Champions League Liveblog: Sorry, no can do (again)…

By: Steve | October 24th, 2007

Hala Madrid! So Madridistas, I humbly regret to inform you that I cannot do the liveblog once again, this time because I’ve got tickets to a special BBC Electric Proms gig with Editors. For British viewers, the match is on Sky Sports Xtra at 7:30pm. Let’s take a look at what we’ve got on tap tonight…

ESPN is reporting that Diarra and Cannavaro are both out of tonight’s match due to minor knee injuries that have prevented them from training. With Pepe and Heinze also out, that means uber-dependable Sergio Ramos slides into the centre with Metzelder, with Salgado and Marcelo likely to play on the wings. Torres might have a chance at seeing some time on the pitch, but that will depend on how the game is going.

In the midfield, Real will probably use Gago in the holding role, and instruct Guti to play deeper in order to secure the defense. This really makes a hash of the Spaniard’s abilities, he’s much better forward of the halfway line where his vision and touch are unparalleled. On the wings, I expect to see Higuain and Sneijder as Robben is out for a while with an injury picked up during the international break. If Robinho starts, he will be on a short leash. Drenthe would likely be the first sub here.

Up front, it’ll be the R&R combo of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raul, though Saviola will also have a chance to come on as fresh legs to scamper through a tiring defense in the second half. I think Baptista would get a look here too if he wasn’t being punished for being late. Soldado once again won’t get any PT unless it’s a blowout either way.

Corey and reader John have been talking about our lack of versatile players, particularly at defensive midfielder. We have mostly specialist players, which don’t quite seem to fit together. There’s Guti, the mercurial talent who can’t and won’t defend to save his life. There’s Sneijder whose deadball skills have ably replaced those of David Beckham, but who can’t be the playmaker. There’s Robben who can dribble the ball like it’s tied to his feet, but he’s hardly healthy enough to be on the pitch. There’s Robinho, who has similar skills, but can’t seem to shoot when he’s wearing the white shirt of Madrid.

Nope, there seem to be no players who can be the glue to hold it all together… except maybe one: Sergio Ramos. This kid does everything: he’s an excellent defender, great in the air, pretty good with the ball at his feet, makes good passes, and almost never makes mental mistakes. It would be to our benefit, and to the Spanish national team, if Ramos were able to make the switch. Not only would Ramos get more credit for his ample skills, but he’d be much more involved in the game. The national team, like Real, lack the holding midfielder who can defend AND advance.

As another digression… I think the one team I wish we had instead of our own is Arsenal’s. I have to say now that my second favourite team are the Gunners, but it’s almost impossible not to cry when you compare the two teams. One team is up-and-coming and STILL destroying everything in its path. The coach has been around for 10 years, and the board doesn’t meddle in his affairs. The team is full of promising youngsters who get loads of playing time, with just the right amount of veteran wisdom and experience. Oh, this team also happens to be filthy rich, due to a brand new stadium, and in fact, it’s the second-richest team in the world…

… to Madrid. Which somehow scrapes by even though our talent on paper is undeniable. There’s no continuity with our technical staff, a couple idiots in the boardroom and almost no team style. I will give them spirit - the late comeback wins are exciting, but we should be more like Arsenal, blowing people out of the water and leaving no doubt. Why isn’t this happening?

Anyways, let’s hope for a good result tonight… since we’re at home, I’m predicting 2-1.