A great result at White Hart Lane yesterday really gives us something to play for this Saturday but for now we’ll leave that aside as we have to concentrate on our game against Villarreal tomorrow.
Thierry Henry, like everyone else, is not underestimating the Spaniards and he thinks we’ve got to go at them ‘Premiership style’. He says “We need to do it like we do it in the Premier League – that is one thing which did surprise Juve. They are not used to a team having a go at them all the time, going behind their defence, or putting a high pace into the game.”
There’s no question the game in Spain, despite being more technical, is much more sedate so quick passing and lots of running could certainly cause them problems. I would imagine we’ll go again with the 4-5-1 formation which will allow Gilberto to sit in front of the back four and close down Riquelme who is the man who pulls the strings for them. He’s not all they’ve got though. Forlan can score goals, Tacchindardi is vastly experienced, Sorín is a fine player despite being a massive cunt and striker José Mari is no slouch but keep an eye on him. He is very light on his feet and by that I mean he’s a diving cunt. Our centre-halves should be warned.
They look likely to be without their two first choice centre-halves but I wouldn’t read too much into that as we have all seen what a ‘makeshift’ defence can do this season. They have two very solid full backs, Marcos Senna in midfield who was born Brazilian but will go to the World Cup with Spain and is reminiscent of Vieira in the way he plays and overall they are a team not to be underestimated. I’ve seen them take Barcelona apart at their ground so it’s vital we keep it tight and go into the game with the same focus and energy that we did against Madrid and Juventus.
From our point of view with Reyes suspended you have to think Pires will play left unless the boss chooses van Persie to play there. Freddie Ljungberg is likely to be back we’ll see him alongside Hleb, Gilberto and Cesc who made no mention of his injury in the Spanish press yesterday and spoke as if it was a certainty that he’d play. I like Diaby even though he’s very raw but there’s no question Cesc in the middle can do far more for us than the young Frenchman. Fingers crossed he’s ready for tomorrow night.
I suppose we’ll get more info on the likely teams as the day goes by and the press conferences take place. In a quick round-up Villarreal defender Gonzalo Rodriguez, who misses the game, says Thierry Henry is playing like a Barbarian at the moment. I’m sure he means JPR Williams. The Guardian has a piece on the rise of Emmanuel Eboue.
Dennis Bergkamp – “Take nothing away from the performances so far but I think Villarreal will be a bigger test than either Real Madrid or Juventus.”
A big night in this town later as well as Barcelona take on AC Milan. The hype in the papers here is just unreal and the shite they spout about destiny and this being time for Barça’s ‘consecration’ would make you a little bit sick. Should be a good game though. Right, lots to talk about, see you all tomorrow.
