Liverpool Look for Hope Ahead of Second Leg

Liverpool have a massive mountain to climb after the shock 3-1 defeat inflicted on them by Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal last week. That fact is absolutely clear.

But how much hope should they harbor of overturning the advantage accrued by Guus Hiddink’s men at Anfield?

If one had watched events at Stamford Bridge last weekend, the answer would be that while things may appear bleak for the Merseysiders, anything is possible.

The Blues conceded three goals against Bolton and almost threw away a four-goal lead.

Granted Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard had been replaced, but the likes of Ricardo Carvalho were still on the pitch. All in all, not very ideal heading into one of your biggest matches of the season.

The absence of John Terry through suspension will also provide a boost to Rafael Benitez and his team. Ricardo Carvalho will step in to replace the England captain, but Terry’s presence and leadership skills could prove to be sorely missed.

The Reds, it seems, will also be able to call upon Steven Gerrard after he missed Saturday’s 4-0 win over Blackburn.

After the traumatic events of Wednesday night, last weekend’s win was the perfect tonic.

Fernando Torres was in fine form, bagging a brace, and Javier Mascherano played like a man possessed and will be available for tomorrow’s clash after serving a suspension.

Benitez will have a virtually fully available squad to choose from.

What also has to be remembered is that Liverpool have previous when it comes to pulling off the seemingly impossible.

Every football fan is aware of Istanbul, West Ham, and Olympiakos. On all three occasions Liverpool pulled a result out of the bag when few gave them a chance.

They’ve been written off before and have proved people wrong. 

Logic reasons against expecting Liverpool to pull it off, but Wednesday’s result was far from logical.

If they grab an early goal tomorrow night, who knows what could happen. Football, as the old adage goes, is a funny old game.