BIG MATCH PREVIEW - LIVERPOOL v CHELSEA!

By dixon9
March 1 2007

Big match time today! I’ve got a feeling this one will be a cracker despite the fact that we are both the clean sheet kings of the league! Both teams have to make forced changes due to injury or suspension.

Chelsea will be almost certainly playing Carvalho and our “Rambo”, Essien in the centre of defence. Lack of height there – I’m going to bet that Benitez therefore starts with Crouch.

As for the scousers centre pairing, we’re looking at Carragher and Agger with Hyypia on the bench – Benitez being mindful of the Finn’s experiences up against Drogba.

I HOPE that José isn’t too cautious and starts with 4-4-2, using the Premier League’s top scorer, Drogba and a really fired up Shevchenko. I’ve a feeling José will definitely use Shevchenko at some point anyway – The Special One is always very aware of psychological situations with his players, and no doubt will consider the fact that Shevchenko has been the victim of extreme media stirring and will probably be like a bull, foaming at the mouth, waiting to charge. It´s been reported that he only resumed training YESTERDAY - so I could be getting too carried away here.

What am I missing out so far? Yep! Our goalkeeping situation! Cech has now been passed fit – and so has Cuducini (just like a 56 bus – you don’t see one for ages and then suddenly two arrive at the same time! Caution to the wind and Cech a definite shoe-in? Or erring on the side of caution and Cuducini getting the nod? I’ll go for Cech on this one. I’m going to plump for Robben to play an absolute blinder – interesting to see what Rafa does to counteract the Dutchman.

In their last match at Anfield, Liverpool did suffer that embarrassing mauling at the hands of Arsenal’s youngsters – but then they weighed in with a comprehensive 0-3 victory at Watford. It has to be said that Liverpool’s league form has been good of late and they will be very mindful that 3 points won’t actually put them that much out of reach of ourselves and the Mancs as one might think.

To add a bit more flavour to the encounter, Benitez will be looking to end a dreadful 100% record against him in the league at the hands of Mourinho + the Anfield crowd will no doubt be looking to have their annual (or sometimes more often!) dig at José tomorrow, taking full of advantage of the bol*o*ks printed about us in the press recently. They’d better be careful though – the team and staff are well up for a “fight” at the moment!

Liverpool from: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Pennant, Gonzalez, Gerrard, Alonso, Bellamy, Crouch, Fowler, Kuyt, Dudek, Paletta, Zenden, Guthrie.

I reckon they´ll start with 4-4-1-1 with Bellamy playing behind Crouch. If things go against the reds they’ll be forced to go 4-4-2 – adding Kuyt to the recipe.

Chelsea from: Cech, Cudicini, Geremi, Ferreira, Carvalho, Essien, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Robben, Drogba, Shevchenko, Mikel, Diarra, Kalou, Wright-Phillips.

I’d like to see 4-4-2 from the start but I won’t be surprised if its 4-3-3 with snarling Sheva let loose at the start of the 2^nd half.

I´m going to brave and stick my neck out here….we´ll win 3-1 with Shevchenko scoring a brace!