Champions League
2009-04-14 - Chelsea vs Liverpool
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football: Europe, UEFA Champions League
Tuesday, 14th April 2009 - Kickoff 19:45
Chelsea is almost home and dry and into the semi-finals after winning 3-1 victory in Anfield last week. All Chelsea needs to do now is to avoid anything more than a 2-0 defeat.
Chelsea (3rd - England)
Home Form : Europe 4-0-0 : Domestic 9-5-2
The Dutch Master Guus Hiddink outclassed Rafa Benitez last week in the game of tactics and it will be interested to see what does that Dutch Master have in reserve for Benitez. Michael Essien kept Steven Gerrard out of the game last week and reports suggest that Gerrard could well miss this crucial tie.
Guus Hiddink wont be please at all after seeing his side let in 3 goals at home against Boltan. The Dutch wizard mention his concerns in defense but also says that every match is different and we’ve have a lesson.
With his captain John Terry suspended for this tie, things do not seem likely to improve. Ricardo Carvalho has recovered from his injury but has yet to play competitive football since his return from injury. Jose Bosingwa is doubtful for the game while Joe Cole and Ferreira are the only other players Hiddink has on the treatment table.
With Bosingwa doubtful, Hiddink might be forced to use Belletti in right back moving Ivanovic to the middle to partner Alex while Ashely Cole will remain in left back.
In midfield, with Gerrard likely to miss the game it would be interesting to see will Essien be once again ask to man mark somebody or will Hiddink allow him to influence the game. Essien should partner Lampard, Ballack and Mikel in midfield leaving Drogba and Kalou up front.
Chelsea does not have to chase for the goals therefore I’m expecting Chelsea to play both Mikel and Essien to protect the defense and hit Liverpool on the counter attack. Liverpool seems to be helpless everything you hit them hard on the counter attack and this could well be the deciding factor!
Liverpool (2nd - England)
Away Form : Europe 3-1-0 : Domestic 10-4-2
Rafa Benitez on the other hand a mountain to climb. Liverpool has only won TWICE out of the SEVENTY-FIVE visit to Stamford Bridge achieving a result that would earn them an outright victory in this tie.
Skipper Gerrard being a doubt for this game, Benitez might have to tinker over his formation.
Benitez will welcome back Javier Mascherano after missing last the first leg through suspension. Rafa knows his side have to score at least three times if they wish to progress and he should set out an attacking midfield lineup. Instead of his normal two holding midfielders, Xabi Alonso might be push further up front creating a formation that would probably be 4-1-4-1 formation.
Reina will start in goal protected by Jamier Carragher, Martin Skertal, Aurelio and Arbeloa in defense. Marcherano is likely to sit in front of the back four and clean up the bits and pieces while Xabi Alonso, Albert Reira, Dirt Kuty and Gerrard or Benayoun to play in this attacking midfield role. Fernando Torres will be deployed as a lone striker like he did last time out.
Key player to watch out would definitely be Fernando Torres for Liverpool. He will be the player Liverpool will be banking on to score.
The Betting Verdict :
Looking at both formations, Chelsea will definitely have the upper hand as they need not over commit players while Liverpool might be easily exploited during the counter attacks.
Being the attacking manager we know Guus Hiddink will not just sit back and defend his 3-1 advantage. I do expect Chelsea NOT to lose this game and do expect to see a few goals in this game.
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Over 2.25 goals as a good bet
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Chelsea on a level ball starting at a price around 1.75
