Chelsea v Liverpool Preview

Chelsea v Liverpool
To Be Played At Stamford Bridge, Wednesday April 25th, Kick-off 1945 BST

This is a re-match of the dramatic 2005 semi-final which Liverpool won 1 - 0 over the two legs thanks to that “was it in?” goal by Luis Garcia which prompted such a noise and atmosphere the likes of which have seldom been heard before or since. It was an atmosphere, in my humble opinion, that contributed to the final result. I am sure that the Chelsea players had never experienced anything like it. John Terry, the Chelsea captain, has said as much. However having already experienced that atmosphere, which is guaranteed again at Anfield, will Chelsea be so affected by it this time?

One of the Chelsea players that didn’t experience that electric atmosphere two years ago was the German captain Michael Ballack. However, Ballack is already ruled out of the Stamford Bridge first leg tomorrow night with an ankle injury. Will he be fit for next week?

Also missing for Chelsea will be Dutch winger Arjen Robben due a to knee injury that has kept him out for a while and midfielder Michael Essien who is suspended. It’s not been a great couple of days for Essien having been picked up by London police in the early hours (5am) for suspected drink driving. He has since been bailed. One other worry for Jose Mourinho has been defender Ricardo Carvalho, however he did train today.

Liverpool on the other hand don’t really appear to have any injury worries. The only issue may have been the right back Irish international Steve Finnan but it would appear that he has recovered from his neck injury.

A milestone will be reached tomorrow night for one Liverpool player. Jaime Carragher, if he plays (which is almost 100% certain), will equal the club record currently held by Liverpool legend Ian Callaghan of 89 European appearances for the Merseyside club.

The two teams have only played each four times in Europe which all took place in the Champions League in the calender year 2005. Obviously the two legs of the semi-final, as mentioned above, and then they meet again in the following season’s group stages. Those two games both ended as 0 - 0 draws which of course means that the only goal scored by the two teams against each other in Europe is “that” Garcia goal. Will something give this year? Well, I suppose something has to, but which way will it go?

What effect will be taking place on the Chelsea players both physically and mentally from their pursuit of an unprecedented four trophies? They of course already have the League Cup under their belts, defeating Arsenal in the “Battle of Cardiff”. “Battle” because of the scrap that took place just about on full-time.

Also Liverpool have had a far more relaxed built up to the semi after easy home defeats of Middlesbrough and Wigan, both 2 - 0. Of course, the mind games between the two managers have already started. Rafael Benítez wasn’t getting drawn into any war of words in his press conference today though. However, one thing he did say which I believe is absolutely correct is that the one trophy Chelsea want to win, whether it be this season or any other, is the Champions League. They have said that continually. They have said that they can not be considered a great team until they lift the famous European trophy. Even though Chelsea are in contention to win both the Premiership and the FA Cup (both directly against Man Utd) I agree with Benítez in that, if Chelsea could only win one more trophy this season, they would choose the Champions League above the others. Do Chelsea therefore have more to lose? Possibly. How will they handle that pressure?

The majority of this Liverpool squad know what it like to win the Champions League and they will be supremely hungry to win it for the sixth time. I just wonder, that if over the two legs, and with the second at an Anfield that is possibly unequalled on such European nights, that Liverpool may just come out on top again in a cup competition against Chelsea.

Hold on tight, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

The Soccer Blogger

Selected Best Posts From The Soccer Blog

• Blackburn agree fee for Friedel
• Hleb completes move to Barcelona
• Vieira sets fitness deadline
• Ronaldo Offered £25m To Stay At Utd
• Liverpool to improve Barry offer
• England Desperate For Euro 2008
• Man Utd Draw Whilst Chelsea Win

• Soccer Fitness, Soccer Training, Soccer Skills

If you enjoy The Soccer Blog, the please don't forget to Subscribe Here

Please feel free to copy this Trackback URL on your blog for this post:
http://thesoccer-blog.com/champions-league/chelsea-v-liverpool-review/trackback/

64 views this week (Brand New Feature, just introduced.)

Entering Comments

If you would like to see your photo (or gravatar) next to your comment, please simply sign up at Gravatar.com and add your picture to your email address. Our logo will appear by default next to your name should you not wish to add your photo or gravatar image to your comments.
Many thanks
Rik