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Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho have finally decided which players will start the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Let's take a look at the starting line-ups.
"Liverpool" (4-4-2):
Pepe Reina; Steve Finnan, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, John Arne Riise; Jermaine Pennant, Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Boudewijn Zenden; Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt.
Substitutes: Daniele Padelli, Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Hyypia, Robbie Fowler, Mark Gonzalez, Xabi Alonso, Craig Bellamy.
In the hosts' team, we can see two surprising decisions made by the Spanish coach. Firstly, for the first time in a crucial match, Xabi Alonso has been left on the bench, with S. Gerrard taking his place on the right side. The midfielder will be replaced by J. Mascherano. In the fullback positions, J. Pennant will play on the right, while somewhat unexpectedly, Bolo Zenden will be on the left, despite not demonstrating good form recently.
In the attacking line, P. Crouch will be supported by Dirk Kuyt, while Craig Bellamy will be on the bench.
"Chelsea" (4-3-3):
Petr Cech; Paulo Ferreira, Michael Essien, John Terry, Ashley Cole; Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel; Joe Cole, Solomon Kalou, Didier Drogba.
Substitutes: Carlo Cudicini, Khalid Boulahrouz, Geremi, Arjen Robben, Wayne Bridge, Lassana Diarra, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Everyone expected such a starting line-up for the 'Blues'. In defense, P. Ferreira will be on the right again, while the center-backs duo will consist of the returning M. Essien, replacing Ricardo Carvalho, and J. Terry. In the midfield, C. Makelele will replace the injured M. Ballack, and J. Obi Mikel will take the place of M. Essien.
Meanwhile, 'Liverpool' will be challenged by S. Kalou and J. Cole on the wings, with D. Drogba leading the attack.
