Pennant & Zenden tipped to start

Wingers Jermaine Pennant and Bolo Zenden are being tipped to start the Champions League Final against AC Milan on Wednesday night in Athens – with Steven Gerrard moving into an advanced position behind Dirk Kuyt up front.

Zenden has been struggling with a slight knock but has been passed fit and is now thought to be Rafa Benitez‘s choice to start on the left of midfield, ahead of Harry Kewell. The reasoning for this widely being that Zenden offers more tactical discipline after playing in both the Chelsea semi final matches and therefore knowing the systems of play Benitez will employ.

Speaking in one of the press conferences Pennant hinted at him starting:

“Anyone would love to be involved in a Champions League Final. Not many players get the opportunity to do it so it’s brilliant for me. To play in one in my first season is a great achievement for the club and for me personally.

“It’s a great honour to be involved and it’s something you dream of. Liverpool have shown a lot of faith in me and hopefully I can repay that faith if I’m picked tomorrow. Being at a big club like this gives me a chance to shine.”

If Pennant and Zenden do start the Reds line-up is likely to be:

Reina
Finnan Carra Agger Riise
Pennant Alonso Masch. Zenden
Gerrard
Kuyt