Liverpool vs. Chelsea Betting Preview

Last week I made the mistake of seriously underestimating the chances of Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in their first leg Champions League semi-final. Expecting the Merseysiders to lose by a couple, they infact held Chelsea to a goalless draw.Going into the second leg at Anfield and there is genuine belief the Reds can defeat Chelsea. What will be interesting is how the champions begin having only just collected the title, which no doubt will have been accompanied by some celebrating. A slow start by the London club wouldn't come as a massive surprise. With a special atmosphere expected to on Tuesday night, the home team should come out inspired and extremely motivated to book their place in the May 25th Final. Liverpool will be without the suspended Alonso so Dietmar Hamann looks set to recover from injury in time to replace the Spaniard. Baros, Traore, Hyypia, Biscan and Garcia were rested at the weekend, but are all expected to return. Chelsea are expected to welcome back Arjen Robben and Damien Duff, although how long both wingers can last is open to debate. There is also a concern over William Gallas who is playing with a back injury and out of position at left back. On the assumption Liverpool start the game fast, and visitors aren't quite 100% to begin with - it could pay to back the hosts at 6/4 to score the opening goal. Furthermore, there is also a temptation to invest in Steven Gerrard at 12/1 to be the player who opens the scoring. Whatever his thoughts about next season, the Liverpool skipper will be desperate to atone for his Carling Cup error.Just under half (6/13) of his goals have been the first of the game this term.