Reds vs Blues – the English version

THE question on the lips of most football fans by now is if Liverpool can mount another legendary comeback against Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge tomorrow morning.

Bearing in mind Liverpool’s poor record against Chelsea (they have never scored more than two goals against the Blues in recent seasons), and the fact that Chelsea are playing at home, there is still widespread optimism that Liverpool can overcome these extraordinary circumstances to advance to the semi-finals.

But who can fault the optimism? After all, several factors do work in Liverpool’s favour – the Miracle of Istanbul, the memory of Hillsborough, and – not least – the fact that Chelsea conceded three goals in eight minutes against Bolton over the weekend.

If you were Rafa Benitez, what would be your line-up and strategy to beat Chelsea by three goals?

Or if you prefer to in Guus Hiddink’s shoes: what would be your strategy to shackle Liverpool, bearing in mind that Liverpool will probably find ways to circumvent Michael Essien’s shackling of Steven Gerrard?

Are Brazilians overrated?

DENILSON, once the world’s most expensive player, is now on trial at unfashionable Premiership side Bolton Wanderers after being released by Palmeiras last month, according to a report in The New Paper today.

Ten years after his $45.2m move from Sao Paulo and Spanish side Real Betis, the Brazilian winger is now unemployed, after clubs baulked at offering him deals due to his high wage demands.

THE POSTMAN LIM SAY HENG says: Are Brazilians, especially the superstars, worth the risk and the big money? Sure, these Samba maestros are a joy to watch when they are in full flight, with their arsenal of trickery coupled with the natural speed of youth.

But the problem is that, the more expensive and hyped up they are, the faster they fizzle out. Other than Denilson, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho immediately spring to mind. While European footballers reach their peak between 28 and 31, the Brazilian trio already seem to be at the tail end of their career.

Furthermore, it seems that an additional $5m or $10m would be added to the transfer fee if he hails from the South American country.

And stories of the players’ poor fitness and hard partying, one would really wonder if these footballers are worth all the trouble.

READERS, REACT (below):

“English clubs want glamour, not substance”

Came across this article by Martin Samuel of The Times. In it, he muses about Sunderland continue to ponder about their next managerial appointment even after Sam Allardyce – whom he considers to be a good English manager – has expressed his interest in the job.

While there are high-profile managers such as Louis van Gaal and Gerard Houllier linked to the club since Roy Keane’s departure, Allardyce could prove to be the best man for the job right now.