Champions League Preview: Semi-Finals
April 22, 2008
What a week this is set up to be. On Saturday we have Chelsea v Man Utd (AKA The Premiership Title Decider) to look forward to. But first………..
It’s the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals - and what a line-up we have. With 3 of the 4 teams remaining in the competition playing their football in the English Premier League we are expecting a passionate, and hugely competitive spectacle. Let’s hope we are not disappointed.
Just in case you have had your head stuck in a bucket for the last week or so, Liverpool and Chelsea will meet for the 4th consecutive season in this tournament. Meanwhile, Man Utd face Barcelona.
Let’s start with the all English tie. The first leg will be played on Tuesday (as in tomorrow!) at Anfield. Kick off at 1945 (BST).
The latest reports suggest that Gerrard will return for Liverpool, while Lampard will feature following his compassionate leave. Cudicini and Drogba are doubts for Chelsea respectively.
As mentioned, this is the 4th consecutive season that Chelsea and Liverpool have met each other in the Champions League, and the 7th in total. In the previous meetings, Liverpool have won 1-0 twice, and Chelsea have done the same once. The other 3 have ended 0-0. Should we read into this and expect a low scoring match?
Man Utd travel to Barcelona for the 1st leg in the Nou Camp on Wednesday. The big news coming from Barcelona is Thierry Henry not training today (Monday). Ronaldinho, Lilian Thuram, Jose Edmilson and back-up goalkeeper Albert Jorquera also missed training.
However, mind games are a major part of football in the modern age - and it’s quite conceivable that they were left out of training to give Man Utd the impression they will not play. Speaking of mind games, Man Utd have not released any details regarding team news as yet. Absolutely nothing. NADA!!
Barcelona and Man Utd have also met 7 times previously in European club competition. As things stand both have won twice, and the other 3 ended in draws. The overall goal difference is a respectable 15-13 in favour of the Catalan giants.
Live coverage of the matches is as follows:
Liverpool v Chelsea (1945) - Tuesday 22nd April - ITV1
Barcelona v Man Utd (1945) - Wednesday 23rd April - Sky Sports 1
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Nice preview. 10 minutes to go. Can’t wait for the match to start. I predict 1-1, you got any predictions?
Hi Steve,
I agree with your prediction. That would be a great result for Chelsea. I think who ever wins it’s going to be a close fought battle. History points that way at least!
It may just come down to away goals - or even penalties. Guess we’ll have a clearer idea in approx 90 minutes time!
Kevin
Liverpool will thrash the chelski scum 3-0
I’m guessing you are a Liverpool fan Bill?!?!?!