A massive, massive game

First of all, I must apologise for not writing since our fantastic win against Arsenal in Anfield. No excuses really.....just been busy and lazy, I must admit.

Despite our current form, it is disappointing to approach the return leg of the Champions League semi-final in Stamford Bridge at 1-1. When Riise came on for Aurelio, I remember telling my friends at the fan club that he will be the weak link and how I hope he will not screw it up for us. So you can imagine how I felt when that equaliser was scored in extended injury time. Absolutely rubbish! We have been reading some really positive comments coming out of Anfield in the aftermath of that game but I personally believe Riise's time is up. I always believe he lacks the defensive qualities and even as an attacking left winger, he has been inconsistent over the years. It is true that he has scored some astonishing goals in the past but we are not looking at flashes of brilliance but consistency over the entire season. In this sense, he has to leave. I feel that Aurelio has matured and settled very well in the left back position and he will continue to occupy that side of the pitch. The other player that impressed me on Saturday was the youngster Emiliano Insua. Although he only played for 15mins, I saw enough to feel that he deserves to start against Chelsea. You must be thinking I am crazy? Maybe....but it's time to take a measured gamble and we have nothing to lose. Chelsea are the huge favourites and I am sure they know what Riise is capable of. They WILL attack down the right and look to fire salvo after salvo of crosses into the box, knowing fully well that Riise will probably allow them to do it with relative ease. With Insua, he will be the surprise package. It's now up to Rafa to decide if he thinks that boy is ready for the game of his life. I am quietly confident.

It's good that we have finally wrapped up our league position and secured Champions League football next season. The current fight for the league title can only work to our advantage, at least as far as the next game is concerned. Chelsea played with the entire full team and come Wed, it will be their third game in a week. Similiar to the last Arsenal game at Anfield, the final 10mins will be crucial. That's when our well rested legs will count and provide us with that extra push. Playing Babel in the second half was a master stroke by Rafa. He tormented the tired Arsenal players in the last 15mins. The same scenario can very well happen again. We have Pennant and Benayoun playing very well at the moment. Both of them can inflict serious damage if they come on as second half subs as well.

On the whole, I remain quietly confident that Stamford Bridge can crumble and collapse come Thurs morning. It is not impossible. Liverpool will need to produce one of our best performances in recent memory to make that a reality. There is still 90mins to play for and anything can still happen.

It will be a massive, massive game. Let's pray and fast for the team from today.........

God Bless Liverpool.