How a Liverpool Without Strikers Can Overcome Chelsea's Attacking Might

On paper, it's a no-brainer. Liverpool, shorn of all recognised forwards, facing a Chelsea side who have scored an astonishing 26 goals in the last seven games, will not beat Chelsea.

But, as the old saying goes, football isn't played on paper. Not only that, but there is a way that Rafa's Reds can not only get a result, but beat Chelsea. Yes, they are strong in a few key areas, but they can also be exploited and exposed to great effect.

STRENGTH: Up front

Didier Drogba. When he's on form, he's virtually unstoppable. Liverpool fans scarcely need reminding of that after he unceremoniously dumped them out of the Champions League after being goaded by Benitez. But it has, on occasion, been shown how he can be neutralised.

Against Inter Milan at the San Siro, Drogba was virtually anonymous. This was in no small part due to the way he was expertly marshalled and contained by Walter Samuel and Lucio, one of the players of the tournament.

By defending deep and doubling up on Drogba when required, Inter stopped the Ivorian scoring and kept one of Chelsea's greatest attacking threats at bay.

STRENGTH: The wings

Whilst Malouda has been getting the headlines, compatriot Nicolas Anelka has been quietly turning in very good performances on the opposite flank.

It is frequently underestimated how important Anelka is to Drogba's play, when Chelsea play 4-3-3. Liverpool need to be extremely mindful of paying close attention to Anelka on the right, especially given the well-documented problems at left back.

But, surely, the main threat on the flanks is a rejuvenated Florent Malouda. The Frenchman, who Benitez attempted to sign before Chelsea secured his services, has produced the best performances since signing from Lyon in 2007.

Malouda's pace, trickery, and crossing ability has made him the stand-out performer of the second half of the season, and the Reds need to be very careful on the right-hand side.

Glen Johnson has never been the best defensively, so employing a winger who is willing to track back and help in the full-back areas will be vital.

STRENGTH: Frank Lampard

Lampard's form since dropping further back in midfield has been nothing short of astonishing.

At the tip of a 4-4-2 diamond he was ineffective, but since Ancelotti's tactical shift those famous 'late runs' have made a dramatic return. With 25 goals for the season, Lampard is Chelsea's second top scorer and a huge threat to the Liverpool back line.

Mascherano can contain him, though. If the Argentine plays in defensive midfield, his tenacity and determination can help to ensure that Lampard doesn't break free from the centre of the park.

WEAKNESS: Set pieces

For so long, Chelsea were dominant defending set pieces and high balls into the box. Now, though, Cech looks uncertain coming for crosses, John Terry's form since his sex scandal has dipped alarmingly, and their once perfect defensive system looks flawed.

With Gerrard's form on the rise and his dead balls returning to their best, this is an area that the Reds can exploit. All it takes is one perfectly crafted set play and the points could be staying at Anfield.

It won't be easy, and it almost certainly won't be pretty. But if Liverpool play effective football, they can pull off an upset and keep their dim fourth place hopes alive.