Liverpool vs. Chelsea (1st Leg)

PHB

For me it's going to be an interesting match.

Chelsea imo have a better team man for man. Liverpool have a better system.
I think this year might be the first time Chelsea actually beat them? Why? And this logic is weird. Because Benetiz can't beat the manager, because the manager doesn't know what he's doing. The players will play however they want to play, and as such, it'll work out better than Mourinho vs. Rafa trying to outthink each other. It'll be a more brutish game which Chelsea might well nick. I think especially given Liverpools defensive frailties (the loss of Agger) Chelseas attack might be too much for them in the first leg.
Score draw for me, giving the advantage to Chelsea.

dc69

Chelsea

PHB wrote: »

For me it's going to be an interesting match.

Chelsea imo have a better team man for man. Liverpool have a better system.
I think this year might be the first time Chelsea actually beat them? Why? And this logic is weird. Because Benetiz can't beat the manager, because the manager doesn't know what he's doing. The players will play however they want to play, and as such, it'll work out better than Mourinho vs. Rafa trying to outthink each other. It'll be a more brutish game which Chelsea might well nick. I think especially given Liverpools defensive frailties (the loss of Agger) Chelseas attack might be too much for them in the first leg.
Score draw for me, giving the advantage to Chelsea.

I could not agree more with what you have said,you are spot on.As a Liverpool fan I am confident BUT I think what you are saying has real substance and grant is a wild animal so who knows.We have beaten them under Jose X2,who is a far superior manager but I have a bad feeling and I think you could be right.

I think the defences cancel each other out,because drogba is ****e this year and torres is lethal.

Sherifu

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

I can see Chelsea being a bunch of headless chickens at Anfield. Wishful thinking maybe. Guess we'll see.

dfx-

Draw

I think Chelsea will sneak it, despite being a Liverpool fan.

0-1

J Cole (if available)

77'

jesus_thats_gre

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

For some reason, I am not too nervous about this match.. That is not to say that I am confident of us winning it, I just don't feel nervous for some reason.

We have played Cheslea twice this season and in both games, while drawn, Liverpool were the better team. The match in Anfield was a draw after a retarded penalty was awarded and Chelsea weren't exactly up to much in Stamford Bridge either.

Saying that, I think Chelsea are due a good result against us in one of these big matches. For the very same reason, I think we can beat United if we do make it through to the final against them - due one and CL final is as good as any

shane86

Chelsea are on the slide. Only advantage they have is pt 2 being at home.

I call

Liverpool 2-0 at home

Away 1-1 or 1-0 to Chelsea. Pool take it on penos. Really Pool need 3-0 win to go to London comfortable and confident. Chelsea play Man U in between, they have no option but to field a first pref side and risk injuries (unless, and this is possible, Abramovich tells Grant otherwise. tbh he couldnt give a sh1t about the Prem this year, he just wants to see Chelsea in Moscow). If injuries happen to the big names the Pool can defo take a depleted Chelsea in London the following Tuesday.

jesus_thats_gre

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

Forgot that Chelsea could be missing Drogba, Lampard and Ballack for the first leg

dc69

Chelsea

jesus_thats_gre wrote: »

Forgot that Chelsea could be missing Drogba, Lampard and Ballack for the first leg

and we could be missing our superstar:(

Gerrard has a neck injury and could be a doubt

jesus_thats_gre

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

Doubt it to be honest. At that, I think there is still more goal in the Liverpool team missing Gerard than the Chelsea team missing Drogba, Lampard and Ballack...

dfx-

Draw

jesus_thats_gre wrote: »

Forgot that Chelsea could be missing Drogba, Lampard and Ballack for the first leg

and Essien is suspended isn't he?

He's in form too..

Mr.Nice Guy

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

A bore draw is my prediction for the first leg.

cournioni

Chelsea

Personally I think that Liverpool have the experience to get themselves into the final easily enough against Chelsea. They don't have the Premiership to worry about so they can afford to rest their main players for the remaining CL games.

PHB

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

Grant:

"The last games were too tactical,"

"I think that football needs to be tactical but not too tactical.

"You need freedom to play. Football goes two steps when people start to talk of details but now we need the next step, to give players the freedom to think because they have the responsibility they didn't have 10 years ago.

"So I am trying with my team to give them the freedom to think with responsibility."

mike65

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

Gerrard will almost certainly be starting, if by chance he does'nt the same shape can be deployed with Yossi behind Torres. Chelsea will be missing important players and Grant is an idiot so unless they can change that between now and Tuesday I'm confident enough. Two goal victory will do.

Mike.

PHB

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

I don't think Chelsea have that many injury problems, I think the only real doubt is Drogba.

Either way, I think it's gona be a straight choice between Drogba and Anelka, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-3-3, with

---

Cech

---

--Essien---Terry----Carvalho----Cole--

---

Makelele

---

---

Ballack---Lampard

---

--Joe Cole

---

Kalou-

---

Drogba/Anelka

---

mike65

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

Essien is banned for the first leg.

Mike.

Thanx 4 The Fish

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

I do hope that they lineup like that. I predict that if they come to anfield and field that team we will spank them

Melion

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

Same as the Arsenal game, for some reason im just not worried over 2 legs. Couldnt disagree more with the original post about our defensive frailties. Sami has been our best defender this year(apart from his first 2-3 games), he has been immense all year. We have barely missed Agger at all lately because of how Sami has played. Never misses a tackle or a header. Skrtel looks perfect for the premiership, another who never misses a tackle. Carra on the right and Aurelio on the left and its a solid looking defence and i expect Skrtel to have Drogba/Anelka in his pocket all night.

If Stevie doesnt play its a huge huge loss but i think he'll be fine and if not drop Babel in behind Torres and Yossi on the left.

Going for a 3-1 at Anfield and a score draw at SB.

PHB

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

I really do think that Liverpool are defensively frail, that's why Arsenal scored so many against them. Without Agger, their CB partnership isn't great. Skertle looks a prospect, but is still a bit away. Hyypia was great, but is just so slow it's a real issue when he plays next to Carragher who is also slow.

That said, Chelsea attack aint what it used to be, and much of their threat comes through the middle, which Mascherano will be able to deal with.

Melion

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

PHB wrote: »

I really do think that Liverpool are defensively frail, that's why Arsenal scored so many against them. Without Agger, their CB partnership isn't great. Skertle looks a prospect, but is still a bit away. Hyypia was great, but is just so slow it's a real issue when he plays next to Carragher who is also slow.

That said, Chelsea attack aint what it used to be, and much of their threat comes through the middle, which Mascherano will be able to deal with.

I think Rafa has seen that which is why he plays Skrtel beside Sami and Carra at right back.

PHB

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

Which is dodgy in itself, because Carragher is much better at CB. Liverpool want to play a tight game, with lots of closing down, which means they have to push up their back line. The amount of times when they do this with that defence that teams are able to play straight balls in behind them is a real issue, and I think someone like Drogba or Anelka can exploit it.

Melion

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

I have noticed that myself recently, the defence is pushing up and balls are just being lifted over the top. Fabregas done it a lot for Adebayor at Anfield but he kept getting caught offside.

Tusky

PHB wrote: »

I really do think that Liverpool are defensively frail, .

Goals conceded - Premier league (from 35 games)

Man Utd - 19
Chelsea - 24
Liverpool - 26
Arsenal - 29

Goals conceded - Champions League (from 10 games)

Chelsea - 4
Man Utd - 5
Liverpool - 8
Arsenal - 9

Hardly call it defensively frail. Manchester 'best defense in the world' United have only conceded 10 goals less over 45 games.

LuckyLloyd

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

I think we might sneak the first leg 2 - 1. But we will lose the tie overall.

PHB

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

How many goals you concede against crap teams isn't how well you can judge a defense, here's a better analysis:

Chelsea 6 games 5 goals [5 league games bar United and Liverpool League Cup]
Man Utd 6 games 3 goals [5 league games bar Chelsea and Arsenal FA Cup]
Liverpool 6(8) games 7(10) goals [6 league games]
Arsenal 7(9) games 12(17) goals [6 league games and United FA Cup]

In brackets are including the CL tie between Liverpool and Arsenal.

Liverpools defence is shakey. They've kept one clean sheet in their 8 games against the top 4 this year.

Without Agger they are a different defence, also their full backs seem to be less solid than before (with Finnan seemingly losing form) and LB has always been a problem position. Their back 4 is deceptively good in the league because of how amazing Mascherano is, but good teams can normally get around Mascherano (i.e. shift it as wide as possible)

Guy:Incognito

The thing I'm most worried about is Carra and Gerrard being on yellows. We dont need to be going into a tight 2nd leg or worse still, the final, without one or both of them.

PHB

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

I can see Gerrard avoiding being booked because he seems to be playing with a liecence not to defend. Carragher though will be targetted by Chelsea players, and if he's playing RB, I can see him getting booked over the course of the tie, especially cause Kalou and Cole will target him.

That said, he didn't do it over the Inter tie so.

ilovelamp2000

I'm lucky enough to be going to Anfield for this one and I think we'll do okay. We always seem more assured when playing over two legs.

Carvahlo and Terry will struggle to keep a lid on a fresh Fernando Torres and Babel should be capable of giving a tough night to whoever Chelsea play at right back. In the middle Essien is a big loss for them. I'm not overly worried about their attackers other than Joe Cole who seems to have a knack of scoring against us. That said nobody knows how Grant will actually approach the game,

I think there will only be a goal in this game at most and would not be surprised if we drew.

I think we'll start with our 4-2-3-1 comprising of the following:

Reina
Aurelio
Hyypia
Skrtel
Carragher
Mascherano
Alonso (although I don't think I'd play him)
Gerrard
Babel
Kuyt
Torres

shane86

PHB wrote: »

Skertle looks a prospect, but is still a bit away.

Played his arse off any match Ive seen, probably the best January buy any team made.

Gerrard situation is unfortunate, but both Crouch and Kuyt are in decent form. No Drogba would certainly even it out. Chelseas main advantage is pt 2 at home. They are a defensive low scoring team which is why the pool really need to whack in a 3 advantage at home, and try to bore us all to death defensively bar one goal in the second match. Cech is back and from what Ive heard will be dressed like a bomb disposal expert. Cech is good, but I dont go for all the worlds best hype. Id still rate Reina and Given above him.


But as said before, traditional Chelsea game plans may be out the window. Roman wont care if Grant wins the prem. Chelsea need to go to Moscow and win, that is the end of discussion in the debate for Roman. And the decider for whether Grant keeps his job.

internelligent

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

I'm putting my neck out here but I think we'll beat chelsea 2-0. I feel we could've done the double on them this year and walked away with 6 points instead of 2. Chelski aren't half as dominating as they have been in the last couple of years so I think we'll win 2-0 at Anfield and nick a goal on the away leg to wrap it up. Essien missing is huge so we've no reason whatsoever to be too defensive. Hopefully, we'll fly out of the traps, be aggressive as hell, and have a goal in the first 20 mins. As always, the key is not to concede. Our 12th man in the stands will, as always, play it's intimidating role, so with all these things on our side, and Grant's alledged inability to use tactics, I feel a defeat would be a huge upset.
I'm not sure how much further I can stick my neck out here:D

LuckyCharms

Chelsea

Chelsea to sneak the tie overall because of home adv on second leg, providing first string team is available.Liverpool will prolly win first leg 2-1

King John V

I reckon Chelsea will go through over the two ties but don't expect too many goals or edge of your seat soccer.
http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=665717

Bubs101

shane86 wrote: »

Played his arse off any match Ive seen, probably the best January buy any team made.

.

Such delusion. He's decent but he's not up to stopping Drogba or Joe Cole. As a CHelsea fan I reckon that it'll be 0-0 in one leg amd 1-1 in the other I just hope that we score at Anfield.

PHB

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

Indeed, he didn't have the best of games against Arsenal, and was directly at fault for their first goal, and lost his man a couple of times giving Adabayour a decent chance.

dc69

Chelsea

Bubs101 wrote: »

Such delusion. He's decent but he's not up to stopping Drogba or Joe Cole. As a CHelsea fan I reckon that it'll be 0-0 in one leg amd 1-1 in the other I just hope that we score at Anfield.

Drogba is a shadow of his former self and joe cole is decent but no world beater.I think he will do fine tbh

Dont be at yourself

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

Carra and Stevie G are on yellows. Anybody else? What about Chelsea?

Bubs101

dc69 wrote: »

Drogba is a shadow of his former self and joe cole is decent but no world beater.I think he will do fine tbh

They are both a class ahead of Skrtle. Hyppia should also be easy pickings. In general, Liverpool's defence should be too slow for Chelsea. Got the feeling that SWP would tear them apart.

However, like I said, I think it's gonna be a crap shoot. Liverpool have too many big game players (although in true Spanish tradition Torres will hopefully choke) to ignore. Stevie G will probably score some ridiculous wonder goal, Carragher will find his form for just these two games and Torres will find himself with just J.T. to beat and unless he gives him the big boot, that'll be a goal. I do think that our midfield is working quite well ATM, Ballack in particular, but I certainly won't be betting on this match

CHD

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

Reading this thread you'd swear Liverpool are 2nd and 3 points off the top of the table and Chelsea had being struggling in the league:rolleyes:!!

Half of yous are going on like Liverpool are far superior.Chelsea are the better team FACT!

Score draw at Anfield
Chelsea win at the Bridge

Liverpool fans can go on about there 5 european cups while Chelsea play ManUtd in the CL final and everyones happy;)

prendy

chdpoker wrote: »

Reading this thread you'd swear Liverpool are 2nd and 3 points off the top of the table and Chelsea had being struggling in the league:rolleyes:!!

Half of yous are going on like Liverpool are far superior.Chelsea are the better team FACT!

Score draw at Anfield
Chelsea win at the Bridge

Liverpool fans can go on about there 5 european cups while Chelsea play ManUtd in the CL final and everyones happy;)

by your logic it is aresnal playing chelsea in the semi because there ahead in the league?

oh wait.....

RE*AC*TOR

I reckon Liverpool have enough to see off Chelsea. On form and track-record in head to heads you would favour Liverpool. Chelsea still have one eye on the league with an interesting match vs ManU in between the two legs.

If I was a Chelsea supporter I would be concerned about the lack of respect the players have for the manager. Even if Grant was tactically astute for this tie, would the players follow his orders? Few teams can compare with Chelsea for raw talent, but if they're not all pulling in the same direction...

I have a sneaking suspicion it might not be as tight, and as drab an affair as previous years.

CHD

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

prendy wrote: »

by your logic it is aresnal playing chelsea in the semi because there ahead in the league?

oh wait.....

No......Im comparing how Chelsea have outperformed liverpool in every competition and are the better side but all the liverpool fans think they will ''spank'' and ''beat'' Chelsea comfortably.

Chelsea will win.

IrishMike

Chelsea

chdpoker wrote: »

No......Im comparing how Chelsea have outperformed liverpool in every competition and are the better side but all the liverpool fans think they will ''spank'' and ''beat'' Chelsea comfortably.

Chelsea will win.

Maybe you should put FACT again at the end of your post to emphasise that
your opinion is the only one that can possibly be right.
May i ask how Chelsea have outperformed Liverpool in the CL?

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

I'm heading to the game too but, like a lot of Liverpool fans I know, I'm not very confident.

Logically we have a great chance but it stems from the two previous semis against Chelsea, something is niggling that they'll have to beat us at this stage some time. The two previous semis were so tight yet we put five past Arsenal... it's a very hard one to call.

I really like Skrtel but Drogba will give him a hard time and we all know he goes down with a gust of wind so would be concerned about that.

deisedevil

Chelsea

chdpoker wrote: »

No......Im comparing how Chelsea have outperformed liverpool in every competition and are the better side but all the liverpool fans think they will ''spank'' and ''beat'' Chelsea comfortably.

Chelsea will win.

Chelsea haven't outperformed Liverpool in CL. Liverpool have been fantastic in CL, two finals, one win and have been the better side head to head with Chelsea.
They won't "spank" em, can't see that happening at all.

prendy

chdpoker wrote: »

No......Im comparing how Chelsea have outperformed liverpool in every competition and are the better side but all the liverpool fans think they will ''spank'' and ''beat'' Chelsea comfortably.

Chelsea will win.

so because chelsea have outperformed us in the league and domestic cups they will win?
lol:D good argument!

im not sure and correct me if im wrong but did chelsea not "outperform" liverpool in the league last year and also in 05????? FACT

Hero Of College

If Skrtel keeps it up before too long people will be thinking that Agger is a band from Sweden.

redzerdrog

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

i have to say i am actually more confident of beating chelski than i was of arsenal.

Mr Alan

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

Bubs101 wrote: »

Such delusion. He's decent but he's not up to stopping Drogba or Joe Cole.

Wat happened when Drogba played against him in the league game at Stamford Bridge just after he arrived?;)

we have beaten Chelsea in 3 semi finals in the last 3 years, they are a good side and are bound to win 1 against us eventually, just hope its not this one :cool:

Bubs101

Mr Alan wrote: »

we have beaten Chelsea in 3 semi finals in the last 3 years, they are a good side and are bound to win 1 against us eventually, just hope its not this one :cool:

What you mean to say is we are a better team and your luck will run out:D

Mr Alan

Chelsea (Chelsea fans)

i will not rise to your bait bubs

quarryman

Liverpool (Liverpool fans)

Looks like Lampard is fit:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7358162.stm

Any Gerrard too. All mind games I reckon.

Interesting comment by Benitez:

"There's no difference between this year's Chelsea and last year's," Benitez said. "I think it's more or less the same.

"It could be they have less spirit than under Jose Mourinho."