Liverpool will be at full strength when they quarrel at Anfield for the all-English semi-finals showdown in the UEFA Champions League.

Here are my reasons for this pick:

First of all, Liverpool have had the upper hand in recent continental clashes with their Premiership rivals. The Reds ousted Jose Mourinho's side from the 2005 and 2007 Champions League semis. This is definitely going to boost the morale of the Reds' players.

Second, Liverpool have been outstanding at Anfield this year. Their premiership home form is 11-6-1 only losing to Man UTD. They have drawn to Chelsea on the third week and are currently on a 7 matches winning streak.

Third, Grant may be a good manager, but simply he doesn't have the talent to handle big matches. He lost the Carling cup final to Tottenham, lost to Arsenal in the Premiership, and lost to Man UTD as well. He managed two draws in the Premiership against Liverpool. His only win was against Arsenal 2-1.

Finally, Torres are currently in good shape. He scored in 5 out of the last 5 premiership matches. He scored against Arsenal as well in the quarter final. I expect him to score today as well.

Regarding teams news, the Reds are boosted by the return of influential skipper Steven Gerrard after the midfield marvel missed the Premiership win at Fulham with a neck injury. On the other hand, Chelsea welcome back key midfielder Frank Lampard, who sat out the latest two Premiership games, taking care of his ill mother. However, Ghanaian ace Michael Essien will miss the tie through suspension as Michael Ballack is set to deputize.

Verdict: Liverpool on level ball seems to be a very reasonable bet.

Good Luck

Pick : Liverpool on level ball
Odds : 1.63
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : 188bet
Date : 2008-04-22
Match Result : 1-1
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