The Official Soccer/Football/Futbol/Calcio thread

[Jason]

watched the last 10 of OT, apparently that's all I needed to see. Torres injured too?

You know I hate to casue anymore pain than is necessary but I just manufactured this yesterday and have to get some use out of it:

RAFAHAHAHA

I recorded it, and now that I've watched it. Lucas was worthless and in the long run might have cost us the game. Gerrard is out for 3 weeks. It means Gerrard will miss this weekend's trip to Portsmouth as well as England's friendly with Spain next week.

The news is a massive blow to Liverpool's title challenge as their talisman will also miss the home clash with Manchester City on 22nd February and possibly the UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid three days later.

He's missing games against relegation close teams and Real. Thank goodness for the extra week from the internationals. bad time to be with out Gerrard, however I'll say liverpool might have played their best game this season without him, and torres. v Man United. Hurts my fantasy team as I've only got 2 transfers and can't afford to pull him and then add him back, hopefully lucas will leave and we'll pick up a new strong midfielder not someone who can't handle pressure.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

The news is a massive blow to Liverpool's title challenge

They have a 62 man squad and a top manager, they should be fine.

What do you think about Gerrard's place in the team? Is he not replaceable? Do you think he bosses Rafa any? He's got the teeth (I've heard that he bares them as well) due to fan support. I've always thought Rafa would not want to rely on him so completely but he'd lose the supporters if he included him in the crazy rotations.

They have the depth of talent to take care of business but I'm not sure about the mentality, spiritual issues if you will.

I hope they excel while he's out

[Jdbwolverines]

While Gerrard is an irreplaceable type of player, I too think that Liverpool will do alright without him. I think Benayoun has been playing well lately and can fill in for him pretty well. I also wouldn't be surprised if Rafa started playing Babel back a bit to serve as a bridge from the midfielders to Torres. Liverpool's schedule also is pretty light, save the Man City game, but they have been dropping way too many points to the weaker clubs this year so who knows. I do wonder however as to how Robbie Keane could have filled in with Gerrard out. I think he would have played nicely in Gerrard's spot behind Torres.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Jdbwolverines

they have been dropping way too many points to the weaker clubs this year

This year? That has been their problem for a couple of years now. They just can't seem to bury the sides they should.

Breaks my heart.

Liverpools title tilt shouldn't be determined by missing steven gerrard for 2 PL matches. while he would add something to Any team, I'm more worried about the first leg of the Real Madrid clash.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

Liverpools title tilt shouldn't be determined by missing steven gerrard for 2 PL matches. while he would add something to Any team, I'm more worried about the first leg of the Real Madrid clash.

True. But we all know that the CL title will be little consolation. The EPL title is the hardware to be had.