Chelsea vs Liverpool
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 1945 GMT
This is a classic in the last 3 seasons of the UCL. These two teams have met twice prior to this year, both times at the same stage of the competition and both times the Reds have gone through. It is revenge time for the Blues. Avram Grant tries to do what Jose Mourinho couldn't. And maybe he is got the luck that the West London club needs. Of course Roman Abramovich will be delighted if his men were to go to Moscow for the Final of the UCL. He decided to invest in a club after he fell in love with Champions League football (actually it was a Manchester United vs Real Madrid quarterfinal).
Now for the teams which will lock horns tonight at the Bridge. Liverpool come as underdogs after they drew 1-1 at home, courtesy of an own goal from Riise, on 94 minutes. That event left the players bemoaning their faith, as if they already left the competition. And they were entitled to react that way because of the invincibility that Chelsea boast at home. I revealed on Saturday that Chelsea are on a 100 games undefeated run (which is now 101 after the win over United). If we add that Liverpool players haven't scored there in more than twelve hours of competitive football, there is some task for the Reds tonight. Benitez is full of confidence, but I think that he is bluffing. Fabio Aurelio, his most trusted left full back is out after sustaining an injury in the first leg so it'll be Riise from the start, or Hyypia in the middle, which will shake the entire backline, as Carragher moves right and Arbeloa switches to left.
Chelsea will have Michael Essien back after suspension (he managed a great game over United).
He will very probably play right full back, with Makelele, Lampard and Ballack in the middle. Drogba and Cole will lead be up front joined most probably by Salomon Kalou, who had quite an impact at Anfield, as he came as a substitute in the second half and provided the cross for Chelsea's away goal.
I tip Chelsea to qualify for their first UCL Final (5/11).