I’ve never been this nervous before a match in many months. Probably I won’t be so nervous even for the finals of the champions league (if we reach). The fact that we have that away goal and that we have the upper hand in fact makes me restless instead of comforting me.
Arsenal dropped the premier league title because they were on top for too long a time. I know this is a strange theory but that’s what I think. If there were always two or three points behind the leaders, they could have done better. Man Utd dropped their lead due to complacency. Being at the top, there is always either complacency or pressure, that we need to manage.
I strongly believe that Liverpool will be stronger than Man Utd at Stamford Bridge. Firstly, Liverpool has only champions league to play for, as it has been for many seasons. Secondly, Liverpool have rested many of their key players to be ready for this match. Thirdly, Rafa cannot afford to make any costly tactical errors as Sir Alex did. It’s now all or nothing for Rafa.
The tactics that both teams will adopt for this match is going to be extremely crucial. Very rarely, the results of Chelsea vs Liverpool matches are determined by individual moments of brilliance. In Chess parlance, Liverpool will play white and Chelsea will play black. Of course, both play to win but naturally white will try to make the first assault which black has to withstand and hit back.
I won’t be surprised if Rafa pairs Crouch and Torres upfront. This pair would trouble the Chelsea centre backs like no other pair has done in this season. But this would mean that Liverpool cannot have a crowded midfield which has been effective for them in the big games. Given the fact that they are chasing us for a result and not the other way round, I expect Rafa to play 4-4-2 only.
Expect Liverpool to attack. The worst case scenario for them is to concede a goal in the process of their attacks. One goal is still fine for them as long as they get theirs some way down the line. When it comes to European games, Liverpool are mentally stronger. They completely switch their minds to the game on hand, forgetting about their league disappointments and the prospects of winning the champions league. They would be fighting for every ball and surely give us a run for our money. As long as they have not scored a goal, I don’t expect them to play with slow tempo.
From our side, once again I expect a 4-4-2. We played 4-3-3 in the previous leg and were owned by Liverpool midfield. Of course we contained Gerrard but on the whole they were able to create chances quite easily. I want to see a 4-man midfield. Drogba can pair up with Shevchenko while Ballack, Mikel, Essien and Joe Cole will be in the midfield. Back four would be Carvalho, Terry, Ferreira and Ashley Cole. Shevchenko played about 15 minutes against Man Utd and I was impressed with the little he could do. He held the ball well, dribbled confidently, even shot once and finally that superb goal line clearance. He is sharp enough to be given a chance at this stage.
I wouldn’t play Lampard in this match. I know that he has resumed training but I think he’d need more time to sort things out personally. If we lead 2-0 by 80 minutes, then I might bring him on to give him the pleasure of being on the pitch when Chelsea goes to the finals of the champions league for the first time.
A goalless first half would be more uncomfortable for Grant than for Rafa. If at all Liverpool do score, I hope it is early enough so that we get our time to equalise. No matter what Liverpool does, all that we need is an early goal. Something within 20 or 30 minutes.
One thing I don’t want to see is being overaggressive. I would say Liverpool is the most cunning team in terms of how they take their chances. It would be very amateurish to see us trying to boss over them in the initial 15 minutes only to find out that they’ve got their own goal somehow. This time they are perfectly capable of scoring a goal at Stamford Bridge, a feat they have not achieved for many years.
Chelsea’s win over Man Utd at the Bridge must have surely made the scousers uncomfortable. That match was a reassertion that Stamford Bridge is truly a fortress that opponents should be wary and scared of. Last season, in the champions league semi finals against Liverpool at the Bridge, we simply outplayed them, and drove them all over the park. We should have finished 3-0 but poor finishing and bad luck meant just a 1-0 which proved insufficient later on. I just need a repeat of that performance tomorrow, even the same result would do.
I’ve got some more to write but I gotta run. Quick prediction: Chelsea to reach the finals of the champions league with a strong performance but with a 1-0 result.
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my dad’s buggering off to watch it at the bridge with the chelsea fans even thought he’s a pool supporter, and bloody leaving me at home
i really can’t wait though.. seriously getting to the final is enough for me, just a bit of progress in the cl for once. Of course the final would be crushing if we lost it, so i’m sure i’ll think differently if we get through!
We r going to play against ManU in final, i expected BARCA in final, No problem It will be nice to play against MANU,because MANU will win EPL by goal difference , so we take revenge on them just like FA cup victory last YEAR.
For Tomorrows match i except the same performance we showed against MANU from our player’s.We will start with 4-3-3 formation lamapard starting from bench,drogba upfront ,joe cole and maluoda(Ist leg Maluoda played Well) as winger’s.
I prefer belletti over paublo ferria in full back position because when lampard is not playing we don’t have any set piece specialist , Now joe cole and Kalou are taking corners and free kicks but their ball delivery is very bad. Ballack ,John Terry and Carvalho are very powerful in AIR ,so if ball is delivered well they will score goal, belletti can deliver good ball into penalty box,also chelsea have scored few goals from his delivery .
After first half if the score is 0-0, then change the formation to 4-4-2, bring sheva ahead of Anelka.
Formation : 4-3-3
———-Cech——————–
-Belletti —JT–Ricky——A.Cole–
—-Essien—Makalele—Ballack—-
—-J.Cole—-Drogba—-Maloauda—
Sustitution:-Hilario,Sheva,Anelka,Kalou,Mikel,Ferria,Lampard
Score – 2-0,
AG knows only one formation to start with 4-3-3 and I wouldn’t be suprised if he starts the same 11 that played against Man U with the exception of Makalele coming in for Mikel.
For someone who hasn’t posted for so long…I hope my comments tonight do not spell gloom on the players!
Anyway…I’ve been quietly observing the matches…..I will post my true comments at the end of the season!!
Something tells me that I’m gonna see a crazy first 11 from AG 2moro!!
Cant help that feeling (praying for another Manure performance)
I dont guess AG has the guts to start Lampard on bench. I bet he is gonna start 4-3-3 with Essein as RB and both Bllacks and Lampards in the centre.
if we play black for too long then we will repent for it…controlled aggression is needed..I think we have players who can defend if needed and can up the tempo whenever required…going on an all out attack will backfire…
Ronaldo is in a sex scandal with travestites ,
Senor Sven Eriksson will soon be out of ManCity,
Craziness seems to be a part of the sport.
What do these events portend for tonight’s game ?
AG have enough sanity, verve and luck to get Chelsea through ?
My visa application for the hoped for trip to Moscova
is filled in and ready to sent.
Will we hobble thru or smash thru
Or will it all come crashing down ?
Not another Carling 4-4 please
Expected Liverpool lineup:
Reina – Riise, Skrtel, Hyypia, Carragher – Mascherano, Alonso – Babel, Pennant – Gerrard – Torres
I just don’t see Benitez dropping both Alonso and Mascherano in the centre of midfield…unless Gerrard plays on the side and elbows out Pennant.
Our lineup:
Cech – Cole, Terry, Carvalho, Belletti – Makelele, Ballack, Essien – Kalou, Cole, Drogba
Subs: Hillario, Alex, Mikel, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Shevchenko
Prediction – 1-0 Chelsea victory with Joey scoring again
to be fair, Ferreira played better in previous match. I would like to see him in starting line-up. If you all watch the ManUtd game, fereirra contribute a lot to stop the attack at the flank and also provide passing to the flanks. Then essien will have chance to be in the midfield with ballack and makelele. If Chelsea treat this match like a FINAL, then Chelsea will reach the final just like how chelsea handled MAnutd recently as they played like its a final game for them. I expect Chelsea will go through with bright and beautiful goals. 2-0 or 2-1 win againts liverpool.
i would like this formation 4-3-3
—————-cech—————-
ferreira—terry—–carvalho—cole
————–maka——————
——ballack——–essien—-
J.cole——————-kalou—-
—————drogba———–
I have a feeling that if lampard plays essien will move to right back!!!
anyway 1-0 to chelsea
essien to score!!!!
—————-Cech—————-
P.Ferreira—J.Terry—–R.Carvalho—A.Cole
————–Essien——————
——Ballack——–Lampard—-
J.cole——————-Kalou—-
—————Drogba———–
Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
Subs: Hillario, Alex, Mikel, Makelele, Malouda, Anelka, Shevchenko
I’d love to see a 4-4-2 with Drogs and Anelka up front. By all means I want to see Essien and Ballak in midfield no matter what formation we play.
I don’t like Grant. But, I don’t see why the fourth best team in England should compete for the highest cup in Europe. Rafathead came into the league with just as much fanfare as (though far less ego than) a certain Portugese fellow. Even without the Portugeezer, Anfield Historical Society hasn’t figured out how to put in a full season worthy of a third place finish much less the Premeirship title. I want to see a 3-0 victory for Chelsea. But, a 0-0 (though would not look too good for our side) would be poetic justice for the team I despise so much.
My team against the Red Scousers tonight at the Bridge (UEFA CL 2nd Leg):
CECH
BELLETTI-JT(c)-RICCY-ASHLEY
MAKA
ESSI-BALLACK
JOEY-DROGS-SHEVA
(4-1-4-1)
Subs (in 2nd half): If we are winning or a goal-less draw: OBI (JOEY), LAMPS (SHEVA), FERREIRA (BELLETTI) and change to 4-2-3-1. If a score draw or losing: LAMPS (MAKA), KALOU (BELLETTI) & NICO (SHEVA) and change to 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 with Essi at RB.
I’ll bring on Lamps in the 2nd half for his comeback after what he has been through in the last couple of weeks. The subs bench should be: HILARIO, FERREIRA, ALEX, OBI, KALOU & NICO. Although it is controversial, I would play Sheva in the first XI, because Kalou had a poor game on Saturday, Malouda has been indifferent throughout the season and I’m not entirely confident with SWP in a Champions League SF.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool
(Drogs)
Come on the Chels! Thrash the bloody Red Scousers! We are going to Moscow…See you Man U!
I think today is a very uncomfortable day because we get to play liverpool for the third time in four years and given the fact that they had beaten us twice earlier, our players would be under pressure (even if it is slight) to break that jinx.
The only difference between those times and now is that this second leg is at our Fortress Bridge and i would like to see all the players give it their best. I think the major factor lacking in the previous tie was the absence of Essien, who provides penetration in the central midfield. And I also think that Joe Cole would be more useful this time around, trying his best to use his good form to get us into the CL Finals for the very first time.
If we attack from the beginning like we did against ManUnited, we have a very good chance, but I agree with BC that we must not be complacent and let tht away goal factor get to our heads. All in all, I think it will be a close fight, but I think/hope Chelsea will emerge out victorious.
God.. Please let us go through the door this time =)
my lineup and prediction
Cech
Ferreira
Calvaho
Terry
Ashely Cole
Makalele
Essien
Ballack
Joe Cole
Kalou
Drogba
Subs: Anelka,Alex,Malouda, Hilario and Mikel
Prediction: 2-1
I will have to see a 4-4-2 line up tonight but AG loves 443. Two strikers upfront will surely cause problems for Liverpool back four. Drogba confirm that he will like to be partnered by Anelka as he always more goals in a 442 formation.
i agree to agentblue. Even i think grant may surprise us with his starting 11.
i expect it to be a great game of football with liverpool attacking on all fronts. just hope we get 2 past them so that there is no chance of extra time or penalties.
makalele-gerrard. torres-terry. drogba-carrighar lodsa mini battles to look out for.
would you guys like to see lampard? i know he is a strong character but i would not like to start him after the tragedy.Suppose if we loose and lampard have any hand in it it will be even more tough on him. ill keep him on bench and may sub farriera for lampard if we struggle in midfield pushing essien to RB.
even if we score 1 it doesnt effects the tie much so it is utmost important to get 2. i think liverpool will score but wll win 2-1
cheers
Hope Lamps doens’t play. I feel he just might not be up for it yet. And with Essien and Ballack in good form we won’t miss him much. The worry is if he plays and doesn;t play that well, I don’t think Grant has the guts to sub him soon. He has done that in the past even when Drogba or Anelka wasn’t playing well.
ViVa Chelsea! Come on you blues!
Mikel had a very good match against Man Utd, I want to see him start against Liverpool too. I hope Mikel, Essien and Ballack is in the starting XI tonight, even if Lampard is back.
I hope so much that Essien and Make will play tonight.
If something is dangerous in the game of Liverpool, it is plenty of movement and passing, which has to be disrupted by Make’s exceptional anticipation and positional play. Mikel was great against Manchester, when his aerial skills were badly needed, but this game needs Claude – as long as he is be able to deliver.
The cooperation of Lamps and Ballack seems to have worked well in the first game at Anfield, but don’t get confused by the result – Liverpool had the upper hand for most of the 90 minutes and up to the last minute of the game. Even with 5 midfielders we were not able to play our game and the main reason was the slowness of both our creative midfielders. And there comes Essien – fast, agile and able to hold the ball, shoot, pass and defend as well. This is the man Chelsea needs, moreover he is in great form now, as we could see against Manchester.
So, my starting 11 for tonight game:
Cech – Belletti, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole – J Cole, Essien, Make, Lamps, Kalou – Drogba
…and I’ve heard Riise is going to play as well
))
Guys! You know it already! You can gather at BC Shout for Chelsea vs Liverpool live-match chat!
For some reason, I now feel that we will win 2-0.
Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation as follows:
1 Petr Cech
5 Michael Essien
6 Ricardo Carvalho
26 John Terry (c)
3 Ashley Cole
13 Michael Ballack
4 Claude Makelele
8 Frank Lampard
10 Joe Cole
11 Didier Drogba
21 Salomon Kalou
Subs: 40 Hilario, 35 Juliano Belletti, 33 Alex, 12 John Mikel Obi, 15 Florent Malouda
7 Andriy Shevchenko, 39 Nicolas Anelka.
Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as follows:
why did he played lamprd ?
we are leading 1- at half time by a super pass by frankie to kalou and an awesome finish by drogba.
kalou looked offside though but who cares …
1 foot in moscow already..