Can't see both starting. Ronaldo, Benzema, Kroos, Modric and one of Casemiro or Kovacic (probably the former) are most-likely going to start leaving only one more spot.
Real Madrid v Liverpool build up
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) was joined by comedian Ali Woods to look back at the best and worst moments of a rollercoaster season with the annual United Hour Awards.
Has Ten Hag been sacked yet? We're not sure and we hope not, but it's looking more likely as the days pass.
Who should replace him and why is it taking so long to make a decision?
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Depending on the formation Zidane plays of course but If he goes with the 4-3-1-2 then I can see Isco and Bale both starting with Ronaldo. Can't see other then Casemiro, Modrid and Kroos starting myself. If he goes 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 then I agree I can't see Bale starting but he usually goes with players in form, Zidane so I expect he will play Bale and try and catch Liverpool on the counter at times.
Yes, that's also my view.
Bale is playing too well of late not to start on Saturday. Actually, this is what Bale is about, the guy is a damn good footballer in way too many aspects. His sole presence conditions the whole game.
I wonder what Klopp is thinking of to keep an Isco-Ronaldo-Bale choice out of the equation. It's a very uncommon and dangerous one, I bet not even Zidane was considering it 2 weeks ago. It mixes up pace upfront with two very good references in Bale and Isco behind Liverpool's midfield. If it works, which is yet to be seen because it's been barely tested in games, I don't think they are too comfortable with that idea at Liverpool.
Isco and Bale have not had much game time time have they? I suppose Bale has scored three in the last four. Could be a reasonably unfit front three with Ronaldo. Not one designed for pressing our back four. I'll be happy to not see the unsung hard working Benzema.
To really press us you're going to have to employ Modric and Kroos a lot further up front than you want to. But that will leave gaps where Firmino, Salah and Mane like to wait. I know Madrid don't give a shit about Firmino, Mane and even Salah but that's exactly the arrogant state we would like you to remain until Saturday night.
To really press us you're going to have to employ Modric and Kroos a lot further up front than you want to. But that will leave gaps where Firmino, Salah and Mane like to wait. I know Madrid don't give a shit about Firmino, Mane and even Salah but that's exactly the arrogant state we would like you to remain until Saturday night.
Why should they press you though? They can have the ball without pressing you. It's not like you are great at keeping possession anyway.Isco and Bale have not had much game time time have they? I suppose Bale has scored three in the last four. Could be a reasonably unfit front three with Ronaldo. Not one designed for pressing our back four. I'll be happy to not see the unsung hard working Benzema.
To really press us you're going to have to employ Modric and Kroos a lot further up front than you want to. But that will leave gaps where Firmino, Salah and Mane like to wait. I know Madrid don't give a shit about Firmino, Mane and even Salah but that's exactly the arrogant state we would like you to remain until Saturday night.
I honestly hate the fact that Liverpool are in the final so much that I am struggling to embrace football on any level right now because this match just drifts into my mind. I'm almost embarrassed by how much this lot being in the final has affected me.
I'd make it like 65/35 in favour of Madrid, with 10 of those percentiles being for the difference in quality and the other 5 being experience. Liverpool players likely to come out very jittery in my opinion. Still though, wouldn't be surprised to see them win it.
I'd make it like 65/35 in favour of Madrid, with 10 of those percentiles being for the difference in quality and the other 5 being experience. Liverpool players likely to come out very jittery in my opinion. Still though, wouldn't be surprised to see them win it.
They can't have the ball if we're pressing the hell out of them all the time, winning it and passing back to VVD. You know, something we've been doing for the past 9 months. Our possession stats are actually quite high in England and in Europe. If they want possession they will also have to press. That's how football against us works. Bayern basically did the same thing with inferior players (on account of most of Bayern's good players being injured and Lewa playing like Benteke).
Just checked the stats: Bayern had 60% possession the first leg and 60% in the second leg. Like I said with an inferior pressing side compared to Liverpool. Real's ability to hold the ball magically for large parts of the game is only in the minds of dreamers and/or the blind.
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Experience counts massively in these games and Madrid unfortunately have that in abundance. We have a chance to beat them but I really struggle to see how we're going to.
That said, I can't wait and seeing Liverpool on the biggest stage of them all is something that I'm really looking forward to!
Saturday can't get here soon enough!
That said, I can't wait and seeing Liverpool on the biggest stage of them all is something that I'm really looking forward to!
Saturday can't get here soon enough!
How? Isco is miles above Bale.
I hope Bale does not start nor get any game time. Much rather have Isco and Asensio, hell I'll even take Benzema because of his linkup with Ronaldo. Switching to the 442 with Isco on the left won us the CL last year, Zidane would be a fool to opt for the BBC or Bale again. 3 goals in a couple of games should not change anything, seeing how his field play is still so much below his teammates.
Mate, I know its hurting. I feel you bro.
But the pain will be all over in a few days. There might be untold joy too if/when Real lift the cup. Hold in there.
It doesn't hurt because I know that you are going to lose. The game ain't at Anfield. You'll shit yourselves because you have no experience. Karius, TTA, Lovren, Robertson, Milner, Wijnaldum...Even the front 3 have little experience in such games.Mate, I know its hurting. I feel you bro.
But the pain will be all over in a few days. There might be untold joy too if/when Real lift the cup. Hold in there.
Bale is in great form. Also, Bale would be able to track back and help one of the the full backs (probably Carvajal). You can't leave the full backs isolated against that front 3 of Liverpool.
Isco has a much greater work ethic than Bale does. And like I said, he scored a couple in 3 games or something. Big whoop. I'd much rather have Isco than Bale, the latter just isn't good enough and lacks the skills needed. And much rather have Asensio coming in as well, he always comes up with great stuff. Especially at the big stage.
He's scored 5 in his last 5, the only game he didn't score in that run was the game he didn't start. I would disagree with Isco having a greater work ethic. I watch Real Madrid a lot and see that Bale makes a lot of runs in behind, even though that majority of these runs aren't rewarded with a pass, he continues to make them. This leaves space etc. for the Ronaldo and Benzema. Also, he does track back, something which Isco doesn't really do that much of.
Come on Madrid !!!!!!!!
Your last point is just false, Isco does track back. And he presses really good as well. Hell, the only reason Bale bothered is because Zidane dropped him last year. Before that he thought he was Ronaldo tier and stayed up front waiting for his moment. More than that, those runs don't help the teams position much. Benzema's positioning is worth much more, he actually does create space for Ronaldo to dive into. Bale makes runs just to see if someone will play him a long ball. Take the Clasico for example, with Ronaldo in the game Bale was our worst player in the first half and didn't add a thing. He doesn't have the same understanding with his teammates, as they do with each other.
Isco/Asensio are much more valuable addition to the team, their field play is leagues above what Bale is showcasing. His first touch is about on par with a brick wall. Doesn't do well in small spaces either, this becomes more of a con when playing against a side that likes to park the bus or press the players. In those cases Bale is useless, he is better suited for counter attacks. He needs more space because he ain't technically gifted like Isco/Asensio. Those two also know how to play between the lines and find the free man, Bale is just shockingly bad at those aspects. His vision and other abilities are such a downgrade, if you really follow Real like you say you do...then you would know he shouldn't make the cut. There is a reason he landed on the bench. The only thing that even got him to stay on the pitch for as long as he did, was his pricetag. Not even that could save him eventually.
We'll see on Saturday. My point basically boils down to against Liverpool there isn't a real need to control the midfield, instead Liverpool are dangerous on the wings. Which is why, as well as Bale's good form, I would pick him over Isco.
Makes you wonder how they’ve made it to a CL final three years running!
I see no problem with this. You have to organised stuff in advance and probably need road closing licences and stuff.
Madrid definitely have a plan in place too.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...fident-real-will-beat-mentally-weak-liverpool
I know real are favorites and rightfully confident, but this is amount of arrogance is taking it to a whole new level. I hope we smash them now!
I know real are favorites and rightfully confident, but this is amount of arrogance is taking it to a whole new level. I hope we smash them now!
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They've been bloody good. That's how. I don't get your point in relation to what I've said.
They are Real. Refs won't help you this time. It's one thing to destroy kids like Jesus and Sane at Anfield with help from refs, it's another thing to play against Ronaldo, Benzema, Isco, Bale etc. Good luck (well, not really).
They haven't learned have They?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...ng-celebrations/liverpool-victory-parade-bus/
I mean, sure, go on, prepare everything. I have no problem with that at all.
Some really confident sound bites coming out of Madrid's corner today in the last couple of days. They seem convinced this will be a stroll in the park.
I very much doubt so, especially after the Bayern and Juventus games.
That's what we need. But I think it's a bluff. Surely, they can't be as stupid as City and Roma? Shirley? You don't become champions of Europe by being stupid.
All of my mates are looking forward to watching this game in a pub as it is a Champions League final and I'm getting more and more serious about dodging it. Just can't imagine myself cheering for Real in public
Im not watching it..... Its too risky.
Il record it and watch it only if Madrid win it.
Ill be in a tent in the south west of Ireland anyway by 8pm Saturday. True story.
Not watching it either. Scouse always seem to win when I watch them play as well (except for some reason against us). Watching Deadpool 2 instead.
Benzema's (exceptional) hold-up play for bringing other into play is enough to justify him as a starter, which will be essential in CL-final.
Let's be honest here; last XI spot stands between Isco and Bale.
The radio just said that Madrid have 2000 unsold tickets, and don´t know what to do with them, since if they give back to Uefa many Liverpool fans could be mixed with Madrid fans in the stadium. It will be like a derby at Metropolitano with so much red
Ballbag is such an idiot
He has a tendency to say bland and blatant things while attempting them to sound exceptional
If anything represents what a bland season this has been, its' that we can't even watch a CL final in peace, as we are afraid of the worst. Watching the final is usually a treat every season even from a neutral perspective. Not this time.
Chelsea did the same thing that one time that didn't happen at all
Insightful.
Ballbag is such an idiot
Not looking forward to this game to be honest. If it was Real-Roma, I could just sit back and hopefully enjoy a good game of football, not really too bothered who wins, but now it's going to be a squeaky bum white knuckle ride, just hoping that Liverpool don't win it. The only enjoyable thing will be the final whistle if Real win.
I just hope Real can outscore Liverpool.
Please.
I just hope Real can outscore Liverpool.
Please.
Haven't looked forward to a final since the Bayern-Dortmund one in 2013, till now. Since that final it's always been a battle of one attacking team vs a pragmatic/defensive team (Real v Atletico, Barca v Juve, Real v Atletico, Real v Juve), this year both teams are those who look to attack and should surely make for an exciting and entertaining clash.
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