UEFA Champions League/Europa League Quarter-Final Draw - 21st March

Gilly · 21 Mar 2014 at 14:46

Even on physioroom? They're usually up-to-date for most (though the website isn't loading for me ATM).

Rafael constantly looks like getting sent off, but against Ribery and Robben you need players that have featured regularly.

Robbo · 21 Mar 2014 at 14:48

Rafael will probably play left back, then one of Jones/Smalling can go to right back.

Assuming Robben plays on the right and cuts inside as usual, Rafael should be okay against him (assuming he doesn't get sent off

).

Shamikebab · 21 Mar 2014 at 14:49

Gilly said:
Even on physioroom? They're usually up-to-date for most (though the website isn't loading for me ATM).

Not heard of that, I'll give it a look. Where do they get their info from though?

Trusty · 21 Mar 2014 at 14:51

They work with the PL i think..

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php

Looks like he won't make it, maybe 2nd leg.

Will be the same line up that played Olym then, but with Jones at RB/ Rafa LB

Gilly · 21 Mar 2014 at 14:56

Shamikebab said:
Not heard of that, I'll give it a look. Where do they get their info from though?

Look here. I used to use them when I played a lot of fantasy footy. They were accurate and up to date 2-3 seasons ago but I couldn't vouch for them now.

Trusty · 21 Mar 2014 at 14:57

Updated today at 2.18 it's saying...

Robbo · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:02

Nani had an outside chance of starting against Olympiakos (trained before) so you'd expect he's close to being fit.

Gilly · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:03

Fit to play against West Ham and match fit to play Bayern are different sides of the same coin though.

Leeroy Jenkins · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:26

Madrid will wipe the floor with Dortmund imo, they have to many injuries and to many people in and out of the squad.

El Plastico is on then, P$G should be favourites against Chel$ea for me but just barely as it's a very close tie but i think P$G are better in all departments especially in attack with Ibra while Chel$ea dont have a top striker.

United will do will really well not to get humiliated against Bayern.

Barca vs Atletico will be the tie of the round imo the best football will be on display and should be a joy to watch.

NeedAUsername · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:34

Nani should be fit by the second leg but I don't think Moyes will play Jones at lb, it'll be Buttner or Rafael. Jones-Smalling-Evans-Rafael maybe.
We just need a draw minimum at home, and then build on the Bayern struggling against English teams at home and we have been better away this season anyway.
Moyes better take notes from the Arsenal game.

Robbo · 21 Mar 2014 at 15:58

Looks like Nani is back in the squad for the game tomorrow then.

MooMoo444 · 21 Mar 2014 at 16:20

lucarocks92 said:
Madrid will wipe the floor with Dortmund imo, they have to many injuries and to many people in and out of the squad.

El Plastico is on then, P$G should be favourites against Chel$ea for me but just barely as it's a very close tie but i think P$G are better in all departments especially in attack with Ibra while Chel$ea dont have a top striker.

United will do will really well not to get humiliated against Bayern.

Barca vs Atletico will be the tie of the round imo the best football will be on display and should be a joy to watch.

Putting dollar signs in club names, what are you, 12?

Gilly · 21 Mar 2014 at 16:51

MooMoo444 said:
Putting dollar signs in club names, what are you, 12?

I'm hoping he's not a fan of any top 6 English club, as they've all bought their way there! [edit]Make that top 7, I forgot how far the mighty had fallen.

Moses said:
Has Rafael ever played at left back?

A lot of people assume that fullbacks on either side can just play the other side as it's the same position, but some players really struggle to transition.

Trusty · 21 Mar 2014 at 16:54

Robbo said:
Looks like Nani is back in the squad for the game tomorrow then.

Yeah all them need to play ideally, they could play a big part over the two legs. Need to sort that LB position out, Bayern will target that area for sure.

Gilly · 21 Mar 2014 at 17:00

It needs someone equally adept at tackling with both feet. A lot of people think it's about how they kick the ball with their weaker foot, but more often than not they get unstuck when the attacking player has the ball and drives at their weak side.

It does matter than they can play the ball well with their weaker side, and we've all seen Johnson strike a ball cleanly with his left when he cuts in, but it's more about the defence. Someone that has only ever played right back will show robben inside on occasion, because that's where they're used to shepherding players. That would be tantamount to suicide.

Robbo · 21 Mar 2014 at 17:06

I think Rafael has played left back before, but can't remember specifically when.

Evans has played left back a few times, and has for his national team, so maybe he will be an option.

I can't see Buttner coping too well but he might manage if he had an absolute stormer and had good support from someone ahead of him.

Gilly · 21 Mar 2014 at 17:07

That would need to be Giggs then? Can't see that level of cover coming from Nani or Kagawa, unless you mean Fellaini/Carrick in the centre?

It hampers any attacking threat they might carry. They can't afford to just park the bus, Bayern are too incisive.

Robbo · 21 Mar 2014 at 17:09

Maybe Welbeck? You could even stick Rooney there.

Shamikebab · 21 Mar 2014 at 17:10

Yeah Rafael has played left back. Giggs hasn't got the legs to play wing any more.

planty · 21 Mar 2014 at 17:14

Valencia could be an option at RB if Rafael plays LB.