13 Apr 2018 14:55:34
Well we have won two of the european cups at rome. so maybe its our lucky ground? well ed01?are you happy with this draw for us? can you give a list of positives and negatives and whom do you expect to come on top?

Appreciate it!
Livebird31.

{Ed001's Note - I don't do predictions.

The positives are they lack pace, with just one or two really quick players to worry us. Their full backs are not comfortable when they have to chase back. Their squad is the weakest of the 3 we could have faced. They lack really outstanding creative players and can be reliant on long balls to Dzeko at times.

Negatives are that they will maintain a deep line and keep everyone back and look to hold us out, they will not feel pressured to come out and play unless we take a lead. They have possibly the best keeper in the world. Nainggolan is immense. There will be no pressure on them at all, they have performed well above expectations just getting this far. This is everything for them, they are absolutely desperate to win this.}


1.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 15:15:47
The positives Sound pretty good Ed01. Just a thought though mate if they will be desperate to win (we will too) won't that mean they are putting undue pressure on themselves and that pressure will be huge.

{Ed001's Note - it will only be themselves doing it though, which means it is more about desire than pressure.}


2.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 15:30:34
They can defend all they like but they won't be going into the final without scoring a goal.


3.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 16:22:14
It’s not a rare thing for an Italian team to attack once in two legs and get the solitary goal they need and happily let the other team have the ball for the entirety of the two legs.


4.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 16:32:31
If I could take the negative point of view I think we're done for. I think their fire power will be too much for us and we loose by 3 goals.


5.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 16:50:04
Not exactly true redlorry. It could go to pens. They do sound like the sort of team we struggle against to be honest. Could do with an explosive start to get us on our way.


6.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 17:12:02
I would have prefered one of Bayern or Real to be honest with you, as I just have a bad feeling about Roma.


7.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 18:07:27
I'd also argue they will be licking their lips at beating Barcelona and drawing us. As much as we think we've got the ever draw, let's be honest, so have they. They'll be thinking if we can beat Barcelona at home we can turn anyone over.
Ed001 I have watched almost no serie a, do you rate both naingollan and Allison that highly?
As I said, haven't seen any, but the last time I saw Fazio play he was awful, so hopefully he hasn't turned a new leaf!

{Ed001's Note - if Nainggolan wasn't such a party animal and loved living in Rome so much, every team in Europe would have tried to buy him. Even so, most have asked the question at one time or other. He really is top class. As for Allison, yes I really do. He is not perfect, but he is excellent.}


8.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 20:28:51
Nainggolan will be up against Hendo though.


9.) 13 Apr 2018
13 Apr 2018 21:52:08
Ed's assessment is spot on. Roma do not play a high line and their
will be very compact at Anfield, something Porto and City did not do vs us previously. Defensively, they are very strong even up top, they rely on Dzeko a lot. This is where Salah's loss (our gain) really kills them as he was their outlet ball when they counter. As for Nainggolan is a beast of a player and so is Allison. It will be a tricky tie for sure.