Liverpool will be at full strength when they quarrel at Anfield for the all-English semi-finals showdown in the UEFA Champions League. The Reds are boosted by the return of influential skipper Steven Gerrard after the midfield marvel missed the Premiership win at Fulham with a neck injury. "I have a lot of confidence in us doing what it takes to get to another final over the course of the 180 minutes," said Gerrard. "We'll battle and scrap and believe in our ability to do whatever it takes - here at Anfield or down there on their patch - to progress in the European Cup." However, Chelsea coach Avram Grant certainly won't be happy to see his 'favorite player' taking on his own team on Tuesday. "For me, he is the player of the year in England, and maybe in Europe because of the influence he has on the team," said the Israeli. "He plays against me but he is still my favorite player and if you can bring him to me, I would be very happy." But for Rafa Benitez, Grant will learn more about Gerrard when the England ace scores against Chelsea. "Gerrard is a key player for us, and when he scores the winner in the semi-final maybe Chelsea will see even more how important he is for us," he said. The Spanish tactician is also hopeful to see his key man forming that deadly partnership with Fernando Torres, which produced most of the team's goals this term.
No fear for Drogba "When you have Torres or Gerrard, and you are not playing well, the team know that these players can score to get you out of a problem," he added. "We have a lot of confidence because we know Torres can create something." Reality Liverpool may have had the upper hand in recent continental clashes with their Premiership rivals. The Reds ousted Jose Mourinho's side from the 2005 and 2007 Champions League semis, but not this time for Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba. "I'm not in the least bit worried about them," said the Ivorian. "They may have beaten us in the last two Euro semis but this Chelsea team is perfectly capable of winning at Anfield. And how absolutely beautiful that would be! "We've been visualizing lifting the trophy for so many seasons. Now we believe we can make it reality." Chelsea welcome back key midfielder Frank Lampard, who sat out the latest two Premiership games, taking care of his ill mother. However, Ghanaian ace Michael Essien will miss the tie through suspension as Michael Ballack is set to deputize.
