Chelsea vs Liverpool | 04-Oct-09 @ 16:00 UK

Goosebumps . . goosebumps . . goosebumps. God . . please . . let us win this match. I mean ‘this’ match. I know I’ll say this again when we play the sunbears but for now, let’s please win this match. I care a damn how we win. We need to win. I don’t care how we win. A deflected goal or a goal that doesn’t cross the line or a penalty from a blatant dive or a goal from the heavens. Basically, let’s do a Liverpool to Liverpool.

Last season, a high flying Scolari was halted by Liverpool, in the match that also brought Chelsea’s incredible home league run to a stop. But the difference now is Ancelotti’s Chelsea have shown that they can win key matches, derby matches and matches against rivals. I certainly believe that Chelsea have it in them to beat all their rivals this season.

After a depressing defeat against Wigan, the mid-week champions league match against unknown Apoel Nicosia didn’t record our recovery or rampage. In fact, the mid-week match has raised more doubts on if the Wigan match was an aberration or a beginning of a slump in form. But let’s remember, Liverpool were beaten by the Viola and that too with a 2-0 scoreline.

Hilario will be on goal this Sunday. I really really hope that Hilario produces a performance. Tubby would see him as the weak link in our team and surely would have a plan just around Hilario. Expect Gerrard, Torres, Riera and Kuyt to test Hilario from distance and from awkward angles. Hilario should not just be stopping shots but should also comfortably catch the ball. I have an eerie feeling that we would concede on a rebound because Hilario would punch a ball that he should catch. But, let’s put those fears away. Let’s back our man, Hilario! He truly needs our support and that’s what he too says:

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I hope we have the same as we did against Tottenham, because that was amazing. It’s good for the fans to get themselves in one voice, it makes a big difference to a game, no player likes playing without any noise. Although we are focused on our warming up and the game, it is always good to have the crowd behind you. The atmosphere and people shouting always makes an impact on you. It’s good for the players, it’s good for the fans, it’s always good for everyone.

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I might be sounding a bit negative and dull, but honestly I think Chelsea can win this one. Players like Drogba and Lampard love playing Liverpool. They have always done well against Liverpool. We know that Lampard has not scored for some matches now. Put your money on the man who scored a brace on this very pitch against this very opposition in the champions league semi final last season.

I think we should play in our own style. We should try to first control the game, dominate the midfield and wait for our chances. There is no need to hurry. Draw is not desirable but certainly acceptable in such matches. And yes, most importantly, be awake during the set piece situations. Ancelotti puts it nicely:

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Our objective is to play well because if you play well it the best way to win. I would like see Chelsea control the game on Sunday with intelligence. Playing against Liverpool will not be easy because they have a very good organisation defensively and they use the quality of the offensive players, of Torres and of Gerrard to attack. We have to be intelligent and read the situation of the game. Our players are used to playing these matches and it is important in these matches to have intensity and courage to play.

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Ancelotti did lose an unbelievable match against Liverpool in the champions league final but he did lead an older Milan team to avenge for that defeat a couple of years later. I fully trust in him. This would be a fantastic match for him to win at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea to win 2-1. Drogba and Lampard to score. Let’s put them out of sight!