Date: Tuesday 22 April
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Venue: Anfield
U.S. TV: ESPN 2 @ 2:30 EDT
Chelsea could win both the EPL and the CL. Thankfully this possibility was rendered less likely by Carlos Tevez's late goal against Blackburn. But they could still win both, which, considering the dross they've served up this season, is as surprising as it is horrifying.
There are plenty of reasons for disliking Chelsea. Some, like they're rich or arrogant, are over-stated [which top teams aren't?], but one isn't: that they are quite outstandingly boring. Watching Chelsea has been truly painful this year - no wonder they're called the Blues. Chelsea shouldn't be hated for having loads of cash, but they should be hated for having loads of cash and using it to create such a negative team. It's like they've won the lottery and used the money to buy the world's most expensive Volvo.
It's said Chelsea can't play open football because they don't have the players. This is bollocks for two reasons. Firstly, the style of play is established by the manager and his formation, tactics, philosophy, etc. If Swansea City can play attractive football then so can Chelsea. Secondly, even a cursory look at the squad shows plenty of attacking players. To say you couldn't have a successful, attacking team with the likes of Cole, Carvalho, Ballack, Lampard, Baletti, Phillips, Anelka, Essien is just plain dumb.
At least Mourinho was honest. Grant claimed Chelsea were going to be more expansive but they've been the complete opposite. Mourinho's teams were quite expressive at times, the criticism was more that they shut up shop once they'd got a lead. Under Grant Chelsea never open up in the first place.
Almost every recent game between Chelsea and Liverpool has been dire. Liverpool themselves hardly dazzle, but have proved a touch more easy on the eye with the addition of Torres and Babel. Hopefully the two CL games will buck the trend, but it's hard to see. Unfortunately, with the second leg being in London, I see Chelsea going through.
A great occasion and a terrible game: it is what we have come to expect when Liverpool meet Chelsea
Winning is everything in latest round of a heavyweight battle
Martin Samuel says Liverpool have evolved more than Chelsea since their victory in 2005 and they can upset odds again
Benitez moves towards date with history
In many ways Avram Grant's predecessor has shown Grant what not to do
Grant must learn from his predecessor’s errors
Talking Tactics: David Pleat's opinion here and Don Howe's opinion here. They probably both say the same thing, but what the heck.
Giles Smith: History is finally on Chelsea's side
Tony Cascarino: Peter Crouch or Joe Cole could make all the difference
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