Juventus vs Liverpool: 2nd Leg TONIGHT!

As i was reading Soccernet.com's preview of the game, i couldnt but feel fearful for the Liverpool supporters going there...nearly 4,000 of them.

A tragic event in the past during a game featuring these 2 giants caused the deaths of 39 Italian fans. Liverpool as a city, made much effort to express regret and remorse over the whole thing.

(courtesy Soccernet.com)

Many Juve fans applauded, but many turned their backs as well. I worry for the ones that turned their backs. Even now, hard core supporters have promised a "tense" environment. I dont mind that, so long as nobody gets hurt, dies and the game gets called off.

Its very likely these days, as there has been a lot of holliganism and crowd trouble in Italian games lately. Even yesterdays CL Milan derby between Inter and AC was called off 19 minutes from time, due to flares being thrown from the crowd and one actually hitting Dida (AC Milan's Brazillian goalkeeper) on the shoulder.

As a fan, i would be so frustrated if a game was called off due to other fans. I can only imagine the frustration of the players. Then again, if the score was still say 1-0 to Juve, and the game was called off due to flares thrown about by the italians, i'd be delighted!!! Ecstatic!!! First off, there would be no way in hell that Juve would be awarded the win (they would win on away goals if the score was 1-0), as their fans started. Further more, that would give Liverpool's wounded to re-cover in time for the replay. Right now, the list of unavailable/wounded sounds like a first team sheet.

Fabio Cannavaro celebrates with team-mates the crucial away goal (courtesy Soccernet.com)

Two players that may play are Xabi Alonso and Dijbril Cisse. Ciss broke his leg about 7 months ago, there were reports that it was so bad that it could have meant AMPUTATION. Its amazing to see if back when you consider that. No doubt Rafa would have prefered to save him when he was fully fit and a few reserve games under his belt, but we're desperately short of options.

All in all, i'm going to enjoy this game. Its great watching my team i love so much in the Champions League Quater-Finals. I wont expect them to win. Thats too much. In fact, its wrong to expect great things from this team so soon, though a win would probably be enough to dispel any lingering doubts Gerrard has as to the direction of the team.