The Last Laugh.

Jose Mourinho may have proclaimed to be the chosen one but Rafa Benitez has a way of sticking one up Chelsea's behind when they desperately need it. Recall, the Champions 2004/5 league semi finals and the 2005/6 FA cup quarter finals. Something about the two managers makes their rivalry unique. The last time Liverpool lost at home in the league, it was to Chelsea in the 1-4 loss last season. This may be their last meeting this season and it will be interesting to see who gets the last laugh.

Alot of questions are now being asked about Chelsea's transfer policy and the role of some players in the squad. This season, goals have been hard to come by for Chelsea and Didier Drogba has emerged as the leagues most prolific striker with 14 goals out of 66 chances. In the same squad lies one of the most ambitious forwards; Frank Lampard with 8 goals out of a whooping 105 chances. Drogba's performance on Saturday will be decisive, he has been Chelsea's rock this season netting winners in 5 out of 15 games and thrice he has been the decider in drawn games. If Jose has been dissapointed by players in his squad, this two have brought him much joy.

For Liverpool, Carragher will have his hands busy with Drogba and that leaves a major vulnerability in the Liverpool defence - pace. Save for Finnan and Carragher, the back four are terribly slow. Jose will want to give Schevchenko and Robben as many chances to exploit the right flank for launching quick attacks into the box. To cope, Riise will need the help of an extra man, forcing the Reds to either sacrifice a central midfielder or the attacking left wing. It would be ingenious if Rafa opts for Fabio Aurelio on the left hence neutralising any threat from that flank. Otherwise Hyppia will be sucked into assisting the fullbacks and leaving spaces for Lampard and Ballack to fill.

While it's easy to point out Liverpools defence as their greatest weakness, it's important to note that both teams have conceded an equal number of goals in the league so far. Liverpool's problems still remain in taking the most of their chances. With 392 shots and only 36 goals while Chelsea have scored 41 out of 367 of their chances. It is not a lack of trying, it's a lack of ideas. Once inside the box, the Liverpool forwards dont seem to have a plan of putting the ball in. While players like Lampard take the path of least resistance and bang the ball forward, the Reds' forwards tend to pass it around looking for the best positioned player. Chelsea wont be giving Liverpool space on the box and Rafa had better plan the attacks meticulously.

Keeping the pacy Chelsea forwards away from his box will be Benitez's priority unfortunately he has no holding midfielder to count on. Xabi and Gerrard will have to ensure control of the game while waching for a Chelsea break from the fast fullbacks. With Makelele out, Robben has a higher chance of starting too and that gives Chelsea a chance of moving at a faster tempo. It's one game none of the managers wants to loose and Rafa may be conservative when chasing this one. I wouldn't be shocked if he played 5 across the middle now that Zenden is back just to reduce the chance of conceding from a counter attack and to give Gerrard more dominance.

My Verdict: 0-0
Liverpool to dominate the game, Few chances for Chelsea especially in the dying minutes.

Want to bet ? watch for the corners. Liverpool to win the first corner thats going for 1.83 @Ladbrokes.