Is There A Spot In The Final For Liverpool?

Yes… yes there is.

Of course, all we’ve to do is beat Chelsea but its been a while since I’ve seen confidence like this at Liverpool. Everyone is firing on all cylinders as the season draws to a close, the front line are scoring goals, the wingers are knocking in crosses, the midfield is going from strength to strength, the defence has picked up its socks in a big way and the clean sheets are back on track (tonight would make a fifth in a row).

We’ve got the experience.

We’ve been here before. April 2005, Liverpool vs Chelsea, Luis Garcia the man who made the difference. Chelsea certainly won’t let us forget about it, Mourinho will never shut up moaning about it, no matter what mind games he decides to play but Liverpool fans will remember it forever. Money doesn’t buy you glory. Strength in your team, belief in your team mates and a belief in your own ability - thats what brings glory. I remember the roars that came out of me when Garcia’s ball crossed the line. I remember the sheer look of disbelief on the faces of Chelsea fans as the final whistle went in Anfield - their chance at European glory gone. Liverpool on the otherhand, entering once familiar territory - the Champions League Final.

It was unprecedented at the start of the season but we had a great group, we overcame Barcelona, we overcame PSV and tonight we’ve got the chance to overcome Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Thanks to a season-ending injury at the start of the year we won’t have Luis Garcia to break out and look for a goal but we have Crouch and Kuyt on fine form, along with Craig Bellamy who is expected to start tonight, all of whom have found their scoring touch this season. Jermaine Pennant has put some good performances in the wings while the midfield has been bolstered by the presence of Javier Mascherano alongside Gerrard and Alonso. Daniel Agger has shone in the defence this season and looks to be a most capable long term replacement for Sami Hyypia.

Chelsea, for their part, have been an honest pain in the arse of Liverpool this season and Drogba has been a pain in the arse of the Premier League this season as well. Overrated, overpriced and over-cocky, the chap needs to be brought down a peg or two, contained and quarantined at Stamford Bridge. He’s a threat, but Liverpool should be up for it.

We’ve met Chelsea in Europe four times in the last two seasons and of the four games, only one goal has been scored - Garcia’s in ‘05. Something, however, suggests that tonight might be a little different. Liverpool aren’t fighting for league glory (that race is well and truly down to two horses) but at the same stage aren’t blowing trumpets about winning the Champions League, glory through modesty perhaps. Chelsea are fighting for glory, undone in the league through injury, misfits, bad attitudes, too much money and falling fan numbers, Chelsea don’t want the Champions League, they NEED the Champions League. Mourinho needs it to boost his already overinflated ego and to possibly save his own skin at the end of the year.

Forget Milan and United last night, this match tonight is the big one and I feel whoever comes out on top tonight will win the Champions League outright. Hopefully, Liverpool can pull it all out of the bag and grab the away goals, get the job done in the first leg rather than leave it to the last minute.

I guess we’ll know in about four hours time…

Popularity: 10% [?]