And so we are entering another European Cup semi-final and another against the Chavs. Everyone and their dog seems to have written the reds of, but they do so at their peril.
While the Chavs have the better of us in league meetings, and even these are evening out, we have the better of them in cup meetings. Since the special needs one took over its 2 wins for them, 3 for us and 3 draws – with 2 draws at the bridge. Even then their one win in Europe wasn’t enough for them to get through to the final.
No doubts they will try and drum up a big atmosphere tomorrow, putting out little plastic flags for the fans, probably displaying words for songs somewhere, and generally trying to get a false atmosphere but that won’t make a difference as the away fans will make the noise. For some reason I feel very relaxed about this game. It doesn’t worry me. Rafa, Stevie G, Kuyt, Carra and the others all have the experience of not just playing in semis but winning them. The Chavs have been in the semi three times but have not won yet. This will no doubt be on their minds.
Team wise, Rafa will play his best team and by that I mean:
Reina
Arbeloa – Carra – Skrtel – Riise
Alonso – Mascherano
Gerrard
Kuyt – Torres – Babel
He may just surprise us and play Crouch up front, stick Stevie G in the middle with Monster leaving Alonso out but this formation has served us well. We also played very well at the bridge this year in the league and should have won. If Torres has his shooting boots on then we will be in the final.
The Chavs seem to be in a small bit of disarray at the moment. The result on Saturday didn’t really hide the fact they were lucky. The fighting showed there is no harmony but they are a dangerous team. If the real Drogba turns up it could be tough and all the experts are pointing to how he played once against us at Anfield when he ran Hyypia ragged. Of course they forget Sami was ill the day before and dragged himself from his sick bed to play. They also forget he has done nothing in 5 semi final matches against us.
I can see a real determination in Liverpool in the last two weeks. I’ve seen Stevie say that we haven’t played with Torres at the bridge before and this may lead people to think this is more pressure on the young lad but I don’t think so. He is class and the cream rises. This is his stage. This is why he joined us. This is why he will score tomorrow.
My prediction? I think it could be 1-1 but I wouldn’t be surprised if we won.
Tags: Champions League, Chavs, Liverpool
