Champions League Prediction – Chelsea v Liverpool

Here is my prediction for the Chelsea v Liverpool second leg of the champions league quarter finals, 14th April. With the aggregate score at 3-1 in favour of Chelsea, Liverpool definately have their work cut out for them. They have to score at least twice and hope that Chelsea do not score.

Liverpool were the more impressive side going into last weeks first leg. But they were dull and lacked any real creativity, which is unusually for them at Anfield. However, their performance at the weekend against Blackburn was very strong, the 4-0 scoreline could have been a lot more. And all that came with Steven Gerrard on the bench all game.

Chelsea have had an mixed season. They lost at home to Liverpool earlier this season and then again at Anfield in the league. Last week they took control of the game and gave themselves a huge advantage over Liverpool going into the second leg on Tuesday. At the weekend against Bolton, they were dominating the game. 4-0 up with 20 minutes remaining. Hiddink decided to rest Lampard and Drogba for Tuesday and within the space of eight minutes, Bolton had pulled the scoreline back to 4-3. Chelsea ended up clinging on to what should have been a comfortable victory.

Liverpool have a strong away form this season and Chelsea have not been their usually selves at home. The Stamford Bridge fortress has shown signs of crumbling and their away form has in some ways been their saving grace. Chelsea will also have to cope without John Terry in defence. Ricardo Carvalho is likely to partner Alex in defence, but Carvalho has only played 16 games all season and very few of those have been recently. He is very good player, but if he is lacking fitness and has to compete with Fernando Torres for the ball, there could be chances for Liverpool.

Liverpool know that they are going into this game seeking goals, so what might have been a defensive performance originally will now become an offensive game plan. When Liverpool are attacking and creating chances they are one of the best teams in the world. Chelsea have a solid squad, but there could be holes in their lineup.

Liverpool won at Chelsea once this season, with a 1-0 scoreline. They might not be favourites to win this match, but I definately think that they are in with a chance. Maybe a higher chance than some of the bookmakers are thinking.

Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool

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