Comments on: Roma Means Rome

By: Corey

Corey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:38:45 +0000

The lack of finishing will be a problem, as we will want a goal or two but the truth is a clean sheet is what we want most out of this game, so the chances Roma gets they will need to take.

By: CMP

CMP — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:35:31 +0000

Interesting preview Corey even though I’m supporting red and orange. Should be a great game! I have to say I’m really worried with our lack of finishing… I’m afraid we’ll lose because of it. That and oour midfield if either DDR misses the game because of a fever and/or David Pizarro starts! But I can see our guru Chris has already been here to say that hehe.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:19:46 +0000

this will be the best game of this year’s champions league. i respect madrid and if they go on, i wish them the best of luck. as a roma fan, i much prefer the madrid fans to the manchester united scumbags of the world.

By: Corey

Corey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:18:16 +0000

Chris- Well you dont like Pizarro, and even though Aquilani is a better player, it makes sense to play Pizarro. He wont move forward as much and he will give us the ball alot, so it really plays into our hands…

Vin, Im a pretty big Roma fan myself. I read Chris’s page everyday so I do know a thing or two about the team, but thanks for the plaudits.

Spencer- I am a fan of Auqliani as well, but I dont know if its much of a battle. Its more whos shows their stuff more. Unfortunately, I think Chris is right, Pizarro will start over King Alberto. Cambiasso-Mascherano is a battle, but who really cares? The English media makes such a big deal out of defensive midfielders, the fact is a Guti-Auquilani show down is more interesting because they have skill, not just physicality like Cambiasso-Mascherano

Steve and Gonz- I saw the probable lineup, and it seems logical. Sergio Ramos is much better at right back, and Heinze is better at center back. And Torres is solid where ever he plays, but he has has a few off games this year, lets hope this isnt one. As for Baptista, he will be a great impact sub for Gago in the 2nd. Gago and Diarra will have a tough task for controlling the tempo of the match against De Rossi and Aquilani/Pizarro. And it will free Guti to do his thing, lets hope he is ready to perform tonight.

By: Gonzalo

Gonzalo — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:05:04 +0000

According to Marca it’ll be Diarra, Gago and Guti in the cente, with Robben, Raúl and Van the Man up front, so a slightly less attacking formation than if Baptista was in for Gago. I like the look of the back four, just hope Heinze is fit enough and Torres performs on the left.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:35:31 +0000

Actually, if Heinze is going to start, I don’t think it’ll be at left-back. Schuster has shown that he prefers Heinze to Ramos at centreback, so I’d expect the back four to be Ramos-Heinze-Cannavaro-Torres.

I think Baptista should start, partially because I think he won’t be intimidated by De Rossi, and partially because he’s on good form right now. He’d definitely be a handful for De Rossi, so I think that would give Guti more time on the ball.

I’m also predicting that Diarra will start over Gago, because Gago still isn’t quite up to par defensively, and I think Real will need that steel in the midfield.

Robben, Raul and Ruud to start up front.

By: Gonzalo

Gonzalo — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:30:12 +0000

I’ll take a half-fit Heinze over Salgado any day of the week. I just hope I don’t have to eat my words after this evening’s game.

By: spencer

spencer — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:07:06 +0000

I am also a roma fan but am a huge supporter of guti so I think that will be the best battle of champpions league.. My boy Aquilani and then madrid’s guti, everyone is talking about cambiasso mascherano but i think guit aqui will be an awesome match up

By: Vin

Vin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:59:43 +0000

Is it bad that I’m a Roma fan and Corey knows more about Roma than I do?

Honestly, you pretty much have Roma down to the letter.

The way I see it, the most dangerous moments in the match will be the first 15 minutes of each half, and the first 10 minutes following any major Roma substitution. As you pointed out, Roma like to attack, sometimes to their downfall… but man, they come out firing. Canna should know that though, and he’ll give your guys the intel. Canna’s good like that.

By: chris

chris — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:52:37 +0000

Unfortunately, the rumor is Pizarro may start.

If he does, Real goes through. He just gives away possession too much.