Demons, we all have them. However in every walk of life, especially sport, you will be blessed with opportunities that allow you to exorcise those demons from your past. The last time Liverpool faced Chelsea in April with as much riding on the game we all know what transpired, it felt like the dreams of millions had been dashed and someone had sucked the oxygen out of any fantasies we had of returning to our perch. It was a tough period of my life and the only solace I could find was watching Luis Suarez make a mockery of the league on a regular basis. I still remember vividly the angst and pain I felt on that day. I think it's fitting that one of the only men left at the club since that fateful day is our captain. Maybe it's not fair to say had he been available that day we would have won comfortably but we definitely would have come a whole lot closer. Many of that team have left for pastures new or retired from football completely so it is more the club and the fan base that still harbour these demons. Come Sunday they will be banished forever as we move closer to regaining our seat at the very pinnacle of football in this country.
Although not historical rivals, for a supporter of my vintage Chelsea became the subject of our ire when Roman Abramovich bought the club in June 2003. At the time Chelsea were a solid side in the league but everything changed over night, suddenly becoming the trashy nouveau riche kids on the block. We could not compete with them financially that is for sure, but there are certain things money can't buy and never was this more apparent than on a Tuesday night in May 2005. You see for all the money and success Chelsea have had in the last fifteen years they will never be the same as us. We are different, whether it's the diametrically opposed political leanings of the fan bases or how the clubs are viewed across the globe no one could ever mistake us for each other. We were managed by a humble and classy Spaniard who became one of us. His wife and kids remaining on Merseyside long after he had been shafted by the two cowboys. There are many stories from his time here to highlight the sort of man he was but the most poignant, in my opinion, was his donation of £96000 to the HFSG. Chelsea on the other hand were managed by a man so egotistical if he was chocolate he would eat himself. He embodied everything we dislike about that club and we thank our lucky stars he never poxed his way in to a job with us.
The rivalry has all but disappeared in the last few years as there has been no titanic European fixtures between the two for some time now but the dislike remains. It will always be there, for someone not from the city of Liverpool I still take great pride in it and view it as the metaphorical home of my heart and do not take kindly to the right wing tory shite that will no doubt be trotted out by the away fans on Sunday. On paper this is our toughest remaining match so if we collect the three points here we will be set up perfectly for the remaining games.
Looking towards the match itself it would be foolish to focus all our attention on Eden Hazard as Chelsea do still have one or two more stars but there is no denying the fact that nullifying Hazard would give us the best chance of claiming all three points. Jurgen may look to do this through different combinations in midfield or a change in the back line. Had Joe Gomez been a bit further along in his recovery I wouldn't have been surprised to see him come in for Trent to offer a bit more defensive nous on our right hand flank. As it is the only real question in defence is who partners our majestic centre half? I can see arguments being made for both players and it is a tough choice but personally I would always opt for Joel Matip. For all his weaknesses in the air and up against bullish centre forwards I feel he is best equipped to deal with that threat of Hazard roaming off his left wing starting position. Of course stopping a player like Hazard is a team effort and I hope to see either a fresh again Gini or manic Henderson on the right hand side of a midfield three. If there is one thing for certain they will make it an uncomfortable Sunday afternoon on Merseyside for Hazard. I would go with Fabinho and Keita to partner one of Hendserson or Gini and the rest of the team picks itself.
Focusing on what we'll look to do when we have the ball ourselves I think it's more of the same after last night. We played at a real tempo for large periods that Porto just couldn't live with. We moved the ball quickly and precisely through the lines and we could have scored a bucket load really. Henderson and Keita performed well in tandem and we seemed to always have plenty of numbers forward. Sarri doesn't seem like one to park the bus although he did park a somewhat bendy bus at Wembley against City in the League Cup final. If he does go for that option again then we are well equipped to deal with it this time. The running in support off the ball by the midfield was exceptional and allowed to us steamroll our way through any blockade erected in front of us with consummate ease.
Head-to-head vs. Chelsea
Won: 77
Drawn: 41
Lost: 63
Form
Liverpool: WWWWD
Chelsea: WWWLD
Match Officials
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistants: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett
Fourth official: Craig Pawson
This is another in the ever increasing list of cup finals masquerading as league matches, we have five more of these nerve wracking fixtures left with no respite on its way until the 12th of May. So why not listen to our manager and enjoy ourselves. Channel that nervous energy in to something positive and the possibilities are endless. Almost as one this team and fan base have realised just how good we are, we can strut about the place assured in the knowledge that we are a big time football team with big time players. We are a team and fan base built for moments like this, rightfully in the thick of it when the big trophies are being handed out. Anyone going the game get in early, have a few beers, wax those lyrical chords and show those plastic fans and players what its like to play for a real big club. For anyone watching at home or in the pub use your power of imagination to see yourself standing on the kop and sing your heart out too. The time for shitting your pants has been and gone, we are winning this Sunday and we're winning this league title for the first time in my life. From doubters in to believers, that was all that was asked of us when we started on this journey with Herr Klopp. If you don't believe now then you never will, we haven't been set up for success like this since the 80s. Opposition fans and players, pundits, commentators etc. are all running scared and chatting absolute wham about us. We have them rattled, they know what this club can be like when it reaches its full potential. The redmen are coming up the hill, starting this Sunday and not stopping until the 1st of June.
In the words of the spion kop ''Fuck off Chelsea fc''
