The cup holders take on Liverpool in what will be a firey encounter in the Quater Finals of the league cup.

What are your thoughts on the outcome?

I will say a 2-0 win to Chelsea with Liverpools somewhat struggling form

Chelsea 3 - 1 Liverpool

I think Liverpool will put everything they have into this competition now as it could be the only thing they win this season.

Aye. We can only dream of contending for the mighty FA Cup..

And our struggling form extends to a shock defeat against Reading and a loss to the Premier League champions, so i wouldn't say it's going to play a massive factor.

With Chelsea's best 3 players (Carvalho, Essien, Drogba) out, as well as Terry, we have a decent chance to win this.

It's not something i like, going to Stamford Bridge, but we should have every chance. And it'll most likely be a mixed team we put out, with some first-teamers, some players returning from injury, some players who wouldn't usually start and some youngsters.

----------------------Itandje------------------------

-----Finnan------Hyypia-----Hobbs----Aurelio----

----Benayoun---Alonso-----Leiva-----El Zhar----

-------------------Babel-----Crouch----------------

Subs: Martin, Riise, Sissoko, Voronin, Nemeth


Aurelio, Finnan and Alonso are all returning. El Zhar, Hobbs and Nemeth are all youngsters. Leiva, Itandje and Babel (in attack) would struggle for regular first-team places. And Crouch, Benayoun and Hyypia are regulars. It's pretty balanced.

When does Rafa not put out a mixed team? That's his main downfall. Too much rotation.

Not looking forward to this one with our poor record there,but something tells me it's gonna be a Merseyside and North London semi final clash,but i'd prefer to play Everton in the final,now that would be superb lol

Ben I think Rafa is going to play a stronger team than that.I'd remove El Zhar and Babel from that selection.This is Chelsea here-a side Liverpool always love beating.

This game depends on Liverpool's finishing.Chelsea will be no threat up front.Sheva shows no signs of being able to replace Drogba so Kalou and Wright-Phillips are the attacking outlets.If Chelsea are to score,Wright-Phillips will have to play a blinder.Leiva or Sissoko will keep shackles on Lamps.

Nothing will happen on the flanks for Liverpool so it is up to Alonso or Gerrard,depending on who plays,to set things up for the strikers.Expect these strikers to be Voronin and Crouch.Without Terry,Carvalho or Essien Chelsea will be vulnerable.Alex will keep Crouch quiet assuming Liverpool go long ball again but Voronin could be key.

0-0 or 1-0 Liverpool.

I hope Rafa plays the kids to give them some much needed experience

1- 1 , or 1-0

Not a classic , neither team has much idea in front of goal, but shoud be 1-1 ,
lets hope 2nd half more exciting

I think it's been great. Both teams have had a number of real goalscoring chances - a lack of conviction the only reason it's 0-0. Probably the most even-sided match we've played all season.

Leiva's having quite a good game. His passing and vision is impressing me. While Itandje's pulled off two saves to keep us in it. It's also been good to see Babel in a more attacking position.

That's why i like the Carling Cup though.. player's just feel free to play without much restraint. Roll on the second half. There's sure to be goals before long.

Sky Sports Live Text Commentary says it's being played at a very slow pace, almost like a pre-season friendly

Crouch sent off.

Well well well.... 1 - 0 Chelsea.... And peter crouch sent off for a filthy tackle.

Typical can LAMPARD only score deflected goals, and CROUCH what a W****R , stupid or what , sell him in January

Crouchs tackle reminds me of a sissy lil girl that just got dumped by her boyfriend... HAHAHA

BRAINSNAP

Things going a bit belly-up for the mighty Reds. 1-0 down after a Lampard strike and Crouch sent off for 2-footed lunge on Mikel..

















......................Cue the 'it's only a diddy cup anyway' responses

Have to agree CROUCH TACKLE stupid , he had to go no question , but not much between the 2 teams on the pitch, both useless in front of goal

WOW!!!

Ballack is on....

Little Dem12345 will be sitting wetting his pants somewhere in Austrailia at this moment in time

GoGoGoG Benayoun YOU CAN DO IT!!!!..


NOT.

BANG!!!!! 2 - 0 Goodnight CUP TEAM, LMFAO.........

Chelsea: Disciplined, Determined, Smart, Better.

Liverpool: Dull, Tired, Bereft of Ideas, No Heart, Crap.

You can understand why both teams are so far behind Arsenal, and MAN U, in the league, they haven't got a clue infront of goal.

1 Arsenal 17 8 1 0 21 6 4 3 1 13 8 20 40
2 Man Utd 17 8 1 0 20 2 4 2 2 10 6 22 39
3 Chelsea 17 5 3 0 14 3 5 1 3 10 7 14 34


There not that far behind