Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Liverpool was my pick to win this title at the start of the campaign and there is no reason to go against them at this point. Rafa Benitez is a genius regarding in game adjustments and has the talent available to adjust his lineup and formation to match any style of play he desires. What about Grant? When this game gets to the second half and his team is a goal down will he have the knowledge and creativity to make formation and personnel adjustments? How about the return leg, will he know how to cope with a deficit or protect a lead? I am not so sure. In game and between game adjustments were not a problem when Jose Mourinho managed. All Chelsea supporters were certain Mourinho put the correct lineup on the pitch and he always put his players in the best positions to win.

What I have really liked from Liverpool’s lineup the past month is Kyut playing midfield. I wondered at first why Benitez would do this. And then it struck me, Benitez needed a tough guy on the wing for future matchups. Look at Chelsea. They have a very talented playmaking player in Joe Cole running the left wing. Joe Cole may disappear in big games but there is no denying his pace and talent on the wing. Kyut will most certainly give him a good whack or two in order to get Cole a bit more nervous than he already will be. When Liverpool make it the final, ManU or Barca will be there and their star wingers are Ronaldo and Messi respectively. Again, Kyut will be there playing tough defense on Ronaldo and Messi, making certain to not concede any space to them.

Liverpool will win because of Benitez, Gerrard , Torres and the team’s uncanny ability to win big games. I also have very little faith in Chelsea’s star players when the heat is on. Lampard and Joe Cole become liabilities in big games. Of course, Essien and Drogba, Chelsea’s two best players, can carry the offense and with John Terry providing world class defense, Chelsea can win. But I would put the odds at 5 to 1 that Chelsea advance to the final.