Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Terrible Scheduling Dampens Hype Before Carling Cup Clash

Chelsea and Liverpool are set to face off in a quarterfinal Carling Cup match on Tuesday. However, the focus hasn't been on which team will advance, but rather a poor scheduling decision which forces the Reds to play on barely two days rest. It's a debate that has sapped a lot of hype from the clash.

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique made his thoughts on the decision crystal clear (via ESPNsoccernet):

"

The Premier League and Football League didn't make a good decision. We played on Sunday and have to play in another 48 hours, whereas Chelsea played on Saturday. This is not normal. It just happens in England.

It is no good for us because we play against Chelsea away and it is hard to win, and normally when you play 48 hours after a game you are more tired. But there will be no excuses. We can still win there and will try to get that win.

"

There's no doubt that scheduling becomes tough during this portion of the year because of all the cup games being interwoven with the Premier League slate, but it's tough to expect a team to field it's best available lineup on such short rest.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish will be forced to choose between risking injury with tired players or sending out a youthful team that may get overwhelmed by Chelsea.

The Blues aren't in much better shape, as they'll end up playing six games in 16 days since returning from international duties.

Managers have long used the Carling Cup as a chance to feature players who deserve more playing time, but haven't received it during the course of league play. Usually the lineups steadily improve as the rounds go on, though.

That won't happen this season if the scheduling doesn't spread out more evenly. While teams would love to add the cup to their display case, they can't risk long-term injuries in the quarterfinals. Especially when both teams are battling for European spots.

Fans of both teams are diehards, so they'll watch the game with the same emotion as every other match. Unfortunately, the level of play won't live up to normal Chelsea vs. Liverpool meeting.

Hopefully the outrage leads to changes, so future matches can provide the maximum amount of entertainment and fairness.