It’s the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final as Liverpool travel to Chelsea to try and progress to the final of the competition. In the first leg, the sides couldn’t be separated. It finished 1-1. Chelsea took an early lead at Anfield as Eden Hazard tucked away a penalty, after Emre Can fouled the Belgian. Liverpool did later equalize, though. A fantastic solo effort from Raheem Sterling ensured the sides would be level.
Liverpool dominated the first leg with their best performance of the season, thus far. They deserved to be heading to Stamford Bridge with a lead instead of it being level. Liverpool know they have a very tough task on their hands as Chelsea’s home record is formidable. If the game finishes 0-0, it will go to extra-time, but if it stays like that after extra-time, Chelsea will progress because of the unusual Capital One Cup away goals rule. If it finishes 2-2, Liverpool will progress after extra-time. 1-1 means penalties after extra-time.
Chelsea were in action at the weekend and were involved in one of the biggest ever F.A Cup shocks. Chelsea led 2-0 against Bradford; Gary Cahill and Ramires putting them into a comfortable lead. Bradford pulled one back just before half-time and in the second half produced one of the most memorable comebacks in the history of English football. They won 4-2. Mourinho and Chelsea stunned.
This should give Liverpool a lot of confidence. However, Liverpool’s weekend wasn’t great either. They had the chance to capitalize on other side’s misfortunes and progress. But they were held at Anfield to Bolton Wanderers; 0-0. Liverpool’s performance was good but seemed to be missing that clinical touch they have been all season.
Chelsea coast into a 2-0 lead
(chelseafc.com)
Liverpool could have Daniel Sturridge back for Tuesday’s encounter. It is very unlikely that he will start the game. But the Liverpool striker, who has been out of action since late August, could come off the bench if needs be. This will provide an enormous boost to Liverpool and perhaps some confidence. Rodgers did say it depends on what the #15 feels like, though, and he won’t risk him and risk another potential injury.
I think the team will be near enough the same from the first-leg. Simon Mignolet in goal; Emre Can, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho as the back three; Alberto Moreno and Lazar Markovic as the wing-backs; Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva in the centre of midfield; Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho behind Raheem Sterling.
This is the team to go for. Experience, pace and solidity within this eleven. Adam Lallana could be in with a chance of starting, too. Lallana has recently made his way back from an injury and started on Saturday. Lallana, though, failed to impress. I think this was more rustiness than anything else. Jordan Henderson and Lucas are our best midfield two, without a doubt. Their partnership seems to be excelling every game. They performed fantastically together in the first-leg.
The two wing-backs; Markovic and Moreno will be crucial for Liverpool. Against Chelsea, they will have to track and stay back more than against other sides. The perfect balance is the key. Their speed on the counter attack will be pivotal, too. Sterling’s and Coutinho’s, likewise.
I think Liverpool could just fall short. But I’m hoping for a 1-0 win. That would be very satisfying in this game of all games. Daniel Sturridge on the pitch is a sight I’m very much looking forward to.
My team (3-4-2-1):
Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Markovic, Moreno; Lucas, Henderson; Coutinho, Gerrard; Sterling.
Bobby Vincent
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