The route to the final has been mapped, but will Liverpool be there?

Arsenal in the quarter finals, Chelsea or Fenerbahce in the semis. The route looks tough.

But that is what Liverpool must overcome if they are to make it to Moscow and a third European Cup final in four years.

Before I get carried away and make the boldest of bold predictions let's look at the immediate task - Arsenal.

As the fixture list stands Liverpool will face Everton on the weekend of March 30, Arsenal on April 2, Arsenal again in the Premier League on April 5, and then the second leg against the Gunners on April 8. And that's not to mention Manchester United on March 23. Some run of games, isn't it?

Now if I had my optimistic hat on I'd say we'd win them all. On our day, we are capable. If I had my pessimistic hat on I'd say our season could crumble like a burnt Aunt Bessies. But if I had my realistic hat on I'd say a slip up is inevitable.

Obviously that won't be easy to stomach as losing to any of those three clubs hurts. But winning five games on the trot against opposition of that calibre may be too much to ask.

I can see Rafael Benitez going for the Champions League. If Everton are beaten at Anfield he could well give some of the big names a rest at Emirates in the league fixture. Afterall Arsene Wenger will not be able to afford the same luxury if he wants to win the league, and that would therefore give us an advantage going into the second leg.

If we get past Arsenal you have to say it will be Chelsea in the semi finals. Fenerbahce did brillantly to overcome Sevilla, but I feel the Blues will be more professional and defensively sound over two legs than the free-spirited Andalusians.

History is on our side there, I don't think I need to remind you of that. Chelsea will probably see it as third time lucky of course, but then we might say that about the final.

My heart says we can make it, but my head is still wondering whether to follow suit.

What do YOU think? Have we got what it takes to get past Arsenal and Chelsea? Or is drawing two English teams the worst possible outcome? Will we partying in the aptly-named Red Square in Moscow (above), or sitting at home wondering what could have been?

[Image: Getty]

Came straight to this page? Visit www.liverpoolpies.tv for all the latest news.

If you’ve enjoyed feasting on Liverpool Pies then you’ll love whoateallthepies.tv, the best source of football news, views and gossip in the blogosphere!

Posted by on March 14, 2008 1:57 PM in Champions League| Debate| News
Permalink | Comments (0) | digg this | del.icio.us this | Stumble It!

Comments