Emdad Rahman ::
It’s the second instalment of Chelsea v Liverpool tonight and both teams will be looking to boost confidence and win the bragging rights in this colossal cup tie.
Chelsea have failed to beat Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool in their last eleven games. The West Londoners are so far experiencing their worst ever start under Roman Abramovich. John Terry, who was who was interviewed under caution by Police today, is suspended for Chelsea after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Wolves last Saturday. Apart from Terry, the cup tied Raul Meireles, and the crocked Michael Essien, Andre Villas-Boas can pick his starting eleven from a full squad.
Both teams are likely to ring the changes with Fernando Torres a likely starter against his ex team mates. Villas-Boas will be hoping that the man who has cost Chelsea £10 million a goal so far this year will be chomping at the bit and going all out to inflict some real damage on the team at which he became a folk hero at. The omens are good as the 0-0 draw with Fulham in the third round is the only time Chelsea failed to hit the net in 23 ties. Liverpool have failed to score only once in 41 League Cup ties – a 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the 2007 quarter-finals. The Reds are comfortable playing away ties, with tonight’s match being their seventh away tie in their last eight League Cup matches.
For Liverpool Craig Bellamy is penned in for a return after missing the Anfield clash with Manchester City on compassionate grounds following the death of Gary Speed. Jamie Carragher will probably retain the armband in a possible pairing with Sebastian Coates at centre half.
Liverpool’s young stars may also feature from the start, with promising schemer Jay Spearing, and Martin Kelly joining Andy Carroll on the field of play.
The League Cup is one of Liverpool’s favourite pieces of silverware and the Merseysiders have won it a record seven times. Chelsea though have won it five times and under Jose Mourinho the Blues defeated their rivals in a dramatic 2005 final.
Dalglish’s has voiced his unhappiness about having to play two games in 48 hours and has derided the decision to allow such high intensity games to be played so closely, describing the schedule as “disgraceful.” With Tottenham Hotspur meeting PAOK Salonika in the Europa League and the TUC march taking place, the date of the match couldn’t be changed. It is precisely the reason why a shuffled pack is expected, with Maxi Rodriguez another possibility to start and add experience and star quality. Chelsea may restore Alex to support their rearguard and Josh McEachran is also likely to feature. This is the fifth meeting between the two clubs in League Cup history, with both teams winning to ties apiece. Since 2004, Chelsea have won 12 times and Liverpool 10 of the 29 matches played between the.
Chelsea, who are after their 11th League Cup semi Finals will be out for revenge after being on the end of a sorry defeat to Liverpool 9 days ago. The intense rivalry built up over the last decade will ensure that whoever takes to the field this match will be an exhilarating and high octane affair at the Bridge.