This is the title-tilter, I will not use the word decider as I have been proved wrong every week. This is surely the most exciting finish since 1999 when it went to the last day with Manchester United playing Spurs and Arsenal hoping for a Spurs win.
This is the title-tilter, I will not use the word decider as I have been proved wrong every week. This is surely the most exciting finish since 1999 when it went to the last day with Manchester United playing Spurs and Arsenal hoping for a Spurs win.
That was surely Sir Alex’s sweetest ever premiership title, this might be just as sweet if Liverpool do them a favour and beat Chelsea.
Chelsea was absolutely vicious against a hardy Stoke, whipping them 7-0 without Drogba scoring. This show there are goals coming from other angles, Salomon Kalou is especially revived, Malouda is still fantastic and Anelka is still committed.
This is the make or break game for Ancelotti and he has to set his team out to attack. We can expect a 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation, with Malouda and Kalou helping out in the middle.
For Liverpool there is still a mathematical chance that 3 teams could mess up and still give them Champions League. However, realistically this is a game for pride after a very bad season.
The over-reliance on Gerrard and Torres has cost them dear, the cautious manner of Benitez means he has frozen when tough decisions were needed. Juventus and Real Madrid beckon but Benitez might stay another season.
Liverpool are still tough at home and will set to defend and gradually counter-attack, they do not have the pace of Torres to spring from deep, so they will rely on Kuyt to hold up the ball.
Gerrard does not have the swash-buckling power of last year but can still pop up with a blinder. The Stevie G of old is gone, they need to adapt this new player, much like Lampard has fizzled out.
When it happened to Ronaldinho at Barca they failed to adapt him, so Gerrard might be sold.
Chelsea need a big game from midfield, Mikel has to be the rock to build on, Lampard and Cole provide the flair but can leave gaps, so Ancellotti prefers them to take turns attacking.
Drogba didn’t score in the 7-0, but he was crucial in laying on for his countryman Kalou. Malouda is providing so much support that he can be called a support striker, he needs a big game against Glen Johnson.
Carragher and Agger need to pick up the extra runner either Malouda or Kalou but not forget Drogba.
In Liverpool ’s attack one sees few options, they need Mascherano and Lucas to block the middle and hope Kuyt picks up scraps for Ben Ayoun to put away.
Ryan Babel is finally playing regularly and if they have sense they will keep him, he is playing centrally but drifts wide, he can play number 9 but is not greedy enough for that position. Liverpool need some slick stuff from Lucas but he has lacked confidence, Aquillani is just not playable and not suited to England.
I see a loss for Liverpool after a tough game with Athletico Madrid, Chelsea will have to play calm relentless attacking football against a tired side. 2-0 to Chelsea