[Tennie]

(IMG:http://i26.tinypic.com/5d8908.jpg)

Milan face Arsenal on Saturday July 31 at 4.20pm London time.

[d'Arc.LP]

To bad Ronaldinho got injured. I'd like to so how would Allegri play him.

In my opinion we will play with this formation if anyone will not get injured :

Abbiati
Zambrota - Nesta - Bonera/Papa - Antonini
Flamini - Pirlo - Ambrosini
Seedorf
Borriello - Pato

[han2503]

To bad Ronaldinho got injured. I'd like to so how would Allegri play him.

In my opinion we will play with this formation if anyone will not get injured :

Abbiati
Zambrota - Nesta - Bonera/Papa - Antonini
Flamini - Pirlo - Ambrosini
Seedorf
Borriello - Pato

Seedorf playing there will be a problem imo. Pato will need to work his @ss off if we want to see the ball anywhere near the opposition's box. Seedorf passing back to the defence everytime he gets the ball does not bode well for our scoring chances

[d'Arc.LP]

Seedorf playing there will be a problem imo. Pato will need to work his @ss off if we want to see the ball anywhere near the opposition's box. Seedorf passing back to the defence everytime he gets the ball does not bode well for our scoring chances

I expect Seedorf to be much better than you're saying. I saw the game agains Varese and even without Pirlo and Ambrosini to play with, Seedorf was quite good in that position. I wouldn't mind Pato playing more defansive than Borriello, we'd see show from Pato (A)

[CHU-LIP]

I wouldn't mind Pato playing more defansive than Borriello, we'd see show from Pato (A)

I would. Pato is our striker, our best goalscorer by far. He is weak in defending, weaker than Borriello is.

With that team we miss pace I'd say. Seedorf, Pirlo... all kinda slow...

[d'Arc.LP]

I would. Pato is our striker, our best goalscorer by far. He is weak in defending, weaker than Borriello is.

With that team we miss pace I'd say. Seedorf, Pirlo... all kinda slow...

No I wanted to say I wouldn't mind Pato playing as SS, of course in left side.

[CHU-LIP]

No I wanted to say I wouldn't mind Pato playing as SS, of course in left side.

I want Pato as striker, with the freedom going wide, but mostly forward in the middle I want to see him, I want to see Pato challenging the goalkeeper more often than Borriello. Borriello joins the forward to complete/help Pato.

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Jul 29 2010, 05:50 PM

[d'Arc.LP]

I want Pato as striker, with the freedom going wide, but mostly forward in the middle I want to see him, I want to see Pato challenging the goalkeeper more often than Borriello. Borriello joins the forward to complete/help Pato.

Borriello's classic striker, Pato has not attributes to be classic striker. He's best when playing as second striker and becouse goals are not important in this tournament I'd like to see Pato more dribling and running than scoring.

[CHU-LIP]

Borriello's classic striker, Pato has not attributes to be classic striker. He's best when playing as second striker and becouse goals are not important in this tournament I'd like to see Pato more dribling and running than scoring.

Every goal gives you a point in this tournament. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Goals are not important?

Pato doesn't have the attributes to be a classic striker? Pato runs, shot, heading, pace, it's all good to amazing. He is our best striker by far, yes, striker! And he is not THAT weak in case you want to say that. He is still very young, he will become even less 'weaker'. Anyway, that's why Borriello is a good partner for him, who is strong and plays along well and moves well.

[d'Arc.LP]

Every goal gives you a point in this tournament. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Goals are not important?

Pato doesn't have the attributes to be a classic striker? Pato runs, shot, heading, pace, it's all good to amazing. He is our best striker by far, yes, striker! And he is not THAT weak in case you want to say that. He is still very young, he will become even less 'weaker'. Anyway, that's why Borriello is a good partner for him, who is strong and plays along well and moves well.

Pato is much better when playing as Second Striker and I would NEVER use him as Striker knowing that he is can give his best playing as SS. If we find one Second Striker better than Pato than Ok we play Pato as striker and that x player as SS.
Pato isn't classic striker cos' his finishing isn't like Borriello's or Inzaghi's, he is not as good header as they are, and his positioning is not that good. During that playing Borriello has helper of Pato wouldn't be very wise knowing that Borriello is good only before opposite goalkeeper.
So playing in that way (Borriello helper of Pato , Pato classic striker) we'd have our attack unbalanced. Leo tried this in the start of last season and Pato scored only against Siena the other games were not good.

[CHU-LIP]

Are you really questioning Pato's finishing? I agree his finishing isn't like Borriello's and Inzaghi's. It's way better.

To me Pato is as best as striker. We just disagree completely about this all.

[Linkman]

Thing is, playing Pato as striker means wasting his great speed and dribble.

He's a kickass finisher too, but he can do more damage from behind, while Bori/Hunter are decent finishers and bad runners.

[Fishdoll]

This fish would play either Borriello or Pippo as the center forward and Pato as SS. The former would seem to be more effective as target guys whereas the duck has more mobility.

[CHU-LIP]

Borriello is way more useful than Pippo when already playing Pato.

Thing is, playing Pato as striker means wasting his great speed and dribble.

He's a kickass finisher too, but he can do more damage from behind, while Bori/Hunter are decent finishers and bad runners.

Pato's dribbling is not THAT amazing. Pato's pace and runs are, and that makes him one hell of a dangerous striker, also because he shoots very well (and he can head as well). Pato creates most damage as a striker, BUT I would also give him the freedom to go wide. I want to see movement up front from Pato, Borriello and the AM. I would start this team against Arsenal:

Pato, Borriello
Verdi
Ambrosini, Pirlo, Flamini
Antonini, Nesta, Yepes, Papastathopoulos
Abbiati

Not sure about who to start as RB and CB. I didn't watch last game, but Yepes did well I heard? Also I would like to see how Papastathopoulos plays as RB for us.

[X-Offender]

I think Pato expresses himself better as second striker, like Shevchenko used to do when paired with the various Inzaghi, Tomasson and Gilardino. He has the dribble, the speed and the progression to vary across the attacking line. Personally, I'd rather play him as second striker supported by a pure AM like Kaka' than as a left/right winger like Leo used him last summer.

This post has been edited by X-Offender: Jul 29 2010, 06:58 PM

[CHU-LIP]

Pato and Shevchenko are so different. Pato won't be anything close to Sheva kind of forward. I really believe you guys put Pato in the completely wrong kind of forward type.

[Jack Sparrow]

Sheva!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[han2503]

Well no player is really the same, Sheva imo was a far more smarter player then Pato is and a better finisher. Pato techincally can play anywhere in attack we've seen him playing the out and out striker position, the second striker position and the winger position. And imo he's best playing second striker starting attacks from the left side as that's where he's the strongest.

We've seen him playing the pure striker position under Carlo and even though he did that well, I think a lot of his best qualities were wasted playing there

[Dracoris]

I'd like to see the 4-3-1-2 with Oduamandi in the hole. Give the kid a start on the big stage and see what hes made of.

Borriello as the pure striker with Pato as the SS. Pirlo, Ambro, Flamini in midfield. Yepes and Nesta CB with Antonini and Sokratis on the wings. Abiatti first half, Amelia second.

[CHU-LIP]

I'd like to see the 4-3-1-2 with Oduamandi in the hole. Give the kid a start on the big stage and see what hes made of.

Borriello as the pure striker with Pato as the SS. Pirlo, Ambro, Flamini in midfield. Yepes and Nesta CB with Antonini and Sokratis on the wings. Abiatti first half, Amelia second.

Oduamadi isn't in the squad for this cup...

Verdi behind Pato and Borriello. What about that? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[han2503]

Oduamadi isn't in the squad for this cup...

Verdi behind Pato and Borriello. What about that? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

hmm, I think he's still too light weight for the big league. But it would be nice to see him be given a chance. Is Baretta on the team sheet?

I barely got to see him against Varese because of the poor stream and I really want to se him be given a decent chance. For some reason I'm really curious about this kid

Also for those who get the mediaset channels (Rete 4, Canale 5, Italia 1) the Milan matches will be broadcasted live on Rete 4 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif)

[CHU-LIP]

hmm, I think he's still too light weight for the big league. But it would be nice to see him be given a chance. Is Baretta on the team sheet?

Beretta is in the squad, yes. I believe it's a good moment to try out Verdi since it's friendly and no Ronaldinho will play.

[CHU-LIP]

TWENTY-FIVE players are flying to London.

Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia, Christian Abbiati, Flavio Roma;

Defenders: Kakha Kaladze, Alessandro Nesta, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Massimo Oddo, Marek Jankulovski, Gianluca Zambrotta, Daniele Bonera, Mario Yepes, Luca Antonini;

Midfielders: Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Rodney Strasser, Mathieu Flamini, Ignazio Abate, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini;

Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Filippo Inzaghi, Marco Borriello, Giacomo Beretta, Simone Verdi, Ronaldinho.

[Fishdoll]

Where's the list from, Chu?

As for Verdi, he's more a winger than a trequartista afaik. But he can play on both sides.

Would love to see him get some time -- he likely will since there will be two games in two days.

[CHU-LIP]

I copied it from the Red and Black forums...

I want to see Verdi going wide a lot (so an AMC who goes wide also), because I think that will help Pato and Borriello. I also hope to see some playing time for Strasser.

[Dracoris]

What the heck then where is he? Did he play too good on Sunday? Has Man City already been linked?

[Bluesummers]

TWENTY-FIVE players are flying to London.

Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia, Christian Abbiati, Flavio Roma;

Defenders: Kakha Kaladze, Alessandro Nesta, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Massimo Oddo, Marek Jankulovski, Gianluca Zambrotta, Daniele Bonera, Mario Yepes, Luca Antonini;

Midfielders: Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Rodney Strasser, Mathieu Flamini, Ignazio Abate, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini;

Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Filippo Inzaghi, Marco Borriello, Giacomo Beretta, Simone Verdi, Ronaldinho.

Our line Up:

Since no Dinho, we'll probably start with this:

4-3-1-2


Zambrotta-Bonera-Nesta-Antonini

----Flamini---Pirlo----Ambrosini--

----------seedorf---------

----pato-------Borriello----


With this we'll lose 3-1 or something similar.

Allegrinho might with this aswell:

Zambrotta-Bonera-Nesta-Antonini

---------Pirlo----Ambro-------


--------seedorf---------

---abate----borri-----pato



4-2-1-3

This might be a tie game or a close loss.

If we had mourinho as coach this is what he'd do:

-------sokratis-bonera-nesta-zambrotta------

pato-----flamini--pirlo-----ambrosini-----antonini


----------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------

-----------------borriello----------------------


4-5-1 or recently known as "Park-da-airplane"



Result? Don't worry about it....


(IMG:http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2VfVkjQeiYE/SaS0PWGNJQI/AAAAAAAAAiI/35vsUKy7N3k/s1600/jose-mourinho.jpg)
Mou doesn't lose. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Jul 30 2010, 03:09 AM

[Jack Sparrow]

I think park-the-airplane is our best bet. Especially now with the Emirates sponsorship.

[X-Offender]

With this we'll lose 3-1 or something similar.

I don't think Dinho's presence would have much effect on the result. If we can't win with that line-up, we can't win with any.

[Fishdoll]

Here's the official call up list from acmilan.com:

EMIRATES CUP: I CONVOCATI ROSSONERI
30/07/2010
MILANELLO - Questi i 23 convocati del Milan per Londra, dove è in programma l'Emirates Cup:

Abate, Abbiati, Adiyiah (n.40), Albertazzi (n.26), Amelia, Antonini, Beretta, Bonera, Borriello, Flamini, Gattuso, Merkel, Nesta, Novinic, Oddo, Papastathopoulos, Pato, Roma, Seedorf, Strasser, Verdi, Yepes, Zambrotta.

Differences from the list Chu posted: Ambrosini, Inzaghi, Kaladze, Pirlo, Ronaldinho, and Jankulovski are absent from the official list.

Pirlo not going is a blow. s'gonna be painful.

[mkenya]

Here's the official call up list from acmilan.com:

Pirlo not going is a blow. s'gonna be painful.

Time to showcase young talents and I hope they will be given a chance and do well...heck! I just hope they are given a chance! I'm tired of the same line up..year in year out..and the lack of development for youngsters..and loaning out isn't a solution as they get indoctrinated into a different culture..the best development is homegrown..maldini way..no disrespect to our 30+ year olds..

[CHU-LIP]

Interesting, some painfully absents there are, but on the other hand we can try out other players that way. And yes, other players as in also younger players. I'd start:

Pato, Borriello, Verdi
Strasser, Seedorf, Flamini
Antonini, Yepes, Nesta, Papastathopoulos
Abbiati

[X-Offender]

No Pirlo and no Ambro, we'll be *.

Reason for edit: You've already been warned about using such terms. Please don't do it again

[Locke Lamora]

I'm not sure I understand all the doom and gloom here, you're about to face an Arsenal side that will probably experiment with how Chamakh and Koscielny fit in, and I don't see a trouncing of 4-5 goals on the horizon.
Besides, there's huge question marks over the defence. Campbell, Gallas and Silvestre are all gone, so it will probably be Vermaelen partnering Djourou or Koscielny. Not a solid prospect at all, we need to bring in a top CB asap.

[Dracoris]

I'm not sure I understand all the doom and gloom here, you're about to face an Arsenal side that will probably experiment with how Chamakh and Koscielny fit in, and I don't see a trouncing of 4-5 goals on the horizon.
Besides, there's huge question marks over the defence. Campbell, Gallas and Silvestre are all gone, so it will probably be Vermaelen partnering Djourou or Koscielny. Not a solid prospect at all, we need to bring in a top CB asap.

You are just pre-consoling us for the romp that will be Arsenal-Milan tomorrow.

[Fishdoll]

Given the omissions, this fish would consider the following lineup:

Abbiati
Zambrotta Yepes Nesta Antonini
Gattuso Flamini
Turtle
Pato Borriello Verdi

Various and sundry changes to be made during the course of the game (how many subs per game in this tournament? ANyone know?) so as to also see Amelia, Sokratis, Abate, Strasser, etc etc etc

[han2503]

Given the omissions, this fish would consider the following lineup:

Abbiati
Zambrotta Yepes Nesta Antonini
Gattuso Flamini
Turtle
Pato Borriello Verdi

Various and sundry changes to be made during the course of the game (how many subs per game in this tournament? ANyone know?) so as to also see Amelia, Sokratis, Abate, Strasser, etc etc etc

I like that one, but I'd switch Verdi and Pato. Get Pato on his stronger side so he can do some real damage when cutting it

[Fishdoll]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) This fish just noticed that Thiago Silva also isn't going on the trip. He better not be heading toward the Iberian peninsula.

[Dracoris]

Kaladze and Janku didn't go either. Maybe they'll head that way instead.

[Fishdoll]

(maybe someone ordered pizza, you mean?)

[Dracoris]

Ok, we're almost certain to get a midfielder. Allegri is quoted on Milannews.it as saying that "We need a midfielder that can play in the center." And then in a separate article he says "We need a midfielder but I will not tell you names".

All milannews.it but I'm sure its on other sites by now.

This was also during his press conference, which is why I posted it in here. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

This post has been edited by Dracoris: Jul 30 2010, 06:57 PM

[Fishdoll]

A new midfielder would be nice, but this fish will cry if it's Blasi.

[d'Arc.LP]

Maybe Berlusconi will keep his word and will transfer one champion, someone like Shweinshtainger ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

[samira]

He is probably going to Real Madrid, Robinho (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ..
I wish it was Dzeko, but we know where that is going

[Dracoris]

Almost all will be forgiven from me if it's Van Der Vaart. Almost.

[Fishdoll]

This fish wouldn't mind him.

[Bluesummers]

That is very odd that there is no silva going. Only thing I can think of is that he's training seperatly due to injury problems. I don't think he's going to madrid. If they sell him, they'll have to buy another player in defence and they don't want to do that this year.

[d'Arc.LP]

Is he back from holidays ?

[CHU-LIP]

Thiago Silva and Huntelaar aren't back from their holidays(their NT's got further in World Cup than Azzurri, so they are back).

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Jul 30 2010, 08:41 PM

[X-Offender]

Ancelotti told in an interview to La Gazzetta that he knows Milan's plans and there won't be any signings.

[han2503]

Ancelotti told in an interview to La Gazzetta that he knows Milan's plans and there won't be any signings.

He didn't even know Milan's plans when he actually was our coach, I doubt he knows them now (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Bluesummers]

haha so true

[Locke Lamora]

Good news for you guys, Denilson, Bendtner, Van Persie, Song, Diaby and Fabregas are all out.

[CHU-LIP]

Good news for you guys, Denilson, Bendtner, Van Persie, Song, Diaby and Fabregas are all out.

We are obvious favourites for a win then. I better be proven right!

[nuh]

so anyone knows what hotel milan will be staying in? i wanna camp outside that hotel (IMG:style_emoticons/default/freak.gif)

This post has been edited by nuh: Jul 31 2010, 12:37 AM

[Jack Sparrow]

Good news for you guys, Denilson, Bendtner, Van Persie, Song, Diaby and Fabregas are all out.

Ha! Chickensh!t!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)



World cup or injuries? Denilson??

[mishie]

Well I'm now boarding my train to London both side seem to be missing major players so I'm not sure what to expect from this game just gonna enjoy the experience and get drunk later lol

[d'Arc.LP]

I think Milan will play with black jerseys.

[han2503]

Or black shorts white tops. Thst's what we usually do against Arsenal and Man U

[CHU-LIP]

No, black shirts, shorts and sock we'll play. http://www.arsenal.com/usa/sh/news/news-ar...010-kit-colours

[X-Offender]

The probable line-ups according to La Gazzetta:

Arsenal (4-3-3): Almunia; Clichy, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Sagna; Nasri, Wilshere, Eboue; Arshavin, Chamakh, Walcott.

Milan (4-3-3): Abbiati; Antonini, Nesta, Yepes, Papastathopoulos; Gattuso, Seedorf, Flamini; Abate, Borriello, Pato.

[Locke Lamora]

Ha! Chickensh!t!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)



World cup or injuries? Denilson??

Fabregas and Van Persie are still resting, the rest are all out with injury, Bendtner will probably be out for about month. Still, the line-up X-Off posted are able to pack a punch as well, I look forward to Wilshere taking on the Milan midfield...

[Coldest]

The crowd is whistling at AC Milan...

[Fishdoll]

Sokratis wearing the #15 jersey.

[samira]

Wow, nice played by Milan.

does his shirt say Papatathopoulos or Skrotis

This post has been edited by samira: Jul 31 2010, 04:35 PM

[Fishdoll]

Sokratis (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think it's more that the crowd is booing Flamini, not MIlan as a whole.

[TheOgre]

these black jerseys are ridiculously cool

[Coldest]

It's obviuos that Milan lacks ideas in attack

[samira]

close for Flamini

[Fishdoll]

How can you possibly say that after 10 minutes?? The game's just started. And there've been some decent attacking moves so far. The team looks rusty but that should be no surprise given that they've only had two weeks of training.

[Dracoris]

Flamini looks like a man on a mission

Becks is in the crowd with his kids who are wearing Milan jerseys

This post has been edited by Dracoris: Jul 31 2010, 04:45 PM

[Coldest]

How can you possibly say that after 10 minutes?? The game's just started. And there've been some decent attacking moves so far. The team looks rusty but that should be no surprise given that they've only had two weeks of training.

The clean-sheet for Arsenal is very likely tonight and I'd be happy if managed to put at least one in.

[samira]

And his son Brooklyn is asleep, so cute (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[Fishdoll]

Gattuso showing off a bit with the head juggling.

[TheOgre]

flamini is everywhere on the field right now

[kurtsimonw]

Chamakh 1-0.

Celtic fans celebrating behind the goal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Dracoris]

Surprise surprise.

[m1ke]

Walked straight through the middle of us. Nice!

[m1ke]

We look weak at the back. Yepes isn't convincing so far.

[d'Arc.LP]

OMG we are playing very bad (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[m1ke]

Nearly a wonder goal from Pato. Just over.

[Dracoris]

Its so great when you get the ball on the 18 of the other team, and the ref blows the whistle. Come on man.

[samira]

HT and 1-0 to Arsenal

[m1ke]

Decent run out. We're still in the game, but Arsenal have been the better team.

Pato looks lively. Papa looks keen, but has lacked a bit of quality so far. Seedorf is playing very deep - we're really lacking ideas up front.

[X-Offender]

-1 for Yepes, he's been terrible.

[Dracoris]

-1 for Yepes, he's been terrible.

A little harsh. He did set up Flamini's shot off the bar. Id say 0, instead of -1. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[samira]

Milan's best moments have depended on Pato.
Yepes was better before, what happend

[William405]

We need Verdi (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[m1ke]

What is Yepes doing? He keeps diving in and missing the ball - he's been terrible so far.

[Dracoris]

Alright screw that. -1 for Yepes.

[d'Arc.LP]

Our players are playing like girls (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Coldest]

I can't stand watching those Milan's backward passes....

[samira]

wow Flamini is great !

[Fishdoll]

I don't much like him and probably never will but Flamini has been the best guy out there today for Milan.

With Turtle (who seems popular with the crowd) as our only creative player, not a big surprise the invention in front of goal isn't what we would like.

So we're docking Yepes a cookie already? Or shall we wait til the end of the game?

[Dracoris]

I don't much like him and probably never will but Flamini has been the best guy out there today for Milan.

With Turtle (who seems popular with the crowd) as our only creative player, not a big surprise the invention in front of goal isn't what we would like.

So we're docking Yepes a cookie already? Or shall we wait til the end of the game?

Dock it. He can earn it back if he wants to.

[samira]

is it a bad thing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
girls play better, I would use crap

Our players are playing like girls (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Coldest]

I don't much like him and probably never will but Flamini has been the best guy out there today for Milan.

With Turtle (who seems popular with the crowd) as our only creative player, not a big surprise the invention in front of goal isn't what we would like.

So we're docking Yepes a cookie already? Or shall we wait til the end of the game?

You didin't agree on my statement first, I guess you do now, don't you ? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Fishdoll]

Any subs yet for Milan?

[Dracoris]

This is getting embarrassing. If not for BS luck it would be 3-0

[TheOgre]

My tv's around 10 minutes behind all of yours but i'm really not liking Seedorf in this role.