"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, good evening, and welcome to Sky Sports! Next up is the 2007-2008 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Lyon and Leeds United. I'm your old friend, Gary Lineker!"
"Hello everyone, I'm Norman Hunt."
"I am Jon."
The three commentators had just finished smiling and greeting the camera when the TV screen switched to the players' tunnel.
In the players' tunnel of the Olympic Park stadium.
The starting players from both teams were already standing in two rows behind the referee, waiting to enter the field.
“We’ve got the starting lineups for both sides.” Lineker clicked his finger on the mouse, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. “Next, let’s look at Lyon’s starting lineup at home. Houllier didn’t use his most frequently used 4-4-2 formation today; instead, he fielded a 5-3-2!”
"The goalkeeper remains Coupet. The five defenders are Grosso, Boumsong, Revié, Squillaci, and Claire. In front of them are the single holding midfielder Toulalan and the two central midfielders, Kjellström and Juninho. Leading the attack are Govou and Lyon's top scorer this season, Benzema!"
After reading Lyon's starting lineup, Lineker forcibly suppressed the urge to discuss it with his two partners and opened the starting lineup for Leeds United.
However, as soon as she opened it, Reinkel was completely stunned.
Jon, who also had a computer next to him, was also surprised.
The two paused for almost three seconds.
It wasn't until the director urged him through his earpiece that Lineker snapped out of his daze and started reading out the starting lineup that Li Shiguang had fielded.
"Let's take a look at Leeds United's starting lineup. To my surprise, Leeds United didn't use his favorite 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation today. Instead, they fielded a 3-5-2 formation that they haven't used this season! Neuer is still in goal. The three defenders are Kompany in the center, with Thiago Silva and veteran Cannavaro on the flanks! In front of them, the two holding midfielders are still the familiar Modric and Xabi Alonso, with Bale and Ribery, the old duo, appearing on the wing-back positions. Kaká is still in the attacking midfield position. The two forwards are Ibrahimovic and Adriano!"
"Come on, you two, let's chat before the match starts." After reading out Leeds United's starting lineup in one breath, Lineker could finally change the subject. "I remember when we were chatting privately earlier, your predicted lineups for both teams were quite different!"
Jon let out a breath, a wry smile appearing on his face, and shook his head repeatedly: "I really didn't expect that Lee, playing away, would be so aggressive, while Houllier, playing at home, would be so conservative!"
“Indeed!” Hunt nodded in agreement. “Although Grosso and Boumsong can both play in midfield and have strong attacking abilities, considering Leeds United’s attacking prowess, it’s foreseeable that their main task will be defense.”
"As for Leeds United, it seems that Bale and Ribery, these two wing-backs, need to help the backline defend! But we are also very familiar with these two players. Anyone who has watched Leeds United play knows that compared with their terrifying attacking ability, their defense... is actually negligible!"
Jon immediately shook his head in agreement, saying, "Yes! Norman is exactly what I meant. It seems that what Lee said in the pre-match interview... he really intends to keep his promise!"
····
Olympic Park Stadium.
Both teams' players have completed a series of pre-match rituals and are now in position on the field, waiting for today's referee, Daniele Orsato, to blow the whistle to start the match.
At this time.
Lee Shih-shih, Simone, and Rivaldo, often jokingly referred to by fans as the "Three Musketeers" of Leeds United, stood on the sidelines with their arms crossed, waiting for the match to begin.
From the moment the players from both sides stepped onto the pitch, Rivaldo had been observing Lyon's half.
Seeing Grosso and Boumsong positioned at full-back, he finally couldn't help but exclaim, "Boss, you were right! Houllier is actually playing with five defenders at home. Luckily, we prepared in advance!"
Li Shiguang also noticed this, a knowing smile playing on his lips: "So far, we're the team with the most goals in the top five leagues this season, and I made those kinds of statements before the match. Ferreira, if it were you, your first thought would also be to solidify the defense."
But looking at Lyon's formation...
Li Shiguang still looked a little regretful: "It's still a bit of a pity..."
"What's a pity about it?" Rivaldo asked, puzzled.
"That old man Houllier isn't falling for it." Li Shiguang's smile turned into a sly grin as he glanced furtively at Lyon's bench. "That old man, Deng, is too cautious. I've practically taunted him, and he still won't go all out and attack us... If Lyon were to open up and engage in an attacking battle, maybe we could put on a spectacular goal-fest for the fans today..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
