Liverpool vs. Chelsea (1st Leg)

Mr. Anderson wrote: »

I see this being a score draw which would be a huge advantage to Chelsea. Both times Liverpool knocked Chelsea out the second leg was played in Anfield. I personally do think playing your first leg away is better as you can either choose to set up shop and play for a counter attack away goal knowing you still have your home leg as back up for anything that went wrong or to compound an already great position. That's why I see Chelsea winning the tie this time round.

Interesting, in only that I don't think Chelsea have ever scored a goal in a Champions League game at Anfield (excluding penalty shoot-outs).

I'm not that confident about qualifying over the two legs though, I do see Liverpool winning tonight, but unless they get at least a 2-0 or a 3-1, I don't see them going through.

mike65 wrote: »

While it is shown that playing the second leg at home is an adavantage, its also shown that Liverpool have the best away record of the surviving teams, indeed one only has to remember Juventus and Inter ties both of which were played the "wrong way round".

Mike.

Honestly I'd discount the Inter tie because the ref screwed the pooch both times. But that's a different debate and there's no point going into it on this thread.

So, the build-up has begun for what will be a pivotal game for Liverpool this season.

There's always plenty of discussion over the advantages and disadvantages of playing the 1st leg at home or otherwise. But its small differences really and doesnt really make a difference in the grand scheme of things. Liverpool know that a goal tonight is needed. Indeed: 2-0 is better than 1-0 and is better than 0-0. The only slight advantage perhaps at playing the 2nd leg at home is when it goes to penalties. That may affect some players concentration and their legs may go to jelly. But that's if it goes to penalties and then its only a but, as home players can be equally affected by penalty pressure.

Yes, Chelsea will line up defensively and look to their fast men (SWP) for attacks on the break. Liverpool will need to be careful at the back. It could be a 0-0 of course but I would expect a goal at some stage tonight. One thing about Liverpool, they do need to be very very careful if they go 1-0 up. Players tend to lose concentration, and giving a goal away at home could determine the tie.

> I suspect both managers would take a 0-0 now.

I dont think so. I dont think Rafa would take that at all. Its hard to rely on an away goal to go through with a 1-1 or something. Rafa will, I think, be aiming for a 1-0 or a 2-0. Chelsea will be looking to exploit dead ball situations, with Reina's (and Liverpools) dodgy handling of crosses and they will be getting the likes of Terry, Carvalho and Drogba in the box.

anything could happen really ..... Liverpool' mindset will be good though. Chelsea are still 'hurting' from their previous losses. Liverpool are in a way Chelsea's bogie team, so lets exploit that to the full, take them on tonight with energy and get the one or 2 goals. I think 2-0 would leave us with one foot in gthe final, although everyone knows that it would still be only half-time.

Meanwhile, there will be a small bit of a side-show in the ownership battle as to who turns up in the directors box. Gillet's son will be there, he is apparently ill. DIC will be Gillet's guests. Parry and Moores, who are side by side at all Liverpools matches, will be there. Hicks said he would be there, but may not show. He may send a representative.

But none of the players or Rafa will be looking up at the directors box. They have a job to do and are focussed.

8 hrs and 45 mins to go .....

Redspider

If it is 0-0 tonight,chelsea will fear liverpool scoring at stamford bridge like we feared for our lives chelsea scoring an away goal the previous two times!!There is nothing more frightening or silencing than an away goal,especially in the second leg!!

lisbon_lions wrote: »

The 2nd leg being at the bridge and not anfield will go against Liverpool I reckon. Liverpool are always a formidable force in the 2nd leg knowing what they have to do in front of the vocal support. They might come a cropper at the bridge.

Here is the last 3 times Liverpool have had the 2nd leg away from home

2005 after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 at Anfield we were going to get put out in Germany as Bayer Leverkusen had won all there home group games 3-0, what was the score oh yea 3-1 to Liverpool

Again 2005 beat Juve 2-1 at home we were going to get stuffed in Italy, again score was 0-0 with Milan Baros having the best chance to score and Liverpool having a very weakened team.

2008 beat Inter 2-0 at home going to go to Italy and get stuffed again but if my memory serves me right only goal scorer in the San Siro that night was Fernando Torres.

Liverpool tonight will fly out of the traps like they did in those 3 games to get the 1st goal.

Gerrard On Tonight:

"Our fans will give us a massive advantage again because there is not many places in the world that have as intimidating atmosphere as Anfield and have such an effect on visiting teams-and thats a fact. Stamford Bridge is a big stadium but its got nothing of the aura that Anfield has and it ceertainly wont intimidate us in the slightest during the second leg".

well in stevie lad, especially like the FACT bit

chopperbyrne wrote: »

Personally I want Chelsea to win as more often than not I think they are easier on the eye than Liverpool.

However, I would love to see a Manchester United vs Liverpool final.

I'm a neutral by the way.

What games have you been watching? The last 4 Chelsea games have been dire even their own fans booed them off the pitch when winning

I cant honestly believe that someone would think Chelsea were better than Liverpool to watch this season.

Chopperbyrne; who do you support? Not supporting Chelsea or Liverpool does not automatically make you a neutral.