You're Benitez: How would you line up against Chelsea?
A Champions League semi final against Chelsea. Who would have thought it?
For the third time in four years it's the Reds versus the Blues for a place in European club football's most prestigious showpiece event. I don't think I need tell you what happened on the other two occasions.
There's different personnel this time round however, least not on the Chelsea bench where the swarve, sophisticated, fist-pumping, finger-wagging Jose Mourinho has been replaced by the multiple-chinned Yoda-lookalike Avram Grant.
For us, the freshest and finest new face is that of Fernando Torres (and I am talking about this footballing ability).
The past, the present, the players and the prize all make this the game no pundits want to predict. And I'm not letting my mind drift to Russia either. Honestly.
The question is: How would you line up for tonight's first leg if you were Rafael Benitez?
At the time of writing Sami Hyypia, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano, who have all had knocks, have not been confirmed fit for the game. If any one of those three were to be absent it would represent a sizeable blow to the Spaniard's plans.
His toughest choices may come in defence where he may again opt to utilise Jamie Carragher as a right back. Although this would mean sacrificing his best centre back, it is logical when you consider the success of pairing Hyypia and newboy Martin Skrtel against Arsenal in the quarter finals.
In midfield, you would expect the Dutch duo of Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt to flank the trio of Mascherano (if fit), Gerrard (if fit) and Xabi Alonso. Then again, remember Arsenal?
In attack, Torres is a definite but Crouch has done everything asked of him in recent weeks - a noteworthy achievement following months in the Anfield wilderness. Perhaps he deserves a chance?
You're Benitez. What do YOU do?
[Image: Getty]
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