Chelsea v. Liverpool Preview | 14-Apr-09 @ 19:45 UK

Hiddink demolished Liverpool at Anfield. If Chelsea can’t progress to the semifinals tonight, not only that demolition has no meaning but also it reflects on Hiddink’s tactical capabilities.

This is a new and different challenge. We can’t afford to concede more than two goals. If Chelsea cannot progress tonight, it then has to be a horrible night for men in blue—the players, the coach, the staff, and the fans. That’s because, on paper, it is such an easy objective.

The home match against Bolton has given tonight’s match a new level of expectation. From the Liverpool eyes, if Bolton can score three at the Bridge, Liverpool can. Very simple thought. That’s a Premier League match and this is a Champions League match. But Liverpool thinks that they are capable of scoring three goals at Stamford Bridge and that’s what keeping them confident about tonight’s game.

The Bolton match was an aberration. It was quite clear to see that at 4-0 at 70 minutes, we thought the game was over. Any team would think so. Hiddink rightfully replaced Drogba for Anelka and Lampard for Deco. The problem was Anelka is not Drogba and Deco is not Lampard. Once Drogba and Lampard went off, we lost control of the match.

Bolton grew in confidence and trusted their single biggest weapon—long balls. I won’t blame them. Long ball is football. It’s just that we were defended them poorly. Cech had one of his worst games of recent times. Our defence were no shaky while handling long balls.

In a way, I’m glad that the 20 minute fiasco happened in the match against Bolton. Now all the players would know where complacency would land them. Hiddink would have known the importance of keeping Lampard and Drogba all 90 minutes in tonight’s match. Cech would have realised that he has to be at this best, again. The problem I see is, cunning Rafa would have seen this match. He’d have realised how flappable we were at long balls. Liverpool are masters at long balls. Expect them to test us with a few long balls aimed at Torres.

Gerrard would most certainly play, after his now-routine pre-match drama of will he, won’t he. Mascherano would be back for them as well. We will not have Terry because of suspension. Anelka and Ashley Cole are one yellow away from suspension. I’m okay with Anelka but Ashley Cole not playing a game? I can’t even think of it.

The Chelsea approach for tonight’s game would be interesting. With a fantastic 3-1 win away, how would you approach the home game? If we try to defend all night, we’ll be playing into their strengths and hopes. The only way Liverpool can score three is by keep having the ball and attack all 90 minutes.

The only reason why we blew Liverpool out of sight in Anfield was that we took the attack to them. I think that’s what we will and should do tonight. Attack as if we need to score two goals. In other words, play this just like a Premier League match. I expect Hiddink to put out the strongest eleven possible. If we keep thinking that "all that we need to do is not to concede three goals" then that would spell disaster. We just need to forget the away result and play like this is the first leg.

From elsewhere, good news coming your way. Ancelotti has ruled himself out say the headlines. When I click and read through it, nothing emphatic there. If someone wants to say a no, they will say NO, right? Interestingly, when asked about the Chelsea job Ancelotti says, "Maybe, Mourinho will go but I, however, am going to continue to coach Milan." We will have to start a "Say NO to Ancelotti" campaign later on.

Now onto the John Terry’s remarks on Hiddink and Mourinho. Now please get off his back. Terry gave a very very honest response to a question that was posed to him. Also, he spoke in the capacity of the captain of the team. If Hiddink has no problems in remaining as Chelsea coach, there is no reason to bring anyone to replace him—be it TSO or Rijkaard or anyone. You’re hearing this from one of the biggest self-proclaimed Jose Mourinho fans.

If Hiddink turns out to be Scolari (which I’m sure he won’t, cuz there is only one Scolari), then we can talk about it. For now, there is no need to talk about new managers unless Hiddink is really really gone. And, I have nothing to say about the rumours connecting Terry to TSO’s dismissal.

If one player can trigger the dismissal of a coach, then the club is in a big danger. That’s a rumour anyway, so I’d move on. But I realise that something went wrong between Terry and TSO but that’s something that happens with the coaches and players all the time.

Back to Stamford Bridge. Liverpool eliminated Chelsea from the Champions League in 04-05 and 06-07. Chelsea eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League in 07-08 and 08-09. All square.

Chelsea to beat Liverpool tonight 2-1.