If Avram Grant is to do what Jose Mourinho couldn't and take Chelsea into the uncharted territory that is the Champions League final, then one of the main reasons for the giant leap forward will be the extra spring in the step of his players.
In terms of running off the ball, Chelsea have improved 50 per cent since Mourinho left last September and the extra mobility has transformed them into a more formidable attacking unit.
Michael Essien and Michael Ballack epitomised the new ultra-athletic Chelsea against Manchester United and they will be joined tonight by Frank Lampard, who can make energy-sapping runs into the box.
It also helps that with the possible exception of Didier Drogba, Grant's team are playing with a smile on their following a tumultuous season.
Grant's done a magnificent job in difficult circumstances and his players seem to be enjoying themselves.
Liverpool will have fire in their bellies as well and, with their disciplined midfield, will be difficult to break down. Xabi Alonso will bring more guile than Chelsea's central trio and Javier Mascherano will add extra bite, but I can't see them stopping Ballack, Essien and Lampard.
TOUCHLINE DUEL
Rafael Benitez v Avram Grant
Avram Grant will want his players to re-produce the performance that saw Manchester United beaten to leave everyone at Stamford Bridge on a high. However, he will know that Liverpool will pose a greater attacking threat than United because they will only sit back in the early stages of the game when Chelsea are going for the jugular and then will they try to pick off.
KEY CLASH
Claude Makelele v Steven Gerrard
I make no apology for yet again identifying Steven Gerrard as Liverpool's key player because, in the right circumstances, he'll dictate attacking movements and then Chelsea will have a big problem. He got the better of Claude Makelele at Anfield. This time Chelsea's midfield anchorman must protect the back four and stop Gerrard picking up possession centrally by shutting him down, blocking him off and forcing him out wide, well away from deadly striker Fernando Torres.
In terms of running off the ball, Chelsea have improved 50 per cent since Mourinho left last September and the extra mobility has transformed them into a more formidable attacking unit.
Michael Essien and Michael Ballack epitomised the new ultra-athletic Chelsea against Manchester United and they will be joined tonight by Frank Lampard, who can make energy-sapping runs into the box.
It also helps that with the possible exception of Didier Drogba, Grant's team are playing with a smile on their following a tumultuous season.
Grant's done a magnificent job in difficult circumstances and his players seem to be enjoying themselves.
Liverpool will have fire in their bellies as well and, with their disciplined midfield, will be difficult to break down. Xabi Alonso will bring more guile than Chelsea's central trio and Javier Mascherano will add extra bite, but I can't see them stopping Ballack, Essien and Lampard.
TOUCHLINE DUEL
Rafael Benitez v Avram Grant
Avram Grant will want his players to re-produce the performance that saw Manchester United beaten to leave everyone at Stamford Bridge on a high. However, he will know that Liverpool will pose a greater attacking threat than United because they will only sit back in the early stages of the game when Chelsea are going for the jugular and then will they try to pick off.
KEY CLASH
Claude Makelele v Steven Gerrard
I make no apology for yet again identifying Steven Gerrard as Liverpool's key player because, in the right circumstances, he'll dictate attacking movements and then Chelsea will have a big problem. He got the better of Claude Makelele at Anfield. This time Chelsea's midfield anchorman must protect the back four and stop Gerrard picking up possession centrally by shutting him down, blocking him off and forcing him out wide, well away from deadly striker Fernando Torres.
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