[lfc-news] Thommo's thoughts on Final line-up - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 26 Feb 2005
THOMMO'S THOUGHTS ON FINAL LINE-UP
By Paul Eaton

Former Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson has cast his eyes over
the Reds' likely line-up for this weekend's clash with Chelsea and given
his verdict on each area of Rafa's team.

Thommo on the goalkeeper:

Jerzy Dudek has had a difficult time. He's coming into the game after a
bad mistake in the 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. But the one
thing about Jerzy is he does have confidence in himself. You also have
to remember that a couple of years ago he had a nightmare game against
Manchester United at Anfield and then a week later he picked up the man
of the match award against them in the Carling Cup final in Cardiff. His
main weakness is his concentration, but if he is up for it he can be the
best goalkeeper in the world.

Thommo on the defence:

They have been good defensively this season on the whole. Their best
moments have been with Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia together in the
centre. I expect them to be at the heart of defence on Sunday. Maybe
they could have expected a bit more from the likes of Josemi and Steve
Finnan at right-back. Djimi Traore has done OK at left-back. Overall
things have been OK. But the longer you play with the same players the
better you are at the back and the lack of a settled four hasn't helped
the team. Maybe that has played a part with the keeper problems too.

Thommo on the midfield:

Probably the strongest department at the club. Stevie Gerarrd and Xabi
Alonso, it just sounds like a great partnership. Injuries have disrupted
them though and they have often had to play without each other. Didi
Hamann has come in and done a great job as anchorman but it's a shame
the pair haven't played more games. A big bonus has been the form of
John-Arne Riise. He's back to being a threat. You've then got Luis
Garcia who, like Josemi, got off to a great start but trailed off. He
can cause problems and I expect him to play on the right on Sunday.
Stevie Gerrard is the key man though. If he performs Liverpool stand a
very, very good chance of winning.

Thommo on the forward line:

Chelsea have the best defence in the country but Liverpool have Fernando
Morientes in the team. And it must be remembered that as a Monaco player
he scored both home and away against Chelsea last year. He's a big game
player and the final will hold few fears for him. He'll love it in fact.
On his day, Milan Baros terrorises defences but will it be his day? As a
pair, they've still got a bit to do to become a double act, but with
Harry Kewell on the bench and Stevie Gerrard breaking from midfield,
Liverpool do have a real goal threat.

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