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4-3-3 and one more league double!

Truly a defining weekend for the big four. Far better week this one, with the news of Cech and Cudicini returning and also some reassurance from Kenyon about Jose’s future in Chelsea. The comforting message from Kenyon and the news that Jose would be allowed to bring in a player or two in this month say that things are really cooling down, if ever it was hot. Jose has also gone public about his love for Chelsea and his intention to see out his contract that runs until 2010. There was no real need for a peacemaker as Jose knows that Chelsea is the place to be and Roman knows that Jose is the man for Chelsea. A sound win at Anfield would really put a lot in mute.

The video of the corresponding fixture last season:

4-3-3. Whenever we play 4-3-3 against Liverpool, we start as favourites and finish as victors. We played 4-4-2 in the FA Community shield and ended up 1-2. So, without doubt we will play 4-3-3. Jose may not start Sheva, not only based on his form but also because, playing or not playing Sheva does send out some messages to various parties.

Drogba, with his thundering form and his superb performances against Liverpool, should be the natural choice. Kalou may get another start despite his average showing of late because he is simply a better choice than SWP now. Robben should be the key and he should torment the battered Liverpool defence.

Cech has no fear in diving at the striker’s feet again:

I know I am not risking my life by playing again, and that is the main thing. I must not think too much – other people are more afraid than I am. I have never felt as strong, physically and mentally, as I do now. I played my first game in training last Tuesday. I didn’t think about my injury at all. I dived in at the strikers’ feet, and it was no problem.

The FA has cleared and approved Cech’s wearing of the head gear while playing. I doubt if Jose would risk playing Cech this early. Also because it will be a sign of desparation to see just-back Cech ahead of Cudicini, Hilario and Hedman. I feel that Cudicini will start and if we get to a comfortable lead, Cech might make an appearance. If Essien continues to be the right back in some more matches, he could give someone like Khalid a run for his money. I would like Essien to return to the midfield and join Lampard in countering the high-quality midfield that has Gerrard and Alonso.

joseMourinhoAndRafaelBenitez1.jpgBenitez’s Liverpool is yet to beat Mourinho’s Chelsea in a league match. In fact, Jose has taken 15 points out of 5 league games so far. It’s so strange that both Jose and Rafa manage their 100th match for their current teams in the Premiership. With his psychological hold on Rafa, one would expect Jose to do the routine.
Benitez would keep rotating his squad but might retain Crouch in the starting line-up as the unusually tall player can pose some problems for this Chelsea defence. Moreover, he did score the winner in the Community shield match. I dont want to see Kuyt in this match, he is too dangerous. Luis Garcia, who seems to up his game in every Chelsea match, is out due to injury but the front three of Liverpool is in form. This might tempt Rafa too to go for a 4-3-3. But he does so, we’ll beat them with some margin.

The scousers do have their share of worries in their defence. After their humiliating battering in the hands of Arsenal with their experienced defence, Rafa must be wondering which back four would keep Drogba and Robben quiet. Having been beaten so badly at a home by a big four team, Rafa would be on the backfoot and would not try to be aggressive against a resilient Chelsea bunch who want to prove a point. If you had noticed the Chelsea goal celebrations against Wigan last week, you could see their emotions that showed how close Jose is to their heart. Surely, the players would want to win this badly and put the Jose speculation to bed.

May be we should play this one like an away game. For the first half hour or so, just pass around, sit back and allow them to push forward and use the pace of Robben and Kalou to hit them on the break. BBC Sport predicts a Liverpool win. I just dont see us losing. Worst case could be a draw, but not a goalless one.

Optimistic:

Liv 0-2 Che | Ars 2-1 Man : Just a three-point gap with loads of confidence!

Pessimistic:

Liv 1-1 Che | Ars 1-2 Man : Eight points with some crucial away games for Man Utd!

Realistic:

Liv 0-1 Che | Ars 1-1 Man : Four to go with another 14 matches to be played!

Forget form and logic. How will this be – Liverpool 0-4 Chelsea. Drogba 25′, Robben 40′, Shevchenko 75′, Lampard 80′.

[tags] Chelsea, Liverpool, Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez, Manchester United, Arsenal, Premiership, Cech, Drogba, Robben, Gerrard, Crouch, Anfield, Kenyon, Shevchenko, Robben, Lampard [/tags]