[Fillipo Simone]

(IMG:http://www.mcalcio.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/milan-arsenal_cl.jpg)

Decisive CL match. A win here and we could turn our luck. Also, if we manage to surpass Arsenal and enter the 1/4 finals Allegri would prove he has it in him for more.

[han2503]

(IMG:http://www.mcalcio.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/milan-arsenal_cl.jpg)

Decisive CL match. A win here and we could turn our luck. Also, if we manage to surpass Arsenal and enter the 1/4 finals Allegri would prove he has it in him for more.

I agree

So anyone know who could be ready from the injured players for this one?

We'll have VB and Ibra back from the Udine game which is a huge bonus. Anything to keep Ambro off the field in such a game is good for me.

I read that Pato could be back but we should be ok in attack. If only we could re-coup one of Aqui or Boateng...

[Rossoneri7]

Doubting we can get anything more than a draw out of this tie, I just hope we keep a clean sheet. If we do concede, it will be an uphill battle at the Emirates and I am sure Wenger has enough tricks in his bag to keep us occupied with anything but scoring (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)


Allegri, this is your time to shine, prove us wrong!

[Fillipo Simone]

I actually regained confidence in Ambrosini yesterday (haven't lost much of it anyway). Yet, it would be insane to start him over Nocerino and Bommel, especially since he played the Coppa match and fulltime against Udinese.

Yet, I think Milan also lacks a permanent leader. Seedorf isn't the right man, and Silva does not qualify to often a team captain. Ambrosini is the closest thing we have right now, naturally, miles away from the leadership personas of a Maldini, Baresi or Costacurta.

[William405]

I would go with this:


Mesbah-Thiago silva-Mexes-Abate
Nocerino-Van Bommel-Seedorf
Robinho
Ibra-Sharaawy


EDIT:I'm all for Van Bommel as our captain!

This post has been edited by William405: Feb 12 2012, 12:53 PM

[Rossoneri7]

I agree

So anyone know who could be ready from the injured players for this one?

We'll have VB and Ibra back from the Udine game which is a huge bonus. Anything to keep Ambro off the field in such a game is good for me.

I read that Pato could be back but we should be ok in attack. If only we could re-coup one of Aqui or Boateng...

Nocerino - VB - Ambrosini for the midfield ... We need as much muscle in that midfield as possible.

Then for attack, I'd throw in Ibra and Robinho with Seedorf in the AM slot.

All others can come off the bench at any point in the match.

[d'Arc.LP]

Abbiati,Nesta,Boateng,Flamini and Pato training with the rest of the group in Milanello.

[Fillipo Simone]

Flamini? Almost forgot about him. Now that guy still has to prove something and sooner rather then later.

[Rossoneri7]

Flamini? Almost forgot about him. Now that guy still has to prove something and sooner rather then later.

Lost faith in this guy a while ago ... We have Nocerino now, who has done a lot more than the former in six months than the former during his whole stay with us.

[William405]

Nocerino - VB - Ambrosini for the midfield ... We need as much muscle in that midfield as possible.

Then for attack, I'd throw in Ibra and Robinho with Seedorf in the AM slot.

All others can come off the bench at any point in the match.

Why so that when we actually have the ball,we won't be able to do anything with it.Ambro just loses the ball too much for my liking and Arsenal are a very good team in maintaining possesion.Seedorf in the AM slot has been terrible ffft!Have you seen him?As a playmaker,he'll work best for us.

Abbiati,Nesta,Boateng,Flamini and Pato training with the rest of the group in Milanello.

Great news!

[d'Arc.LP]

Well, if I were Allegri, I'd go with this one:

Amelia
Abate - Mexes - Silva - Mesbah
Seedorf - van Bommel - Nocerino
Boateng
El Shaarawy - Ibrahimovic

In second half, depending on the result I'd like to see this one:

Amelia
Abate - Mexes - Silva - Emanuelson
Flamini - van Bommel - Nocerino
Robinho
El Shaarawy - Ibrahimovic

[Rossoneri7]

Why so that when we actually have the ball,we won't be able to do anything with it.Ambro just loses the ball too much for my liking and Arsenal are a very good team in maintaining possesion.Seedorf in the AM slot has been terrible ffft!Have you seen him?As a playmaker,he'll work best for us.



Great news!

Well, it isn't for your liking its for my liking and to piss of han for 90 mins (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)



On a serious note, Seedorf in the AM is what might work for us anyone else is a gamble really, especially in a high-caliber match-up. Ambrosini, well, we don't have much depth really, as you noticed we are in the middle of an injury crises. If KPB is fit enough, then he should start otherwise we have no choice I guess.

[kurtsimonw]

Why so that when we actually have the ball,we won't be able to do anything with it.Ambro just loses the ball too much for my liking and Arsenal are a very good team in maintaining possesion.Seedorf in the AM slot has been terrible ffft!Have you seen him?As a playmaker,he'll work best for us.

Best way to play Arsenal is with a lot of ball winners. Their only real strength is keeping posession, if you don't wllo them to do that then they struggle.

I'm not entirely fussed though, I'd rather concentrate on back-to-back Scudetti.

[Zed.D]

If Seedorf is about to put another catastrophic performance I'd rather he didn't play in this game at all. replace him with KPB, he can't do worse.

[acid911]

I'm not entirely fussed though, I'd rather concentrate on back-to-back Scudetti.

Aye. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) We can aim for the CL next season. Give all we have to Arsenal, and try and win it. But our main focus should be the Scudetto again. And even another one next season, if we can. Get me the star on the shirt, dammit. So very close to 20 titles, I'd hate to wait a few years (or a decade) for that.

[William405]

Best way to play Arsenal is with a lot of ball winners. Their only real strength is keeping posession, if you don't wllo them to do that then they struggle.

I'm not entirely fussed though, I'd rather concentrate on back-to-back Scudetti.

And,when we win the ball,what do we do with it?At least have one playmaker like Seedorf who will be our reference point in midfield.

[CHU-LIP]

And,when we win the ball,what do we do with it?At least have one playmaker like Seedorf who will be our reference point in midfield.

The question is if Seedorf still can do that... lately not at least

[William405]

The question is if Seedorf still can do that... lately not at least

He can do it better than Ambrosini at least,I'm simply stating our best option atm.

[Jack Sparrow]

We're all doomed in this match. You know it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[han2503]

I actually regained confidence in Ambrosini yesterday (haven't lost much of it anyway). Yet, it would be insane to start him over Nocerino and Bommel, especially since he played the Coppa match and fulltime against Udinese.

Yet, I think Milan also lacks a permanent leader. Seedorf isn't the right man, and Silva does not qualify to often a team captain. Ambrosini is the closest thing we have right now, naturally, miles away from the leadership personas of a Maldini, Baresi or Costacurta.

What made you regain faith? A decent 10 minute spell where he did not lose the ball in suicide areas like he'd been doing for the entire match prior to those 10 minutes?

No, Ambrosini simply cannot get anywhere near the pitch for this game. It would be suicide on our part. As we did against Juve

Nocerino - VB - Ambrosini for the midfield ... We need as much muscle in that midfield as possible.

Then for attack, I'd throw in Ibra and Robinho with Seedorf in the AM slot.

All others can come off the bench at any point in the match.

That midfield would lose us this tie in the first 45 minutes, mark my words!

That's too many ball winners and no one who can actually do anything with the ball. We'll see the usual thing with winning the ball and losing it on the next pass forward.

Imo best midfield 3 would be Seedorf, VB and Nocerino. Boateng behind the strikers.

Why so that when we actually have the ball,we won't be able to do anything with it.Ambro just loses the ball too much for my liking and Arsenal are a very good team in maintaining possesion.Seedorf in the AM slot has been terrible ffft!Have you seen him?As a playmaker,he'll work best for us.

Agreed

Well, if I were Allegri, I'd go with this one:

Amelia
Abate - Mexes - Silva - Mesbah
Seedorf - van Bommel - Nocerino
Boateng
El Shaarawy - Ibrahimovic

In second half, depending on the result I'd like to see this one:

Amelia
Abate - Mexes - Silva - Emanuelson
Flamini - van Bommel - Nocerino
Robinho
El Shaarawy - Ibrahimovic

Agreed, but Flamini won't get anywhere near the pitch. I can see Ambro making an entrance in the last few minutes should we have a lead to close things up. And that is the only way he should be utilised

Well, it isn't for your liking its for my liking and to piss of han for 90 mins (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)



On a serious note, Seedorf in the AM is what might work for us anyone else is a gamble really, especially in a high-caliber match-up. Ambrosini, well, we don't have much depth really, as you noticed we are in the middle of an injury crises. If KPB is fit enough, then he should start otherwise we have no choice I guess.

So you'd rather lose just to see me freaking out about the idiotic moves Ambro makes? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

No, Seedorf in the AM position cannot be done anymore. It's no surprise that we won the Udine game, as well as got back into the Juve game once we moved him back to his original position on the left. Imo, Seedorf imply has to be played in the midfield 3 so he can control the tempo of our game. He knows how to do that better than anyone on our team. Knows how to slow things down if players start to lose their heads, etc. We need him in that position imo. AM position needs to be taken up either by Boateng (if he's fit) or Robinho/El Shaa (should Pato start)

Best way to play Arsenal is with a lot of ball winners. Their only real strength is keeping posession, if you don't wllo them to do that then they struggle.

I'm not entirely fussed though, I'd rather concentrate on back-to-back Scudetti.

We'll have 2 ball winners, but we cannot have 3. Simply because we'll win the ball and lose it within the next few seconds. We still need someone who can actually move the ball around in that midfield. And that person has to be Seedorf.

Another thing about Ambro, he and VB get in each other's way too much when they're both on the pitch. They're both the same type of DM so a midfield containing those 2 never works. And we've seen this happen when Allegri had his hands tied and had to play both at the same time (like the Coppa tie). Otherwise he never plays them together.

I agree that making Arsenal play without the ball is the best solution as they simply do not know how to handle that. But doing that means winning the ball quickly, yes, but also retaining the ball for long periods, and that cannot be done with such a midifled.

Thus 2 ball winners and 1 playmaker in the midfield 3 is the way to go for us

[han2503]

The question is if Seedorf still can do that... lately not at least

I think he can. As long as he's in the midfield 3 and not at AM I think Seedorf will be ok.

These are the kind of games that Seedorf still plays football for. I almost have more confidence in him to deliver in such a game than I would in anyone else on the team

[Danny]

If we don't win this match I'll never hear the end of that tw@t Piers Morgan slagging us off.

He's the worst football fan in the world, and now we're up against his Arsenal.

I want to win almost as much to get it up him as much as to progress in the CL.

[X-Offender]

What I'd like to see:

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - T. Silva - Mesbah
Seedorf - Van Bommel - Nocerino
Boateng
Pato - Ibrahimovic

Shame Aquilani is not ready yet. Anyway, if Seedorf and Pato underperform as usually, bring in Emanuelson and El Shaarawy. Robinho should not be anywhere near the pitch.

[Rossoneri7]

Han what are you talking about? Ofcourse I'd trade it for a loss in this fixture. At least this way I know I'll log in to MF for some entertainment (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[William405]

What I'd like to see:

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - T. Silva - Mesbah
Seedorf - Van Bommel - Nocerino
Boateng
Pato - Ibrahimovic

Shame Aquilani is not ready yet. Anyway, if Seedorf and Pato underperform as usually, bring in Emanuelson and El Shaarawy. Robinho should not be anywhere near the pitch.

That would be great,but I'd put El sharaawy instead of Pato.He's been playing for some time,match fit,and in good form.Boateng,I'm afraid we shall take the risk,but he's a tough dude,so no worries.

[Rossoneri7]

We're all doomed in this match. You know it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Han believe otherwise, subject to Ambrosini not starting and Seedorf playing on the left.

[Jack Sparrow]

I would actually start a weird 4-2-2-2 with Maxi and Ibra. But then we all know that it's too much to expect Allegri to try a different formation.


--Abate---Nesta---Silva---Mesbah---
----------MvB-------Nocerino----------
------Urby----------------Zee--------
-----------Ibra-----Maxi--------------


Bench: Mexes, Amelia, Robinho, Pato, El-Sharaawy, Ambrosini, Flamini, Boateng.

Why I like this is, the amount of tactical flexibility our bench is showing. The 4-2-2-2 would be mostly a rope-a-dope again like against Udinese. Where we sit up and soak pressure. I know that Maxi has a tendency to drift down the wings as well, so we can stretch them quite a bit.

I would at some point bring on Pato for Ibra...and El Shaa and Robinho to make a run at the defence. Shake them up a bit.

Basically I want Arsenal to run at a brick wall for sometime and lose focus where we can hit them on the counter...and then bring in some fresh fast legs to shake things up.

Needless to say, I don't want any negativity or playing for the draw sorta tactics.

[drucurl]

Let's hope Melissa is on her period this week (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Who?

[William405]

Who?

Someone's wife I guess?

[han2503]

Boateng's (Melissa Satta)

Because of those sex comments she made

[Jack Sparrow]

Oh ok. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Having read her interview, I don't think it will help.

When the river runs red, she'll want him to take the dirt road home. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

I would actually start a weird 4-2-2-2 with Maxi and Ibra. But then we all know that it's too much to expect Allegri to try a different formation.


--Abate---Nesta---Silva---Mesbah---
----------MvB-------Nocerino----------
------Urby----------------Zee--------
-----------Ibra-----Maxi--------------


Bench: Mexes, Amelia, Robinho, Pato, El-Sharaawy, Ambrosini, Flamini, Boateng.
Why I like this is, the amount of tactical flexibility our bench is showing. The 4-2-2-2 would be mostly a rope-a-dope again like against Udinese. Where we sit up and soak pressure. I know that Maxi has a tendency to drift down the wings as well, so we can stretch them quite a bit.

I would at some point bring on Pato for Ibra...and El Shaa and Robinho to make a run at the defence. Shake them up a bit.

Basically I want Arsenal to run at a brick wall for sometime and lose focus where we can hit them on the counter...and then bring in some fresh fast legs to shake things up.

Needless to say, I don't want any negativity or playing for the draw sorta tactics.

I thought these 3 were injured... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[acid911]

I thought these 3 were injured...

These guys along with Nesta practiced with the team yesterday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) They should be on the bench, surely!

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

These guys along with Nesta practiced with the team yesterday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) They should be on the bench, surely!

excellent news then, hopefully we can get aquilani back soon as well and get close to near full strength of a squad for the business part of this season.

[acid911]

Aye, these 4 of our most influential players. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Flamini not so much, but Boateng, Aquilani, Nesta and Pato!

[drucurl]

Oh ok. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Having read her interview, I don't think it will help.

When the river runs red, she'll want him to take the dirt road home. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Mightn't be too bad. Most "roads" require slow, careful driving (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

So KPB might start, as his fitness level is good enough, so thats a huge boost to our midfield. Add to that MVB Seedorf Nocerino and Ambrosini and I can almost see us managing a draw in this fixture. We just can not afford to concede at San Siro. If we can sneak a goal or two, again without conceding then we have a good chance of going to the Emirates with qualification on our side.

Allegri and Tassotti have to draft a strong team based on ball-winners and anchor-men if we are to achieve a positive result. Otherwise Arsenal will run circles around us, especially given we have a very tired core after playing two games in the span of just days.

[X-Offender]

So, Boateng, Van Bommel and Nocerino are sure to start. Who should be the fourth midfielder? Seedorf, Ambrosini or Emanuelson?

[Jack Bauer]

All far from exciting options but I'd go with Seedorf, he usually more motivated for these games than just the regular league matches.

[X-Offender]

Aye, I'd go with Seedorf as well. We need some quality in there, and Seedorf is the closest thing we have to a creative midfielder at the moment, even though he's been crap lately. Now, should he play as AM or CM? That's another troublesome issue.

[Jack Bauer]

CM, he plays better there at this stage of his career. AM is too much for him atm.

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - Silva - Mesbah
Seedorf - MVB - Nocerino
Boateng
Ibra - El Sha

[han2503]

So KPB might start, as his fitness level is good enough, so thats a huge boost to our midfield. Add to that MVB Seedorf Nocerino and Ambrosini and I can almost see us managing a draw in this fixture. We just can not afford to concede at San Siro. If we can sneak a goal or two, again without conceding then we have a good chance of going to the Emirates with qualification on our side.

Allegri and Tassotti have to draft a strong team based on ball-winners and anchor-men if we are to achieve a positive result. Otherwise Arsenal will run circles around us, especially given we have a very tired core after playing two games in the span of just days.

Like I and others have said. If you conjest that midfield with too much muscle than it will creat emore problems for us than necassary. Yes we need to have a strong midfield, but someone in that midfield who will help to maintain possession is a huge must.

Playing someone like Ambro who is a huge liability on the ball because he;s more likely to lose it in a dangerous area is certainly not the way to go

So, Boateng, Van Bommel and Nocerino are sure to start. Who should be the fourth midfielder? Seedorf, Ambrosini or Emanuelson?

It simply has to be Seedorf. That's already more than enough muscle in that midfield with those 3. Urby really won't contribute much to our overall play, while I don't need to go into the Ambro situation. I think everyone could see in these last few games that he's played that he simply cannot play at this level anymore, especially not in such an important tie.

Seedorf is our only creative mid. And we absolutely need someone in there who will control the tempo and possession for us.

Boateng, VB and Nocerino will do the running and recovering of the ball. Seedorf will balance it out

[han2503]

CM, he plays better there at this stage of his career. AM is too much for him atm.

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - Silva - Mesbah
Seedorf - MVB - Nocerino
Boateng
Ibra - El Sha

Can't see Allegri starting El Shaa here tbh. Either Robinho or Maxi could get the nod, or even Pato if he's fit enough. But I think Allegri will want that experiance in there.

Still, I trust El Shaa more than Robinho in front of goal, that's for sure

[Jack Bauer]

I think Allegri might start him. Robinho is not in a great shape, Pato shouldn't be rushed and Maxi, with all due respect to Udinese game, is not a Milan calibre CL knockout game starter. El Sha is in a better shape than all of them atm.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

I think Allegri might start him. Robinho is not in a great shape, Pato shouldn't be rushed and Maxi, with all due respect to Udinese game, is not a Milan calibre CL knockout game starter. El Sha is in a better shape than all of them atm.

agreed, worst comes to worst, we'll sub him, but he's crazy good

[CrazyMilanFan]

maxi has recently scored and has UCL experience as well so he could be starting

[X-Offender]

Probable line-up according to Sportmediaset:

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - T. Silva - Zambrotta
Ambrosini - Van Bommel - Nocerino
Boateng
Robinho - Ibrahimovic

Zambrotta??? Ambrosini??? Robinho??? This is a joke, right? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/realmad.gif)

[William405]

Ambrosini is what pisses me off most!Zambrotta is ok,I mean he isn't tried or anything,so he can give all he got.Robinho might not be the best choice,but we have people on the bench to switch it up too,but playing 3 dms is just too wrong.

[X-Offender]

Ambrosini is what pisses me off most!Zambrotta is ok,I mean he isn't tried or anything,so he can give all he got.Robinho might not be the best choice,but we have people on the bench to switch it up too,but playing 3 dms is just too wrong.

Did you forget Zambrotta's horror show against Inter? Walcott will eat him alive.

ENOUGH WITH ALL THE OLDIES!!!

[han2503]

I think Allegri might start him. Robinho is not in a great shape, Pato shouldn't be rushed and Maxi, with all due respect to Udinese game, is not a Milan calibre CL knockout game starter. El Sha is in a better shape than all of them atm.

I agree, but like I said, I think Allegri will opt for experiance in this one. And like you said, he can always sub him in

Probable line-up according to Sportmediaset:

Abbiati
Abate - Nesta - T. Silva - Zambrotta
Ambrosini - Van Bommel - Nocerino
Boateng
Robinho - Ibrahimovic

Zambrotta??? Ambrosini??? Robinho??? This is a joke, right? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/realmad.gif)

I seriously hope that we won't be starting with that god aweful midfield. Because that will be our downfall no doubt about it!!

How can we score with those 3?? Especially Ambro bumbling around on the ball and getting in VBs way!!

Ambro off for Seedorf and I'd be ok with it.

As for Zambro and Robs, I'm ok with them starting. Walcott is a fairly 1 dimensional player, thus Zambro won't have any trouble reading his moves. The problem will only become apparent if they get into a race with each other, but if that's the case, none of our LBs can really catch up to him if he's really through running in space.

Ambrosini is what pisses me off most!Zambrotta is ok,I mean he isn't tried or anything,so he can give all he got.Robinho might not be the best choice,but we have people on the bench to switch it up too,but playing 3 dms is just too wrong.

Agreed

[X-Offender]

As for Zambro and Robs, I'm ok with them starting. Walcott is a fairly 1 dimensional player, thus Zambro won't have any trouble reading his moves. The problem will only become apparent if they get into a race with each other, but if that's the case, none of our LBs can really catch up to him if he's really through running in space.

Can I go as far as saying that of all our over 35-y-o's, Zambrotta is by far the most finished player? Yes, even Ambrosini, Gattuso, Seedorf and Inzaghi have still more to offer than #19. I can't believe you say it's OK playing him. It is not OK. Play Mesbah or Emanuelson for crying out loud!!!

[Jack Bauer]

Well, I wouldn't panic just yet, Sportmediaset predictions are not always reliable.

I wouldn't start Zambro. He hasn't played since the derby and looked way past his prime this season.

[han2503]

Can I go as far as saying that of all our over 35-y-o's, Zambrotta is by far the most finished player? Yes, even Ambrosini, Gattuso, Seedorf and Inzaghi have still more to offer than #19. I can't believe you say it's OK playing him. It is not OK. Play Mesbah or Emanuelson for crying out loud!!!

Zambrotta has played in all our important matches and imo was never the worse of the bunch. He was one of our more decent players in both Barca matches. I think that as long as he's asked to stay back and handle Walcott it won't be too much trouble for him.

Mesbah I'd also be more than ok with. But Antonini and Urby would be huge liabilities as they fo forward too much, and what we do not need is wide open spaces for Walcott or Oxlade-Chaimberlin(sp?) to run into.

I think the fact that Rino has not played any competitive football since the first couple of games of the season says it all. Ambro can be decent at times coming off the bench when we're closing down a game, but other than that I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. 2 of his mistakes in the last 2 games resulted in goals conceeded for us.

Besides, I feel that the most crucial area of the pitch is the midfield in this game, whoever wins that battle will win the game. The most important thing will be to not allow them to dictate the game, and that has to be done through quickly re-gaining possession when it's lost and keeping possession for as long as possible when we do have it. The worst thing to do to Arsenal is to make them play without the ball. They'll mess up in defence at one point or another on their own if you pressure them

[Fillipo Simone]

Can I go as far as saying that of all our over 35-y-o's, Zambrotta is by far the most finished player? Yes, even Ambrosini, Gattuso, Seedorf and Inzaghi have still more to offer than #19. I can't believe you say it's OK playing him. It is not OK. Play Mesbah or Emanuelson for crying out loud!!!

I hope the mentioned lineup is just there to mess with us and Wenger.

But boy, you seem to have a problem with Zambrotta. Granted, he was bad against Inter, but so what? Some other players were also bad; not to mention Ambrosini and Seedorf this and last season. And don't get me even started on Gattuso...good god, saying that Zambro is more finished then Gattuso and that Emanuelson is better on the left...is too much. I think you're somehow overreacting with about Zambrotta.

My problem is the 3 muscle midfield. I think Seedorf needs to be in as AM and Boateng for Ambrosini. I mean, Ambro played last Wednesday, then this Saturday,...I don't think he's up to it any more.

[X-Offender]

But boy, you seem to have a problem with Zambrotta.

A big problem, actually. Because unlike Seedorf, for example, which should be played at all cost due to lack of alternatives, it would be utter suicide to prefer Zambrotta over Mesbah, Emanuelson or Antonini. Han says he handled well the Barça games, but I thought he was horrible in the second tie. The guy just doesn't cut it anymore.

[han2503]

A big problem, actually. Because unlike Seedorf, for example, which should be played at all cost due to lack of alternatives, it would be utter suicide to prefer Zambrotta over Mesbah, Emanuelson or Antonini. Han says he handled well the Barça games, but I thought he was horrible in the second tie. The guy just doesn't cut it anymore.

How was he horrible? He wasn't even responsible for any of the goals. In the first leg he was great imo. When you have Dani Alves and Pedro/Messi coming at you, you could easily be made to look like a fool imo. Just ask Vidic, Evra and Ferdinand. Supposedly 3 of the best in their respective positions.

[han2503]

Like I said, my only major problem in that line-up is Ambro. And I trust that it will not be that line-up. If so we might as well give Arsenal the away goal and call it a day.

[Rossoneri7]

Like I and others have said. If you conjest that midfield with too much muscle than it will creat emore problems for us than necassary. Yes we need to have a strong midfield, but someone in that midfield who will help to maintain possession is a huge must.

Playing someone like Ambro who is a huge liability on the ball because he;s more likely to lose it in a dangerous area is certainly not the way to go


It simply has to be Seedorf. That's already more than enough muscle in that midfield with those 3. Urby really won't contribute much to our overall play, while I don't need to go into the Ambro situation. I think everyone could see in these last few games that he's played that he simply cannot play at this level anymore, especially not in such an important tie.

Seedorf is our only creative mid. And we absolutely need someone in there who will control the tempo and possession for us.

Boateng, VB and Nocerino will do the running and recovering of the ball. Seedorf will balance it out

With all due respect to you and the others who have voiced opinions, I was there at the Emirates for the first leg in 2008. What we lacked on that night was a ridged midfield - doesn't mean I am right or my assessment is noteworthy, as Carlo is a master tactician and I am a mere spectator. With that in mind, I have my reservations given our injury situation ..

For instence, KPB is a HUGE boost to our midfield, but he will be lacking in match fitness and rhythm of play, hence he could be a bigger liability than what you preceive Ambro to be. Moreover, we have a core that has played nonstop for over a month now without reasonable rotation/rest. What we need here is a clean sheet, arming our midfield with anchor-men will disrupt Arsenal's possession football. We have the envy of Europe in our attacking options, so playing a counter-attack game based on a solid midfield might be our ticket in making tomorrow night a positive one.

Then again, I could be wrong and Allegri pulls up with all guns blazing in a Robi-Ibra-SES trident and we could win 3-0. Its just that I don't want to give Arsenal 1cm of space in our midfield.

[William405]

With all due respect to you and the others who have voiced opinions, I was there at the Emirates for the first leg in 2008. What we lacked on that night was a ridged midfield - doesn't mean I am right or my assessment is noteworthy, as Carlo is a master tactician and I am a mere spectator. With that in mind, I have my reservations given our injury situation ..

For instence, KPB is a HUGE boost to our midfield, but he will be lacking in match fitness and rhythm of play, hence he could be a bigger liability than what you preceive Ambro to be. Moreover, we have a core that has played nonstop for over a month now without reasonable rotation/rest. What we need here is a clean sheet, arming our midfield with anchor-men will disrupt Arsenal's possession football. We have the envy of Europe in our attacking options, so playing a counter-attack game based on a solid midfield might be our ticket in making tomorrow night a positive one.

Then again, I could be wrong and Allegri pulls up with all guns blazing in a Robi-Ibra-SES trident and we could win 3-0. Its just that I don't want to give Arsenal 1cm of space in our midfield.

Your thoughts are all correct,but the problem Ambrosini is a liablity in this midfield.If,we had another good destroyer there(good old gattuso),then it may have been a good gameplan.But,Ambrosini is quite a reckless player.What I mean is that he might do something well (and i'm the first one cheer for it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ),but he does 100 other stuff bad on the other end.He loses the ball too much,can't pass the ball well,defends badly...so I really don't see the difference with having him there or having Seedorf really.If anything,Seedorf will be the playmaker and run the game for us,while our other two destroyers gather the ball,Seedorf will make sure it will stay with us for a period long than 1 second.

[Fillipo Simone]

Naah, good try R7, but you won't convince han Ambrosini is good even if he's the last DM standing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[milanbuf88]

Naah, good try R7, but you won't convince han Ambrosini is good even if he's the last DM standing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Haha we always have primera players han can suggest who aren't guaranteed to mess up.

[Fillipo Simone]

Haha we always have primera players han can suggest who aren't guaranteed to mess up.

Yeah, I know many posters here who'd gladly turn Milan into Portsmouth if you know what I mean.

[drucurl]

No Anto, Ambro or Zambro and we should be fine (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[han2503]

With all due respect to you and the others who have voiced opinions, I was there at the Emirates for the first leg in 2008. What we lacked on that night was a ridged midfield - doesn't mean I am right or my assessment is noteworthy, as Carlo is a master tactician and I am a mere spectator. With that in mind, I have my reservations given our injury situation ..

For instence, KPB is a HUGE boost to our midfield, but he will be lacking in match fitness and rhythm of play, hence he could be a bigger liability than what you preceive Ambro to be. Moreover, we have a core that has played nonstop for over a month now without reasonable rotation/rest. What we need here is a clean sheet, arming our midfield with anchor-men will disrupt Arsenal's possession football. We have the envy of Europe in our attacking options, so playing a counter-attack game based on a solid midfield might be our ticket in making tomorrow night a positive one.

Then again, I could be wrong and Allegri pulls up with all guns blazing in a Robi-Ibra-SES trident and we could win 3-0. Its just that I don't want to give Arsenal 1cm of space in our midfield.

With all due respect, this is not 2008. In 2008 Rino and Ambro were still half decent, although already declining badly. Nowadays, Ambro just creates problems for us that just are not worth the trouble of having him in the team. Just because he has a DM label over his head does not mean that he's any good at it, or that he'll even provide us with defensive stability. He's more likely to cause instability. Why would you want 3 destroyers in a midfield where even our AM can be considered a hardman and a runner more than anything else?

We can't play any sort of football, not even counter-attacking football if our midfielders don't know what to do with the ball.

Congesting that midfield with DMs will only hinder our performance, and I'm not going to even write the usual "imo", because I am certain that this will occur. You talk about a team with no rotation and you want to start an Ambrosini who as had to play every three days lately, and made a mess of thing on all occasions. Not to mention that a midfield which contains both him and Van Bommel is simply not compatible, due to the fact that they're too aclike and tend to step on each other's toes.

If we want to win this thing, than playing guys like Ambrosini and Antonini should be the last thing we do.

Your thoughts are all correct,but the problem Ambrosini is a liablity in this midfield.If,we had another good destroyer there(good old gattuso),then it may have been a good gameplan.But,Ambrosini is quite a reckless player.What I mean is that he might do something well (and i'm the first one cheer for it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ),but he does 100 other stuff bad on the other end.He loses the ball too much,can't pass the ball well,defends badly...so I really don't see the difference with having him there or having Seedorf really.If anything,Seedorf will be the playmaker and run the game for us,while our other two destroyers gather the ball,Seedorf will make sure it will stay with us for a period long than 1 second.

Completely with you

Naah, good try R7, but you won't convince han Ambrosini is good even if he's the last DM standing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I'd rather step in myself than let him ruin another game for us (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

What will convince you that Ambro is so way over the hill that he can't even see it anymore? Maybe him gifting another goal? This time a winner for Arsenal?

[Fillipo Simone]

What will convince you that Ambro is so way over the hill that he can't even see it anymore? Maybe him gifting another goal? This time a winner for Arsenal?

Maybe a little bit objectivity doesn't hurt. You see, you're talking about Ambro declining big time already in 2008, while in fact a year from then he played a few of his alltime best performances. I simply think you have a fixation on that guy and make him look even worse then he is.

Don't get me wrong, I know he declined nowadays, just as I know how good he once was. I know he isn't up to being a starter or do things he used to do for us. Still, he's a Milan captain and that earns him respect in my eyes. I don't find it hard to admit he isn't good any more, but I'm not gonna bash him over and over again just because I can.

[milanbuf88]

Maybe a little bit objectivity doesn't hurt. You see, you're talking about Ambro declining big time already in 2008, while in fact a year from then he played a few of his alltime best performances. I simply think you have a fixation on that guy and make him look even worse then he is.

Don't get me wrong, I know he declined nowadays, just as I know how good he once was. I know he isn't up to being a starter or do things he used to do for us. Still, he's a Milan captain and that earns him respect in my eyes. I don't find it hard to admit he isn't good any more, but I'm not gonna bash him over and over again just because I can.

Ambro being captain is essentially meaningless when it comes to performance. It doesn't magically make him a better player and he's not a leader in the mold of Maldini where his presence would really galvanized the squad.

[X-Offender]

Nah, han is 100% correct. Playing Ambrosini against Arsenal should be the last thing crossing Allegri's mind. The guy has made a mess of small-time opponents, no idea how he could fare against a powerhouse like Arsenal. And besides, what's the idea of playing an Ambro-MvB-Nocerino midfield? All muscle and zero brain. Definitely not the way to go in such important games. I'd rather have Seedorf there dictate the tempo, even though Clarence is no better than Ambro in terms of shape. Those 35 years starting to bulge methinks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Looks like I'm in a minority. I want Ambro to play.

The only person who's more of a big-game player than Ambro is probably only Seedorf (in our current team). I have no delusions about his quality. He is not the kind of player we need when we need a lot of impetus from the mid-field...but he can hold things together really well. Knows every trick in the book, been there and done that. For me he is 10x the captain Gary Neville was.

Playing Ambro along with MvB would enable MvB to focus more on distribution while our third mid-fielder could focus almost completely on creativity. Plus he will guard our flanks letting the fullbacks push on.

And offensively, since it's Arsenal, how can you not have our set-piece heading specialist!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

But needless to say he is 'old' and he has played a lot. If he is not fit he cannot start. He will be terrible.

[Fillipo Simone]

Ambro being captain is essentially meaningless when it comes to performance. It doesn't magically make him a better player and he's not a leader in the mold of Maldini where his presence would really galvanized the squad.

Yet, did I say anything about him being better as captain? I only said that's why I won't bash him.

[Fillipo Simone]

Ambro being captain is essentially meaningless when it comes to performance. It doesn't magically make him a better player and he's not a leader in the mold of Maldini where his presence would really galvanized the squad.

Yet, did I say anything about him being better as captain? I only said that's why I won't bash him.

[kurtsimonw]

I don't think there's much problem in going with a hardworking midfield against Arsenal. Off the ball Arsenal really aren't very good, they don't close down particularly well, so luxury players aren't a necessity. Guys that can win the ball back are though.

I know Sagna is back for them, but not sure if Andre Santos is. If not, it'll likely be Mertersacker and Koscielny at CB together - Ibra will have them for breakfast.

[CrazyMilanFan]

I don't think there's much problem in going with a hardworking midfield against Arsenal. Off the ball Arsenal really aren't very good, they don't close down particularly well, so luxury players aren't a necessity. Guys that can win the ball back are though.

I know Sagna is back for them, but not sure if Andre Santos is. If not, it'll likely be Mertersacker and Koscielny at CB together - Ibra will have them for breakfast.

Didnt metersacker injured himslef in the lasr game?

[kurtsimonw]

You could be right. Goal has a Sanga-Vermaelen-Koscielny-Gibbs back line.

[William405]

Their fullbacks are average imo,yes,sagna is Ok but nothing special.Walcott can be handled,and he won't cause us problems asnlong as we aren't exposed to counter attacks too much.Van persie is my only real worry.

[X-Offender]

It will all boil down to the line-up Allegri will play. If it's anything similar to the one Mediaset described, I suggest you switch channel.

[han2503]

Maybe a little bit objectivity doesn't hurt. You see, you're talking about Ambro declining big time already in 2008, while in fact a year from then he played a few of his alltime best performances. I simply think you have a fixation on that guy and make him look even worse then he is.

Don't get me wrong, I know he declined nowadays, just as I know how good he once was. I know he isn't up to being a starter or do things he used to do for us. Still, he's a Milan captain and that earns him respect in my eyes. I don't find it hard to admit he isn't good any more, but I'm not gonna bash him over and over again just because I can.

Sure objectivity would be nice if there wasn't such a game at stake.

Listen, I'm more than ok with Ambro coming on late in games to close it down for us. But starting him here is the dumbest sh!t one can come up with

Nah, han is 100% correct. Playing Ambrosini against Arsenal should be the last thing crossing Allegri's mind. The guy has made a mess of small-time opponents, no idea how he could fare against a powerhouse like Arsenal. And besides, what's the idea of playing an Ambro-MvB-Nocerino midfield? All muscle and zero brain. Definitely not the way to go in such important games. I'd rather have Seedorf there dictate the tempo, even though Clarence is no better than Ambro in terms of shape. Those 35 years starting to bulge methinks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

Yep

Looks like I'm in a minority. I want Ambro to play.

The only person who's more of a big-game player than Ambro is probably only Seedorf (in our current team). I have no delusions about his quality. He is not the kind of player we need when we need a lot of impetus from the mid-field...but he can hold things together really well. Knows every trick in the book, been there and done that. For me he is 10x the captain Gary Neville was.

Playing Ambro along with MvB would enable MvB to focus more on distribution while our third mid-fielder could focus almost completely on creativity. Plus he will guard our flanks letting the fullbacks push on.

And offensively, since it's Arsenal, how can you not have our set-piece heading specialist!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

But needless to say he is 'old' and he has played a lot. If he is not fit he cannot start. He will be terrible.

Sorry Jack, I'd never agree with starting 3 DMs in any type of game. We already overload that midfield with muscles and runners, without even adding that extra DM. But to add him in this game would be ridiculous. Not only that, but you guys are saying that having an extra DM will win us the ball quicker etc, etc. But Ambro has been known to lose the ball much more than recover it. Having him in that midfield just becuase he's a DM will not automatically mean more defensive stability. I fact it would mean more instability due to the fact that we'll be losing the ball as soon as we get it.

Also, I don't get how you can say that Ambro and VB will work together, because they're as incompatible as the famous Gila-Pippo duo upfront if you remember. We've seen them together this season a couple of times, and they're usually one big mess when they're on the pitch together, simply because they like to occupy the same position. Also VB will never give us any sort of quality distribution, neither will Nocerino or "Mr. Chip it to the opposition - Ambrosini"

We absolutely need someone in there who will help us in keeping that possession. Thus Seedorf is an absolute must.

I don't think there's much problem in going with a hardworking midfield against Arsenal. Off the ball Arsenal really aren't very good, they don't close down particularly well, so luxury players aren't a necessity. Guys that can win the ball back are though.

I know Sagna is back for them, but not sure if Andre Santos is. If not, it'll likely be Mertersacker and Koscielny at CB together - Ibra will have them for breakfast.

We already have 3 hardworkers, that's 2 more than most teams employ in their midfield. And as a lot have pointed out. Just because Ambro is a DM he won't automatically give you defensive stability, as these days, he's more of a jogger, foul instigater and yellow card collecter than a defensive mid.

You could be right. Goal has a Sanga-Vermaelen-Koscielny-Gibbs back line.

Varmaelen imo is 10 times the CB Mertersacker is. Imo it's more of a loss to us that he got injured, because if he'd stayed fit he would have started and Varmaelen would have most likely played at LB

[X-Offender]

Allegri: "Boateng will not play from the start, although tomorrow I could change idea"

Link

No jokes Max. We need Boa from the start! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

[Jack Bauer]

Massimiliano Allegri is expecting Zlatan Ibrahimovic to make an impact in the Champions League tie against Arsenal.

Ibra is currently serving a three-match Serie A ban, but he will be available to face the Premiership giants tomorrow.

“Ibra never gives up, not even in training,” the tactician stated on Tuesday afternoon as the Swede looks to lift the European Cup for the first time.

“The Champions League is not an obsession for him though. He’s serene, he’s in form, he’s in good physical and mental shape. He’ll have a great game tomorrow.”

The Rossoneri have been struggling with injuries recently, but Allegri hopes to recover a few big names players for the first leg tie.

“We’ve only had two training sessions since the last game. I still need to see who I’ll have and who will be missing.

“It is important to have Kevin Prince Boateng, Alexandre Pato, Alessandro Nesta and Christian Abbiati back, but it will be hard to see Boateng and Pato from the start.”

Milan went out at this stage to Tottenham last season, but the former Cagliari boss is in confident mood.

“I’m optimistic, very optimistic,” he declared. “We gave too much space to Spurs last season. Not conceding at home will be an advantage.

“We want to do better in the Champions League than we did last year, but that Tottenham tie shouldn’t affect us.

“We know about the strength of Arsenal, they play excellent football, they are an excellent collective with excellent individuals.

“We’ll have to be very alert in defence, but this is not just one game. This will be played over 180 minutes.”

Teenager Stephan El Shaarawy has proved himself in recent weeks and there is a chance that he could make his Champions League debut.

“Stephan is doing really well. He’s growing, but he is just 19 and he has to be allowed to mature even if he has great quality and an eye for goal.”

Seems like he doesn't want to rush them...

[d'Arc.LP]

CALLED UPS VS ARSENAL: Abbiati, Amelia, Abate, Antonini, Bonera, Mesbah, Mexes, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Boateng, Emanuelson, Nocerino, Seedorf, Van Bommel, El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic, Maxi Lopez, Pato, Robinho.

[Zed.D]

I don't think it's right to start Prince and especially Pato either. if they'd played at least 1 game before this, by all means, but now it'd be a desperate move and could backfire badly.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

It seems to me like not rushing players would be the best course of action, i'd love for El sharaawy to play with Ibra though...

[X-Offender]

Boateng has been out for 4 weeks, not 4 months. I see nothing wrong with playing him from the start. Unless you all want to see a Ambro-MvB-Noce-Urby midfield. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This post has been edited by X-Offender: Feb 14 2012, 05:43 PM

[Jack Bauer]

Boateng is one of Allegri favorite players, there's no way he would keep him out if he's healthy enough.

[X-Offender]

Boateng is one of Allegri favorite players, there's no way he would keep him out if he's healthy enough.

And that's why he'll play him from the start.

[milanbuf88]

It seems to me like not rushing players would be the best course of action, i'd love for El sharaawy to play with Ibra though...

Me too. El Sharaawy has been playing great and deserves the start. He can always be subbed for Robinho in the second half if we really need it. Although I think it might be best to start Boateng and sub around 65 or 70 for Robinho so can keep the pressure hopefully after we already have a lead.

[kurtsimonw]

Varmaelen imo is 10 times the CB Mertersacker is. Imo it's more of a loss to us that he got injured, because if he'd stayed fit he would have started and Varmaelen would have most likely played at LB

Yeah, Mertersacker is awful. Which is why I was hoping Gibbs was still out. Koscielny is decent when he plays with Vermaelen, it's a good partnership. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[han2503]

Yeah, Mertersacker is awful. Which is why I was hoping Gibbs was still out. Koscielny is decent when he plays with Vermaelen, it's a good partnership. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Yep, too bad, Ibra would have bullied Per off the pitch. Varmaelen is no push over in that regard though

[d'Arc.LP]

Wenger: "Djourou will replace Mertesacker in the central defence. With regard to the rest of the formation, I still haven't decided yet."

source: twitter/@Milanello

[han2503]

Wenger: "Djourou will replace Mertesacker in the central defence. With regard to the rest of the formation, I still haven't decided yet."

source: twitter/@Milanello

YESSS

Thanks Arsene

[shevchenko_007]

Everyone's opinion has something different to add and is a great discussion, but I have learnt to just accept Allegri's decisions (however stupid they may be) and hope for the best.
It will not stop me from putting in my 2 cents and voicing my opinion also.

Everyone seems to think that Mesbah is going to solve all our problems at LB but the guy has 0 experience and although he makes runs forward, he only passes the ball backwards and doesn't provide what we really need, which is a Serginho-esque type of player. He looks nervous even in Serie A and I don't think I can trust him for such a big game. Zambrotta will give us plenty of cover defensively and Antonini with provide lots of energy that we will need. So I would be happy for either of those 2 to start.

The midfield really is a no-brainer. Should be Nocerino, MVB, and Seedorf. I don't know why Allegri has this thing with Nocerino having to play on the left side, he can do the same job on the other side and that means Seedorf can feel more natural on that left side where I think he can control the game. I would DEFINITELY keep him away from trequartista.

Forward line should be Robinho behind Ibra and El Shaarawy. As long as Robinho is not in front of goal then he is a great player and can create chances, has the skill that can unlock the Arsenal defence and can be a real handful.

Having Boateng and Pato on the bench is a great thing because we have options in case plan A doesn't work. But I do not believe in rushing players back when they are not match fit just because your scared we're gonna lose.

So here's my line up:

----------Whichever keeper--------

Abate---Nesta--Silva---Zambrotta

----Noce-----MVB------Seedorf-----

--------------Robhino----------------

-------Ibra---------El Shaarawy----

[William405]

Antonini can't defend,his energy is basically 0.00001%efficient,and Zambrotta would give us some defensive stability.But,Mesbah has done nothing wrong to be dropped.
Also,Nocernio's game changes so much when he switches sides...

This post has been edited by William405: Feb 15 2012, 06:19 AM

[shevchenko_007]

Mesbah hasn't been tested thus far and because of his lack of experience we don't know how he will handle such a big occasion or a player with as much pace as walcott.
I just don't feel this is the match to experiment with him. I think he can be just as much a defensive liability as antonini. He also gets forward and can get caught out of position.
If Mesbah plays and has an awesome game then I'll eat my words, but I just can't see it.

[rip]

Wenger: "Djourou will replace Mertesacker in the central defence. With regard to the rest of the formation, I still haven't decided yet."

source: twitter/@Milanello

wow, and we think Allegri is dumb!

[William405]

Mesbah hasn't been tested thus far and because of his lack of experience we don't know how he will handle such a big occasion or a player with as much pace as walcott.
I just don't feel this is the match to experiment with him. I think he can be just as much a defensive liability as antonini. He also gets forward and can get caught out of position.
If Mesbah plays and has an awesome game then I'll eat my words, but I just can't see it.

But,how is Antonini remotly a better option...Zambrotta maybe,if he's up to his standards.But,Mesbah has been pretty tidy with his play,and his positioning has been great...ofc we can get hit on the counter attack,and he might get caught,but frqnkly it would have happened to all of our other fullbacks too.

[arivanjj]

Australian tv is showing the zenit vs benfica game instead of this one. i hate my life.

[mkenya]

So here's my line up:

----------Whichever keeper--------

Abate---Nesta--Silva---Zambrotta

----Noce-----MVB------Seedorf-----

--------------Robhino----------------

-------Ibra---------El Shaarawy----

I would go with the same line up, Allegri pleeeaase....

[Zed.D]

Last night I dreamed we won this game so... we'll probably lose.

[acid911]

Nice to see so many old faces here in this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) And even better, we are approaching 100 posts before the match. Fingers crossed the match itself will end up being huge and action packed. A quarterfinals appearance would be very welcome, but even if we go out against Arsenal the team will focus on the league.

Juventus has both eyes on the Serie A this season, thanks to no Europe. That's worrisome, if you ask me!

[kurtsimonw]

This is a far bigger game than it should be. Both coaches seem to be under pressure for the wrong reasons.