Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallLIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA
Battle Royale: Torres vs Terry
Form suggest a torrid night for Terry. Torres has been making a mockery of 'no nonesnse' English defending since the matador flashed onto the scene - he is surely the top striker in the league at the moment. Terry has endured a mediocre season after his enforced split from the special one and injuries have hampered the healing process, and the England defender will be vulnerable to the pace and electricity of the Spanish forward. Torres to score at Anfield.
Returning heroes: Gerrard and Lampard
Both midfielders are available to play. These two, whether it be for club or country, continue to shadow each others careers with a menacing and it seems to be Gerrard that ultimately set himself appart - especially in Europe. But with Ballack an injury doubt, the added responsibility could push Lampard to extraodinary performance. Could, but probably won't.
Just chalk dust:
Rafa Benitez is shrewdest of chess players on these occassions and his maturing goatie portrays a Mr Miyagi level of wisdom, while Avram Grant has been deemed tactically illiterate after his Carling Cup faux pas. But the management egos which turned Mourinho vs Benitez matches into footballing cyanide will be removed. As ever the players decide these ones.
Will Chelsea Kop it?
Nothing rouses the Scousers than a European adventure - even if the opponents are as far away as London. Grant will be glad to have the first leg at Anfield which should temper the influence of the scary singing fans.
Half way score:
Liverpool 2 Chelsea 1 - an ominous away goal for Grant and his legion of protestors.
Form suggest a torrid night for Terry. Torres has been making a mockery of 'no nonesnse' English defending since the matador flashed onto the scene - he is surely the top striker in the league at the moment. Terry has endured a mediocre season after his enforced split from the special one and injuries have hampered the healing process, and the England defender will be vulnerable to the pace and electricity of the Spanish forward. Torres to score at Anfield.
Returning heroes: Gerrard and Lampard
Both midfielders are available to play. These two, whether it be for club or country, continue to shadow each others careers with a menacing and it seems to be Gerrard that ultimately set himself appart - especially in Europe. But with Ballack an injury doubt, the added responsibility could push Lampard to extraodinary performance. Could, but probably won't.
Just chalk dust:
Rafa Benitez is shrewdest of chess players on these occassions and his maturing goatie portrays a Mr Miyagi level of wisdom, while Avram Grant has been deemed tactically illiterate after his Carling Cup faux pas. But the management egos which turned Mourinho vs Benitez matches into footballing cyanide will be removed. As ever the players decide these ones.
Will Chelsea Kop it?
Nothing rouses the Scousers than a European adventure - even if the opponents are as far away as London. Grant will be glad to have the first leg at Anfield which should temper the influence of the scary singing fans.
Half way score:
Liverpool 2 Chelsea 1 - an ominous away goal for Grant and his legion of protestors.
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