By BlueBlood
January 26 2005
The last time Chelsea contested a 2nd leg of a League Cup Semi-final was against Tottenham in 2002. After winning the first leg 2-1 at The Bridge, Chelsea were outplayed and completely overwhelmed 5-1 in the 2nd at White Hart Lane. A rare victory for the Spurs in the last fifteen years.
Tonight Chelsea go to Old Trafford as Premiership leaders and eleven points clear of Man Utd. 0-0 after the first leg, the game is finally balanced and the sell-out crowd and the millions watching of TV hope that tonights encounter is a edge of the seats encounter. The last time our beloved JM went to Old Trafford he was seen by millions around the world running, skipping up and down the touchline when his then European Champions elect Porto put one over SAF and his Man Utd team. A repeat of that tonight JM could see SAF tipping that expensive bottle of wine that you have promised him straight over your head. SAF is considering playing a near full strength team, including Captain Roy Keane (due to an injury to Darren Fletcher). Smith, Fortune, O'Shea are set to return. Chelsea however whatever team they put out it always a strong team. Expect King Carlo to play in goal as he has done throughout the competition, and he may get the opportunity to play two games in row for the first time in a considerable time, when Chelsea entertain Birmingham in the FA Cup on Sunday. Man Utd will be no pushovers, despite Chelsea's excellent Old Trafford record, Man Utd have not lost a domestic cup semi-final since SAF has been in charge. A scoring draw after extra time will put Chelsea through on the away goal rule, so the pressure will be on Utd to force a result and that could invite Chelsea to counter attack with their smooth and penetrating excellence. Carvalho and Parker are still out through injury but there is some good news that Robert Huth has returned to the squad and could feature on the subs bench. Probable team: Cudicini, Ferreira, Gallas, Terry, Bridge, Makelele, Duff, Lampard, Tiago, Robben, Gudjohnsen.
