Pre Match: League Cup S/F 1st leg Liverpool v Chelsea 20/1/15 7.45

So after our superb win at Villa Park on Saturday, our attentions turn to the League Cup and a semi final against our old adversaries Chelsea, those that have no history 

We've had some tremendous battles against them over the years, the outstanding one, of course, being the 2005 semi at Anfield in the Champions League and we all know what happened that night !!

This is going to be a very tough game, but we need a cushion of a lead to take back to Stamford Bridge the following week if we are to have any hope of progressing to the final, I believe over two legs we can beat anyone, but we must be tight in defence on Tuesday and hit them with a couple of early goals.

Hoping to see Sturridge at some stage of the evening, will need some minutes on the pitch to get his fitness levels up, I hope people don't expect to much of him though, and I'm also expecting to see Gerrard fit again after missing the game on saturday.



Be boss to see our esteemed Captain lift this trophy again before he departs for pastures new 

I will be right at the front of the KOP on tuesday night for this game and I can't wait 
bring it on Redmen !!!

No way Sturridge will be seen on the pitch.

End of January/ Early Feb is his predicted return date.

No way Sturridge will be seen on the pitch.

End of January/ Early Feb is his predicted return date.

Really?
Thought he was almost ready   

So after our superb win at Villa Park on Saturday, our attentions turn to the Carling Cup and a semi final against our old adversaries Chelsea, those that have no history 

We've had some tremendous battles against them over the years, the outstanding one, of course, being the 2005 semi at Anfield in the Champions League and we all know what happened that night !!

This is going to be a very tough game, but we need a cushion of a lead to take back to Stamford Bridge the following week if we are to have any hope of progressing to the final, I believe over two legs we can beat anyone, but we must be tight in defence on Tuesday and hit them with a couple of early goals.

Hoping to see Sturridge at some stage of the evening, will need some minutes on the pitch to get his fitness levels up, I hope people don't expect to much of him though, and I'm also expecting to see Gerrard fit again after missing the game on saturday.



Be boss to see our esteemed Captain lift this trophy again before he departs for pastures new 

I will be right at the front of the KOP on tuesday night for this game and I can't wait 
bring it on Redmen !!!

I see what you did there. 

I see what you did there. 

 

Nothing escapes you RedPup 

We did it against City a few years ago, so let's do these plastics the same way. I'm confident.

Taking my lad to this

Can't wait.

No way Sturridge will be seen on the pitch.

End of January/ Early Feb is his predicted return date.

I'd rather hold him back for the league games myself.

does way goal rule apply here?

does way goal rule apply here?

N'ah, this is the home leg.

Ba-dum-tish.

Wish I could use my ticket for this but it found a good home.

Chelsea has a table topping clash against City just 4 days after the 2nd leg of this tie.  Jose will undoubtedly prioritize the PL over the League Cup, so they will most likely rest players in the 2nd leg.  With that in mind, we need to be pragmatic in the 1st leg.  Don't concede in the first leg, and go for the win in the 2nd leg.  Let's hope BR gets the tactics right in this one... I really want to see us in another cup final!!

Every time I see their name in a thread title, I compelled to say/think... I 'detest' these cu*ts.

Every time I see their name in a thread title, I compelled to say/think... I 'detest' these cu*ts.

Should be said ever time they are mentioned.

Honestly think Jose will put out a piss weak side for this to prove a point on

A.  How strong his squad is
B.  That it isn't a priority for him

3-0 for me.

Honestly think Jose will put out a piss weak side for this to prove a point on

A.  How strong his squad is
B.  That it isn't a priority for him

3-0 for me.

Don't think so mate they had a very easy win against Swansea at the weekend they barely broke a sweat so I think he will field a pretty strong side he'll probably start Zouma, Shurrle and Remy but the rest of the team should be the same.

whoever maureen starts, he has a pretty good squad to select from. I just hope brendan gets his tactics right this time. We are capable of beating anyone on our day, but won't win this going all out open football. Need to be a bit defensive with good counter options, of course if maureen parks the bus again, will we be able to break through ?
We need a good set up, with a plan 'b'.
Think they may park the bus, rely on long ball counters and go for the win at theirs.
We will defffo need to take a lead there imho. Need to study how spuds opened them up countless times and implement some of that.
3 - 0 for me, clean sheet being the main plus.

Some interesting comments I saw on Twitter from Jose about wanting the fans to stop the Steven Gerrard chants. Pains me to say this but it was almost class by Maureen.

Some interesting comments I saw on Twitter from Jose about wanting the fans to stop the Steven Gerrard chants. Pains me to say this but it was almost class by Maureen.

Knowing Jose, he's playing mindgames mate.  The last thing he wants is a motivated Stevie on the pitch, especially playing in an attacking role and after what happened in the April game, Stevie will be out to make a point.

Nothing he does or says has class attached to it 

Knowing Jose, he's playing mindgames mate.  The last thing he wants is a motivated Stevie on the pitch, especially playing in an attacking role and after what happened in the April game, Stevie will be out to make a point.

Nothing he does or says has class attached to it 

It's a downfall of mine, I tend to try and find the best in people It's not like their plastic fans will abide anyway though.

Mourinho: “Our fans have a song (about Gerrard) that I don’t like, I don’t like it at all."

Mourinho: "A couple of times it’s good fun but to go and go and go, especially when a player like him deserves respect, we don’t need that."

Mourinho: "We did everything to sign him but SG will be a red forever & I respect that a lot. He never told me ‘I will go’, never ever"

Normally I would probably miss part of this game as it is during the week but tomorrow is a holiday in Brazil so I should be home to watch it in full. Excited! (and a bit scared too)

Knowing Jose, he's playing mindgames mate.

Indeed! Ever since I've read a book about Mourinho's approach and mindset, I tend to watch all his actions on an utilitarian basis. I have a hard time believing he actually has principles!

If it were a leaked private conversation it would be a bit of class, but in public and in interviews, everything Jose says, he says it because he wants it to be heard and to take effect. Never wastes a word that one.

Very worried about this.... love to nick a draw and go all out at their place...

I reckon if we are to go through we'll win the tie on penalties next week... i just can’t see us beating them

This will be the biggest test yet of the 3-4-3. I reckon Can and Costa will probably have a scuffle at some point and Skrtel will molest Costa's shirt haha

I'd probably have Henderson man-mark Fabregas, press him high up the pitch and try to choke the supply of the ball.

Is Stevie fit enough to start? If not, Lallana for Borini is the only change I would make from the Villa game

I think they will put a full strength team out. They have Bradford at home on the weekend so they can rest players then and they need to rest players in the second leg against us because they play City just days later.

I think they will get a result tomorrow. As much as I hate Mourinho, he knows how to win big matches. Brendan is still inexperienced in this field too.

I'd take a draw now because I fancy us going to Stamford Bridge and winning against a Chelsea reserve team.

Can't wait to watch this match . Coming back to Anfield with a newly found form . I agree with the posts above, a motivated Stevie is dangerous . He told us what he wanted to accomplish before he left and this is a way to do so . I think that it will be a great game and a very hard fought win . Chelsea coming of a routing and us coming off an exciting win . Having Sterling back will great and I think that it will be a nice lift to the squad .

Anfield will be rocking tomorrow night . Cant wait to watch the game . Im over in the US but I plan on making my first Anfield visit very soon  .

In the Kop for this one, first time in the Kop since the Dortmund friendly, so absolutely buzzing for it. Have to admit I have a bad feeling about it, but just to let you all know, I haven't seen Liverpool lose a game I've attended in 15 years (41 games), so that omen at least is positive.

I haven't seen Liverpool lose a game I've attended in 15 years (41 games), so that omen at least is positive.

That's impressive! I've watched a lot fewer games but still saw us get beat by Arsenal (2-1 at Anfield) and Sunderland (1-0 at the Stadium of Light). Didn't help that they were league games in our worst league campaign since the 50s or something.

The pickle-faced shaftmeister also said: "His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never."

The complete and utter nadge-sac. I hope we muller these posturing bell-ends 5-0.

In the past few years it's been these types of games that we raise our game for. European games under Rafa, the semi final against title-chasing City under Kenny etc. It's not quite happened under Brendan in the cups for us yet (hasn't happened against Chelsea under him either, 5 games without a win) so no better time to change that than the coming week ahead.

I don't agree with people saying Mourinho will rotate next week, he's had no problem playing his best players every 3-4 days when it matters and that won't change for us. So we really need to come away with some sort of lead tomorrow night.

Unless Hendo or Raheem move to wing back we've got an interesting team selection ahead with Gerrard and Lallana possibly both coming back into contention, would be ridiculous to leave Gerrard out of this though. He'll be bang up for it.

Some interesting comments I saw on Twitter from Jose about wanting the fans to stop the Steven Gerrard chants. Pains me to say this but it was almost class by Maureen.

Not really I'm with God on this one.

Go full strength and go at these, show them no respect

That's impressive! I've watched a lot fewer games but still saw us get beat by Arsenal (2-1 at Anfield) and Sunderland (1-0 at the Stadium of Light). Didn't help that they were league games in our worst league campaign since the 50s or something.

It's a crazy stat. Weirdest of all is that I was scheduled to go the Madrid game (0-3), but didn't make it because of traffic.

Hate their manager, hate their captain, hate their wanky nightclub like ground surrounded by art shops, hate their plastic flags.

YOU AINT GOT NO HISTORY!

Good barometer of our turn around tomorrow against the Chavs. Whatever about the strength of the teams put out, will give a decent idea of how we match up against a good side. We've definitely improved on season start, and hope that continues - but just get the feeling we might be under pressure here. On the other hand if we can come out on top over two legs, would be brilliant for confidence and we'd be one game away from silverware
Looking forward to the match for a bunch of reasons. COYR!!!!!!!!!

I'd take a draw at home all day long, particularly a 0-0 one. They'll play a weakened side in the second leg.

We need to beat Chelsea with good attacking football, but we should be wary of the bas**rds with their counter attack. Lets see our lads give maximum effort, have pride in the Liverpool shirt and show Chelsea how to play football.

Please just best these tw*ts and put ourselves in position to win another trophy.

Come on Reds!!

As long as we don't lose the first leg we have a chance. Chelsea will sit back and see how much we attack. Mourinho is inherently cautious away from home to big teams, but if he senses we are afraid of them he'll go for it.

We need the right balance; go for the win but don't leave ourselves wide open to the counter.

Jose paying Stevie a compliment? maybe...telling the plastics not to sing that song? give me a break, its all mind games from him as it always is.

As for the match itself...nervous? yes...optimistic? also yes...i think with with the run we are on and confidence high at the moment we could win this but its going to be a tight affair especially if they come and park the bus AGAIN.

I'm going for 2-1 to the mighty reds.

And with the card happy Martin Atkinson in charge there maybe a few cards flying about too, lets just hope he doesn't ruin the game. (well unless he wants to dish out red cards to them )

A win would do in any manner.

Unleash Can.
Not sure there is much choice but to start the same 11 as against Villa.

Obviously if Gerrard is fit swap him in for Borini.

Any Aussies know if this is broadcast over here? Doesn't seem to be on FS or ESPN?

Team doing the rounds

Mignolet
Can-Skrtel-Sakho
Lazar-Hendo-Lucas-Moreno
Stevie-Coutinho
Sterling

Obviously a win needed, very difficult to predict a result.

I'd take a draw at home all day long, particularly a 0-0 one. They'll play a weakened side in the second leg.

I think he'll look for a 0-0 draw. He usually does in ties like these.

But there's another curvedball thrown into the mix tonight. From looking at the weather forecasts, there is a strong possibility of snow  before and/or during the game. If it happens before, the game could be postponed on h&s grounds outside the stadium. It may mean that we play the away leg first too. If it happens during the game, who knows which team will adapt better to the conditions. We played them at home in snow in 2009, and won 2-0.

I'm not saying I want the game postponed,  but it's another factor to consider.

Team doing the rounds

Mignolet
Can-Skrtel-Sakho
Lazar-Hendo-Lucas-Moreno
Stevie-Coutinho
Sterling

Decent.

I have a sneaky feeling Mario will have a little say in this one - providing he makes the squad.

come on with 15mins to go and score the winner in a 2-1 win.

However, would brendo send on a striker with such a low work rate in such a game if 1-1? probably not. And with good reason. Would be a very positive change though (if keep on the likes of coutinho and sterling as well) and one that could have massive connotations for the team and player if comes off!!

I'll put my crystal balls away now anyway - just thought I'd share my premonition!!

I'm not saying I want the game postponed,  but it's another factor to consider.

As is the possibility, however slim, of an asteroid strike. 

Team doing the rounds

Mignolet
Can-Skrtel-Sakho
Lazar-Hendo-Lucas-Moreno
Stevie-Coutinho
Sterling

Thought Lallana was more fit to play than Stevie?

Did lfcacrossthewater really say that Rafa did the job in the snow?

Got a good feeling about this I think will do them 2-1.

Team doing the rounds

Mignolet
Can-Skrtel-Sakho
Lazar-Hendo-Lucas-Moreno
Stevie-Coutinho
Sterling

Straight from the Echo's most popular team.

I F**KING HATE THESE PLASTIC PR*CKS WITH A PASSION SO CAN WE PLEASE DO THEM. Thats all

I F**KING HATE THESE PLASTIC PR*CKS WITH A PASSION SO CAN WE PLEASE DO THEM. Thats all

Whatever eloquence/writing skills I have go out the motherf#*king window when we play these plastic, criminally-owned evil market-bending f#*king tw@ts who give players away for free them buy them back for 25m and then snipe other clubs' targets only to let them rot on the bench.

Stevie hat trick please. Fu#*king hate these c#*ts.

Is Sturridge supposed to be available for tonight's game?

Is Sturridge supposed to be available for tonight's game?

No mate Brendan said it will be a game too soon for Danny.

Straight from the Echo's most popular team.

That's how I'd like to see us.

We're so F***ing inept at beating Mourinho it pisses me off to no end. Let's change that starting tonight.

I just want to watch a good game from our lads,i want them to give their best and try to beat those scums.I wonder who will try to mark Costa,that guy is a tough and dirty player,gotta watch him out.I expec t Coutinho and Markovic to play well tonight and i wish our defence doesnt set us back.All the best lads tonight.

I F***ing detest Mourinho. I hate him more than Fergie and Moyes put together.

How I'd love us to go out and batter them 3-0 tonight and listen to his excuses in the after match interviews.

I'd love to see that carthorse John Terry get sent off in the first minute, Gerrard nestles a pen and we take it from there.

F**k what happened last season, go at them again with pace and energy and lets see if they can handle it. Let them park the bus and try and slow the game down, F**k them, just keep going at them reds.

I have a bad feeling about this game but I'm just praying its one of those nights at Anfield and the football gods are looking down on us.

cant see it... I'd take penalties now!!

Need to keep it tight and play on the counter tonight. Chelsea are going to come at us guns blazing. They will try to put the tie to bed tonight because Jose will rest most of their stars in the return leg due to the match against City a few days later. If we can grind out a 0-0 tonight then I fancy our chances to win it in the return leg.

I think Maureen will adopt the same tactics as of last season, we're at home so the onus is on us to take the game to them,
We do not sit back at home,

That wee kunt knows this and will come looking for a win, forget all the niceties about Ste Maureen & his chavs are as welcome as a doze of the clap,

If I could get my way I'd have Sakho snap Costa in two within the first minute, and in the second minute have Lucas stamp on Fab's neck,


Seriously tho ,
Over two legs we can get thru these fuckers but we can't afford to lose at home,

Can see us doing them over but obviously very tight,
2-1 Redmen


YNWA

I expect a big game from Captain Fantastic tonight.

I think they'll come at us and try put it to bed tonight. They play Man City in the potential title decider a week on Saturday, and they'll want to give themselves the freedom of resting a few for the second leg.

Most won't agree I know, but I'd definately bring the future captain back into the team here. If we really are going to go with three at the back and have Markovic picking up Hazard, then we need a quality defender inside Lazar to help him out. It's time for Dejan tonight.

Further forward given my hunch that we're going to be defending fairly deep for longish periods, I'd go with Super Mario up top. I've a feeling a big game from Balotelli is going to crop up sooner or later (law of averages and all that) and tonight could be his night. He also gives me a feeling he could wind John Terry up sufficiently to get himself sent off.

I don't think either of these controversial selections will happen as I think we'll go with the much touted team from above. Either way around we're up against it as they are the best team in our league by a fair margin. Can we do it over two legs? Sure we can. Will we? Well we'll need to ensure they don't play at their best while being on top of our game. We'll probably need a bit of luck too, but hopefully we can yes.     

Most won't agree I know, but I'd definately bring the future captain back into the team here. If we really are going to go with three at the back and have Markovic picking up Hazard, then we need a quality defender inside Lazar to help him out. It's time for Dejan tonight.

Two clean sheets in a row without Lovren starting. Sorry mate but "future captain" stays put on the bench.

Lovren shouldn't be near the starting XI, we've got one liability in Mignolet to carry, we don't need another.

Gerrard coming back in, it'd be up top for me, keep the Lucas and Hendo partnership, they work well together. Can move Coutinho out wide or just utilise Gerrard late on, neither will happen though and Stevie will slot in beside Lucas in what will probably be our biggest weakness.

Agree with everyone saying they'll come looking for blood and to kill the tie tonight, we must be prepared for it and play smart. Big test for Brendan tonight, I'd happily take a draw and keep the tie well and truly alive for the 2nd leg.

Heart says we can win.
Head says we'll get beat.

Will be heading to a cold Anfield tonight hoping for a passionate performance. Must start well and must score in that good start to stand a chance in the tie for me.

And BTW I'd have the heating in their dressing room upto maximum. There ought to be condensation running down the walls. Anyone who's been to Anfield for a midweek game under the lights this time of year will know it'll be absolutely f*cking freezing tonight. Let the f***ers come out of a steaming dressing room into an atmosphere that's red hot but a temperature that freezes Willians affro. On the same subject, I hope all our players resist the temptation to wear gloves/tights and all that old bollocks. Sends out completely the wrong message. Should be short sleeved shirts only tonight.

I expect a big game from Captain Fantastic tonight.

Henderson?

Actually feeling quietly optimistic about this game.

And BTW I'd have the heating in their dressing room upto maximum. There ought to be condensation running down the walls. Anyone who's been to Anfield for a midweek game under the lights this time of year will know it'll be absolutely f*cking freezing tonight. Let the f***ers come out of a steaming dressing room into an atmosphere that's red hot but a temperature that freezes Willians affro. On the same subject, I hope all our players resist the temptation to wear gloves/tights and all that old bollocks. Sends out completely the wrong message. Should be short sleeved shirts only tonight.

I like your thinking, although we could get into a bit of trouble if they all fall down with pneumonia

2-1 win for us I think, making the 2nd leg very nerve racking....

Get Coutinho high up the pitch, playing right infront of Terry, cause them all sorts of problems.

Actually feeling quietly optimistic about this game.

Same here.
No reason for it at all, but still feeling it.

Links for the match http://www.footballstreamings.com/live-streams.html

Comon reds... YNWA

  :couch:Feeling very optimistic about this one:-)
But saying that I was very optimistic about city battering arsenal on Sunday .

Same as me mate, all night.....

 

Right up for this one much as I have for a while. Hope we bash them

Got home in time to see this one and can't wait!!

Haven't seen the lads play in ages, apart from catch up, and hope we smash this lot.

I would like to see the trio Coutinho-Sterling-Markovic

Class versus Cash..

Start luis Garcia

Let's do these fuckers over!

F***ing hate Chelsea.

reading on twitter
same line up as saturday, bar Gerrard for borini

C'mon reds lets do these plastics

YNWA

Come on you red men  we aint lost a semi against maureen at anfield  lets keep it going anfield make some noise we owe these cu*ts  so let em have it .

Lets smash these! Hate em!

We should always expect win at home, regardless of who the opposition is, however, whether we will win tonight I am unsure. Over the 2 legs and no away goal bonus, I think we'll be knocked out. We seem to struggle vs the big teams away from home.

Just hope we have an encouraging performance, a great atmosphere and that I'm wrong

Both teams going for it with those line ups

This pre-match topic is now locked.

Live in game and post match thread is here - http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,47308.0.html