Champions League
2008-04-30 - Chelsea vs Liverpool
A Sports Betting Pick by Duncan
The second leg of this Champions League semi final at Stamford Bridge, see's Chelsea have the edge following their 1-1 draw at Anfield a week ago.Everything had gone to plan for Liverpool in 94 minutes - possibly a second goal would have been good, but in the 95th minute Chelsea gained the edge thanks to John Arn Riise's own goal.
Chelsea have since made the Premierhsip title race a little more interesting with a healthy 2-1 over Man United - how Chelsea must be rueing their 1-1 draw against Wigan aprox 2 weeks ago.
Liverpool meanwhile rested key players at the weekend in a 2-2 draw at Birmingham where they came from 2-0 down.
Avram Grant welcomes back Michael Essien from suspension, and Frank Lampard is likely to make himself available following the death of his mother.
Rafa Benitez knows his Liverpool side must win 1-0, or score at least two goals and draw or win. He may well opt for Peter Crouch alongside Fernando Torres to mix it up a little. Jermaine Pennant played well against Birmingham and is also looking for a starting spot or at least on the bench. Defensively Fabio Aurelio is out so the left back position may be filled by John Arn Riise - but there are also another couple of options if Rafa decides to go with them.
Liverpool do not have a great record at Stamford Bridge, the last time Liverpool wn at Stamford Bridge was under Gerard Houllier, when Bruno Cheyrou scored the winner. Since Rafa Benitez has arrived at Liverpool, they have not scored a goal at Stamford Bridge - although it's Fernando Torres's first game for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge ... although his goal scoring record is more impressive at Anfield than on the road.
Given the recent results of both sides I think Chelsea may just have the edge with the momentum they gained at Anfield last week and then again at the weekend. And, given Liverpool's recent results at Stamford Bridge I have to favour the home side to progress to the final.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool
