Atletico de Mardid - Liverpool
After a promising domestic start, the Atlético Madrid La Liga challenge has been derailed somewhat. Three successive losses have left los Colchoneros in disarray and Mexican coach Javier Aguirre is allegedy one game from the sack as the side flounders in eighth place.The coach will not be allowed to take his place on the home bench tomorrow evening as a result of UEFA sanctions levelled against the club in the wake of their tumultuous Champions League encounter against Marseille.
Although Aguirre will watch from the stands, at least he will be watching from the stands of the Vicente Calderón. European football's governing body has decided to rescind the stadium ban imposed for the behaviour of the Atlético supporters against Eric Gerets' side in light of the logistic difficulties likely to be encounter by fans travelling to a game more than 300 kilometres from the Spanish capital. Playing at home will certainly provide a crumb of comfort for a side on a low ebb as will their Champions League form in this campaign so far.
They sit atop of Group D, one goal clear of Liverpool, and impressed in the competition's opening two fixtures, albeit before thier current domestic woes. PSV and Marseille were brushed aside as the rojiblancos made a devastating return to the Champions League for the first time in more than a decade.
However, they come into the match against the backdrop of uncertainty. Injuries and tiredness are likely to exacerbate the worries that Aguirre has about the side, as he contemplates leaving Argentinean hot-shot Sergio Kun Aguero out of his starting XI.
The spirit of Istanbul has well and truly been invoked at Anfield; the 2005 Champions League final saw the Reds recover from three goals down against AC Milan to snatch victory from the Italians, and this season has seen Liverpool once again specialise in rallying from behind.
Four times in the Premier League this season, Rafael Benitez's men have turned over deficits to record wins, and seven of their 13 league goals have come in the last 15 minutes of matches. Wigan Athletic were the latest victims of the comeback kings, despite the best effort of Amr Zaki on Saturday.
In Europe also, the Reds have made a friend of adversity, claiming a win against Marseille after falling behind as well as eliminating Standard Liege deep into extra-time of their qualification clash. In the absence of Fernando Torres too, the Reds have found a new means to the goal. Dutchman Dirk Kuyt has been derided as a workhorse throughout his time at Anfield but has provided the side with goals in three consecutive matches for the first time since his move from Feyenoord.
Rafa Benitez's men have a mental robustness, masquerading as 'character', throughout the side and a 'we'll score more' attitude to boot
Atlético Madrid
Tomas Ujfalusi's absence will likely mean that John Heitinga will start alongside Luis Perea at the heart of the Atlético back-line although Pablo Ibanez is nearing a return to fitness. Maxi Rodriguez is still sidelined, so there could be a place for Luis Garcia in the starting line-up. Another Liverpool old-boy Florent Sinama Pongolle may start up-front if Aguirre decided to rest Kun. Goalkeeping duties have been rolling among Leo Franco and Gregory Coupet, although Franco has got the nod so far in the Champions League.
Probable Starting XI: Leo Franco - Seitaridis, Ujfalusi, Perea, Pernía - Maniche, Banega, Raul Garcia, Simao - Sinama Pongolle, Forlan
Liverpool
Torres is obviously the most notable absentee but the Reds have been coping well without him. Rafa Benitez admitted concerns over Yossi Benayoun, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane although all are expected to play. Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel, Philipp Degen and Ryan Babel are all ruled out. Jermaine Pennent excelled in the weekend win over Wigan Athletic and like Albert Riera will be expecting to start.
Probable Starting XI: Reina - Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena - Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard - Kuyt, Keane, Reira
Without Fernando Torres i think Liverpool will have a very hard match. 1x IMO
posted by Midnight Sun @ 01:12,
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