Benitez backs Benayoun ahead of Babel

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has opted to start Yossi Benayoun ahead of Ryan Babel on the left wing in tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

John Arne Riise, whose 95th minute own goal in Anfield last week left the tie poised at 1-1, starts a left-back in the absence of the injured Fabio Aurelio.

Benitez has preferred Alvaro Arbeloa to Ireland's Steven Finnan at right-back. 

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has reinstated Frank Lampard to the centre of midfield alongside Michael Ballack and Claude Makelele, shifting Michael Essien to full-back.

Didier Drogba starts up front with Joe Cole on the right and Salamon Kalou on the left wing.

With that priceless away goal, courtesy of Riise, a scoreless draw would see the homeside through, but 1-1 draw would necessitate extra-time and a 2-2 draw, or of course a win for Liverpool, would see them join Manchester United in the final in Moscow.

Chelsea: Cech, Essien, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Makelele, Ballack, Lampard, Kalou, J Cole, Drogba Subs: Cudicini, Shevchenko, Malouda, Alex, Belletti, Anelka

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Riise, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt, Benayoun, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Finna, Hyypia, Crouch, Penant, Babel, Lucas Leiva

Referee:Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

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