance this against Fulham in my opinion.

In such a big game is Sir Alex prepared to risk an undercooked Rio or perhaps a low in confidence and feeling the pressure Evans? I really don’t know, what do you think?

With the horrific injury Antonio Valencia suffered against Glasgow Rangers, Nani will start in his preferred right wing role. The left wing position however brings a further discussion point. The options: Ji Sung Park, Ryan Giggs or Gabriel Obertan. Park offers the defensive option, perhaps doing a job on Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole by tucking inside. Obertan recently returned to action for the reserves so is an unlikely starter, perhaps a place on the subs bench is on the offing for the French man and there is my personal preference Giggs as he offers the greater attacking option, which was lacking at home to Rangers. What do you think?

After recent comments and praise from Sir Alex, Dimitar Berbatov is a certainty to start on Sunday. With his selection we are likely to start the game in a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 formation, which is an unusual step compared to last season where 4-5-1/4-3-3 was preferred in the so called bigger games. If needed the formation could switch with Rooney playing as a wide forward on the left. We saw against Everton that Berbatov is capable of playing the lone striker role.

My preferred team: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidc, Evans, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs; Berbatov, Rooney

Prediction: With constant heavy rain during the early hours of Sunday morning the surface will allow for quick slick passing. I’m expecting both teams to play at 100mph whether in defence or attack. I’m going to plumb for a 2-0 United victory with goals from Berbatov and Rooney. What do you think?

If you wish to discuss this issue further with myself or other members of the Stretford End Arising community, you can do so in the Stretford End Arising Forum

You can follow me on Twitter at SEA_MUFC

what's do you think



online bingo
instant cash games

Axeslammer wrote:

Rouslan91 wrote:

debaser wrote:Will Carragher and Agger be able to handle the Wolfswinkel?

well i hope so! he's a good striker!but liverpool have attacking problems, not deffensive

Van Wolfswinkel is one of the best strikers in the Eredivisie