CHELSEA vs LIVERPOOL BERN's preview.

i remember vividly Liverpool's opening game in season 2003-04 was at home to Chelsea. weeks before the opener, Chelsea welcome new owner Roman Abramovich. with his millions... he paid off the debt and secure several signings. Claudio Ranieri was then manager... present West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola had since left the club. signings then includes Adrian Mutu, Juan Veron, Claude Makelele, Damien Duff, Scott Parker, Hernan Crespo. Arjen Robben & Pete Cech came in just before Ranieri was booted out from the club.

the score at Anfield ended 2-1 in favour of Chelsea. of cos, it was a result that hard to stomach... notably because of Chelsea new found wealth, the way they purchase players resulted an inflation of player's value once Chelsea comes knocking. Liverpool then manager Gerard Houllier was into his last year reign as REDs boss... nothing comes quite sweet when he led Liverpool to victories over Chelsea and Man United that season, away.

Liverpool win at the Bridge comes courtesy of Bruno Cheyrou, and secured a 1-0 win in the end in Jan 2004. Arsenal became the last side to win a league game on the Blue turf... edging them 2-1.

it was not until 3 years later that Liverpool once again emerged winners in the Premier League. Dirk Kuyt and Jermaine Pennant scored in a exciting 1st-half to beat them 2-0. last season both games ended draws.. 1-1 at Anfield, 0-0 at the bridge. the game at Anfield was somewhat overshadowed by referee Rob Styles. gifting a dubious penalty to the Blues.

from what ive seen last weekend.. Chelsea although missing some players in the mould of skipper Terry, midfielder Deco. the Blues still edgin out 5-0 winners over Middlesbrough. in short, Chelsea have no shortage of players that could take the place of those first-teamers. Liverpool on the other hand must really tuned up for this game. Agger miscue the ball and gifted Wigan forward Zaki the easiest of chances to scored, painfully in front of the stunning KOP.

my fellow TGL contributor, Pete and Chelsea fan David quoted that Liverpool luck might run out though they admit they seen a certain sense of determination this season. in a team where no Torres again.. will the REDs rise to the occasion to finally end Chelsea proud unbeaten home record in the Premier League? or Chelsea 5-0 win at the Riverside was no fluke... i can't wait to see these 2 teams square-off in this wkend's top-of-table clash.

Torres and Gerrard was on the bench when Liverpool last played a BIG-4 team. winning 2-1 after going behind. frankly, ill be happy wif both sides played out a DRAW. my estimated percentage for Liverpool winning is somewhere 35-40%. wif a draw at 85%.

Chelsea with home advantage, is a clear favourites for this tie. but im sure Liverpool will come off with another positive result, provided they do not go behind again!...

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