Third time in four seasons. Remarkable achievement for both clubs, whether or not Chelsea can be third time lucky, it depends on who wants it more, the player or the coach. Coach Avram Grant is not getting the support he wants and if anything is anything to go by, the fans would welcome a win over Liverpool in this tie, at the same time, try to get the title off Manchester United. But that is in the ideal world, and in football, nothing is ideal.

Benitez, who rested 8 players in the weekend game against Fulham is trying to war his players away from the boardroom problems they are facing at the moment. While Liverpool is trying to solve their problems off the pitch, Chelsea is trying to solve theirs on the pitch. Players have since said that they are behind their manager, but it is not clearly demonstrated with the fans all not too impressed. The Reds are on their best form this season at the moment.

Barcelona has since lost their title race this season and the Champions League seemed to be their next stop for glory, but to get there, they have to face Manchester United, who despite drawing their last game against Blackburn, have played ‘like champions’. At least that was what Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to believe. With that in mind, they have to come out victorious against a depleted Barca side who would probably be playing without Ronaldinho and perhaps Eto’o as well.

As far as the Champions League is concerned, this would be hot stuff. The first leg usually sets the pace for the second although nothing really gets confirmed here, but it will definitely set the scene for what’s to come in 7 day’s time where the return leg will be played.

Liverpool, who for the last 2 times played the first leg in Stamford Bridge will find the environment slightly different this time. Playing at home in the first leg means they have to get some cushion so that they can try to defend and cut the Blues on the break in the second. Man Utd perhaps would have it easier, they would probably get an away goal which will be highly beneficial for them in the second leg when they play at Old Trafford. All four teams are now equal in chance to qualify for the finals, it is up to who gets overwhelmed by the crowd, who gets intimidated by the atmosphere, who wants and needs it more and of course, a little bit of luck, goes a long, long way, just ask Luis Garcia.

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