I really hope he plays.

Kaladze, full credit to him, did a great job against United in the second leg, and Bonera wasn't too bad in the first leg.

But I think there's no doubt we need the Nesta/Paolo partnership in the middle.

It will be hard for anyone from the midfield to mark Kaka since he plays so high up the pitch in the 4-3-2-1 formation. This will definately create space for Pirlo and Seedorf to work in, and with Rino and Ambro hopefully getting the upper hand in the physical battle we'll be able to take control of the midfield.

I could even see Rafa starting with a 3-1-4-2 formation or a 4-1-4-1 formation. Anything to try to stifle us out

-------------Mascherano------------
Gerrard--Alonso--Sissoko--Kewell

The midfield could look something like that, then with either 1 upfront and 4 in defence or 2 upfront and 3 in defence

This post has been edited by han2503: May 15 2007, 08:30 PM

I'm not sure who their wide players will be.

Any from Riise, Kewell, Gerrard, Pennant & Zenden.

I think it's laughable that any of those would even worry Ambro and Rino on the physical side of things. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I think Riise will definately play at the back. And as I said before, I am fully expecting Kewell to start

Kewell vs Gattuso.

I think my dog even knows who'll win that battle. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

-------------Crouch---Kuyt----------------
--Kewell--Alonso-Mascherano--Gerrard-
--Riise----Agger----Carragher---Finnan-
------------------Reina---------------------

My only doubt is about Kewell. If Kewell doesn't play, Riise will be their LW and Arbeloa their LB.

(I'm looking at Benitez usual style, and those players who were rested on the last matches.)

Gattuso wwill definately be on Gerrard and probably try to get in the faces of Mascherano and Sissoko as much as he can to hopefully relieve Kaka of them for a bit

The mere presence of him on the field wins games on its own! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

Sissoko is not going to be on the first 11. Mascherano is in better shape/form.

If Porty's line-up is correct, the main battles could be:

Inzaghi vs Carragher & Agger: I don't like our chances in this one, but then again therer's not many people who get the better of Carragher.

Kaka' & Seedorf vs Alonso & Mascherano: I personally don't see either of these 2 as player with much skill, typical Liverpool players who 'just do their job' I'd certainly pick our 2 guys of them.

Ambrosini vs Gerrard: Could be the most important bettle on the night, as good as Stevie G is I rate Ambro very highly, he'll get the job done.

Gattuso vs Kewell: Gattuso isn't going to get beaten by him, I don't see him as that much of a threat, especially if they go behind, he'll just drop his head and give up.

Nesta & Maldini vs Kuyt & Crouch: They're both superb in the air, which is what worries me. If we can keep the ball on the ground, Nesta & Paolo should be able to deal with it.

Don't be so sure. I think there is a chance it could happen. And it isn't that slim

I won't be surprise if Benitez says "Let it fly. Just bomb some air-balls to Crouch". And that worries me a lot.

We conceeded 34299904239042904239042390 goals in air-balls this year.

wow and were still 4th!! how many have we scored this season!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Maldini starts Final countdown

Milan captain Paolo Maldini will only feature in the Champions League Final against Liverpool on May 23 if he is 100 per cent fit.

The defender is keen to appear in his 29th professional Final, but he is a doubt for the game because of a persistent knee problem.

“After the game against Catania on Sunday my knee swelled up, but that was expected,” said Maldini to Milan Channel.

“I have to follow a personalised training programme this week, but I know I can be fit for the game against Liverpool,” continued the 38-year-old.

“However, I will only play if I am 100 per cent fit. Otherwise I will have no problems in giving my place to somebody else.”

Maldini has appeared in four Finals crowning Milan as European champions in 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003 and is looking forward to writing yet another page in the club’s history.

“I always believed we could reach the Final this season and so did the Coach,” explained the Rossonero who is in his 23rd season at the San Siro.

“Now we have the chance to write history. The Istanbul defeat in 2005 still hurts, but I am sure Liverpool know they will never win a match like that again,” he added.

“Compared to our last two Finals in Manchester and Istanbul we are in much better shape this time around.

“This is the joy and honour of playing for Milan, to always be able to compete at the highest level and have the possibility of winning important trophies.

“My personal balance says that I have won four Finals and lost three, there is no way I want to even things out!”