THOMMO TIPS THE REDS Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson is backing his old side Liverpool to reach the Capital One Cup final, but is wary of a Chelsea backlash. The Blues inexplicably allowed a two-goal lead slip at home to Sky Bet League One side Bradford in the FA Cup on Saturday, but have the chance to bounce back in Tuesday’s second-leg meeting with Liverpool. A place at Wembley against either Tottenham or Sheffield United is at stake, but Jose Mourinho’s men are odds-on favourites (1/3) to progress having held the Reds to a 1-1 draw at Anfield last week. However, Thompson is pleased to see a creative flow return to Liverpool’s play and believes they will cause Chelsea problems at Stamford Bridge. “Liverpool seem to be in a good place at the moment,” Thompson said “They’re creating chances, giving themselves an opportunity, and in doing so I think they’re in with a chance and I think they’ll be right in this game. “One of the big things, though, is how Chelsea react to their defeat at the weekend after getting turned over by Bradford. It was quite embarrassing and Jose Mourinho said so himself.” Although Mourinho named a weakened team against the Bantams, first-team regulars such as Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar started the game, while star men Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard finished it. Thompson expects the Portuguese manager to field his strongest available side against Liverpool, but insists whoever comes in will be expected to put in a big performance. “I think whoever Mourinho picks to play is going to be massive in their role,” said the two-time League Cup winner.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:53:13 +0000
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