Champions League 22nd of April (Liverpool v Chelsea)

[heniek31]

Tuesday 22 April 2008	Home	Draw	Away	BPP
Liverpool v Chelsea (19:45BST)	2.40	3.15	3.65	101%

[Jonesy Knows]

Early bet here for me!

1st Leg Semi-Final

Liverpool to win -1 HCP (waiting for odds i'll post when bokies have them)

Simply put Liverpool will punch allsorts of holes through Chelsea's fragile wet paper bag midfield here! Chelsea without Essien to do his usual spoiling role, have no bite in the middle and Mascherano will simply control the middle battles allowing Gerrard to saunter up and supply Torres with the ammo to score and probably getting on the score sheet himself.
Another occassion here that Chelsea for all their roubles! simply fall short when it comes to the Champions League pinnacle of a last 2 position.
This Chelsea team will be stripped bare next season with the likes of Drogba, SWP, Fat Frank etc... all off to pastures new. Likely that Avin a Laugh their manager will not be there also! a fruitless season beckons after both legs of matches here. Liverpool have coped well recently with all the turmoil of ownership and the fans will be well and truely behind them 100% urging them on to get the result which will effectively seal a likely final place v Man Utd.

RESULT: THE BIG CLUB OVERCOMING THE PUFFED UP WANNA BE BIG CLUB!

[dave57]

Just joined the fun on here.

Hopefully i will have quite a few winners, sooner rather then latter!!.

My bets will range from on anything upto 2 poins max, to make it easy when working out the returns 1 point will be the same value as £1. Hopefully we can make some nice profits from them.

First post on here so here goes, looking at the match the stand out bet to me is liverpool to quailfy @ evens with betdirect/stan james.

Liverpool should be looking to win this 1-0 or maybe 2-0, but it will be very tense so bets to a min a think.

My bets for the tie are

1 points on liverpool @ 13/8 with v.c to win the first leg.
2 points on liverpool to quailfy @ evens with betdirect.
1/4 on both liverpool to win 1-0 and 2-0 in the first leg.

Lets hope i can start with a winning selection.

[dave57]

Sorry forgot the prices for the correct scores, 1-0 is 13/2 @ v.c and 2-0 is 10/1 @ skybet.

[Carl]

Liverpool v Chelsea

For the second successive year, three Premiership teams have reached the semi-final stage of the Champions League, bringing the possibility of an all Premiership final tantalisingly close. However, the might of Barcelona stand in the way of that dream for English football fans, facing Manchester United over two legs in late April. It was at this stage last year that the Red Devils were beaten by AC Milan, who went on to beat Liverpool in the final.
The Reds once again line up in the final four of Europe’s premier domestic competition, having eliminated Arsenal in a dramatic all or nothing game at Anfield. Liverpool face Chelsea at the semi-final stage of the Champions League for the third time in four years, with the Blues looking to avenge defeat on both previous occasions. The Londoners have had a miserable time in the latter stages of this competition also missing out on the final in 2004, beaten by Monaco. John Terry, Wayne Bridge, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard - all survivors of that trio of heart-breaking defeats - will be desperate to break the Hoodoo. It should be to their advantage playing the second leg in London, though the atmosphere at Stamford Brdige can never rival the Anfield amphitheatre. Despite Liverpool making the final in both 2007 and 2005.
Any team has an advantage by playing in their own stadium but Anfield and Liverpool have a special symbiosis in European competition. It may tire supporters of other clubs to read about the noise, the swaying scarves, and songs and banners of this Scouse coliseum but its part in Liverpool’s success is impossible to avoid. the sheer number of raucously dramatic matches Anfield has hosted cannot be beaten. “It is the nearest thing football has to a cathedral,” said the former Liverpool player Michael Robinson.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is optimistic Steven Gerrard will be fit to play against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. Gerrard was forced to miss Saturday's 2-0 win at Fulham after injuring his neck in training - and Benitez admitted after the game at Craven Cottage that the midfielder was a doubt for the first leg at Anfield.
Losing Gerrard would be a massive blow at this crucial stage.
Meanwhile in the blue camp Frank Lampard has declared himself available, the news comes as a timely boost for Avram Grant, the Chelsea manager, who feared he could be without the England international. Lampard has missed the club's past two matches on compassionate leave since his mother, Pat, fell ill with pneumonia. She remains in intensive care and although her condition has stabilised she remains "very ill".
Chelsea could also have Michael Ballack fit after he missed Thursday’s win away to Everton with a hamstring problem. Didier Drogba may yet miss out as he struggles to overcome a knee injury. Both will attempt to prove their fitness by training at Anfield this afternoon, with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Nicolas Anelka ready.
When last year’s semi-final came down to a penalty shoot-out, amid the Anfield cacophony, Chelsea’s minds scrambled once again. By now they know what to expect. They also hope the different ordering of the legs will temper the venue’s influence. “Always it’s a tough game at Anfield but, you know, it’s only the first leg and the second one is at Stamford Bridge. That can be crucial for us,” said Ricardo Carvalho. “Everyone speaks about the atmosphere and the last two times it was difficult going there for the second leg. I hope not doing that this time can make the difference.”
Rafael Benitez agrees the draw is less favourable this time. “It could be different to last year" but Liverpool are becoming a hard European club again after the success in the 70's and by sheer experience they must have a slight advantage over Chelsea who seem to self-destruct just as they look like going all the way.

Liverpool last 6 Home: WWWWWW

Chelsea last 6 Away: LWDLWW

H2H's 10 Feb 08 Premiership Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool 19 Dec 07 League Cup Chelsea 2 - 0 Liverpool 19 Aug 07 Premiership Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea 1 May 07 UEFA Champions League Liverpool 1 - 0 Chelsea 25 Apr 07 UEFA Champions League Chelsea 1 - 0 Liverpool 20 Jan 07 Premiership Liverpool 2 - 0 Chelsea 17 Sep 06 Premiership Chelsea 1 - 0 Liverpool 13 Aug 06 Super Cup Chelsea 1 - 2 Liverpool 22 Apr 06 FA Cup Chelsea 1 - 2 Liverpool 5 Feb 06 Premiership Chelsea 2 - 0 Liverpool 6 Dec 05 UEFA Champions League Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool 2 Oct 05 Premiership Liverpool 1 - 4 Chelsea 28 Sep 05 UEFA Champions League Liverpool 0 - 0 Chelsea 3 May 05 UEFA Champions League Liverpool 1 - 0 Chelsea 27 Apr 05 UEFA Champions League Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool 27 Feb 05 League Cup Liverpool 2 - 3 Chelsea 1 Jan 05 Premiership Liverpool 0 - 1 Chelsea

Liverpool have scored an amazing 17 goals in their last 6 home games conceding just 4 compared to Chelsea's 10 away goals but conceding 7.

2-1 to Liverpool.

[Carl]

Coral have a great offer for Liverpool fans!!
Liverpool To Win The 2008 Champions League By Winning The Ties Against Arsenal, Chelsea & Man Utd @ 6/1

[WHUPUNTER]

That seems a fair price considering theyre only evens to make the final and if they get there it will probably be against Man Utd but it will be a hard task to even get there.

[WHUPUNTER]

LIVERPOOL V CHELSEA

These two giants meet in the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons and it is a tough one to call. However, Liverpool will know that if they are to go through, all the goals will have to be scored at Anfield so will have to be positive and go for it. If Liverpool are leading late on, I believe Chelsea will be happy with that and wont want to push forward, leaving Liverpool to break away and score a second. The roar of the Kop will spur Liverpool on and 13/8 is a fantastic price, get on!

[renton]

i think before betting on this game we should be %100 sure that Gerrard is playing.Otherwise it will be really hard for Liverpool considering their lack of creativity in the middle of the pitch...
on the other hand Drogba is a crucial factor on Chelsea side.if he wont play or play like he did against Fenerbahce things will be really hard on attacking end for Chelsea...
at the end i am pretty sure that it will be a hard-fight game with not too many goals.as you can see h2h's its really difficult for these two to break over 2.5 limit.the only chance looks like it will be 2-1 to lpool...so my bet is under 2.5
and also to cover a bit 2-1 lpool

[WHUPUNTER]

Gerrard is playing, confirmed earlier. Fat Frank Lumplard and Drogba trained earlier today as well.

[malcolmas]

Liverpool v Chelsea
EPL Matches

Sunday 19 August__________Sunday 10 February

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1________Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0
Torres 16 Lampard pen62
4 Bookings a piece __________3 Bookings 2 Bookings

Both manager's have had 2 games to outwit each other but have failed, will this be the deciding series of matches barring penalties?
Both EPL matches ended in draws.
The question is can we treat this as a similar type match?
IMO - these 2 matches will be somewhat like the last 2. Low scoring draws.

"Chelsea's Michael Essien is suspended for this match; Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fabio Aurelio will be suspended for the second leg if shown a yellow card." - BBC.co.uk

From what I can gather about the Ref (Konrad Plautz) - he is inconsistent and can be a bit petty with bookings. - worldreferee.com
13 bookings from the 2 previous matches coupled with the Ref points to a high card count.
One factor that might be an influence is the bookings hanging over Carragher & Gerrard.
With Liverpool under slightly more pressure to get a home result this might lose them their services in the second leg, either that or it will subdue them somewhat.
Chelsea would be more than happy with a draw.

Selections:
Draw 2/1 (2pts - PP)
Card Index 4.5 - 5 Bookings 1pt (9/2 - PP) & 5.5+ Bookings 2pts (5/4 - PP)
Interest & Cover Bet: Correct Score 2-1 Liverpool 1pt (8/1 - PP)

[tiphunter]

Am no Chelsea fan but I just feel we gonna witness the best of Chelsea in this games. Am going for Chelsea to win by one goal margin 7/2 paddypower.
Chelsea supporters where r u? Give us yours views.

[budda1312]

Chelsea has supporters?

With Liverpool unfairly kicking Arsenal out of the competition I was willing to side with Chelsea... but with time I came to think they're not up to it. Now they hope to get a result in London, today I think they should lose by odd goal.
No Essien, Lampard out of form, Drogba as well, no manager (a real one )
I'll go with "Anfield European night" theory.
And 2-3 number of goals, 1-0 is the only realistic chance for the bet to burn, with 2-0, 2-1, 1-1 by far the most likely outcomes...

Chelsea "supporters", prepare for

[Football-Tipper]

Tonights game can be seen here live and free

LINK

[TheRisingSun]

Just joined the site and btw YOU GUYS RULE! Love the info and quality input by many. Gonna try to contribute as much as I can.

Now, gametime...

I'm pretty confident - the Blues are gonna erase the bitter memory of two previous defeats at the same stage of the competition. And nobody's gonna quit Stamford Bridge in the summer if Grant remains in charge. Speculation that some of the squad were unhappy is nothing but a bunch of crap coming from oh so many Chelsea haters so - nobody's walking out the door. If there was any of that they would not be in second place and would not be in the semi-final of CL. So again - bunch of crap!

The last two semi-finals were nothing but Jose and Rafa cancelling each other out. That will change today and in my opinion Chelsea will go into this first leg with an attacking style. Pressure, pressure and more pressure. That is how I see my Blues at Anfield today.

Unlike some of you in here I have much respect for the opposite side in terms of fan-talk. Steven Gerrard is one class act player and with him being declared fit there's gonna be helluva fight. But Lampard is back as well and I'm pretty sure we'll see Drogba from the first minute too.

However, Liverpool are very good defensively but Chelsea knows now that away goals they can possibly take back to the Bridge will help them to advance and - with great strength in depth in the squad shown throughout this whole season and one unique theater of togheterness - reach the final and lift the trophy.

Chelsea to score. Game to stay under. Draw. 1-1.

CMON YOU BLUES!!!

[JCtips]

My bets for today (trying to keep the analysis as simple as possible):

Liverpool-Chelsea
Always a great athmosphere at Anfield in European competitions and Liverpool is focusing on doing well in this competition while Chelsea has more on their minds.
Chelsea will probably miss Drogba and IMO that also makes a big difference in this match and means they should have a hard time scoring.
These teams met twice in the last 3 seasons for the Champions League final stages with Liverpool winning both.
My picks: Liverpool to win and Fernando Torres (must start) to score anytime

Good luck!

JC

[blackcrow]

Liverpool
Liverpool are in very good form heading into this first leg, and with it being at home, will want to ensure they have some sort of lead going into the return leg. The availability of Gerrard significabtly improves their chances as he and Torres have been instrumental in their good form.
As for Chelsea, the loss of Essien is just as important to Liverpool's chances as he too has been in very good form lately. Also with the only other player to worry Liverpool in recent times, Drogba, also under a fitness cloud, the value is on Liverpool to take a lead to the return leg. The Kop will be in full voice for this clash, as Liverpool enjoy another memorable European night

[Bell End]

For me personally I fancy a Liverpool win. I dont think anyone can explain it but the atmoshphere created inside Anfield on these type of nights seems to transform this liverpool side. I think the availability of Gerrard is a huge boost for the side, and I imagine he will be able to inspire his side to another memorable win.

However, for the betting wise, I'm going to have to say under 2.5 goals. Not sure what odds are but for me extremely confident of this coming through. Semi-finals have a reputation of being tight, close affairs. First legs in any H&A tie usually follow in the same fashion. Games between the major sides in England are usually also tight affairs with both side looking not to lose rather than going out for the win. Couple this with the fact that there has not bn a game between these sides in any competition which has went over 2.5 goals since August of 06 convinces me that tonight will be no different

Gd luck with all your bets

[Jase82]

I found it interesting to read that Drogba hasn't scored since the Arsenal game in March. Regardless of whether he was unavailable for periods of that time, it has to play a major part in deciding the outcome.

He is rated as doubtful, so may not play tonight. However, the only other striker to score in the last 6 games is Solomon Kalou.

With Essien out, I don't see where the goals will come from and don't see Chelsea scoring more than one.

Lampard hasn't played the last 2 games, so can't be considered a viable first goalscorer in my opinnion.

Under 2.5 or 2-1 to Liverpool definitely looks a good shout to me. I'll probably take the under as I don't feel Chelsea currently possess a strong front line.

[ljs1987]

Would be very surprised if we get a win against Liverpool at Anfield tonight, I think we'll get a 1-1 draw and think that Lampard to be last scorer like he was in the league is a decent shout. Also Paddy Power are refunding losing 1st/last scorer, correct score and scorecasts if it's 0-0.

Frank Lampard Last Scorer 9/1 with paddy power