View Full Version : Man Utd v AC Milan (pre-game comments)
Middlesbrough outclassed Lazio, Oddo is probably still having nightmares about Downing :D imho neither Boro nor Lazio are anything remotely special.
Roma are strong in name like Liverpool but neither of them are really potential European Champs, especially Roma as they arent even in the Champions League anymore :D
look at the actual results and it says the opposite :nana:
Liverpool, Arsenal, Utd, Chelsea and even dirty Leeds have all beaten Italian sides in recent years :cool: To be honest though comparing the leagues will mean nothing on wednesday evening...
Buddy... I look at the result too, and the result in UEFA CUP and CHAMPION LEAGUE I could say is very different. And btw, Liverpooh has not even played Roma. And of course, Liverpool has not even played Real Madrid, Leverkusen, or Dynamo Kiev. Excuse me. And you are telling me to look at the stats.
I'm surprised how simple you think when it comes to UEFA cup. I'm not sure how impt it is to Middlesborough, but we all know what UEFA Cup means to Italian teams. Prove me wrong, but most of the time Italian team plays second-string players.
And, if you say Lazio is on the same par with Middleborough, that I mean Milan will struggle against Middlebsborough, which I'm sure, even you'll find this sentence hilarious.
And btw, it doesn't look like ur avatar fits what you are saying.
Rapierist
21-02-2005, 13:12
. And btw, Liverpooh has not even played Roma. Leverkusen
Liverpool played Roma in the Champions League during the 2001/02 season. Roma were Italian Champs and Liverpool knocked them out in the group stages. 2-0 in a must win match at Anfield.
Same season, Liverpool got to the quarter-finals, where they lost the tie by a single goal away to Leverkusen.
Are we talking about now or are we talking 2 years before? If your frame is for the last 10-20 years, then I can't argue with you because I"m not willing to spend so much of my time to find out the stats. I'm just talking about now. Saying that Lazio and Middlesborough is the same level sounds hilarious to me. Either it means that Milan is only just a little bit better than Middlesborough (because we struggled against Lazio) or saying that Middlesborough is worldclass.
Rapierist
21-02-2005, 13:24
Are we talking about now or are we talking 2 years before? If your frame is for the last 10-20 years, then I can't argue with you because I"m not willing to spend so much of my time to find out the stats.
Fair enough........you don't want to hear about the stats? I won't mention them. But please do not ramble on without having any knowledge of English football.
Fair enough........you don't want to hear about the stats? I won't mention them. But please do not ramble on without having any knowledge of English football.
To use my favorite sentence: This is a forum, so I can say whatever I please.
Rapierist
21-02-2005, 13:35
Perhaps, but then not many people take you too seriously.
To use my favorite sentence: This is a forum, so I can say whatever I please.
My favorite sentence: That is my opinion, but I could be wrong
My favorite sentence: That is my opinion, but I could be wrong
OFF TOPIC GUYS
Stezagud
21-02-2005, 13:45
and mine: here are some facts, now shut up ;)
seriously though, i only brought those games up because it was suggested that Italian teams always have the edge over English teams and by looking at the recent matches between the 2 leagues (as we can hardly use future examples :D ) its easy to see that English teams more than hold their own.
Saying that Lazio and Middlesborough is the same level sounds hilarious to me. Either it means that Milan is only just a little bit better than Middlesborough (because we struggled against Lazio) or saying that Middlesborough is worldclass.
I was saying that Lazio are no longer a worldclass team, they are 12th in Serie A and got dumped out of Europe by Boro so i dont think im too wrong. They may just be Milans bogey team, like Bolton and Boro had been for Utd in recent years :D
OFF TOPIC GUYS
Excuse me. This is OUR forum. Whether it's off topic or not is not on your responsibility to TELL me. Don't act smart. Know your role and you know what's the next phrase.
And btw this thread is Man U vs AC Milan. It's not "HOw Man U fans come to Milan forums to make a fuss of how good their team is".
OMG... these Man U fans are really awful. :groan: :groan:
Perhaps, but then not many people take you too seriously.
Oh you sure?
derekhski
21-02-2005, 14:33
This weekend created both Milan taking pole position in Series A, but the tragedy of lossing Sheva for not only the Man-U but possibly till Easter. This is quite a boost for Man-U, since our remaining forwards, especially Tomasson have failed to hit the peak goal scoring potential.
Many have spoken about playing one striker? Difficult situation, I hope that we play our strongest lineup and that the defense sufficates Rooney and V.N. Our midfeild is still one of the strongest, and our defense sound. This will be a real test for the midfeild and strikers, proving that they can prevail with or without SHeva. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, tht Milan turns up the heat, and squashes Man-U.
Oh yeah, Forza Milan, Forza Dhorraso :clap: :pp20:
il_mister_salva
21-02-2005, 14:50
ole! the voice of reason, as long as we keep the difesa tight and the midfield control, we should hold their style well. But you think we can create goals from the mid?
Forza Milan!!
I merged the "Winston Churchill" thread into this one as they relate to the same subject (or at least I guess they do...:rolleyes: )
The last page or so of this thread just highlights the immaturity of both sets of fans to be honest. Certain people should think before they post, assuming they have the brains to do so. Also maybe some of us could grow up a little and act our age, so we don't behave like little children (Liverpooh ? ARSEnal ? Childish ? What are you 6 ? You still get off on toilet humour ? ) Oh and PirloDaBest, i'm sorry you don't like living in England but don't tar everyone with the same brush and leave your negative racist comments out of the posts. Some Milan fans happen to come from England/UK incase you didn't notice, so maybe next time you should keep your mouth shut until you have something constructive/informative to say.
Also maybe some of us could grow up a little and act our age, so we don't behave like little children
Jim, are you quite sure they are not acting their exact age? ;)
Back to the game ...
Good signs on the horizon ... Carlo intends to bring Serginho as a sub to maximize his pace and cause trouble to the tired Utd. players. Rui most probably starts to keep the possession as Milan intend to dictate the play according to Carlo :sagrin:
Carlo said that if we keep hold off the ball then the Utd. players will run in vain. :haha: :mex:
He sounded ready. If he is ready then his side is ready. :dcool: Time to end Utd.'s undefeated streak.
We go to Manchester to bag three points.
[QUOTE=Jim_UK]The last page or so of this thread just highlights the immaturity of both sets of fans to be honest. Certain people should think before they post, assuming they have the brains to do so. Also maybe some of us could grow up a little and act our age, so we don't behave like little children (Liverpooh ? ARSEnal ? Childish ? What are you 6 ? You still get off on toilet humour ? ) QUOTE]
Milan and Manchester United basically have a 50-50 in winning. Both teams are good, and to be honest these 2 games will be decided by many unforseeable factors, such as luck, weather, pitch, or even just a moment of briliance from Seedorf (wellz...)... It's difficult to say. Even on paper, both teams are the approximately the same.
Milan, even though not playing brilliantly, are very consistent in CL game (except Depo 4-0 of course), and I don't see how Man U can crack them down unless these 'unforeseeable factors' occur... that is... Milan will/should be able to at least get a draw from Man U, hopefully a win.
I would say a draw, probably 1-1, and with many members here bashing Milan for playing 'defensive' or 'unattractive' football, if we start to defend in the second half.
This's what I believe.
Brain o no u decide.
ACMILAN1983
21-02-2005, 17:37
Great result and equal top now.
We struggled in the match but overall we got what we wanted.
It wasn't a great performance, but it could have been far worse tbh.
Anyway, lets look ahead to Wednesday now.
FORZA SERGINHO! (great goal!!!)
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ps - hope Sheva a speedy recovery
EDIT!!! Damn, can one of the mods move this to the post Cagliari match thread, I made a mistake :tong:
nice post Jeff and in response i have to admit i couldn't care less if we play poorly/defensively and manage to get through ... progress is all that really matters in my opinion. Everyone here knows how well we can play, what we are capable of, if we don't manage to show that in this match then so be it. As long as we can get to the next round, that should be the priority. It's likely we will defend, we're away from home looking to get a result and sneak an away goal. People expecting a 0-4 scoreline can carry on dreaming, it's unlikely to happen (although not impossible :D).
If luck does come into it, then i'm afraid there will be only one winner and it won't be us. Lets just hope we give a good enough account of ourselves so that luck won't be the deciding factor.
Nice one Dev :D
And Henrik, it would kind of defeat my argument alot if everyone was acting their age ;)
autumninchicago
21-02-2005, 17:55
So Sheva is gonna miss the game from acmilan.com
Difficult one for us but we are milan and not fear of anyone.
Game is live in the US on ESPN2 2:30 ET.
And I'm missing it because I have a lap class which means, i'll in front of uefa.com the livescreen, anxiously waiting with the professor talking about "Research Ethics".
Very incongruent...
Anyway... it's an evenly match. I'm worried that Man U has particularly good record against Italian teams but then on the other hand I"m not worried because Milan is particularly good at breaking the so-called record too.
I'm worried about Giggs, if they counter attack when Cafu is attacking then it will be dangerous. Ronaldo on the other hand i'm not worried about, i'm sure Maldini can stop him. I think we will win the midfield battle, Gattuso is gonna break down every single one of Man United's balls and Pirlo will be there to split their defence wide apart.
BTW, is Stam playing? If he is we're in for an even more dramatic showdown.
Problem zone for us will be (as against Barcelona) the midfield.
I'd play all Portuguese (actually only the one we have) and Brazilians we have + Seedorf and Dhorasoo to take the midfield out of their control. These are all the kinds of players that usually do extremely well against the English (Rui Costa actually just had this experience last summer).
If we play too many Italian midfielders we are in for one hell of a ride. Play Rino, glue Ambrosini to the bench for 90 minutes and if things aren't going our way in midfield take off Pirlo and bring in Dhorasoo.
-----------------Dida-------------------
-
-Cafu-------Stam----Nesta-------Maldini-
-
------Gattuso----Pirlo-------Seedorf------
-
------------Kaka-------Rui---------------
-
-----------------Crespo------------------
Serginho is coming on at the 65 min mark [for Rui]. Carlo said that. :p017:
It is the perfect recipe. :devf:
It is going to be a very tough match, but this match will not underestimated by our players. As it has been mentioned before it is going to be a close match, with chances 50-50 to go through to the next round.
I expect this lineup: Dida - Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini - Ambrosini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf - Kaka - Crespo.
It is going to be a very tough match, but this match will not underestimated by our players. As it has been mentioned before it is going to be a close match, with chances 50-50 to go through to the round.
I expect this lineup: Dida - Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini - Ambrosini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf - Kaka - Crespo.
With your line-up we are dead and buried. Ambro and Gattuso together. :dconf: That's also a perfect recipe in a way. A recipe for disaster that is.
walmania
22-02-2005, 10:23
The tie will be decided by the tomorrows result. Milan must not lose at any cost becuase I do feel that Man Utd can come to the San Siro and do a Bologna or Cagliari! We will need an away goal and I think it will come from one of the 2 men upfront as I just feel that it will be Crespo's type of match
Christopher
22-02-2005, 10:32
Sorry to bother you all with this, I can't seem to find the answer anywhere but does anyone know what channel this match will be broadcast on and what time?
PS I am at work and havet had time to read through all the threads . . . sorry!
Agree with Haroon about the formation
IMO, the only way Gattuso and Ambrosini could play together is in a 4-2-3-1, which we for obvious reasons should not introduce this late in the season and against a team like ManU.
Squall23
22-02-2005, 12:28
Our past record in the Champion League has been pretty good.When you look at it we got got beat last year by Porto, they won it. Year before that we got beat by Madrid, while didn't win it, we did beat Juventus another finalist. Year before Leverkusen finalists.
The winner of this match will most likely be finalists.
Giovanni
22-02-2005, 13:04
Hey guys, cheers you all.
I can't wait till tomorrow night!!!!
I had to pay a visit here cause i want to see what's going on. I have missed all the discussions, but i'm pretty sure Haroon has written an essay of 18 pages :D about the match.
I can only say that it has turned into a very risky match since the draw has been fixed, because we've lost brilliancy and our leader Sheva, but i'm confident for the night..
Imo it'll be the match for Kakà, cause the 4-3-2-1 helps the mids to get inside the box.. Crespo will have to do a great job there, helping the team to go forward .
Our secret weapon will be the ball possession: they will try to play at 200 mph, so we must control the ball to slower the game and make them lose the plot and the control.
They aren't used to such good ball possession in EPL, so we can use this weapon.
Kakà MUST get inside the box very often and play a little more forward than usual, to help Crespo and try to put their defence in troubles.
Their best weapon is pace and a lot of play on the flanks. They will surely try to threat our defence with pace and their attacks will be hold on the flanks IMO..
So far it's 50-50.
Rui will start, in order to keep the possession, let them run and run, and when they will have used their best energies Serginho can be our ace, trying to put them in troubles with his freshness in the second half.
On rai and mediaset both said that Stam may play instead of Cafu and i don't like the idea.
Warro Bantan
22-02-2005, 13:47
Franco6, I dont like the idea either, but based on what I have seen, Stam is much better defensively, and could be replaced by a fresh Cafu in the 2nd half, who, along with the other almost 100% sure sub, Serghino, could take us to an insurmountable lead via thier Brazilian Airways flights up either flank.
Bringing on those two in the 2nd half vs tired defenders could be Man U´s undoing on the night.
Wow Gio...long time no see no posts dude, but your post has made me feel a lot more confident, as the christmas tree formation (the forbidden formation)...see this link for an excellent article:
http://football.guardian.co.uk/continentalfootball/story/0,15758,1420028,00.html
seems to be the one thing opposing sides have problems stopping. It also tends to make us a little more unpredictable, especially with both Seedorf and Rui Costa on the pitch.
FORZA MILAN!!!!!
Lets crush these United toads...like the amphibians they are!!!!
MILAN - Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez will take charge of the
Champions League game between Manchester United and Milan on Wednesday
at the Old Trafford. He will be assisted by linesmen Martinez
Samaniego and Yuste Jimenez, fourth man Gonzalez Vazquez, UEFA
official Been and referee observer Petrovic. Mejuto Gonzalez was born
in La Felguera, Austria, on April 16, 1965 and has officiated a Milan
game only once in his career: a 3-2 win over Ajax on April 23, 2003.
No precedents for the Spanish referee with Manchester United, instead.
LEONARDO AND SERGINHO AT SAN VITTORE PRISON
we must at least score 1 away goal for this away match to be a good result!! I think we can do it if we play with one striker (crespo) supported by kaka and Rui Costa
I like Haroons formation and hope to God Stam is in the centre. Hes good in the air too and he knows Van Nistelroy well. Cafu is one of our few attacking options especially with no Sheva, it makes no sense to sacrifice him and put even more pressure on the midfield. I was worried Crespo wont score, but it doesnt matter as long as the other players chip in. Rui will hopefully play well. Im praying that Carlo picks Haroon's lineup, who on earth would Keane mark, Pirlo, Rui Costa or Kaka :mex: The mistake against Barca was we tried to limit their strengths and didnt play to ours. Man to man we are better than Man U, even with out Sheva so why not go for it :de3:
Kaka: I'll do the Double Tuesday 22 February, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaka is fired up for the next three days of crunch matches and pledged to score against both Manchester United and Inter.
“We are more than ready for this,” stated the Rossoneri star. “Our confidence is high after going top of the Serie A table, even if we aren’t exactly playing our best football, so I’m not worried.”
The young Brazilian could take a key role in Carlo Ancelotti’s Christmas tree formation, alongside either Serginho or Manuel Rui Costa, in support of lone striker Hernan Crespo. In the absence of the injured Andriy Shevchenko and Pippo Inzaghi, more of the pressure rests on his shoulders.
Kaka had not yet joined the side when they won the Champions’ League Final at Old Trafford in May 2003, so this is a new experience for him.
“Manchester United are a fearsome prospect,” he told the Corriere dello Sport. “They have experience in the form of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, then young talents like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Their real danger man is undoubtedly Rooney, as he can always make the difference.”
Kaka proved decisive in the Scudetto race last season, but has only found the net six times between Serie A and the Champions’ League this term.
“It is true that I don’t score as much, but I have provided a few more assists,” he argued. “Besides, just to prove everyone wrong I’ll net against both Man U and Inter! I am sorry for my friend Adriano, but we’ll win the derby 3-2 on Sunday.”
Another Brazilian remembers Old Trafford only too well, as Dida saved three penalties in the shoot-out against Juve on May 28 2003.
“Old Trafford is a magical place for me,” said the goalkeeper. “It is the stadium that made me a star, but my mind doesn’t wander to the past, as it is only the first leg of a double clash. All I have to do is what I did two years ago – make saves and keep a clean sheet.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its about time Kaka started talking positively rather than saying how closely watched he will be. If he performs then anythings possible!! What he says reminds me a little of Muhammad Ali, hes predicting he will score against inter and united and hes even predicting the score against Inter. He may aswel say what round he will knock ithem out in :rone:
UEFA Champions League
Man. Utd Vs. AC Milan
Old Trafford, Manchester - ENGLAND
---RD-16 - First Leg ---
-> Wednesday (February 23, 2005)
-> Kick-off -> 19:45 (UK Time): Sky Sports Xtra
PREVIEW
======
It was inevitable. Milan just had to be drawn with an English side since we were not drawn against English sides in the past couple of seasons and Utd. just had to be drawn with the one big side that Alex Ferguson has not faced while creating a dynasty at Old Trafford!
It promises to be one of the great ties of European football as these two sides haven't met for over 30 years!!! The last meeting took place in the semi-final of the 1969 European Champions Cup when Milan eliminated Man. Utd on a 2-1 aggregate (home tie: Milan won 2-0 - away tie Lost 1-0 to Utd.). The only other previous meeting btw these took place in the 50' with either leg separated by the tragic Munich air crash that sent a golden generation of United players away from the world sadly. R.I.P
It is amazing that these two sides have not faced each other or crossed paths! First Juve and Bayern met for the first time ever and now we have this fantastic tie and not to forget the amazing draw!! Amazing UCL tournament! :star:
The tables have turned and now the tie hinges on a fulcrum with no one team in the clear advantage!! Multiple factors have played into it but it is Utd.'s resurgence in form as is customary for them. They always pick up form during the Winter Break period and they have done that.
M A N. U T D
A formation change and a new system is also the reason for the upsurge in Utd.'s great run. Ferguson has shifted to a 4-3-3 system that is supported by two forwards/wingers behind a lone striker. It has been excellent with Utd. having powerful and purposeful displays with authority. The away win to Arsenal was one of the best free flowing Utd. games seen in a while. They toyed with them and even with 10 men didn't look like they had the disadvantage in alien territory.
United have lost to Chelsea during this run in a Carling Cup 2nd leg game at OT and that was 5 games ago. Three games and three 2-0 wins. Surely not a clean sheet in the 4th consecutive game?
The last UCL loss came on Matchday 6 when Tuncay had a great game and Utd. didn't field their full starting 11. They lost 3-0 in Turkey.
The last home defeat of Utd. in the UCL goes a long way back. Utd. have gone on a 15 game undefeated run in the Premiership! :eekani: All these factors are adding up IMO.
It is hard to maintain a streak for any side and the omens aren't good when on a particular CL matchday (TUE) all the home sides win. I don't seem to recall a CL Matchday (TUE + WED) when all the home sides won their games. :party: If the game was at the San Siro I would be a tad bit worried over what happened today. Only 2 away goals scored tonight as well. The perfect plan in motion? :mute:
They're just numbers and hallucinations after all. :devil:
Utd. however are in a rich vein of form and will want to press the point forward and get the win. Ferguson's primary objective will to get a win and if he can manage then get a good lead for the away trip. This test I am sure is his toughest test in his entire coaching career. And right now he has a pretty decent chance to make Milan sweat a lot.
M I L A N
The Stealth Bomber's unfortunate injury doesn't help Milan's cause with the only consolation being Milan returning to the X-Mas tree formation with which Milan does have the habit of controlling games. However the compromise is that the goals don't flow with that formation. Milan's solitary loss to a big side with that formation is the one in Turin in 2002. It was a narrow 2-1 loss.
Milan has a tough game in store for them. Firstly it will 4 degrees in Manchester with snow during the day. The windchill factor is supposed to make the weather feel like -1 degrees! :eekani: It does help in the way that running hard and fast in such cold weather becomes less effective. Players can still run and sprint but the effectiveness is not optimum!
I just hope both teams come through unscathed with injuries coz cold weather is always risky for this.
Milan has been trodding along and slowly but surely have now reached the summit of the Serie A. It should've been by default but Juve made it tough and Milan had a slow start. The Milan side is classier in every department over Juve but Juve will always be Juve when it comes to Serie A.
Milan has recently developed a knack of scoring late goals. Utd. will surely know all about this as they themselves were comeback kings in the '98-'99 season! It is tense ..... very tense but the joy of a late late winner is just out of this world! :shades:
Milan's main problem has been lack of finishing. There are chances created and sometimes the build-up is just elongated but Milan has not been able to put the chances away. Strangely enough that has not been the case in the UCL where Milan's strike rate is the best in the tournament at 61%.
Probable Starting Line-Up(s)
=====================
-------------------
---> Man. Utd <---
-------------------
-> 4-3-3 formation
-----------------------Carroll ----------------------
--
--Neville------Ferdinand------Silvestre-------Heinze--
--
-------Scholes--------Keane----------MisFortune-----
--
--------Giggs------------------------Ronaldo---------
-----------------------Rooney------------------------
1. The big dilemma is to whether play RvN or not. Ferguson is stuck either way. Playing him will require a must change to the formation and revert to the 4-4-1-1 while keeping this will lessen the effectiveness of Rooney as he is more a forward than a target man. The Devil doing his part. Looks like RvN will be a sub according to Ferguson but if I were a betting man I would say he will start. I know Ancelotti wouldn't even think twice about keeping a fully fit Sheva returning from injury on the bench for such a huge game. The temptation to not play your best offensive weapon is just too much for a sane coach. In any case I like the perplexing dilemma :D
2. Set pieces is a headache for Utd. as it is for Milan. Both are dodgy when defending on set-pieces. Set-pieces do unlock a tight game so it will be key on how the teams approach this problem they have.
3. Ronaldo and Rooney both have good long range shots and don't shy away from taking the shot if they even sniff a minimal chance! Milan has to be careful in this regard.
4. Utd. won't be crossing that much if they play a 4-3-3 as the system restricts it a bit compared to a flat 4-4-2 formation. Milan did have problems vs. Celtic in the San Siro on the aerial balls as we are not used to this kind of game. English sides like width and use it. Wingers are common in England but not so in Italy where playmakers/fantasistas sitting behind two strikers are more common. Different styles. Interesting contest.
---------------
---> Milan <---
---------------
-> 4-3-2-1 formation
--------------------Dida---------------------
--
--Cafu-------Stam-------Nesta------Maldini--
--
-------------------Pirlo----------------------
-----Gattuso-----------------Seedorf--------
--
--------------Rui------Kaka-----------------
--
-----------------Crespo---------------------
1. After the La Coruna fiasco it is important to not lose a tie on the basis of a terrible 45 mins. The X-Mas tree formation allows Milan to control games. The Milan side has always looked comfortable even when things are not going right playing the X-Mas tree. It is Ancelotti's favourite formation but Mr. Berlusconi wants two strikers on the pitch at all times. Considering that this game is away to a side in hot form it is the ideal formation to use as controlling the game is imperative for the cause.
2. There are varying views over the 4 man backline that Carlo will use. He too is in a bit of a dilemma! Stam hasn't played well since his return from injury. It was only in his last game vs. Cagliari where he looked like the Stam we know he is. Hence Carlo has to decide whether to put in Stam alongside Nesta in the middle while shifting Maldini to the left and giving Cafu his customary right back slot.
Or play Stam at right back with Nesta-Maldini-Kaladze as the other defenders. Kaladze had a super game before he got injured so he too is returning from injury. It is a dilemma here as well but more dependent on Utd.'s formation in order to fight fire with fire. ;)
3. Cafu and Serginho are both pacy players. It is almost a certainty that Serginho is coming on as a sub for Rui Costa on the 65 min mark or so as Rui has 60 good mins left in him and Serginho plays really well when he comes off the bench rather than starting a game. An injection of Cafu and Serginho in the final 30 mins can really speed up Milan's game however I am in the favour of starting Cafu because Stam and Gattuso are not a threat on the right side and make that right side of our paralyzed offensively.
4. If Milan is winning the game somehow and the 60 min mark arrives then it would not be wise to introduce Ambrosini to try and hang on to the lead. Utd. is a free scoring side that will punish us no matter what if we try to sit back. Scoring goals is what they do know all about. It is the defending that they lack. It is decent but not world class. And the Utd. goalkeepers are under pressure nowadays. The plan should be to bring in Serginho at the 60 min mark no matter what and if Ambro has to be brought on then take out Crespo pushing Serginho as the forward. It will be like a 6 man midfield that Barcelona played to rip apart Celtic at Celtic park ;)
-------------Rino--------Ambro-------------------
-
----Seedorf-------Pirlo-----------Kaka------------
-
-----------------Serginho------------------------
Ferguson won't know what hit him. ;) I guarantee that. BUt use it only if Milan is leading with 25 mins to go. We may even score another one with the above set.
Not to get ahead as it is easier said than done but the objective is try to keep a wrap on 3 Utd. players mainly: Rooney, Ronaldo and Keane.
If these three are kept under check then Milan can have a decent result.
Tactics
======
-------------------------------
--- Ferguson [M A N. U T D] ---
-------------------------------
Ferguson's achilles' heel will be his side's poor performances over the years in the UCL knock-out games especially at home. 2000 (Real: 2-3 win), 2001 (Bayern: 0-1 win), 2002 (Leverkusen: 2-2 draw) 2003 (Real: 4-3 loss) & 2004 (Porto: 1-1 draw). It is a poor return and in most of these seasons Utd. had their trademark EPL swagger. It is repetitive pattern of not dealing with the improved level in European competition.
A) Priority number 1 will be to try and reverse the above trend and get a home win for a change. The rest comes later. I wonder if he has even looked at this damning statistic.
B) Keep the momentum and pace high & hope Milan comes out to play an open game.
C) Remain cautious at the back as the opportunity is there to prevent Milan from scoring due to the absence of Sheva plus the lack of finishing problem that Milan is dealing with.
D) Stop Kaka as he is the main offensive weapon for Milan. Keane's task.
---------------------------
--- Ancelotti [M I L A N] ---
---------------------------
Ancelotti too has his demons to exorcize. The only two times that his Milan side has been eliminated from European competition have been big losses. [Dortmund: 0-4 loss - UEFA CUP Semi 2002] & [Depor: 0-4 loss UCL QF last season]. Personally as a Milan fan I am very settled and calm when my team scores. If Milan doesn't score then it becomes quite edgy. Once the team scores then I am not that worried coz once that first goal goes in the team is different. It doesn't matter if it is the equalizer or the first goal of the match ... just the goal will do.
A) Make sure that there isn't a mauling at the hands of Utd.
B) Keep a check on Utd.'s wingers. Gattuso handles the one on Utd.'s left. but the left back whoever Carlo plays (Maldini/Kaladze) handles the one of the right. Could very well be that the RB (Stam) handles the winger as Gattuso could be set to keep a check on Scholes who has the fastest shot (clocked at 72 mph) compared to Rooney's (71 mph).
C) The good thing is that Ancelotti sounds like he is going for the win. He will most probably refrain from the strategy in the Nou Camp that didn't work out well because that is just not Milan.
D) Set-pieces have been harmful to Milan. Dida mentioned it as well and there is work being done to not let in these kind of goals.
KEY BATTLES
==========
Giggs vs. Seedorf
Scholes vs. Pirlo
Rooney vs. Nesta
Keane vs. Kaka
Ferdinand vs. Crespo
Ronaldo vs. Gattuso
I personally think that there is a massive midfield battle on show. The midfields are rich, strong and effective. Milan doesn't want to chase balls but rather make Utd. players do that. Possession is key.
KEY MEN
=======
Scholes
--------
I have tremendous respect for Scholes. He really is a class act. And for me he is the danger man. Not much has been spoken about him. The concentration is solely on Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs and to an extent RvN but Scholes is a very dangerous player with an awesome shot and a knack for scoring very important goals. His vision, strength and creativity are other factors to worry about. I hope he doesn't have a blinder. He'll be up for it. Most fans will be looking towards the trio and Keane to do the stuff but this guy is just amazing and dangerous all the same!
Nesta
------
Well we paid £20 mil to get the world's best defender for a reason. Alexander the Great is playing against an offensive powerhouse like Utd. on a good run. It is extremely important for Milan's cause that he has a presence in the game. If he is in the mood then Utd. will get frustrated no end. Rooney might not control his temper. I don't know whether he took those "Anger Management" classes that Ferguson told him to attend. :D Back to topic ... in a game like this the main man has to keep things under check. It is better to not concede early and totally lose concentration and purpose in the game. Therefore cool, calm heads led by Nesta is required! Utd. will most probably score at OT and San Siro. Milan will probably do the same. Hence it is imperative to remain calm and deal with the situation.
Prediction
I really do think that we have a pretty good chance of pulling off a win at OT. There are many things adding up that go against Utd.
- Their long undefeated streak.
- Not conceding goals for 3 consecutive games while scoring 6.
- Extended period since their last HOME CL loss.
- No away teams winning tonight.
- Only 2 away goals scored tonight.
- Milan forced to play X-Mas tree.
- Comments by Milan players & mgmt.
- Poor record in the UCL knock-out games especially home.
- Ancelotti has outfoxed all coaches (Capello, Hitzfeld, Del Bosque, Sammer, Mancini & Lippi) but Alex. He lost to him in '99 as coach of Juve. But this is Milan in Europe.
All good things must come to an end. It is a law of nature. The game is there for the taking. :skull:
There is definitely a pretty good opportunity for Milan to pull off a stunning win even though the record is poor in England. Then again up until 2002-3 Milan had not won in Deutschland for 44 years! :eekani: The X-Mas tree and the Milan team did the trick in Germany beating Bayern. ;) No Sheva.
We won in '94 without Baresi and Costacurta and kept a clean sheet. :proud: We made the final of our 6th triumph without Pirlo and Seedorf in the semi-final was it?
I have a good vibe about this game unlike the Barcelona game in the Nou Camp or the La Coruna fiasco!
Utd. may win the game but I haven't been worried for a single instant even with all these developments. Actually when the draw was made a month or so ago I hoped that Utd. would go on a winning streak and just smash their opponents left and right.
For me this is the perfect setting for a win over Utd. If I had wanted to plan the lead up to this game myself the only thing would be to include Sheva. However in the end it is the midfield that is decisive in this battle.
My only concern is to not put destroyers on the pitch. Gattuso is enough. We put Ambro with him then ring changes up front to accommodate it otherwise in a 4 man midfield ... it is disaster for us.
Last but definitely not the least .. it is the Number of the Beast. :devil:
I think Milan will pull off a stunning win. I maybe wrong but that is my gut instinct. :stuckup:
:star: Forza Milan :star:
KAKA: 'I will score for Milan'
2/22/2005
MILAN - Kaka spoke to Corriere dello Sport : 'I feel fine both
fitness-wise and mentally, I want to play as much as possible and make
my mark. I also want to score in the next two games, against
Manchester [United] and Inter, as I have scored fewer goals than I
have in the past.'
SHEVA IMPROVES, TEAM IN MANCHESTER
I realy hope so
:angf: :angf:
SHEVA IMPROVES, TEAM IN MANCHESTER
2/22/2005
MILAN - Andriy Shevchenko was discharged from the clinic Villa Letizia
last night. Now he is at home with his wife Kristen and feels better
after the anaesthesia effect has worn off.
Meanwhile, the team landed at Manchester. The flight lasted two hours
and fifteen minutes. Before boarding, at the Malpensa airport, Milan
chief executive Adriano Galliani confessed: 'It is beautiful to play
these top challenges in Champions League, especially in a stadium that
evokes pleasant memories to Milan.'
A blizzard welcomed the Rossoneri at their arrival, but soon the snow
was replaced by the wind and a pale sun.
Later this afternoon, at 5.30 pm local time (6.30pm CET), Carlo
Ancelotti, along with captain Paolo Maldini, will hold a press
conference, and then the team will train (5.45 pm local time, 6.45pm CET).
first I'm so happy that Sheva is doing better and other thing
I hope all best to Milan to win since it is a very hard game and we
are out of sheva- Inzaghi effort espacialy sheva as he proves him the best
after long injury of Inzaghi
Super prediction
Superb, simply superb.
Our success in Europe without Sheva playing has cooled me down a bit.
I just checked La Gazzetta probable lineup: Dida - Stam, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze - Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf - Rui Costa, Kaka - Crespo.
Stam instead of Cafu in right back...?? Hmm, it seems like we will not be too offensive tonight.
im so excited, I live about 45 minutes away from the ground and it is snowing slghtly here, but surprisingly isnt that cold. Come on MEEEEEEEEEEELANNNNNNN!!!!!!!! :3band:
The defensive line-up worries me. If we only have one striker, Cafu is even more important to have. Now all attacks will come thru the x-mas tree funnel and may be easily stopped by ManU. I hope Carletto has an ace up his sleeve.
Forza Milan regardless :3band:
PirloDaBest
23-02-2005, 05:56
Ok so he is leaving Cafu out. Looks like he has acknowledged that the main threat to come from Man Utd will be the wing-play. We need two strong defenders on Ronaldo and Giggs. Kaladze better not let Ronaldo do too much. He needs to stay on him at all times.
Anothing thing, Seedorf needs to hold on to the ball. He has been losing it a little to easily of late and then doesn't win it back or even try to.
I think with Cafu on the bench Ancelotti could change to a 3-4-2-1 during the course of the match depending on the score/performance.
Lastly, I am off to Manchester in about 2 hours to go an watch the match
Speriamo...
Lastly, I am off to Manchester in about 2 hours to go an watch the match
Speriamo...
Enjoy! Bring home a victory :)
good luck for the match, our season begins here, after my lectures i will rush home to watch the match, will be dreaming with our players!
I totally agree what Bayman said about the Portugese speakers tactic, if team Brazil ware Milan jersey and England ware Manu jersey, there won't be any worry for me at all.
The defensive line-up worries me. If we only have one striker, Cafu is even more important to have. Now all attacks will come thru the x-mas tree funnel and may be easily stopped by ManU. I hope Carletto has an ace up his sleeve.
Forza Milan regardless :3band:
Don't worry Henrik. In our great run with the X-Mas tree at the start .... SIMIC used to be our right back while Kala our left back. ;)
Cafu and Serginho coming on as subs will inject pace and purpose in our game later on when Utd. players are tired.
Cafu or Stam ... I am not worried as long as Dida, Maldini, Nesta, Gattuso, Seedorf, Pirlo, Rui and Kaka start.
Bring on Utd. :dcool:
ACMILAN1983
23-02-2005, 09:11
The time has finally come. The buzz of the CL is back and were coming into the match with a lot of enthusiasm.
Its not the same tie we expected in December, BUT, we still have the qualities and abilities to beat Man U.
Defensively, Man U are quite frail and they will rely on Keane in particular to break down our attacks.
Offensively, United are very strong at the moment, and we'll need to be at our best to stop them. Their wing play is good and this is an area we really need to be careful. Ronaldo and Giggs are major threats and will try to run rings around our fullbacks. United's midfield is strong too and this is an area we need to dominate. I agree with those who say play XMas tree formation, as it will allow us to dominate the midfield and also allow more stronger and effective attacking plays, as JDT and Crespo lately haven't helped in this area anywhere near enough when together.
Defensively, our side is strong, as we've been far more solid in recent weeks, despite the "not so good" performances and this will be a key factor in victory.
As Ancelotti has stated, Utd will try to play a high paced game often looking to the wings and Scholes and Rooney for inspiration. Our aim should be to hold possession and frustrate united. This means a high pressure game will be needed to stop the flow of Utd's game and stop them from creating attacks and building momentum.
However, Utd will try the same and play a high pressure game. This means we must control the pace of the game too and dictate play as much as possible!
Although this match is a very tough prospect, we have the qualities to beat anyone, and Man U are no different!
Lets hope for a win, and at the very least a score draw!
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!
Don't worry Henrik. In our great run with the X-Mas tree at the start .... SIMIC used to be our right back while Kala our left back. ;)
Cafu and Serginho coming on as subs will inject pace and purpose in our game later on when Utd. players are tired.
Cafu or Stam ... I am not worried as long as Dida, Maldini, Nesta, Gattuso, Seedorf, Pirlo, Rui and Kaka start.
Bring on Utd. :dcool:
I have this game figured out now. Carlo is planning to do to ManU what Muhammed Ali did to Forman in the "Rumble in the Jungle". :) Let ManU attack a solid defence until they get tired (Is that all you got George? :D), then introduce Serginho and Cafu and go for the knock-out :tongue1:
It will be a classic! :3band:
RedskinComrade
23-02-2005, 09:54
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/default.stm)
Gazzetta (http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadra/Milan/index.shtml)
Goal.com Preview (http://www.goal.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=48545&idSez=126)
Repubblica: All'Old Trafford (http://www.repubblica.it/2005/b/sezioni/sport/calcio/champions_league/traffofinale/traffofinale/traffofinale.html)
SoccerNet: Police arrest AC Milan staff member (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=325860&cc=5739)
Sporting Life: Maldini's High Esteem For United (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/05/02/23/SOCCER_AC_Milan_Maldini.html&TEAMHD=soccer)
Tribal Football: AC Milan ace Kaka: Man Utd are a frightening team (http://tribalfootball.com/february/italnews4230205.html)
UEFA: Big Guns Set For Dramatic Night (http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/news/Kind=1/newsId=282917.html)
FORZA MILAN :3band:
My Last word ACM wil draw 1-1 I`m afraid Milan couldn`t pass 1/8 finals!
BUTFORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FORZA ROSSONERI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fox@Mulder
23-02-2005, 11:09
This match will be very, very even but it will also be more than difficult for us just to get away from Old Trafford with a single point.
We have a strong team, even without Sheva, and can beat anyone - home and away, but this is Champions League and homeground means sooooo much.
Take a look at these statistics I have gathered:
- If we look at the 16 teams that have qualified from the groups their total record at home says 37 wins, 10 draws and just 1 defeat. Of course some of the teams in the groups are weaker than the teams left, but we are still dealing with teams that very seldom lose at home. Yesterdays matches just underlined this fact... 4 matches ending in 4 victories for the hometeams
- United have now played 22 matches in a row without loosing an european match at Old Trafford - those 22 matches have given 18 wins and 4 draws.
- Milan have played 9 games in England and have failed to win just a single one of them.
Still I have faith in the boys, we can get a positive result from tonights match, but we need all players to be at their best and some luck.
I will be satisfied with a small defeat with us scoring, like 2-1. Drawing 1-1 or higher would be perfect while 0-0 would be OK, but nothing more. A win would be out of this world, but I can´t see us do that :(
Hopefully Carlo will field a team that can hold on to the ball and that bring the play to Uniteds half (one with only Gattuso as ballwinner, gamdestroyer), instead of a team that just stands back and tries to destroy Uniteds play - I am of course talking about the partnership of Gattuso and Ambrosini.
My team would be:
Dida - Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze - Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf - Rui, Kaká - Crespo.
I hope Carlo doesn´t field Stam. First of all he has been injured and in the last matches he hasn´t played that well. Second I think Nesta, Maldini are the best partnership for our central defense and they allways play well together in the big matches. Third I think Kaladze has more speed and can shut down Ronaldo better than Maldini.
My optimistic guess of the result: 1-1, Seedorf scoring.
The time has finally come. The buzz of the CL is back and were coming into the match with a lot of enthusiasm.
Its not the same tie we expected in December, BUT, we still have the qualities and abilities to beat Man U.
Defensively, Man U are quite frail and they will rely on Keane in particular to break down our attacks.
Offensively, United are very strong at the moment, and we'll need to be at our best to stop them. Their wing play is good and this is an area we really need to be careful. Ronaldo and Giggs are major threats and will try to run rings around our fullbacks. United's midfield is strong too and this is an area we need to dominate. I agree with those who say play XMas tree formation, as it will allow us to dominate the midfield and also allow more stronger and effective attacking plays, as JDT and Crespo lately haven't helped in this area anywhere near enough when together.
Defensively, our side is strong, as we've been far more solid in recent weeks, despite the "not so good" performances and this will be a key factor in victory.
As Ancelotti has stated, Utd will try to play a high paced game often looking to the wings and Scholes and Rooney for inspiration. Our aim should be to hold possession and frustrate united. This means a high pressure game will be needed to stop the flow of Utd's game and stop them from creating attacks and building momentum.
However, Utd will try the same and play a high pressure game. This means we must control the pace of the game too and dictate play as much as possible!
Although this match is a very tough prospect, we have the qualities to beat anyone, and Man U are no different!
Lets hope for a win, and at the very least a score draw!
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!WE'VE CONCEDED THE SAME NUMBER OF GOALS AS A.C. AND PLAYED TWO MORE GAMES FRAILTY IS EQUAL I'D SAY
ghostweed
23-02-2005, 11:59
Good luck my beloved, may you share the ferocity of a wild beast with the finesse of a ballet dancer (obviously if Laursen was still playing for us I would have to rescind the last part, and Roque Junior and Bierhoff, what was he like? the only player whose first touch was a debatable shot).
oskarius
23-02-2005, 15:00
I can't watch the game, because our local TV shows Barca-Chelsea.. :angf:
We'll win, I hope..it's gonna be a tight match..one goal will decide..and it'll be scored by Milan.. :3band:
Come on..
Forza Milan !!!
:3band:
oskarius
23-02-2005, 17:53
As I said ! One goal..Hernan..0-1 :sagrin:
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