Well all the Liverpool players, manager, coaching staff and the fans world over would be hoping so. But somewhere else, AC Milan would be wishing exactly the opposite. So whose night is it going to be? On whom will the Greek Gods smile?

Liverpool would fancy their chances. There is so much tension in the air that the English side would feel that Milan would wilt under it. The shadow of Istanbul still looms large on AC Milan, one feels. However it might just lead to the opposite effect. Liverpool might just get over confident, maybe like two years back when Milan were leading at half time 3-0 and lost. Such is the nature of football, none can predict. Add to it this rivalry, this opportunity to get even or the opportunity to go two up and one can’t actually wait for the game to begin.

AC Milan played the perfect match in recent football memory when they beat Manchester United 3-0 at the San Siro in the second leg of their semi-final. They wove a wonderful web of tricks around United, scored three good goals and then defended well. And a repeat performance would certainly see them winning the cup. For few teams can match them when they are on song. By breaking the speed of play of the Red Devils, Milan got the better of them. But Liverpool is not Manchester United. They can play both ways, rough football and fast paced games. So what trick is Ancellotti teaching his players?

Liverpool have had quite a ride under Rafael Benitez. They haven’t done that well in the domestic league but in Europe, they have been impeccable. As Jose Mourinho pointed out they play only one tournament in the season and that’s the Champions league. Well, their fans aren’t complaining as the march towards a sixth European title brings them to Athens. But this time they must be careful. Especially in their team selection. In 2005, Rafa shocked everybody by putting Harry Kewell in the starting line up after he had been out for most of the season. The story is the same this year too but only this time it would not be a surprise. Nor would it serve any purpose. The Liverpool manager however is known to play tricks with his team selection and will obviously play with the wingers in the squad. Because it won’t be easy to break the Italians down in central defense, the only opportunity might come from the flanks. The reasons are obvious.

AC Milan are only too aware this season. Their year was ruined at the start by the match fixing penalties pushing them out of contention for the Italian title. Their season could only be salvaged by winning in Europe and look where their resolve brought them. Milan have a very strong team line up with the weakest point being the goal keeper Dida. He has become too error prone in recent times but if for one moment the opponents think they can exploit this weakness, consider their defense. Maldini, Nesta, Gankilovski, Kaladze and the new signing, Oddo. Plus they have the ‘Rhino’ Gattuso guarding them. Not easy to break down.

Liverpool would do well to start Gerrard in a more central midfield position. Mascherano and Alonso will have their hands full trying to win or keep possession of the ball against the likes of Kaka, Pirlo and Seedorf. The defense is settled in the guardship of Carragher and Riise but it is the hands of Reina which will determine the fate of their club. If the man in the goal is too mercurial tonight, like his traits are, then Liverpool will remain five time champions.

AC Milan have only one major worry. Which striker to play, Inzaghi or Gillardino? It would be better to start with Inzaghi as he is always moving around the penalty box, ready to pounce even on half a chance. However Gillardino is more liable to score as he bonds well with the midfield and it is not going to be as open as it was in 2005. So he can come on in the second half when the opposition legs are jaded and may create a flutter. But the man they will be looking forward to shine again would be Kaka. The Brazilian has taken a more attacking role ever since Shevchenko left. And he has been successful. 10 goals in Europe this season, only a winner’s medal can cap it off.

Both the clubs know that the match will hinge on many individual battles. Kaka against Mascherano, Seedorf with Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool wingers against the Italian full backs, Gerrard against Gattuso. And of course the goal keepers, Dida v/s Reina, who will foul up first? Some surprises might be thrown in. Crouch or Bellamy, both could be useful in the second half. For Milan, Gillardino might start ahead of Inzaghi.

However, the talking stops here. No one expected what happened in 2005. None can be foolhardy enough to expect anything in 2007. Except one thing. Either Liverpool will rub salt in Milan’s wounds or AC Milan will finally get the redemption they have been seeking since 2005, more so against Liverpool.

The world will be watching.

Via: ESPNsoccernet