++ [ originally posted by azzurri7 ] ++
Champions League Preview: Liverpool-Juventus
4/5/2005 3:04:00 AM
The huge clash between AC Milan and rivals Inter may have captured the most attention for sporting reasons, but the quarter-final tie between Liverpool and Juventus offers a chance to commemorate one of the game's saddest tragedies.
BACKGROUND
As Liverpool and Juventus prepare to face one another, memories of the infamous Heysel disaster have resurfaced as both clubs look to mark the 20th anniversary of that fateful day. That night claimed the lives of 39 supporters, the majority of whom were Juventus fans, when a wall in the Brussels stadium gave way. Whilst both clubs have moved on, the game is of massive importance, giving both sides the chance to unite in remembrance and friendship.
With the significance of the night it is easy to forget that both sides are competing for a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Liverpool’s form in the competition has been much more convincing than their league form as Benitez’ side has relished its role as European underdogs. Liverpool can take hope from last year’s final which was represented by Monaco and Porto, neither of whom were considered among the favoured teams. Many critics would have laughed at the suggestion of the Anfield side’s appearance in the final but as Liverpool continue to progress it no longer looks impossible. Few people expected Liverpool to last longer than Manchester United or Arsenal in this competition, and yet here they are preparing to face Juventus.
The wind is definitely blowing in Liverpool’s sails, after two 3-1 wins against Leverkusen and their recent win over Bolton, Liverpool are starting to come into some form. Despite one of the Premiership’s largest injury lists, Benitez’ men have managed to cut Everton’s lead over them to just one point. With Liverpool starting to find their stride the contest against Juventus could be very interesting indeed.
Juventus were far from impressive as they crashed to a defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid for the first leg of this tie. The match was settled thanks to a solitary goal from Ivan Helguera as Real were unlucky not to make their dominance count for more. Despite the loss, Fabio Capello’s side were immense as they sent Real crashing in the corresponding leg. Juve’s plucky performance has seen Capello’s men return to their confident best as the side looks impressive once again.
This season both teams could not be more different in terms of style and approach. Whilst the Bianconeri are a much more balanced and organized unit Liverpool, the English side tend to produce the more entertaining football but seem to rely to heavily on Steven Gerrard. Despite the several recent purchases, the Anfield side still need time to gel, and a hefty injury list has made that almost impossible. Juventus will be confident of a result against Liverpool but Benitez’ side have been underestimated by many in seasons competition and that will not have gone unnoticed by the Italians.
Whilst the footballing world may have its eyes focussed firmly on the Milan derby, this tie should be just as exciting and may give us a glimpse of the eventual champions in action.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool:
The Reds welcome back Milan Baros who was suspended for the match against Bolton at the weekend. Morientes is ineligible for the tie after appearing for Real Madrid already this season.. Traore, Garcia and Warnock are all passed fit; Cisse and Alonso, though in training, are still some weeks away from a first team return. Hamann is out and will be replaced with Igor Biscan
Juventus:
Fabio Capello has almost a full squad to choose from for this match and can call on all of his first team stars. The long awaited return of Nedved should add some more creativity to Juve’s game. Frenchman Trezeguet looks set to start on the bench after struggling with an ankle injury picked up whilst on international duty. Del Piero and Ibrahimovic will start at Anfield.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool:
The Reds have relied heavily on the quality of Steven Gerrard on many occasions this season and will need their captain to give his very best if they are to achieve a positive result against the Bianconeri. Juve have reportedly been looking for a quality central midfielder for next season and would do well to pay attention to Gerrard during the match as he is just the players they would love to sign. Strong, tenacious and an unstoppable dribbler, Gerrard is the complete modern footballer.
Juventus:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has looked good all season for Juventus, but it is Del Piero that could really make the difference against Liverpool. The striker’s experience of such games will be vital if Capello’s men are to progress in the competition. Recent games have seen Alex return to his best form and Liverpool could be his next victim. With reports of Del Piero’s desire to play in England, a good performance could alert a number of potential suitors.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Liverpool
Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Biscan, Riise, Smicer, Baros.
Juventus: (4-3-3)
Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi; Del Piero, Nedved, Zlatan .
PREDICTION
Juventus will be full of confidence and Liverpool will find it hard to beat them.
1-1
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