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Liverpool vs Chelsea Champions League: Live Score and Update
Liverpool is going to take on Manchester United at Anfield today. This is considered to be one of the most high-lighted matches of UEFA Champions League 2007-2008. No doubt, fans of both sides are eagerly waiting for the match. Not only the fans of Liverpool and Chelsea, but also football fans from around the world will look at the match. This is the first leg of first semi final match in Champions League 2007-2008 and I think, both teams will look to win the match, which will keep the winner in an advantageous position ahead of the second leg match scheduled to take place on 30th April 2008. It is needless to say that football fans are now excited about the match and the match has already been the center of all attention in the football world.
Not only are the footballers under pressure, rather the coaches of both the sides are now under huge pressure. Liverpool could not do well in English Premier League; neither did in other domestic competition. They have no hope to win the EPL title this season and at this moment, Champions League title is the only goal remaining for Liverpool to strive for. On the other hand, Chelsea is still in the title race of English premier league, but they failed to replicate their superb form of last few seasons in EPL 2007-2008 season. Though they have the opportunity to a win a much cherished double this season, it would not be very easy for Chelsea to achieve. If Liverpool fails to win the Champions League title, then manager Rafael Benitez would lose further ground, while Chelsea manager Avram Grant would also have to face lots of criticism if Chelsea fails to win either of the titles.
Now, here I am giving some important things about today’s Liverpool vs Chelsea mouth watering clash. I hope, you will find the information useful.
- Liverpool vs Chelsea first leg semi final match of Champions League 2007-2008 is going to take place at the Anfield stadium of Liverpool today. The match will kick off at 19:45 GMT (according to BBC)
- This is going to be the fourth match between Liverpool and Chelsea this season. They two sides encountered each other in League Cup last December. Liverpool lost the match 0-2 and got out of the tournament.
- The two other encounters were in English Premier League; the Liverpool home match ended in a 1-1 draw, while the Chelsea home match was goal less.
- Liverpool vs Chelsea first leg semi final match of Champions League will be broadcast live in BBC Radio Five Live.
- Though initially there were some worries among the Liverpool fans about the neck injury of Captain Steven Gerrard, manager Rafael Benitez has recently confirmed that the midfielder has recovered from the injury and ready for the Chelsea encounter.
- Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will catch the Liverpool trip today after missing two matches for Chelsea due to the illness of his mother.
- Chelsea manager Avram Grant has been full of praise about his star midfielder Frank Lampard saying that the English midfielder has given everything for the club. Captain John Terry is also confident that Frank Lampard will be available for today’s match and he said that Lampard’s mind was totally focused on the game.
- Frank Lampaprd is expected to make it to the starting line up today against Liverpool due to the injury of Michael Ballack and the suspension of Michael Essien.
- Liverpool will enjoy the home advantage tonight as the all reds will play before the home fans.
- Liverpool fans will be happy to see Spanish striker Fernando Torres at his best today. Torres secures the third position in the highest scorers’ list in Champions League this season with five goals until now. Torres also scored 22 goals in English Premier League this season, which is second highest after Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo’s 28 in the league.
- Liverpool projected a convincing victory at Fulham in their recent match, while Chelsea also picked up three important points away at Everton recently. So, both sides are now pretty much confident before they face each other.
- Chelsea reached the last four of Champions League defeating Turkish giant Fenerbahçe, but not convincingly. In fact, Chelsea lost the first leg match at Fenerbahçe, before projecting a 2-0 victory over Fenerbahçe at home, which confirmed their semi final ticket.
- Liverpool, on the other hand, encountered premiership giant Arsenal, whom they saw off by 5-3 on aggregate. The first leg match was drawn, while Liverpool came up with a 4-2 victory at home in the second leg of the quarter final.
- Out of their last seven matches in all competitions, Liverpool won four matches and drew twice with the humiliating 0-3 defeat to Manchester United in premier league.
- Chelsea also lost a match out of their last seven outings in different competitions. They won five and dew one match besides their 0-1 defeat to Fenerbahçe.
- Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has said that neither his teammates nor himself are sacred of Liverpool. Drogba, however, said that Liverpool might sport some fresh faces in the match as they have a big squad.
- Chelsea has some injury worry ahead of the match. I mentioned earlier that Michael Ballack has not recovered from his injury and playmaker Michael Essien will miss the match due to suspension. Goal keeper Carlo Cudicini will remain unavailable due to his hamstring injury. Most importantly, striker Didier Drogba is still suffering from knee injury and is doubtful for today’s match.
- Liverpool has a formidable home record in Champions League. For the last few season, no English club could win at Anfield in a Champions League match.
- Liverpool and Chelsea faced each other in UEFA Champions League thrice in the past, with Liverpool winning twice at the semi final stage. In 2004-2005 season, Liverpool won the both legs of semi final match against Chelsea before defeating AC Milan in the final to lift the trophy. Then in 2006-2007 season, Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the both legs of the semi final match in Champion League, but this time Liverpool failed to win the title being defeated to AC Milan.
- So, Chelsea will atone for taking revenge of their last season defeat to Liverpool at the same stage of Champions League.
- If Liverpool can reaches the final then it would be their third Champions League final in four years.
- Liverpool scored highest 26 goals so far in Champions League this season, while Chelsea has the toughest defense among all the teams with conceding only four goals.
- Rafael Benitez rested a number of key players including Fernando Torres, Alvaro Arbeloa, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso. All of them are expected to see in the final squad.
- Liverpool scored 18 goals on their way to win their last four home matches in Champions League, while Chelsea won 9 out of last 10 Champions League matches.
- Liverpool will definitely try their best to win the match as it is taking place at their home ground. On the other hand, Chelsea might be happy with at least a 1-1 draw at Anfield today, by which they would have away goal advantage in the second leg match at their home ground.
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