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"The goal that wasn't" is how many Chelsea fans and players remember last year's Champions League semi-final at Anfield.
The loss was, and still is for many, very controversial - all the more heart breaking was the fact that it was the second time in a row Blues had been denied a CL final spot.
Wednesday's match sees a return to Anfield for Chelsea, and a chance to show the Scousers how football is meant to be played - patient and precise.
In predicting a starting line-up for this match, one has to think about the possibility of a classic Mourinho surprise. So often last season, "Ze" played with the minds of his opponents making last minute line changes and formation switches part way through matches to keep the game fresh, keeping one step ahead all the time.
Could we see a repeat of last season's antics then?
Perhaps a 4-4-2 formation might be called for? Or even a 3-5-2? Sounds bizarre, but if one considers the speed of wingers like Duff and SWP it may be plausible to have them run between the mid and back lines, feeding the ball through to Lamps and Gudjohnsen/Essien or Crespo and Drogba, whilst assisting the back line in defending against attacks down the left and right. Bares thinking about if nothing else.
Thing is, it leaves too many holes, and 'Pool can certainly play well on the break - the back line needs to be more solid.
Therefore, a more stable and likely more plausible starting line up is as follows:
Cech
Ferreira - Terry - Gallas - Del Horno
Essien - Makelele - Lampard
SWP - Crespo - Duff
Bench: Cudicini, Huth, Geremi, J.Cole, Robben, Gudjohnsen, Drogba
Del Horno is due back from injury on Wednesday, and he is needed down the left side so Gallas can slip back into his centre back role. Robben is rumoured to have picked up a knock, although the club is fairly non committal at this stage re: the extent of his injury and he may be subbed on in the second half rather than start, to lend credibility to his slightly injured status.
Crespo is yearning to knock Liverpool into next Sunday after last season's loss in the CL final while he was on loan to AC Milan - his European style of play will be of great use to Chelsea in this match. Drogba will be subbed on in the second half when Crespo needs a rest or a formation change is required.
Our Verdict: Chelsea 3-0 Liverpool - a slaughtering
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