Wow. Rafa really outdid himself this time.
Dudek
Finnan
Hyypia
Carragher
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Mascherano
Gonzalez
Crouch
Fowler
Subs:
Padelli
Agger
Alonso
Sissoko
Kuyt
First, No Pepe?! What the f**k?! Hyypia starting over Agger isn't a bad idea, Sheffield United isn't the fastest of teams. Pennant is starting. Yes, hopefully he won't be turnover prone. Speaking of which, Gonzo gets his first start since his injury seemingly eons ago. He needs a good outing to win over the fans. Mascherano making his debut is not really surprising, but seeing both Sissoko and Alonso on the bench is. I hate to say it, but I'd rather see Zenden on the bench than Sissoko, neither of them are game-changing subs, but if Momo's even slightly off I'd rather not see him risk the chance of re-aggravating something. The most shocking is definitely the strikers, Fowler and Crouch?! Like I said in my preview, would love to see Fowler play, but with Crouch?! Kuyt is on the bench just in case neither of them or up to it. No Pepe there either as Padelli, who I believe has yet to play even a reserves match, makes his pine-riding debut. Speaking of which, how many teams would die to have that kind of talent and skill waiting to come on the pitch? Even with Bellamy getting the day off.
A lot of speed on the wings, but we're going to need a solid effort from Carra, Hyypia, Gerrard, and Mascherano to pull this one off. We must dominate the middle of the field at all costs.
Edit: Nevermind, sorry, Pepe's wife is in labour. I hope everything goes well for him, his wife, and future child. So Jerzy, dedicate this game to the your man's newborn and play with some frickin' sense. No Grobbelaarin', please.