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Liverpool v Chelsea preview

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  • Liverpool v Chelsea preview

    Chelsea will be hoping to make it third time lucky as they get set to face Liverpool in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.


    The two sides have met each other on three previous occasions in Europe's premier club competition, with two of those encounters coming at the last four stage.

    Liverpool have emerged victorious over the two legs on both of those occasions, going on to lift the trophy in an epic final against Milan in 2005, before falling short against the same opponents two years later.

    If the last six European meetings between the two sides are anything to go by then there is unlikely to be a goal fest at Anfield on Tuesday, as only three goals have been scored during those games.

    It should be an intriguing battle on Merseyside though as the competition's most potent attack, Liverpool with 26 goals, attempt to breach the tightest defence - Chelsea have conceded just four so far.

    Both teams also boast plenty of Champions League pedigree among their ranks, as their squads each contain six players who have lifted the trophy before.

    With the game seemingly almost impossible to call, both sides' recent form in Europe would also suggest that the tie is delicately poised.

    Liverpool have won their last four Champions League games at Anfield, scoring 18 goals in the process, while Chelsea have lost only one of their last 10 in the competition.


    Gerrard back



    The Reds had been sweating on the fitness of their inspirational captain Steven Gerrard in the run up to the game, but he has now been declared fit to lead them into battle.

    Gerrard completed a full training session at Melwood on Monday, and afterwards manager Rafa Benitez was able to confirm that the 27-year-old had recovered from the neck injury which ruled him out of Saturday's Premier League win at Fulham.

    Benitez confirmed that he has no new injury problems to deal with, with Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell both out long-term.

    The Spanish coach made eight changes at Craven Cottage, with Fernando Torres on the bench.

    However, the 30-goal top scorer will face Chelsea, as will Alvaro Arbeloa, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso - who were all left out against the Cottagers.


    Lampard returns



    While Liverpool will be happy to have Gerrard back among their ranks, Chelsea will be equally as delighted to see Frank Lampard rejoin their squad for the first leg encounter.

    The Chelsea vice-captain has missed the club's last two matches to be at the bedside of his mother Pat, who is ill in hospital with pneumonia.

    Chelsea will definitely be without goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (hamstring), while striker Didier Drogba remains doubtful with a knee complaint.

    Midfielder Michael Essien is another who will miss out as he must serve a suspension after picking up a second yellow card in the knockout stages during the Blues' quarter-final success over Fenerbahce.
    "Jamaica's future reflects its past, having attained only one per cent annual growth over 30 years whilst neighbours have grown at five per cent." (Article)

  • #2
    Liverpool has been playing better TEAM lately!
    ...but on a few occasions the better TEAM playing TEAM has been known to lose.

    My pick - Liverpool!
    Mankine must be preparing ready to take his seat at ringside?! This one should be intriguing! Set the video recording devices...
    ...an get ready fi pull up unnuh chair!

    Ohhhh Lazie...nex semi-final? Mi pick Barca...it shall be hell to pay when they are on attack!
    "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

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    • #3
      ... you may be right ... but what about Manu's attack?
      "Jamaica's future reflects its past, having attained only one per cent annual growth over 30 years whilst neighbours have grown at five per cent." (Article)

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