Champions League Final - AC Milan v Liverpool FC

[kinboshi]

I couldn't see another thread focusing on this match, so I thought I'd get the ball rolling as I'm too excited about the game to do any work...

Anyway, looking at the betting and Milan are a pretty strong favourite - stronger than I think they should be in a one-off final.  Obviously, as a Liverpool fan I'm biased, but what do other people think will happen?  Last time they met, everyone predicted a tight encounter, with the first one to score going on to win 1-0.  It didn't quite pan out that way, and will it be as unpredictable this time round?

So is it going to be number 7 for Milan, or will be singing 'we won it 6 times' at Anfield next season?

Also, has anyone seen any decent bets?  You can back Liverpool at 3.4 to keep a clean sheet in normal time - might be worth a bet, wouldn't have won you much last time round though.

[Acidmouse]

I almost hope Liverpool lose, never seen so many Liverpool fans come out of the woodwork since you won the semi

Lets face it Liverpool should get spanked, they are a good european football team, distinctly average domestic team. Milan are very astute and frankly twatted Man Utd.

I say 2 or 3-0 to Milan.

[Graham C]

Just hoping for a good game and Milan to lift the cup to secure my sneeky five pound bet

I have a couple of Liverpool fan friends so I guess it would be nice for them if Liverpool did win but I'm going to have to insist they don't go on about it for ages

[boldie]

Don't care who wins..just hoping for a fantastic game.

[kinboshi]

Don't care who wins..

Me neither as long as Liverpool win. 

just hoping for a fantastic game.

Couldn't agree more, although I don't care if it's a boring 1-0 ground out win, as long as we win.

[Colchester Kev]

I will be wanting Liverpool to win, but i dont really care as long as its a good game.

[The Baron]

Milan have been hit form at the right time this season. They didn't play well until the second leg against Bayern but since then they've been awesome. Before that they loooked ordinary. Their team is no longer built around Shevchenko but around the amazing Kaka. In some ways they lack a goal threat at times (although not since playing Celtic), relying too heavily on Kaka but in other ways they look much more balanced as a team and miles better in midfield.

Personally I think they're going to be very tough to stop. Liverpool's European style is based around not letting the other team play. Vs Barcelona (or similar) it works very well, but against a Chelsea type team it makes for two teams cancelling each other out.

The key is curbing Kaka. Last time out Didi Hamann came on at half time and did the job to perfection. This time we need Alonso/Mascherano to do it from the off.

I see it being a tight game with only one between the sides and whoever scores first having a huge advantage.

It's hard to look past Milan but if there is one place they aren't the same as before it's at the back. People can say what they like about Maldini being one of the all time greats and Nesta being the rock of the Italian WC winning side but they look beatable, especially when Gattuso is not playing or playing well. If Gerrard pulls Gattuso out of his comfort zone we have a real chance.

I'm going to go for 2-1 Liverpool but then that's my heart talking....

[TightEnd]

Milan to win comfortably.


Come on Liverpool though!

[fergus8]

liverpool will win ease, and keep a clean sheet.

mascherano on kaka, world class DM v world class AM, DM wins this battle 8/10 times

milan up front area miserable lot, no more shevchenko or more importantly the class predator that is crespo (prob the best in the world in the box)
instead they have the worst ive ever seen at that level in gilardino, really mince. inzaghi is a threat (hate this little ****)

at the back milan are poor, bar the outstanding nesta, and the keeper is worth a mistake or seven.

liverpool have such a solid defence , keeper is not topclass though

up front pool are weaker than most at this level, though id take kuyt and bellemy over gilardino and inzaghi

midfields are class on both sides

kaka pirlo gattuso seedorf vs gerrard alonso mascherano zenden.  vs 

[fergus8]

i think the bookies have got this wrong, 3.65 for liverpool. basically 5/2 after commision. 

[Teacake]

Milan have been hit form at the right time this season. They didn't play well until the second leg against Bayern but since then they've been awesome. Before that they loooked ordinary. Their team is no longer built around Shevchenko but around the amazing Kaka. In some ways they lack a goal threat at times (although not since playing Celtic), relying too heavily on Kaka but in other ways they look much more balanced as a team and miles better in midfield.

Personally I think they're going to be very tough to stop. Liverpool's European style is based around not letting the other team play. Vs Barcelona (or similar) it works very well, but against a Chelsea type team it makes for two teams cancelling each other out.

The key is curbing Kaka. Last time out Didi Hamann came on at half time and did the job to perfection. This time we need Alonso/Mascherano to do it from the off.

I see it being a tight game with only one between the sides and whoever scores first having a huge advantage.

It's hard to look past Milan but if there is one place they aren't the same as before it's at the back. People can say what they like about Maldini being one of the all time greats and Nesta being the rock of the Italian WC winning side but they look beatable, especially when Gattuso is not playing or playing well. If Gerrard pulls Gattuso out of his comfort zone we have a real chance.

I'm going to go for 2-1 Liverpool but then that's my heart talking....

 

Wasn't that impressed with Milan against us & really couldn't see them getting to the final, we've definitely played better teams in the last few years.

Liverpool on the other hand have a system that works well in the CL & I've fancied them since they disposed of Barca.

The key to the game is Kaka, if he has an influence Milan will win but Rafa knows this will try to snuff him out.

Liverpool to sneak it although like most others I just want to see a proper game.

[Geo the Sarge]

Liverpool for me have played the best "European" football throughout the competition. Agree that Milan have continually improved.

I believe however that Raffa will have it sussed yet again and Liverpool will take this.

If Milan win, it will be on pens after goaless game and extra time.

Geo

[fergus8]

celtic were the toughest defence they have faced in the ko phase, says it all. liverpool with ease

[kinboshi]

celtic were the toughest defence they have faced in the ko phase, says it all. liverpool with ease

Wish I had your confidence!!

Hope you're right though

[kinboshi]

Just heard Pennant in a press conference.  It sounds like he's starting tomorrow.  If this is the case, then I'm delighted.  We play with a much better shape with Pennant wide rather than Gerrard.