"El not-so-clasico" on paper is destined for a draw. Both sides want a win, but can't afford a loss in what has effectively become a top of the table six-pointer. Liverpool and Chelsea are locked on 48 points and trail Manchester United by 5 points after the Champions notched up a 12th successive Premier League clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Everton.
Liverpool are unbeaten at home this season whilst Chelsea have lost just once on the road - the 3-0 demolition at Old Trafford.
Alonso, Kuyt and Riera both look set for starts - very good news for Chelsea for whom Carvalho misses out. Salomon Kalou is fit to play but may be overlooked despite his two midweek goals in favour of Didier Drogba.
It will be interesting to see what happens when two teams who can't defend high crosses square off against each other. I'm guessing the "0-0 derby" will either be won by one well executed Chelsea set play or will be a draw. I can't see how Rafa's ultra-defensive 4-5-1 formation will be able to bounce back from going a goal down to Scolari's 4-3-3 machine.
Sunday 1 February 2009
Giles Barnes to Fulham
Highly rated Derby 20 year old Giles Barnes is Fulham's latest January acquisition, joining the London club on a loan deal until the end of the season. The Cottagers will have an option to buy the youngster who is looking to re-establish himself as a bright prospect of English football - and possibly rekindle his England call-up chances.
Good signing Fulham.
Good signing Fulham.
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