Source: Telegraph
Liverpool v Chelsea: Michael Essien says victory in Europe easier than Premier League
Liverpool v ChelseaKick-off: Wed Apr 8, 7.45pm, Anfield, LiverpoolTV: Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports HD2Radio: BBC Radio Five Live [LNB]Chelsea face Liverpool in the first leg of their quarter final at Anfield with a sense of tired familiarity. [LNB] Related ArticlesGame Zone: Liverpool v ChelseaChampions League actionRooney tries to boot out lethargyFerguson admits United 'have difficult job'Arsenal claim valuable away goalRafael Benitez feeds on dislike of Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose MourinhoIt is the fifth consecutive season in which the two sides have met in Europe's premier club competition and Essien is hoping for a repeat of last year when the Stamford Bridge club eliminated Rafa Benitez's side – though a very different outcome after that. [LNB]Another tight, tense occasion is predicted as two teams who know each other as well as Chelsea and Liverpool do seek to gain an advantage in the opening exchanges. [LNB]'Some say the fixture is becoming boring because we have had to play Liverpool every season for some time now, but that is the way it goes and we must accept it,' said Essien. [LNB]'As the away team, if we score at Anfield, we give ourselves a great chance of doing well.'[LNB]Essien was absent from Chelsea's side for a large part of this season due to injury, though has proved what a valuable player he is to the team with exceptional performances since his return. [LNB]With Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres forming one of the deadliest partnerships in European football at present, Essien's ability to read the game and marry tough tackling with a tirless energy means he is the man most likely to be detailed to break it up. [LNB]Essien was on the pitch for the full 120 minutes of the epic final in Moscow that United won on penalties, and the Ghanaian insists the memories of that night are still fresh. [LNB]'With the Premiership, we just have to win and see what happens but, like every member of the squad, I want to win the Champions League especially after how close we were last season,' said Essien. [LNB]
