CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINAL

CHELSEA VS LIVERPOOL - Stamford Bridge, London

A very intriguing match to predict, this one. Yesterday, I wrote a bit on the four managers of the semifinalists. I wish to dwell further into the blues manager, Jose Mourinho a.k.a the special one.
Mourinho is probably one of the most controversial manager of the modern football. Whatever speeches or commentaries he made would surely shrouds with controversies. I.e this morning edition of the mirrors:
quote"

Bitter Jose slurs Rafa’s Kop record

Jose Mourinho last night taunted managerial rival Rafa Benitez: if I had your record, I would have been sacked by now. The Chelsea boss reopened hostilities with Liverpool ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final with a bitter blast against Benitez. In an amazing whinge, Mourinho blasted the Kop gaffer's failure to win the Premiership title since he took over at Anfield three years ago. (John Cross, Mirror)

Unquote"

Last Sunday was the remarks on conspiracy on Chelsea, as his team was robbed over the penalty over the handball that Carr made in the box.
Last year was the comment on voyeuristic Wenger having only the ability of watching and fantasizing about the premiership title.
He does lots of pre-games Psych war, which off course exactly what the media is looking for. Sensation and Controversies, SELL. Truth, who's buying? : )
I am not saying he's a bad manager, in fact he's an excellent manager. He knows exactly how to handle his players (that include boss Kenyon & Roman...tee hee). he knows what tactics to apply on the field and he's a great motivator (apart from Roman's money off course).
One of his most used tactics is to tire the opponent out and spank them as their tired legs failed them. Chelsea has a team filled with players who are prime in stamina and moreover, they have more than enough to talented players to make the opponents run the extra mile during the game, implementing the accurate long passes throughout the games, using techniques and speed of his strikers to drain the stamina out of his opponent, last step was to punish them at any blunders they make. Solid defence, formidable midfield and lethal strikers is what Chelsea had reincarnated into since he took over from Ranieri. Goals are coming from every line and there's so much variant to the formation that he could use. Chelsea's target in every match was to win and not concede. The play style is anything but flamboyant. "Wham Bam, thank you fans" is another way to put it. BUT they do deliver results and that's what matters.

Previous meetings in of the 2 Clubs :
2004/2005 Champions League
Chelsea VS Liverpool 1:0
Liverpool VS Chelsea 0:0 ( Liverpool had gone to lift the trophy against Milan in the final)

2005/2006 Champions League
Chelsea VS Liverpool 0:0
Liverpool VS Chelsea 0:0 (Group qualifying round)

The question in this match is not "who can outscore each other but rather who can defend better?"
Based on the above analysis, we should then look into their record this seasons in the Champions League:

Chelsea 6-3-1 16:8 Liverpool 7-1-2 17:7

HOME : 4-1-0 8:2 AWAY: 3-1-1 8:4
AWAY : 2-2-1 8:6 HOME: 4-0-1 9:3

CHELSEA HOME FIXTURES : Liverpool Away Fixtures:
BREMEN 2:0 W Eindhoven 0:0 D
BARCA 1:0 W Bordeoux 0:1 W
LEVSKY 2:0 W Galatasaray 3:2 L
PORTO 2:1 W Barca 1:2 W
VALENCIA 1:1 D Eindhoven 0:3 W

Chelsea will be without Essien (sanction). Carvalho & Ballack doubtful . Robenn long absentee
Liverpool - clean bills of health.

I had watched the game where Liverpool slayed PSV 3-0 on their turf. They are simply good. They had beaten Chelsea before, and they have Benitez as manager. Despite what Mourinho says in the paper, I am sure he wouldn't undermine Benitez capability of analyzing Chelsea's strength and weakness.

Very tough call, but decided that I am opposing the goalless draw that often appear in the past and go for a 2-1 win for Chelsea. If Barca can snug in 1 goal, and Galatasaray can put 3 at the back of their net, then Chelsea has the capabilities to do the same.

Cheers