MARTIN KEOWN’S BIG MATCH DOSSIER
STICK WITH SALOMON
I LIKED seeing Salomon Kalou in front of Ashley Cole in the first leg as he offers better protection to the defence. Daniel Sturridge came on late in the game and didn’t do that job as well. Ramires has the legs to do the same. Kalou has already been very disciplined in a Chelsea shirt but has not been much appreciated. He was first class last week.
CAREFUL CARDOZO
OSCAR CARDOZO pulled off John Terry’s shoulder worryingly easily a couple of times in the first leg. The Paraguay striker (below) has very good movement and is a threat in the air. He missed a few chances in Lisbon but you don’t imagine he will again tonight if given the opportunity. Pablo Aimar is another threat. He knocks the ball around very well and can find a cutting pass.
KING DAVID
DAVID LUIZ has been hitand-miss this season but last week he showed he was willing to clear the danger rather than try to pass out from the back all the time. He stayed on his feet more too, which is vital in England. He is starting to look the part, his range of passing is excellent and he showed maturity in his performance against his former club. Let’s hope his training-ground knock isn’t serious.
TIME FOR EXPERIENCE
SHOULD Roberto Di Matteo bring back the Chelsea pensioners? He got the tactics right in the first leg with John Mikel Obi sitting deep and Raul Meireles, Kalou and Ramires working hard. For tonight, I would bring back Michael Essien because he has had the rest he needed and his experience will tell. I’d also play Frank Lampard (above) ahead of Meireles because his goalscoring record is outstanding and they will need another goal to finish the tie off. Also, Stamford Bridge is a very tight pitch and it means the older players won’t have to cover as much ground as was required last week. Up top, even if Didier Drogba is fit, I’d stick with Torres. The Spaniard has done more than enough to justify his inclusion.
... AND MY VERDICT
I THINK Chelsea will go through. It won’t be comfortable because they’ve been inconsistent this season but they have a lead and enough to see it through.