Liverpool striker Peter Crouch hailed Chelsea as favorites ahead of their match against the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions semi-final first leg. "We may have beaten them a few times recently as well as the semi-final before I joined the club, but Chelsea are a great side, particularly on their own ground, and they must be favorites," said Crouch. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has already stated after the semi-final draw that he thinks Liverpool are the favorites from this clash. But Rafael Benitez was aware of his counterpart's maneuvers and dismissed such talks in order to put away from his players any pressure. "They have some injuries and suspensions, but they are still a fine side," he added. Mourinho will have to play without defender Ricardo Carvlaho, Michael Ballack, Arjen Robben (all injured) plus the suspended Michael Essien. "We have done well in Europe this season and won some important away matches. And we know we have the ability to beat them, we just have to do it now on the pitch. "We are certainly up for it, and this seems to be our competition these days. "What we must do is to score an away goal, we believe we can do that and it will make a big difference to the second leg in front of our fans at Anfield. Liverpool have an impressive away record as they almost reached that stage on away victories. The Reds beat Barcelona 2-1 and PSV Eindhoven 3-0.
