Liverpool Chelsea

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28103783.post-90656863092735762102008-04-22T11:00:00.002+02:002008-04-23T12:26:36.374+02:00Liverpool Chelsea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_0DgEc9OQayo/SA2qLj8RHXI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/nCfiEozZ7kc/s1600-h/frank_lampard.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_0DgEc9OQayo/SA2qLj8RHXI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/nCfiEozZ7kc/s320/frank_lampard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191993061031353714" /></a> For the third time in last four years Chelsea will face Liverpool in the same stage of Champions League. All Abramovich’s dreams have been broken at Anfield in the two previous occasions. This time second leg will be played at Stamford Bridge. What’s the difference? Rafa Benitez spent a huge amount of money last summer in order to bring some top level players to the club. The most soundly acquisition was Fernando Torres who has brought quality in attack which is the main problem for Reds. However, Spaniard has given his best but Liverpool still have had problems in Premiership. Almost, twenty years without title is long period for fanatic supporters but success Champions League satisfied them. So what’s the difference playing at Europe and in domestic competition? The main difference is that you have to win away from home if you want Premiership title. Benitez is great manager but his style of football it too defensive for some bigger results. In CL there are always second leg so with defensively oriented tactics you should make a result. Sometimes one goal is enough for next stage. Fanatic support at Enfield is also important fact due to some players give their best and lack of quality they replace with motivation. The key man for team is spirit is perfect Steve G. who knows hoe to motivate players on the pitch. This time second leg will be played at Stamford Bridge and Reds have to try to score. They have to be more offensive then in the previous two matches against Blues. It could leave more space in the back so Chelsea have chance to use it. On the other hand Blues, with Avram Grant on the bench, are still in both competitions. Title race with Manchester is in the last stage. Between two CL matches they will face United at home and if they win they will have chance for the title. It will be another must win match for Chelsea. Last summer Abramovich hasn’t spent any money on new singings, so success in CL could come with the same players and without top level coach. However, Grant is in the race on the both fronts just like Sir Alex and theoretically he could make historical success. Main worry for him will be Essiene absence, while Lampard will be in the team, after two weeks due to the mother’s illness. Strength in the midfield is the crucial for success in this match, so Lampard needs full support from Obi, Malouda and Ballack to stop Reds. Offensive tasks will also depends of him and if he find away to perform fluidity in midfield, Chelsea will have chance to use space in Liverpool’s back. Anyway, the first match won’t decide who will travel to Moscow to super final. So I don’t expect attractive football. Lot of battle in midfield, with main aim to keep clean sheet won’t bring to many chances. Odds are too low for Under 2,5 bet, so my choice is draw. <a href="http://www.paddypower.com/bet?AFF_ID=10001417&CRTID=10001&GID=10000">Bet 7 on draw at 3.00 with PaddyPower! </a>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645554909653050854noreply@blogger.com