Liverpool’s Champions League Qualifier -
Aug.9/2006
[before looking at today's Community Shield and its YFF implications, I am posting my take on Liverpool's CL match from earlier this week, as it also serves as a good portend to the coming season. Shortly hereafter, a compare & contrast with the Chelsea game will be posted]
Liverpool was forced to grind out a victory in their Champions League qualifier last night, defeating Maccabi Haifa 2-1 at Anfield. While match reports seem to indicate that they dominated the game, the Reds were unable to seal the game until a late (86th) minute goal from new boy Mark Gonzalez. After going down 1-nil, Bellamy notched his first competitive goal for Liverpool to square the match.
As for fantasy football implications, here are some observations:
· Liverpool fielded a first string line-up, going with a 4-5-1 formation. Bellamy up top, with Bolo Zenden on the left, Momo Sissoko, Xabi Alonso and Gerrard in the middle and Jermaine Pennant wide right. The back line was the usual Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia and Riise.
· Alonso was credited with the assist on Gonzalez' goal. Bellamy's goal followed a Sissoko shot saved by the keeper.
· Gerrard played a somewhat advanced attacking role, as Alonso pulled the strings from the middle.
· Apparently Pennant saw a lot of the ball in good positions and got forward well. Not so much for Zenden on the opposiste side - according to one match report, “things died” around him, LOL. He was subbed for Garcia in the 55th.
· Interestingly, Pennant took several of the Liverpool free kicks and corners instead of usual takes Gerrard/Alonso. Perhaps his fantasy points won’t be all taken up by Stevie and Xabi after all….?
· Crouch replaced Bellamy on 65 minutes, but this seemed tactical, as Rafa probably wanted to try to break down Maccabi with a different approach.
· Mark Gonzalez surprisingly replaced Gerrard on 85 minutes, but the speedy Chilean had an instant impact by hitting the match-winner shortly after his introduction. I think he’s one to watch for this year (maybe a dark horse pick later in the season?). He was great at Sociedad – fast, good shot and good attacking skills with the ball. If Bolo continues to flounder, he may get a decent run out on the left.
· Overall, I’d say this line-up is what we’re likely to see from Liverpool throughout the season and they will continue to win a lot of games 1-0, 2-0, etc., with Reina picking up decent points but not making many saves as the defence does not allow many chances.
Aug.9/2006
[before looking at today's Community Shield and its YFF implications, I am posting my take on Liverpool's CL match from earlier this week, as it also serves as a good portend to the coming season. Shortly hereafter, a compare & contrast with the Chelsea game will be posted]
Liverpool was forced to grind out a victory in their Champions League qualifier last night, defeating Maccabi Haifa 2-1 at Anfield. While match reports seem to indicate that they dominated the game, the Reds were unable to seal the game until a late (86th) minute goal from new boy Mark Gonzalez. After going down 1-nil, Bellamy notched his first competitive goal for Liverpool to square the match.
As for fantasy football implications, here are some observations:
· Liverpool fielded a first string line-up, going with a 4-5-1 formation. Bellamy up top, with Bolo Zenden on the left, Momo Sissoko, Xabi Alonso and Gerrard in the middle and Jermaine Pennant wide right. The back line was the usual Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia and Riise.
· Alonso was credited with the assist on Gonzalez' goal. Bellamy's goal followed a Sissoko shot saved by the keeper.
· Gerrard played a somewhat advanced attacking role, as Alonso pulled the strings from the middle.
· Apparently Pennant saw a lot of the ball in good positions and got forward well. Not so much for Zenden on the opposiste side - according to one match report, “things died” around him, LOL. He was subbed for Garcia in the 55th.
· Interestingly, Pennant took several of the Liverpool free kicks and corners instead of usual takes Gerrard/Alonso. Perhaps his fantasy points won’t be all taken up by Stevie and Xabi after all….?
· Crouch replaced Bellamy on 65 minutes, but this seemed tactical, as Rafa probably wanted to try to break down Maccabi with a different approach.
· Mark Gonzalez surprisingly replaced Gerrard on 85 minutes, but the speedy Chilean had an instant impact by hitting the match-winner shortly after his introduction. I think he’s one to watch for this year (maybe a dark horse pick later in the season?). He was great at Sociedad – fast, good shot and good attacking skills with the ball. If Bolo continues to flounder, he may get a decent run out on the left.
· Overall, I’d say this line-up is what we’re likely to see from Liverpool throughout the season and they will continue to win a lot of games 1-0, 2-0, etc., with Reina picking up decent points but not making many saves as the defence does not allow many chances.
posted by D @ 9:46 PM
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