[Champions League] AC MILAN THE CHAMPION OF 2007

== KK == · 20-02-07, 06:13

SalaM Doostan Football doost
bazihaye Semi Final Roozhaye 24 va 25 April anjam khahad shod.

FINAL

Athens, Greece 23/5/2007
LIVERPOOL - AC MILAN

SEMI FINAL

SECOND LEG

Milan 3-0 Man. United - Manchester is OUT
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool - Chelsea is OUT

FIRST LEG

Man. United 3-2 Milan
Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool

Video:
CL Quarter Final Draw

== KK == · 20-02-07, 06:20

Real Madrid (4th in la Primera, 42 pts)) VS Bayern Munich (4th in Bundesliga, 37 pts)
When: 20:45 (CET) - Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Where: El Santiago Bernab�u, Madrid

The personnel may have changed, but the rivalry is exactly the same as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich prepare for their sixth meeting in eight seasons on Tuesday evening.
Two of the biggest names in world football go head-to-head in a competition that they have lifted 13 times between them and the tension is always great when they clash.
Neither club have impressed domestically this term as they are both fourth in their respective leagues, but that form will not matter in this elimination encounter.
While Real Madrid have struggled for goals in la Primera, they are top scorers in the Champions League having scored 14 goals as they progressed from Group E.

Strong defence
Bayern may have conceded 26 times in their 22 Bundesliga matches this term, but in Europe they let in just three as they qualified for the last 16.
Fabio Capello's team may be only four points behind table-topping FC Barcelona, but their performances in the league make their chances of winning the title very slim.
That is why the focus is very much on the Champions League as the club's best hope of winning some silverware this term, after three barren seasons with a trophy.
The same goes for the German giants as they lie 12 points from Schalke 04, who are currently top of the Bundesliga.

Forgetting form

Capello and Ottmar Hitzfeld, as well as the players from Madrid and Bayern, have stated that league form will mean nothing over the two legs and that it will be a titanic battle between two heavyweights.
Recent history is on the Spaniard's side as they have won the last twice that the teams have met, knocking out Bayern in the 2001-01 and 2003-4 campaigns.
Madrid did, however, suffer, their heaviest defeats in the Champions League against the Bavarian club when they were defeated 4-2 in the Bernab�u and 4-1 in Germany in 1999-00.
In the seven times that they have been paired together Madrid have won four.

RECENT FORM (all competitions)

Real Madrid
18/01 (H) 1-1 Real Betis
21/01 (a) 1-0 Real Mallorca
27/01 (a) 0-1 Villarreal
04/02 (H) 0-1 Levante
10/02 (a) 2-1 Real Sociedad
17/02 (H) 0-0 Real Betis

Bayern Munich
16/12 (a) 4-0 FSV Mainz
26/01 (a) 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
30/01 (H) 0-0 VfL Bochum
02/02 (a) 0-3 1. FC N�rnberg
11/02 (H) 1-0 Arminia Bielefeld
17/02 (a) 0-1 Alemmania Aachen

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid: Mahamadou Diarra is out after having to have stitches put in his ankle after a hefty challenge by Morten Skoubo during the game against Rel Sociedad, while Sergio Ramos is also out after suffering a blow to his ankle at the weekend. The good news is that Roberto Carlos is back and will replace Miguel Torres at left-back, while Michel Salgado is expected to play on the right in place of Ramos.

Bayern Munich: Owen Hargreaves is set to return to the midfield to partner Mark Van Bommel, while Lukas Podolski and Roy Makaay are likely to be the striking duo up front.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS (not confirmed)

Real Madrid: Casillas; Salgado, Helguera, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Emerson, Gago, Guti, Beckham; Ra�l, Van Nistelrooy

Bayern Munich: Kahn; Lahm, Lucio, Van Buyten, Sagnol; Salihamid�i, Hargreaves, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger; Makaay, Podolski

Confirm shodasho ta shab mizaram

== KK == · 20-02-07, 06:38

Celtic (SPL, 1st, 72 pts.) VS Milan (Serie A, 6th, 33 pts.)
When: 20:45 CET - Tuesday, February 20th, 2006
Where: Celtic Park - Celtic

Home Record

Celtic will be playing for the first time ever in the second round of the Champions League, as the Scottish champions never managed to get past the Group Stage in previous years. However, they have no intention of stopping here and even though they will be facing one of Europe's most successful sides, they have every intention to cause an upset and reach the quarter finals.

To achieve this, Celtic will surely need to rely on their excellent home record which so far sees the Scottish club winning nine out of their previous 12 home games. This is a big contrast to their appalling away record and they will therefore attempt to do most of the work in the first leg.

Excellent Form

Milan started the season poorly, with negative results the order of the day. However, in recent weeks things have looked brighter and the Rossoneri, despite not performing brilliantly, have still achieved important wins which pushed them up the Serie A standings into 6th place. This might not be a big feat for a club used to competing for the Scudetto, but considering the Calciopoli scandal and the terrible start to the season, this is quite an achievement.

The arrival of Ronaldo has brought enthusiasm and motivation, and even though the Brazilian will not be able to play on Tuesday, his mere presence in the squad has galvanised many players who seemed to lack that grit up till December. The �Fenomeno� has been a morale booster for the entire Rossoneri squad and the affects of his purchase are quite visible already.

TEAM FORM

Celtic
Feb 17, 07 Aberdeen 1 - 2 Celtic (Premier League)
Feb 10, 07 Celtic 1 - 0 Hibernian (Premier League)
Feb 4, 07 Livingston 1 - 4 Celtic (FA Cup)
Jan 28, 07 Inverness CT 1 - 2 Celtic (Premier League)
Jan 20, 07 Celtic 5 - 1 St. Mirren (Premier League)
Jan 14, 07 Hearts 1 - 2 Celtic (Premier League)

Milan
Feb 17, 07 Siena 3 - 4 Milan (Serie A)
Feb 11, 07 Milan 2 - 1 Livorno (Serie A)
Jan 31, 07 Roma 3 - 1 Milan (Coppa Italia)
Jan 28, 07 Milan 1 - 0 Parma (Serie A)
Jan 25, 07 Milan 2 - 2 Roma (Coppa Italia)
Jan 21, 07 Lazio 0 - 0 Milan (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Celtic
Bobo Balde, Gary Caldwell, Maciej Zurawski, Derek Riordan (injured), and Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley (cup-tied) are all unavailable. With so many injuries in the central defence, Celtic are forced to play with the central duo of Stephen McManus and Darren O'Dea.

Milan
Many problems in attack for the Rossoneri as the only available striker is Ricardo Oliveira. Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino are still recovering from their respective injuries, even though the latter has still been called-up for this match. Ronaldo is cup-tied since he has already played for Real Madrid in the Champions League this season. Dida is still out, therefore Marco Storari will maintain his place between the Rossoneri's goalpost, while Alessandro Nesta and Serginho are still out.

== KK == · 20-02-07, 06:54

What: Champions League First Knock-Out Round, first leg
Who: LOSC Lille M�tropole (3rd, French Ligue 1, 39/75 points) VS Manchester United (1st, English Prenier League, 66/81 points)
When: Tuesday 20 February, Kick off: 19:45 GMT
Where: Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens

Time To Get Serious

Manchester United take on Lille looking to put behind them their anonymous European form over the last few years. It has been a process of rebuilding, true, but a club of the size of Manchester United have still disappointed. Being knocked out of a group containing Benfica, Villarreal and Lille, as they were last season, still sends shivers down the spines of United fans.
Yes, Lille were one of the teams who contributed to their exit, so there is some pungent history from United's perspective. They were first held to a draw at Old Trafford, and then consigned to sheer misery with a defeat in France in the return fixture.
Although thet actually went out against Benfica, most of the damage was done against Lille, and that is what the Red Devils will be looking to repair for good tonight.
However, Lille are quietly confident!
The coach, and every player who has spoken, has shown lots of respect, but it is safe to assume that there is some simmering motivation beneath the projected surface.
Those expecting a United cakewalk can continue believing that at their own risk. That said, Fergie and company are still favourites.

European

Lille

Puel's side have looked more formidable in the Champions League than domestically this season. They have scored eight goals already in this CL campaign, compared with just one in 2005/06. And they are unbeaten at home in nine Champions League matches.
Puel is not unduly concerned about their poor domestic form ahead of the United game. He said: "I'm not worried because this is a different competition. Champions League matches are more about technique and we just have to repeat what we did in the group stage."
They were impressive then, reaching the last 16 by finishing second in Group H behind AC Milan with nine points from six matches.

Group H
13 Sep v Anderlecht (A) DREW 1-1 (Fauverge)
26 Sep v Milan (H) DREW 0-0
17 Oct v AEK (H) WON 3-1 (Robail, Gygax, Makoun)
1 Nov v AEK (A) LOST 0-1
21 Nov v Anderlecht (H) DREW 2-2 (Odemwingie, Fauverge)
6 Dec v Milan (A) WON 2-0 (Odemwingie, Keita)

Manchester United

The Red Devils qualified for the last 16 by winning Group F with 12 points from six matches. But they lost their last two away games in the CL, both by 1-0, at Copenhagen and Celtic.

Group F
13 Sep v Celtic (H) WON 3-2 (Saha 2, Solskjaer)
26 Sep v Benfica (A) WON 1-0 (Saha)
17 Oct v Copenhagen (H) WON 3-0 (Scholes, O'Shea, Richardson)
1 Nov v Copenhagen (A) LOST 0-1
21 Nov v Celtic (A) LOST 0-1
6 Dec v Benfica (H) WON 3-1 (Vidic, Giggs, Saha)

TEAM NEWS

Lille

Skipper Gr�gory Tafforeau has no illusions about the task at hand, but refuses to throw in the towel without a fight. And that is what Lille are set to put up � a very stiff resistance.
Sadly for Les Dogues, Kader Keita � who excelled during the group stages, even against Milan � is suspended. However, manager Claude Puel believes his side can cope Tuesday without their star right winger.
Mathieu Debuchy, a 21-year-old native of Fretin, will deputize in Keita's absence. Debuchy has three Champions League appearances this season, and he started in the December 6 victory over Milan.
Puel will stick to the trusted 4-2-3-1 that has stood him well so far this season, with Makoun running the show in midfield, and Peter Odemwingie using his pace to get behind the United defence.

Probable Starting XI: Sylva � Chalm�, Tavlaridis, Plestan, Tafforeau � Cabaye, Makoun � Debuchy, Bodmer, Obraniak � Peter Odemwingie.

Manchester United

Sir Alex may have insisted that it will not be about avenging the embarrassment heaped upon them last season � when United picked up one point from two games, and crashed out � but that hasn�t stopped him from taking his entire squad to France.
He will have to leave 5 of the 23 players out, but should be relishing the problem of plenty.
There are many positives, the first being that Edwin van der Sar returns after recovering from a broken nose � and is expected to play with a mask. Wayne Rooney also returns after missing the FA Cup game due to suspension.
Scholes, Giggs, Ferdinand, Larsson and Neville will also walk straight back into the first team as the signs start to look ominous for Lille. Luis Saha, who has scored four times in this year�s competition, is likely to be consigned to the bench.

Probable Starting XI: Van der Sar � Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze � Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs � Rooney, Larsson.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United: Henrik Larsson and Wayne Rooney

The former will play a Champions League game for the first time since he set up the two goals that won it for Barcelona last year, while the latter is burning with the desire to stamp his mark on Europe. With the midfield support they will get, it will take something extraordinary to stop them.

== KK == · 20-02-07, 06:54

PSV Eindhoven (Eridivisie, 1st, 60 pts.) VS Arsenal (Prem, 4th, 49 pts.)
When: 20:45 CET - Tuesday, February 20th, 2006
Where: Philips Stadion - Eindhoven

We meet again

The Champions League has a habit of pitting the same teams against eachother, promoting rivalries through the luck of the draw. Think Barcelona-Chelsea or Real Madrid-Bayern Munich.
PSV Eindhoven-Arsenal may not be one of those classical duels but the two teams are getting to know eachother rather well by now. The sides were drawn together in the 2002/03 campaign and then again in 2004/05.
The Gunners walked away from the Philips Stadion with a resounding 4-0 win when the teams first met and held PSV to a 0-0 draw when playing with ten men for 35 minutes in the return match. Kolo Toure was sent-off but the Gunners had already qualified by that point.
Arsenal won the Highbury encounter 1-0 in 2004 and were reduced to nine men in Holland but came away with a 1-1 draw. Presumably one of Arsene Wenger�s main priorities will be to keep all 11 men on the pitch in this first-leg. This is the first time the teams have met in the knockout phase.

TEAM NEWS

PSV Eindhoven

Jefferson Farfan missed Monday morning�s training session and is a doubt for the game with an ankle injury. If he doesn�t recover, Diego Tardelli and Aruna Kone will play up front. Patrick Kluivert (back), Ibrahim Afellay (ankle), Michael Reiziger (stomach) and John de Jong (knee) are all out and Alcides is ineligible having played in the competition for Benfica. Chinese defender Xiang may make his Champions League debut after featuring at the weekend. Jan Kromkamp should be fit despite missing training on Monday. Manuel da Costa could be involved.

Arsenal

The Gunners have problems at right-back with Justin Hoyte (hamstring) having joined Emmanuel Eboue on the sidelines. Wenger has confirmed that either Johan Djourou or Gallas will deputise. Alexander Hleb has recovered from a virus and is set to start. Jens Lehmann, Gilberto and Julio Baptista are also back in contention after being rested at the weekend. Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby have been left at home as Wenger looks ahead to Sunday�s Carling Cup final.

Probable line-up: Lehmann, Djourou or Gallas, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Adebayor, Henry

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal � Alexander Hleb

The Belarusian returned from his spell on the sidelines against Bolton last week and it was as if he�d never been away. One of Arsenal�s most technically gifted players, Hleb�s crafty footwork and ability to link midfield and attack could be crucial at the Philips Stadion.

== KK == · 20-02-07, 07:22

khob bacheha bazihaye emshabo pishbini konid
be nazare shoma chand chand mishe ?

== KK == · 20-02-07, 14:36

Real Madrid

1 Casillas I. [Goalkeeper]
4 Ramos Garc�a S. [Defender]
21 Helguera Buj�a I. [Defender]
5 Cannavaro F. [Defender]
38 Torres M. [Defender]
23 Beckham D. [Midfielder]
6 Diarra M. [Midfielder]
16 Gago F. [Midfielder]
14 Guti [Midfielder]
17 Van Nistelrooy R. [Striker]
7 Ra�l [Striker]

Bayern Munich

1 Kahn O. [Goalkeeper]
3 Lucio [Defender]
20 Salihamidzic H. [Defender]
5 Van Buyten D. [Defender]
21 Lahm P. [Defender]
2 Sagnol W. [Defender]
17 Van Bommel M. [Midfielder]
23 Hargreaves O. [Midfielder]
31 Schweinsteiger B. [Midfielder]
10 Makaay R. [Striker]
11 Podolski L. [Striker]

== KK == · 21-02-07, 08:06

Where: Stadio Ol�mpico, Rome
When: 20:45 CET, Wednesday 21/02/07

European Background

There are a couple of mini-records being broken in Rome�s Olympic stadium on Wednesday night as Roma have never played French opponents in the Champions League and It�s the first time the Italians have qualified for the knock out stage of the CL in it�s post-European Cup incarnation.
Hosts AS Roma will be relieved to be back in a Europe where they can forget the fact that the two points lost in the recent Scudetto match make chances of non-Coppa domestic success slimmer than a supermodel.
The Giallorossi have gone eight games unbeaten at home against European opposition but the French champions are formidable travellers having won away twice in the group stage, as well as drawing with Real Madrid at the Bernab�u.
It looks set to be a tough task for the Giallorossi as Lyon have lost just once in the last 21 CL encounters � but that was against an Italian team: Milan. If that gives the Italians heart, those hearts will be weighed down by the knowledge that Lyon have failed to score in only one of the last 27 CL games.

Comparative European Statistics

AS ROMA

Games Played 6
Goals Scored 8
Goal Conversion 16.3%
Attempts on Goal 49
Shots on Target 21
Shooting Accuracy 42.9%
Corners Won 25
Corners Conceded 18
Fouls Conceded 105
Offsides 30
Yellow Cards 10
Red Cards 0
Goals Conceded 4

OLYMPIQUE LYON

Games Played 6
Goals Scored 12
Goal Conversion 16.2%
Attempts on Goal 74
Shots on Target 34
Shooting Accuracy 45.9%
Corners Won 30
Corners Conceded 24
Fouls Conceded 110
Offsides 16
Yellow Cards 10
Red Cards 0
Goals Conceded 3

Players To Watch

AS ROMA: Francesco Totti ( number 10 ) � The Captain has regained his air of incomparable flair this season. Last year�s ankle-snapping set-back meant that many had taken it for granted that the number 10 had had his day, but recent form begs to differ. The thumb-sucker has left his digit severely wrinkled with so many celebrations that it�s almost becoming an obligation for him to bless the Olimpico with a goal.

OLYMPIQUE LYON: Juninho Pernambucano ( number 8 ) � The Brazilian has risen to idol status in France where all football fans are aware of his graceful dominance of Lyon�s midfield and scorching free kicks. Although he hasn�t been as decisive lately, Juninho is a player who will keep a calm head despite the cauldron atmosphere expected at the Roman coliseum. Much of the outcome will depend on his freedom to create � and ability to destroy.

Possible First Elevens (Unconfirmed)

AS ROMA (4-2-3-1): Doni; Christian Panucci, Philippe Mexes, Cristian Chivu and Max Tonetto; Daniele De Rossi and David Pizarro; Rodrigo Taddei, Simone Perrotta and Mancini; Francesco Totti.
Coach: Luciano Spalletti

OLYMPIQUE LYON (4-4-2): Gregory Coupet; Anthony Reveillere, Cris, Sebastien Squillaci and Eric Abidal; Jeremy Toulalan, Tiago (Fabio Santos), Juninho, Florent Malouda; Fred and Milan Baros.
Coach: Gerard Houllier

Referee: Mike Riley (England)

== KK == · 21-02-07, 08:22

The last two winners of the tournament clash at a 98,000-strong Camp Nou in the mother of all ties!

When: 2045 CET, Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Spanish Flavour
The match takes place in Spain, but that will have little to do with the Spanish flavours available on the menu.
What will, are the Spanish roots � and philosophies, despite recent formations suggesting otherwise � of a certain Senor Rafael Benitez.
That Xabi Alonso will line up right against international midfield teammate Xavi, will add more Spanish sizzle to the dish.
On the side, we have �Pepe� Reina looking to outdo Victor Valdes, the man who has taken charge of the Catalans� goal since the former was unceremoniously deported to Villarreal three-and-a-half years ago.
Dessert, as it should be, is optional. Benitez, the master tactician that he is, is set to throw Alvaro Arbeloa in at right-back, to take charge of Ronaldinho.
Why? You might ask! Because the former Deportivo centre-half-cum-right-right-back, who just moved this winter, fared superbly against Barcelona in a very recent La Liga clash at the Riazor.
No point throwing a clueless Steve Finnan into the fray when you have a specialist for the job, particularly when in Arbeloa, you also have a charged up former Real Madrid youth team player to send out at the Camp Nou!
Finnan will also be thrown in, but let me hold that back for a while!

Team News /Tactics

Barcelona

Samuel Eto�o has been left out of the squad, in what has come as a huge surprise. However, it might just be the prudent decision again, for if he was only fit to play 25 minutes, it would have tied Rijkaard�s hands just that bit.

However, Lilian Thuram has been passed fit, and is expected to step into the defence alongside Carlos Puyol after Edmilson�s shambolic show against Valencia. The French veteran will be asked to square up against the lanky Peter Crouch.

Two out of Gio, Zambrotta and Oleguer will win the race for the wide spots � Zambrotta and Oleguer could get in ahead of Gio, with aerial ability dominating the criteria for selection. The objective also is to keep it tight at the back, so that Ronaldinho and Messi have some freedom. Thus, it is safe to assume that the likes of Belletti will remain parked on the bench.

Rafael Marquez should once again anchor the midfield, and will be charged with the task of staying with Steven Gerrard.

Deco and Xavi will be responsible for running the Barcelona show, with Messi � who will start � and Ronaldinho for spice. Watch out for Xavi to be heavily marked, though, as that was the one thing that characterized Benitez�s clashes against Barcelona when with Valencia.

Gudjohnsen is once again likely to get a nod ahead of Saviola, firstly because of his aerial ability � perhaps used for marking Hyypia � and because of his Premiership experience.

You can expect Andres Iniesta to come on at half time with a defender being sacrificed and Marquez dropping back, as Barcelona look to get more aggressive.

Probable Line-ups: Valdes � Oleguer/Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Zambrotta/Gio � Xavi, Marguez, Deco � Messi, Gudjohnsen, Ronaldinho.

Liverpool

There are some very interesting indications coming from the Liverpool camp, with suggestions of one of the most defensive XIs ever being sent out by the shrewd Rafa.

Yes, most defensive ever, so prepare to be shocked! Benitez is expected to play two overlapping wing-backs on both sides, in a bid to have one each man-mark Ronaldinho and Messi, and the other cover the flanks zonally. The width of the Camp Nou pitch also seems to have played a part in the decision.

Riise and Aurelio could start on the left, with Arbeloa and Finnan on the right. Incredible indeed! There is more to come. Gerrard and Xabi Alonso will be accompanied by Momo Sissoko in midfield, leaving just one up front � likely to be Crouch for his aerial prowess.

The idea is simple � to shut shop from minute one, frustrate Barcelona, and pick up the pieces on the break and in the air. Rafa believes Barca will concede at least once given their recent defensive woes, but he is unlikely to be too disappointed if Liverpool were to draw blanks.

If any anyone can, Liverpool � arguably the best defensive outfit in the world at the moment � can.

Probable Line-up: Reina � Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise � Finnan, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Aurelio/Zenden � Crouch/Kuyt.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Barcelona: Lionel Messi

He has been thee best player on the pitch since coming on as a substitute over the last two games. His continued improvement has convinced the management to hand him a start against the Reds, particularly with Eto�o missing. The diminutive Argentine � fiercely protected and supported by the rest of the squad � will be given the license to kill, with Oleguer likely to anchor himself in the Barca half, behind him.

Liverpool: Steven Gerrard

With the Reds likely to keep the Kuyt-Crouch partnership for the Anfield leg, there is little doubt as to who will be handed charge of barging up the field and supporting the lone striker. With the pace of the likes of Aurelio and Riise on the left, the precision of Xabi Alonso behind him, and Crouch to hold it up, expect him to keep the shots coming!

== KK == · 21-02-07, 08:31

What: Champions League First Knock-Out Round, first leg
Who: FC Porto (1st, Portuguese SuperLiga, 43/54 points) VS Chelsea (2nd, English Premier League, 60/81 points)
When: Wednesday 21 February, Kick off: 19:45 GMT
Where: Estadio do Dragao, Oporto, Portugal

The Last Time

The clubs previously met in the group stage of the 2004-05 Champions League. On 29 September 2004, Chelsea won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, when Alexei Smertin, Didier Drogba and John Terry scored for the Blues and Benni McCarthy got Porto's consolation. In the return match on 7 December, Porto won 2-1, Damien Duff giving the visitors lead before Diego and McCarthy won it for Porto.

TEAM NEWS

Porto

Manager Jesualdo Ferreira chose to rest Lucas Mareque, Ricardo Costa, Vieirinha and Sokota on Friday night agaist Naval. The Uruguayan defender Fucile was back, and
Marek Cech played in midfield, with Paulo Assun��o used in a holding role and Lucho Gonz�lez on the right.

Pedro Emanuel, Anderson and Jorginho were recovering from injuries, and winger Ricardo Quaresma missed out through suspension. Central defender Emanuel could be out for the rest of the season after underdoing a second operation on the achilles injury that has kept him out since August. But Helder Postiga is fit after a thigh strain, as are Sokota, Marek Cech and Jorginho. Apart from Emanuel, Brazilian forward Anderson is the only Porto player currently sidelined; he is recovering from a broken leg.

However, Colombian striker Wason Renteria, signed in January from Brazilian side SC Internacional, is eligible to play in Europe for Porto, and so is another new signing, the Argentine left-back Lucas Mareque.

Ferreira said after the 4-0 victory over Naval: "It was a quiet match. We tested a new diamond-shaped system as it is important to try out other alternatives and we're going to work more on this. The early goals meant that the team saved energy for the Uefa Champions League match and we proved we still know how to win."

He is expected to revert to a 4-3-3 formation for the Chelsea game.

Chelsea

Midfielder Michael Ballack is included in the squad after recovering from a thigh injury, but Mourinho must continue to do without Ashley Cole (knee), Joe Cole (foot) and Khalid Boulahrouz (shoulder). However, he has no new injury concerns.

Squad: Cech, Hilario, Cudicini, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Morais, Obi, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Essien, Shevchenko, Drogba, Robben, Kalou, Wright-Phillips.

WATCH OUT FOR

Porto

Helder Postiga was conspicuously unsuccessful in England with Spurs, but has rediscovered his form back in his homeland. He was developed as a striker by Mourinho during the coach's time at the Dragao. Postiga is Porto's leading scorer this season, thoiugh he is well supported by Argentinian pair Lucho Gonzalez and Lisandro Lopez who are lucky charms: when they've scored this season, Porto have won. Speedy winger Ricardo Quaresma is also likely to pose problems for the Chelsea defenders.

Those four forwards have between them accounted for just under 70 per cent of all the goals scored by Porto this season. Postiga has hit 10, Gonzalez nine, Lopez eight and Quaresma seven.

Chelsea

Andriy Shevchenko has had a somewhat patchy season that at times has included implicit or explicit criticism from the likes of Mourinho and fellow striker Didier Drogba, but he has looked a lot more integrated with the team in recent weeks, and Mourinho has praised his contribution.

There is no doubt about the class of the Ukrainian - whom Dinamo Kiev would like to lure back in the summer, according to reports. Shevchenko made his 102nd appearance in European club competition against Levski Sofia in December, and has now scored 57 goals, which takes him above Eusebio into second place in the all-time scorers list for Uefa club competition. Only German star Gerd Muller, with 62, is ahead of Sheva now. The Chelsea striker has also played 83 Champions League games - making him the most experienced of the Blues' players at this level.

20-02-07, 06:13	#1 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	[Champions League] AC MILAN THE CHAMPION OF 2007 SalaM Doostan Football doost bazihaye Semi Final Roozhaye 24 va 25 April anjam khahad shod. FINAL Athens, Greece 23/5/2007 LIVERPOOL - AC MILAN SEMI FINAL SECOND LEG Milan 3-0 Man. United - Manchester is OUT Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool - Chelsea is OUT FIRST LEG Man. United 3-2 Milan Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool Video: CL Quarter Final Draw

20-02-07, 06:20	#2 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	CL Preview: Real Madrid - Bayern Munich Real Madrid (4th in la Primera, 42 pts)) VS Bayern Munich (4th in Bundesliga, 37 pts) When: 20:45 (CET) - Tuesday, February 20, 2007 Where: El Santiago Bernab�u, Madrid The personnel may have changed, but the rivalry is exactly the same as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich prepare for their sixth meeting in eight seasons on Tuesday evening. Two of the biggest names in world football go head-to-head in a competition that they have lifted 13 times between them and the tension is always great when they clash. Neither club have impressed domestically this term as they are both fourth in their respective leagues, but that form will not matter in this elimination encounter. While Real Madrid have struggled for goals in la Primera, they are top scorers in the Champions League having scored 14 goals as they progressed from Group E. Strong defence Bayern may have conceded 26 times in their 22 Bundesliga matches this term, but in Europe they let in just three as they qualified for the last 16. Fabio Capello's team may be only four points behind table-topping FC Barcelona, but their performances in the league make their chances of winning the title very slim. That is why the focus is very much on the Champions League as the club's best hope of winning some silverware this term, after three barren seasons with a trophy. The same goes for the German giants as they lie 12 points from Schalke 04, who are currently top of the Bundesliga. Forgetting form Capello and Ottmar Hitzfeld, as well as the players from Madrid and Bayern, have stated that league form will mean nothing over the two legs and that it will be a titanic battle between two heavyweights. Recent history is on the Spaniard's side as they have won the last twice that the teams have met, knocking out Bayern in the 2001-01 and 2003-4 campaigns. Madrid did, however, suffer, their heaviest defeats in the Champions League against the Bavarian club when they were defeated 4-2 in the Bernab�u and 4-1 in Germany in 1999-00. In the seven times that they have been paired together Madrid have won four. RECENT FORM (all competitions) Real Madrid 18/01 (H) 1-1 Real Betis 21/01 (a) 1-0 Real Mallorca 27/01 (a) 0-1 Villarreal 04/02 (H) 0-1 Levante 10/02 (a) 2-1 Real Sociedad 17/02 (H) 0-0 Real Betis Bayern Munich 16/12 (a) 4-0 FSV Mainz 26/01 (a) 2-3 Borussia Dortmund 30/01 (H) 0-0 VfL Bochum 02/02 (a) 0-3 1. FC N�rnberg 11/02 (H) 1-0 Arminia Bielefeld 17/02 (a) 0-1 Alemmania Aachen TEAM NEWS Real Madrid: Mahamadou Diarra is out after having to have stitches put in his ankle after a hefty challenge by Morten Skoubo during the game against Rel Sociedad, while Sergio Ramos is also out after suffering a blow to his ankle at the weekend. The good news is that Roberto Carlos is back and will replace Miguel Torres at left-back, while Michel Salgado is expected to play on the right in place of Ramos. Bayern Munich: Owen Hargreaves is set to return to the midfield to partner Mark Van Bommel, while Lukas Podolski and Roy Makaay are likely to be the striking duo up front. PROBABLE LINE-UPS (not confirmed) Real Madrid: Casillas; Salgado, Helguera, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Emerson, Gago, Guti, Beckham; Ra�l, Van Nistelrooy Bayern Munich: Kahn; Lahm, Lucio, Van Buyten, Sagnol; Salihamid�i, Hargreaves, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger; Makaay, Podolski Confirm shodasho ta shab mizaram

20-02-07, 06:38	#3 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	CL Preview: Celtic-AC Milan Celtic (SPL, 1st, 72 pts.) VS Milan (Serie A, 6th, 33 pts.) When: 20:45 CET - Tuesday, February 20th, 2006 Where: Celtic Park - Celtic Home Record Celtic will be playing for the first time ever in the second round of the Champions League, as the Scottish champions never managed to get past the Group Stage in previous years. However, they have no intention of stopping here and even though they will be facing one of Europe's most successful sides, they have every intention to cause an upset and reach the quarter finals. To achieve this, Celtic will surely need to rely on their excellent home record which so far sees the Scottish club winning nine out of their previous 12 home games. This is a big contrast to their appalling away record and they will therefore attempt to do most of the work in the first leg. Excellent Form Milan started the season poorly, with negative results the order of the day. However, in recent weeks things have looked brighter and the Rossoneri, despite not performing brilliantly, have still achieved important wins which pushed them up the Serie A standings into 6th place. This might not be a big feat for a club used to competing for the Scudetto, but considering the Calciopoli scandal and the terrible start to the season, this is quite an achievement. The arrival of Ronaldo has brought enthusiasm and motivation, and even though the Brazilian will not be able to play on Tuesday, his mere presence in the squad has galvanised many players who seemed to lack that grit up till December. The �Fenomeno� has been a morale booster for the entire Rossoneri squad and the affects of his purchase are quite visible already. TEAM FORM Celtic Feb 17, 07 Aberdeen 1 - 2 Celtic (Premier League) Feb 10, 07 Celtic 1 - 0 Hibernian (Premier League) Feb 4, 07 Livingston 1 - 4 Celtic (FA Cup) Jan 28, 07 Inverness CT 1 - 2 Celtic (Premier League) Jan 20, 07 Celtic 5 - 1 St. Mirren (Premier League) Jan 14, 07 Hearts 1 - 2 Celtic (Premier League) Milan Feb 17, 07 Siena 3 - 4 Milan (Serie A) Feb 11, 07 Milan 2 - 1 Livorno (Serie A) Jan 31, 07 Roma 3 - 1 Milan (Coppa Italia) Jan 28, 07 Milan 1 - 0 Parma (Serie A) Jan 25, 07 Milan 2 - 2 Roma (Coppa Italia) Jan 21, 07 Lazio 0 - 0 Milan (Serie A) TEAM NEWS Celtic Bobo Balde, Gary Caldwell, Maciej Zurawski, Derek Riordan (injured), and Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley (cup-tied) are all unavailable. With so many injuries in the central defence, Celtic are forced to play with the central duo of Stephen McManus and Darren O'Dea. Milan Many problems in attack for the Rossoneri as the only available striker is Ricardo Oliveira. Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino are still recovering from their respective injuries, even though the latter has still been called-up for this match. Ronaldo is cup-tied since he has already played for Real Madrid in the Champions League this season. Dida is still out, therefore Marco Storari will maintain his place between the Rossoneri's goalpost, while Alessandro Nesta and Serginho are still out.

20-02-07, 06:54	#4 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	CL Preview: Lille - Manchester United What: Champions League First Knock-Out Round, first leg Who: LOSC Lille M�tropole (3rd, French Ligue 1, 39/75 points) VS Manchester United (1st, English Prenier League, 66/81 points) When: Tuesday 20 February, Kick off: 19:45 GMT Where: Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens Time To Get Serious Manchester United take on Lille looking to put behind them their anonymous European form over the last few years. It has been a process of rebuilding, true, but a club of the size of Manchester United have still disappointed. Being knocked out of a group containing Benfica, Villarreal and Lille, as they were last season, still sends shivers down the spines of United fans. Yes, Lille were one of the teams who contributed to their exit, so there is some pungent history from United's perspective. They were first held to a draw at Old Trafford, and then consigned to sheer misery with a defeat in France in the return fixture. Although thet actually went out against Benfica, most of the damage was done against Lille, and that is what the Red Devils will be looking to repair for good tonight. However, Lille are quietly confident! The coach, and every player who has spoken, has shown lots of respect, but it is safe to assume that there is some simmering motivation beneath the projected surface. Those expecting a United cakewalk can continue believing that at their own risk. That said, Fergie and company are still favourites. European Lille Puel's side have looked more formidable in the Champions League than domestically this season. They have scored eight goals already in this CL campaign, compared with just one in 2005/06. And they are unbeaten at home in nine Champions League matches. Puel is not unduly concerned about their poor domestic form ahead of the United game. He said: "I'm not worried because this is a different competition. Champions League matches are more about technique and we just have to repeat what we did in the group stage." They were impressive then, reaching the last 16 by finishing second in Group H behind AC Milan with nine points from six matches. Group H 13 Sep v Anderlecht (A) DREW 1-1 (Fauverge) 26 Sep v Milan (H) DREW 0-0 17 Oct v AEK (H) WON 3-1 (Robail, Gygax, Makoun) 1 Nov v AEK (A) LOST 0-1 21 Nov v Anderlecht (H) DREW 2-2 (Odemwingie, Fauverge) 6 Dec v Milan (A) WON 2-0 (Odemwingie, Keita) Manchester United The Red Devils qualified for the last 16 by winning Group F with 12 points from six matches. But they lost their last two away games in the CL, both by 1-0, at Copenhagen and Celtic. Group F 13 Sep v Celtic (H) WON 3-2 (Saha 2, Solskjaer) 26 Sep v Benfica (A) WON 1-0 (Saha) 17 Oct v Copenhagen (H) WON 3-0 (Scholes, O'Shea, Richardson) 1 Nov v Copenhagen (A) LOST 0-1 21 Nov v Celtic (A) LOST 0-1 6 Dec v Benfica (H) WON 3-1 (Vidic, Giggs, Saha) TEAM NEWS Lille Skipper Gr�gory Tafforeau has no illusions about the task at hand, but refuses to throw in the towel without a fight. And that is what Lille are set to put up � a very stiff resistance. Sadly for Les Dogues, Kader Keita � who excelled during the group stages, even against Milan � is suspended. However, manager Claude Puel believes his side can cope Tuesday without their star right winger. Mathieu Debuchy, a 21-year-old native of Fretin, will deputize in Keita's absence. Debuchy has three Champions League appearances this season, and he started in the December 6 victory over Milan. Puel will stick to the trusted 4-2-3-1 that has stood him well so far this season, with Makoun running the show in midfield, and Peter Odemwingie using his pace to get behind the United defence. Probable Starting XI: Sylva � Chalm�, Tavlaridis, Plestan, Tafforeau � Cabaye, Makoun � Debuchy, Bodmer, Obraniak � Peter Odemwingie. Manchester United Sir Alex may have insisted that it will not be about avenging the embarrassment heaped upon them last season � when United picked up one point from two games, and crashed out � but that hasn�t stopped him from taking his entire squad to France. He will have to leave 5 of the 23 players out, but should be relishing the problem of plenty. There are many positives, the first being that Edwin van der Sar returns after recovering from a broken nose � and is expected to play with a mask. Wayne Rooney also returns after missing the FA Cup game due to suspension. Scholes, Giggs, Ferdinand, Larsson and Neville will also walk straight back into the first team as the signs start to look ominous for Lille. Luis Saha, who has scored four times in this year�s competition, is likely to be consigned to the bench. Probable Starting XI: Van der Sar � Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze � Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs � Rooney, Larsson. PLAYERS TO WATCH Manchester United: Henrik Larsson and Wayne Rooney The former will play a Champions League game for the first time since he set up the two goals that won it for Barcelona last year, while the latter is burning with the desire to stamp his mark on Europe. With the midfield support they will get, it will take something extraordinary to stop them.

20-02-07, 06:54	#5 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	CL Preview: PSV Eindhoven - Arsenal PSV Eindhoven (Eridivisie, 1st, 60 pts.) VS Arsenal (Prem, 4th, 49 pts.) When: 20:45 CET - Tuesday, February 20th, 2006 Where: Philips Stadion - Eindhoven We meet again The Champions League has a habit of pitting the same teams against eachother, promoting rivalries through the luck of the draw. Think Barcelona-Chelsea or Real Madrid-Bayern Munich. PSV Eindhoven-Arsenal may not be one of those classical duels but the two teams are getting to know eachother rather well by now. The sides were drawn together in the 2002/03 campaign and then again in 2004/05. The Gunners walked away from the Philips Stadion with a resounding 4-0 win when the teams first met and held PSV to a 0-0 draw when playing with ten men for 35 minutes in the return match. Kolo Toure was sent-off but the Gunners had already qualified by that point. Arsenal won the Highbury encounter 1-0 in 2004 and were reduced to nine men in Holland but came away with a 1-1 draw. Presumably one of Arsene Wenger�s main priorities will be to keep all 11 men on the pitch in this first-leg. This is the first time the teams have met in the knockout phase. TEAM NEWS PSV Eindhoven Jefferson Farfan missed Monday morning�s training session and is a doubt for the game with an ankle injury. If he doesn�t recover, Diego Tardelli and Aruna Kone will play up front. Patrick Kluivert (back), Ibrahim Afellay (ankle), Michael Reiziger (stomach) and John de Jong (knee) are all out and Alcides is ineligible having played in the competition for Benfica. Chinese defender Xiang may make his Champions League debut after featuring at the weekend. Jan Kromkamp should be fit despite missing training on Monday. Manuel da Costa could be involved. Arsenal The Gunners have problems at right-back with Justin Hoyte (hamstring) having joined Emmanuel Eboue on the sidelines. Wenger has confirmed that either Johan Djourou or Gallas will deputise. Alexander Hleb has recovered from a virus and is set to start. Jens Lehmann, Gilberto and Julio Baptista are also back in contention after being rested at the weekend. Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby have been left at home as Wenger looks ahead to Sunday�s Carling Cup final. Probable line-up: Lehmann, Djourou or Gallas, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Adebayor, Henry PLAYERS TO WATCH Arsenal � Alexander Hleb The Belarusian returned from his spell on the sidelines against Bolton last week and it was as if he�d never been away. One of Arsenal�s most technically gifted players, Hleb�s crafty footwork and ability to link midfield and attack could be crucial at the Philips Stadion.

20-02-07, 07:22	#6 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	khob bacheha bazihaye emshabo pishbini konid be nazare shoma chand chand mishe ?

20-02-07, 14:36	#7 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	Real Madrid 1 Casillas I. [Goalkeeper] 4 Ramos Garc�a S. [Defender] 21 Helguera Buj�a I. [Defender] 5 Cannavaro F. [Defender] 38 Torres M. [Defender] 23 Beckham D. [Midfielder] 6 Diarra M. [Midfielder] 16 Gago F. [Midfielder] 14 Guti [Midfielder] 17 Van Nistelrooy R. [Striker] 7 Ra�l [Striker] Bayern Munich 1 Kahn O. [Goalkeeper] 3 Lucio [Defender] 20 Salihamidzic H. [Defender] 5 Van Buyten D. [Defender] 21 Lahm P. [Defender] 2 Sagnol W. [Defender] 17 Van Bommel M. [Midfielder] 23 Hargreaves O. [Midfielder] 31 Schweinsteiger B. [Midfielder] 10 Makaay R. [Striker] 11 Podolski L. [Striker]

21-02-07, 08:06	#8 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	CL Preview: AS Roma - Olympique Lyon Where: Stadio Ol�mpico, Rome When: 20:45 CET, Wednesday 21/02/07 European Background There are a couple of mini-records being broken in Rome�s Olympic stadium on Wednesday night as Roma have never played French opponents in the Champions League and It�s the first time the Italians have qualified for the knock out stage of the CL in it�s post-European Cup incarnation. Hosts AS Roma will be relieved to be back in a Europe where they can forget the fact that the two points lost in the recent Scudetto match make chances of non-Coppa domestic success slimmer than a supermodel. The Giallorossi have gone eight games unbeaten at home against European opposition but the French champions are formidable travellers having won away twice in the group stage, as well as drawing with Real Madrid at the Bernab�u. It looks set to be a tough task for the Giallorossi as Lyon have lost just once in the last 21 CL encounters � but that was against an Italian team: Milan. If that gives the Italians heart, those hearts will be weighed down by the knowledge that Lyon have failed to score in only one of the last 27 CL games. Comparative European Statistics AS ROMA Games Played 6 Goals Scored 8 Goal Conversion 16.3% Attempts on Goal 49 Shots on Target 21 Shooting Accuracy 42.9% Corners Won 25 Corners Conceded 18 Fouls Conceded 105 Offsides 30 Yellow Cards 10 Red Cards 0 Goals Conceded 4 OLYMPIQUE LYON Games Played 6 Goals Scored 12 Goal Conversion 16.2% Attempts on Goal 74 Shots on Target 34 Shooting Accuracy 45.9% Corners Won 30 Corners Conceded 24 Fouls Conceded 110 Offsides 16 Yellow Cards 10 Red Cards 0 Goals Conceded 3 Players To Watch AS ROMA: Francesco Totti ( number 10 ) � The Captain has regained his air of incomparable flair this season. Last year�s ankle-snapping set-back meant that many had taken it for granted that the number 10 had had his day, but recent form begs to differ. The thumb-sucker has left his digit severely wrinkled with so many celebrations that it�s almost becoming an obligation for him to bless the Olimpico with a goal. OLYMPIQUE LYON: Juninho Pernambucano ( number 8 ) � The Brazilian has risen to idol status in France where all football fans are aware of his graceful dominance of Lyon�s midfield and scorching free kicks. Although he hasn�t been as decisive lately, Juninho is a player who will keep a calm head despite the cauldron atmosphere expected at the Roman coliseum. Much of the outcome will depend on his freedom to create � and ability to destroy. Possible First Elevens (Unconfirmed) AS ROMA (4-2-3-1): Doni; Christian Panucci, Philippe Mexes, Cristian Chivu and Max Tonetto; Daniele De Rossi and David Pizarro; Rodrigo Taddei, Simone Perrotta and Mancini; Francesco Totti. Coach: Luciano Spalletti OLYMPIQUE LYON (4-4-2): Gregory Coupet; Anthony Reveillere, Cris, Sebastien Squillaci and Eric Abidal; Jeremy Toulalan, Tiago (Fabio Santos), Juninho, Florent Malouda; Fred and Milan Baros. Coach: Gerard Houllier Referee: Mike Riley (England)

21-02-07, 08:22	#9 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	CL Preview: Barcelona � Liverpool The last two winners of the tournament clash at a 98,000-strong Camp Nou in the mother of all ties! When: 2045 CET, Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona Spanish Flavour The match takes place in Spain, but that will have little to do with the Spanish flavours available on the menu. What will, are the Spanish roots � and philosophies, despite recent formations suggesting otherwise � of a certain Senor Rafael Benitez. That Xabi Alonso will line up right against international midfield teammate Xavi, will add more Spanish sizzle to the dish. On the side, we have �Pepe� Reina looking to outdo Victor Valdes, the man who has taken charge of the Catalans� goal since the former was unceremoniously deported to Villarreal three-and-a-half years ago. Dessert, as it should be, is optional. Benitez, the master tactician that he is, is set to throw Alvaro Arbeloa in at right-back, to take charge of Ronaldinho. Why? You might ask! Because the former Deportivo centre-half-cum-right-right-back, who just moved this winter, fared superbly against Barcelona in a very recent La Liga clash at the Riazor. No point throwing a clueless Steve Finnan into the fray when you have a specialist for the job, particularly when in Arbeloa, you also have a charged up former Real Madrid youth team player to send out at the Camp Nou! Finnan will also be thrown in, but let me hold that back for a while! Team News /Tactics Barcelona Samuel Eto�o has been left out of the squad, in what has come as a huge surprise. However, it might just be the prudent decision again, for if he was only fit to play 25 minutes, it would have tied Rijkaard�s hands just that bit. However, Lilian Thuram has been passed fit, and is expected to step into the defence alongside Carlos Puyol after Edmilson�s shambolic show against Valencia. The French veteran will be asked to square up against the lanky Peter Crouch. Two out of Gio, Zambrotta and Oleguer will win the race for the wide spots � Zambrotta and Oleguer could get in ahead of Gio, with aerial ability dominating the criteria for selection. The objective also is to keep it tight at the back, so that Ronaldinho and Messi have some freedom. Thus, it is safe to assume that the likes of Belletti will remain parked on the bench. Rafael Marquez should once again anchor the midfield, and will be charged with the task of staying with Steven Gerrard. Deco and Xavi will be responsible for running the Barcelona show, with Messi � who will start � and Ronaldinho for spice. Watch out for Xavi to be heavily marked, though, as that was the one thing that characterized Benitez�s clashes against Barcelona when with Valencia. Gudjohnsen is once again likely to get a nod ahead of Saviola, firstly because of his aerial ability � perhaps used for marking Hyypia � and because of his Premiership experience. You can expect Andres Iniesta to come on at half time with a defender being sacrificed and Marquez dropping back, as Barcelona look to get more aggressive. Probable Line-ups: Valdes � Oleguer/Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Zambrotta/Gio � Xavi, Marguez, Deco � Messi, Gudjohnsen, Ronaldinho. Liverpool There are some very interesting indications coming from the Liverpool camp, with suggestions of one of the most defensive XIs ever being sent out by the shrewd Rafa. Yes, most defensive ever, so prepare to be shocked! Benitez is expected to play two overlapping wing-backs on both sides, in a bid to have one each man-mark Ronaldinho and Messi, and the other cover the flanks zonally. The width of the Camp Nou pitch also seems to have played a part in the decision. Riise and Aurelio could start on the left, with Arbeloa and Finnan on the right. Incredible indeed! There is more to come. Gerrard and Xabi Alonso will be accompanied by Momo Sissoko in midfield, leaving just one up front � likely to be Crouch for his aerial prowess. The idea is simple � to shut shop from minute one, frustrate Barcelona, and pick up the pieces on the break and in the air. Rafa believes Barca will concede at least once given their recent defensive woes, but he is unlikely to be too disappointed if Liverpool were to draw blanks. If any anyone can, Liverpool � arguably the best defensive outfit in the world at the moment � can. Probable Line-up: Reina � Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise � Finnan, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Aurelio/Zenden � Crouch/Kuyt. PLAYERS TO WATCH Barcelona: Lionel Messi He has been thee best player on the pitch since coming on as a substitute over the last two games. His continued improvement has convinced the management to hand him a start against the Reds, particularly with Eto�o missing. The diminutive Argentine � fiercely protected and supported by the rest of the squad � will be given the license to kill, with Oleguer likely to anchor himself in the Barca half, behind him. Liverpool: Steven Gerrard With the Reds likely to keep the Kuyt-Crouch partnership for the Anfield leg, there is little doubt as to who will be handed charge of barging up the field and supporting the lone striker. With the pace of the likes of Aurelio and Riise on the left, the precision of Xabi Alonso behind him, and Crouch to hold it up, expect him to keep the shots coming!

21-02-07, 08:31	#10 (permalink)
== KK == Forum God Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,194 Credits: 7,577 Thanks: 272 Thanked 203 Times in 108 Posts	CL Preview: Porto-Chelsea What: Champions League First Knock-Out Round, first leg Who: FC Porto (1st, Portuguese SuperLiga, 43/54 points) VS Chelsea (2nd, English Premier League, 60/81 points) When: Wednesday 21 February, Kick off: 19:45 GMT Where: Estadio do Dragao, Oporto, Portugal The Last Time The clubs previously met in the group stage of the 2004-05 Champions League. On 29 September 2004, Chelsea won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, when Alexei Smertin, Didier Drogba and John Terry scored for the Blues and Benni McCarthy got Porto's consolation. In the return match on 7 December, Porto won 2-1, Damien Duff giving the visitors lead before Diego and McCarthy won it for Porto. TEAM NEWS Porto Manager Jesualdo Ferreira chose to rest Lucas Mareque, Ricardo Costa, Vieirinha and Sokota on Friday night agaist Naval. The Uruguayan defender Fucile was back, and Marek Cech played in midfield, with Paulo Assun��o used in a holding role and Lucho Gonz�lez on the right. Pedro Emanuel, Anderson and Jorginho were recovering from injuries, and winger Ricardo Quaresma missed out through suspension. Central defender Emanuel could be out for the rest of the season after underdoing a second operation on the achilles injury that has kept him out since August. But Helder Postiga is fit after a thigh strain, as are Sokota, Marek Cech and Jorginho. Apart from Emanuel, Brazilian forward Anderson is the only Porto player currently sidelined; he is recovering from a broken leg. However, Colombian striker Wason Renteria, signed in January from Brazilian side SC Internacional, is eligible to play in Europe for Porto, and so is another new signing, the Argentine left-back Lucas Mareque. Ferreira said after the 4-0 victory over Naval: "It was a quiet match. We tested a new diamond-shaped system as it is important to try out other alternatives and we're going to work more on this. The early goals meant that the team saved energy for the Uefa Champions League match and we proved we still know how to win." He is expected to revert to a 4-3-3 formation for the Chelsea game. Chelsea Midfielder Michael Ballack is included in the squad after recovering from a thigh injury, but Mourinho must continue to do without Ashley Cole (knee), Joe Cole (foot) and Khalid Boulahrouz (shoulder). However, he has no new injury concerns. Squad: Cech, Hilario, Cudicini, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Morais, Obi, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Essien, Shevchenko, Drogba, Robben, Kalou, Wright-Phillips. WATCH OUT FOR Porto Helder Postiga was conspicuously unsuccessful in England with Spurs, but has rediscovered his form back in his homeland. He was developed as a striker by Mourinho during the coach's time at the Dragao. Postiga is Porto's leading scorer this season, thoiugh he is well supported by Argentinian pair Lucho Gonzalez and Lisandro Lopez who are lucky charms: when they've scored this season, Porto have won. Speedy winger Ricardo Quaresma is also likely to pose problems for the Chelsea defenders. Those four forwards have between them accounted for just under 70 per cent of all the goals scored by Porto this season. Postiga has hit 10, Gonzalez nine, Lopez eight and Quaresma seven. Chelsea Andriy Shevchenko has had a somewhat patchy season that at times has included implicit or explicit criticism from the likes of Mourinho and fellow striker Didier Drogba, but he has looked a lot more integrated with the team in recent weeks, and Mourinho has praised his contribution. There is no doubt about the class of the Ukrainian - whom Dinamo Kiev would like to lure back in the summer, according to reports. Shevchenko made his 102nd appearance in European club competition against Levski Sofia in December, and has now scored 57 goals, which takes him above Eusebio into second place in the all-time scorers list for Uefa club competition. Only German star Gerd Muller, with 62, is ahead of Sheva now. The Chelsea striker has also played 83 Champions League games - making him the most experienced of the Blues' players at this level.

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