Liverpool have the chance to continue their
impressive upward trajectory this winter by
claiming the ultimate English scalp. Brendan
Rodgers meets former mentor Jose Mourinho
as his Reds side square off against Chelsea
in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg.
Liverpool Setup
Liverpool have several injury issues to
contend with, but most are long-standing or
affecting fringe players. Raheem Sterling's
fitness will be assessed following his return
from a two-week break over Christmas at
Villa Park on Saturday and could be limited
to a super-sub role.
Emre Can, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel
are providing answers as a central-defensive
trio, while Lucas Leiva has been revived as a
system player in the 3-4-2-1 formation
Rodgers is using.
Adam Lallana was on the bench against
Aston Villa and could enter the fray alongside
the brilliant Philippe Coutinho, while there
should be an adjustment at wing-back based
on opposition. Lazar Markovic could move to
the left to allow Javi Manquillo in on the
right.
Fabio Borini scored his first goal for the club
since 2013 on Saturday and should retain his
spot.
Chelsea Setup
Mourinho will be on the hunt for trophies and
the Capital One Cup counts as one in his
book. We've learnt from previous rounds that
he doesn't really rotate too much, so expect a
near-full-strength side here.
Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Willian were
all withdrawn 10 to 15 minutes early during
Chelsea's dominant 5-0 victory over Swansea
City at the weekend, keeping them fresh
ahead of this tie. Filipe Luis should continue
at left-back following Cesar Azpilicueta's
injury in the second week of January.
Petr Cech has played all the cup games so
far, so Thibaut Courtois should remain on the
bench while Kurt Zouma may come in for
another 90 minutes if Mourinho is feeling
generous.
Key Point 1: Attacking Liverpool's Wing-
Backs
Markovic should be moved to left-wing-back
or dropped temporarily, as the thought of
Eden Hazard going up against him on the left
flank is enough to make Reds fans stomachs
turn. The Serbian has proven himself an in-
form, gifted out-ball, but he'll get run over in
this one-vs.-one.
Aston Villa should have been able to work
the channels better and stress Markovic with
Gabby Agbonlahor, but the attacker, usually
the thorn in Liverpool's side, had an awful
day once again on Saturday.
Rodgers got away with it once, but he can't
chance it again. Hazard is 10 times the
player Agbonlahor is, and the Belgian will not
have an off day. With Glen Johnson still
lacking fitness and form, Manquillo seems
the obvious choice here.
Markovic can switch to left-wing-back—
Willian's less of a threat, with a worse end
product—if Rodgers is absolute in his
intention to play him. He doesn't deserve to
be dropped considering the impact he's had
since coming in against Bournemouth.
Key Point 2: Nemanja Matic vs. Philippe
Coutinho
Matic, arguably the world's best defensive
midfielder based on current form, is a
nightmare to play against due to his graceful
mopping up of attacks and eloquent starting
of new ones. He can transition Chelsea from
attack to defence in seconds.
But teams have shown he can be pulled
around if the player taking him on has
enough core agility and space to work in—in
addition to cojones to actually try it on. If
Fabian Delph and Harry Kane can do it, so
can Coutinho.
Coutinho will work from the hybrid No. 10
role as usual, and will often receive the ball
with the chance to turn and dribble at Matic.
He also needs to encourage his midfield duo
of Lucas and Jordan Henderson to be brave
enough to try to pass through Chelsea's
double-pivot and find Coutinho in between
the lines.
He has the quick decision-making process
and quick feet to turn and distribute, opening
up so much for Liverpool in the attacking
third. If the ball can be shifted quickly
enough, and Borini can make space for
Lallana, there are goals in this match for the
Reds.
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2334718-liverpool-vs-chelsea-tactical-preview-of-capital-one-cup-game

YES! Chelsea is booking a space in the finals today no doubt. Another brilliant performance to be put forward again by the Blue Army.
Up chelseaaaaaaaaaa!

But make them no play my guys rough ooo...

i want us to meet that Totenham in the final nd make dem com see show

Come on chelsea We are d king.#KTBFFH.