I'd like to think so too, because I loathe Chelsea. But the realist in me remembers the 4-0 thrashing we took down there where Carlo Cudicini was MotM. I think that's the only time I ever heard of the winning keeper being MotM when his side won 4-0. Lest we forget the home fixture this season. 1-0 with Smicer rescuing us in stoppage time IIRC. It will likely be a very tense affair, and I would imagine someone will probably be sent off. Since it is at Stamford Bridge that does not bode well for us. Geez, I am pessimistic today.
Just an optimistic reminder of the last time we closed out a season at Stamford Bridge... http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/755000/images/_755086_dalgleish.jpg
Jesus, out of all the places that we need to get a result at... This is more than likely going to be a real nasty game. I predict very little football, but tons of passion and more than a few yellow cards.
It was Owen who scored the last-gasp winner this season. Smicer did it last season. As to the game itself, we have not won there in the Premiership. And we seem to actively reserve every ounce of muppet madness for when we travel to the Bridge. It would be comical, if it didn't come with a £20m price tag this time round. Having said that, this is, as GH says, a Cup final. And we're good at them. As you say, it will be tight and tense and by no means pretty. We have to play the percentages and impose our Plan A approach. Chelsea are also under a lot of pressure. There's no way they can play for a draw in this one, even if other teams would be tempted to in their place.
The 4-0 thrashing of Charlton to close out the season two years ago comes to mind. Then again, so does the 1-0 loss to Bradford three years before. (sigh.)
This will be tough. I'm reminded of the two games in the final run for the CL during the Treble year. 2-2 draw at Anfield at night. Jimmy Floyd with two to keep them in it. We never do well there. But I think both sides will play to win and that will give us a chance to score as they won't bunker.
Gerrard fit to play. Didn't realize he was hurt: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N140156030507-1551.htm
My cousin called from Belsize Park a while ago. He used to take his son and friends to Chelsea matches but it got much to uncomfortable for them because the friends families were from Jamaica. Uncomfortable to almost violence and things were thrown at them. The stewards just told them to stay away. So they did. Now they’re gooner fans…! Go Reds!
I certainly hope we play for the win as i think playing for a draw will be suicidal. However i am worried about Ranieris frame of mind for this one. Many times this season he has "gone Italian" with his team selections and gone for a draw.