Champions League Semi-Finals 1st leg Chelsea vs Liverpool [R]

[usscouse]

Pre - match
Why not get some chat going now? I know we usually wait, one match at a time but this is just too important and I don't know if we can all hold it in that long.

We'll be at Chel$ki for the first leg April 25th and on my birthday 1st of May for the return. (Let me see what would I like for my birthday present...???)

I for one like the away fixture first, a goal there would be so important. I don't do predictions but at least a 1-1 draw would make me happy. Then it's another party at Anfield. Ya'll got tickets...:)





Here's what Chelski's biggest s......upporter thinks, he's already in Athens! :D
Mayday, mayday, mayday...
After the scouser filth will it be manure or ac milan in the final?

[liverbird]

The gaffer gets the ball rolling:

"We were good friends until we started beating them. It's the same with all the top managers he [Mourinho] has a very good relationship with them until they start to beat him. He has a great relationship with all the managers he beats."

[AussieLFCfan]

Here's hoping for another Liverpool v Milan final!

I hope we tear the russians apart.

[dcc134]

I feel good about our chances, but Rafa is going to have to find a way to control Essien and Cole on the right. That is where they have a huge advantage over us right now. Not sure leaving Gonzo and Riise out there on their own is going to get it done.

[wemess0]

I feel good about our chances, but Rafa is going to have to find a way to control Essien and Cole on the right. That is where they have a huge advantage over us right now. Not sure leaving Gonzo and Riise out there on their own is going to get it done.

Essien's suspended for the first leg, no?

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

I feel good about our chances, but Rafa is going to have to find a way to control Essien and Cole on the right. That is where they have a huge advantage over us right now. Not sure leaving Gonzo and Riise out there on their own is going to get it done.

Doesn't Cole play on the left for them? Essien is suspended for the first leg.
I have no idea what formation we will play, in fact I have no idea how Chelski will exactly play. Both Jose and Rafa are good managers. However, missing Essien for the first leg is big.

With Cole back I am worried that our defense will have their hands full. But I have faith in Carragher.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

And there is no bad in starting this thread early, the managers are already at it (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6547607.stm).

"Chelsea know us and we know them very well." - Rafa Benitez

[catenaccio_L'pool]

I can't wait for it - should be a really tense matchup.
Can't believe Mourinho is whining about Chelsea playing in so many competitions - shouldn't he be proud of that and not look at it as a nuisance -spend less money in the future and you'll lose more often :rolleyes: .

[quentinc]

Not again.

[usscouse]

Essien's suspended for the first leg, no?Essien should have seen red inside the first 10 minutes in that last match with Valencia. He picked up an early yellow for a deliberate 'late' tackle. Then 2 subsiquent tackles were worse. He was just out to hurt someone.

Then he scores with 2 seconds to go of match time.
I don't care what the moaner says about refs, he gets more than his share of "fortunate" calls.

[soccer365-old]

I think Chelsea were a more dangerous team in 05 than they are now. Robben and Duff were deadly on the flanks. Robben is out due to injury so I pinpoint Joe Cole as their most dangerous weapon. He's slowly recovering from injury and is there most creative player. He's been a thorn in our arse a couple of times over the years.

The big battle is going to be in central midfield. This is where the tie will be won. Lampard, Ballack and Mikel or Claude Makalele will be there for Chelsea, while Rafa will go with Alonso, Mascherano and/or Sissoko. I wouldn't be surprised to see Rafa go with a 4-5-1 for the first leg with Gerrard slightly behind Crouch.

For alll the talk about Chelsea trying to get revenge, I think many of their players will be in for a surprise when they travel to Anfield. Let's not forget that Shevchenko, Ballack, Mikel, Cole and Kalou have never played against Liverpool in an European tie at Anfield. They won't know what hit them.

[Ghostface]

For alll the talk about Chelsea trying to get revenge, I think many of their players will be in for a surprise when they travel to Anfield. Let's not forget that Shevchenko, Ballack, Mikel, Cole and Kalou have never played against Liverpool in an European tie at Anfield. They won't know what hit them.

I think Schevchenko knows a bit about us. :D

[liverbird]

I think Schevchenko knows a bit about us. :D

Bet he sees this in his sleep:

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050527/sp2.jpg

[zenden]

I know it's early. but here is the line-up I'd like to see.

----------------Reina--------------
Finnan----Carra----Agger----Riise
-----------Xabi-----Mascherano-----
Pennant------Gerrard------Kewell(if fit)
---------------Crouch----------------

This team could get it done.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

I think Chelsea were a more dangerous team in 05 than they are now. Robben and Duff were deadly on the flanks. Robben is out due to injury so I pinpoint Joe Cole as their most dangerous weapon. He's slowly recovering from injury and is there most creative player. He's been a thorn in our arse a couple of times over the years.


I don't think Cole is their most dangerous weapon. Yes, he is creative and has been a pain, but he is just recovering from injury. Drogba is far and away Chelski's most efficient player this season, but I am not too worried because we have Carragher. Cole may get free and seem dangerous but thats only because Carra and co. will be focused on stopping Sheva and Drogba. I believe that without Essien in the lineup our midfield will be able to neutralize Ballack and Lampard.

I like Zenden's lineup.

[LiverpoolFanatic]

I can't see Kewell starting after so long away unless he's been training like a man possessed.

I hope we beat them over the two legs by a couple of CLEAR goals so they 'll shut up about King Luis' goal back in 2005.

[CHSsoccer08]

I can't see Kewell starting after so long away unless he's been training like a man possessed.

I hope we beat them over the two legs by a couple of CLEAR goals so they 'll shut up about King Luis' goal back in 2005.

I have to disagree. I'd love to see something along lines of Luis Garcia's goal in 2005. 2 years on we still get to hear them whine about that goal, and the loss constantly. If it had been a clear thrashing, they never would bring the subject up. Don't get me wrong, I will take a win either way.

[ForeverRed]

I can't see Kewell starting after so long away unless he's been training like a man possessed.

I hope we beat them over the two legs by a couple of CLEAR goals so they 'll shut up about King Luis' goal back in 2005.

It's football, there will always be something to complain about.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Did the ball go in?
Did the ball stay out?
In, Out, In, Out
The Kop was in doubt
Liverpool are champions
and Chelsea are out!!!

That's what it's all about!!!

[Dear_Claudio]

Liverpool are champions

That's what it's all about!!!http://www.freewebs.com/newyorkblues/PremLeagueWin05-06.jpg


Anywhoo... I'm not optimistic simply because we'll be at Anfield for the return:(