Chelsea v Liverpool, Tuesday 14th April

My Thoughts

I'm in 2 minds about this one, especially having seen these sides at the weekend. Part of me foresees a tight, dull game, maybe just the one goal, and a comfortable march for Guus Hiddink's side into the semi-finals (note: if they do get there, Hiddink's record in semi-finals is terrible). However, I'm more inclined to feel that, particularly after seeing Chelsea struggle late on in their game against Bolton at the weekend, we might just be in for quite a match tomorrow night. Even this writer must remark that Liverpool are scoring plenty of goals at the moment, and these two do have history in this competition- witness last season's 3-2 victory for Chelsea, instead of one of the myriad of binary scorelines between the two.
How will Chelsea cope without their "inspirational leader" (hahahaha) John Terry, against Fernando Torres?
What sort of impact will Steven GBHerrard have on the match?
Can Florent Malouda continue his recent impressive form under Hiddink?
Will Ryan Babel finally produce in a big game for Liverpool?
WIll Javier Mascherano or John Obi Mikel finally play a forward pass?
Which Liverpool player's house will be burgled?
Will this writer ever find a girlfriend?
So many questions. Most of them will be answered over 90 (or 120) minutes at Stamford Bridge.

The Verdict
Two sides here both going well. In terms of playing style, this should be a fascinating contest. Chelsea may not be totally comfortable sitting in to protect their 3-1 aggregate lead, given their struggles late on against Bolton on Saturday, and the recent goalscoring form of their opponents. Liverpool's natural game is to sit deep and break on opponents, with pace both from the wings and through the middle to give options for Xabi Alonso to utilise his passing range. However a counter-attacking approach is not one to consider when effectively two goals behind, although Liverpool themselves know of a historical example where such an ultra-defensive approach can result in the 2-goal victory necessary- Arsenal in 1989, anyone?
This one might just go to extra-time

The Bet
Ooh, this is a tough one. Have a look at over 2.5 goals (best price 11/10 with Victor Chandler)