Chelsea v Liverpool: Battle of the grind masters

How fitting that around the same time Quentin Tarantino releases his movie Grindhouse, its footballing equivalent will play itself out in the Champions League. Step up, Liverpool and Chelsea.

'Liverpool have been Chelsea's best imitators as far as style goes, yet have somehow managed to be better at it'

Chelsea have been in the odd position of not leading the Premiership this season. Trailing Manchester United all season in the league, they've had to ensure their consistency is maintained under pressure not normally present. And that pressure may be finally getting to them.

This past weekend was a classic case in point. Having been given a glimmer of hope with Middlesbrough’s halting of United, Chelsea themselves fired blanks in a misfiring performance at Newcastle. Jose Mourinho may, for once, have a bit of a point about penalties and United, but it did little to deflect criticism from a rather anaemic performance from his men. If they had won, they would have been one point behind United. Having squandered their chance, will their sterility carry over to the Champions League?

Liverpool, on the other hand, have been clicking into top gear and coming into form. Rafa Benitez's rotation may have resulted in some of their inconsistency in the league but it has been crucial in their run to another Champions League semi-final. Rafa’s safety-first attitude has been built on a solid defence with a blend of workmanlike and inspirational attackers in front of them.