[lfc-news] Cisse aims for dream finish - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 13 May 2005
Cisse aims for dream finish
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DJIBRIL CISSE will start against Aston Villa for the first time since
his comeback, with the gauntlet thrown down to force himself into the
Champions League Final.

But Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia miss Sunday's Anfield send-off ahead
of the trip to Istanbul. Both will be rested to protect niggling thigh
strains.

Manager Rafa Benitez still hasn't decided who will start in attack in
Turkey, and Milan Baros' outspoken comments earlier this week have
improved Cisse's chances of getting the nod.

Baros complaints about being regularly substituted during the course of
the season have staggered members of the Reds' coaching team,
particularly since the Czech star has scored just twice since November.

Now Cisse will lead the line against David O'Leary's side knowing an
impressive display could be enough to complete a dramatic rehabilitation
from a broken leg, earning him a place against AC Milan.

"The game against Aston Villa will give a lot of players who haven't had
a lot of football an opportunity," said Benitez..

"I will be able to compare the level of players ahead of the final.

"Cisse is one of those players. The competition for places will give me
options. I want to have the best players for the final. If they play
well against Aston Villa, they could play in the final."

Fernando Morientes is still struggling with a thigh problem and is rated
doubtful.

In the absence of Gerrard, Benitez is considering handing Jamie
Carragher the captain's armband on Sunday as a reward for his tremendous
campaign.

The visitors will welcome Nolberto Solano back to their starting line-up.

The Peruvian international came on as a substitute during last weekend's
2-1 defeat by Manchester City and is set to replace Thomas Hitzlsperger
in the starting line-up.

The match will be Hitzlsperger's final one for Villa as he has already
agreed to join VfB Stuttgart this summer.

Midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba is also pushing for a starting place after
his substitute appearance against City.

Carlton Cole is set to continue on the bench in his final match before
returning to Chelsea after a season-long loan spell.

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