It might not be something Liverpool's players or supporters will voice too loudly, but perhaps their Champions League defeat to Chelsea will be a blessing in disguise. Their irresistible recent form of five successive wins and 16 goals had raised hopes of success in the Premier and Champions League this season. But Chelsea's surprise 3-1 midweek win at Anfield in the first leg of their European quarter- final provided a harsh reality
With next week's 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans, passions will be running high when Blackburn Rovers visit Anfield in today's early kick-off. This game probably matters more now than their Champions League return on Wednesday with Chelsea. The league title is the silverware the club yearn for; to end the 19 years of disappointment since their last championship.
Jamie Carragher, whose side are a point behind Manchester United, admitted: "The league has always been the priority for everyone at the club. "In the 13 years I have been involved in the first team this will be the biggest league game I've played in; it really is that important. "If we win we can go top of the league with just six games to go and if someone would have told us that we would be in this position when the season started we would have all been delighted.
"No one should be too downhearted about what happened against Chelsea because they are a good side who did well on the night and we've still got a hell of a lot to play for." United have a tricky trip to Sunderland, a side scrapping for their Premier League status. But stung by criticism following their 2-2 European home draw with Porto, Sir Alex Ferguson's troops will be fired up for the Black Cats. With Tuesday's return trip to Porto looming, Ferguson said: "All I'm concentrating on is getting three points at Sunderland."
Guus Hiddink's Chelsea host Bolton, looking to follow up their impressive show at Liverpool and reduce the four-point gap if the top two falter. Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper, said: "This is another game where we need to get three points if we want to think about having a chance to be champions. Bolton play direct football which is difficult to play against." Arsenal, in fourth spot, visit Wigan with Arsene Wenger adamant William Gallas has not played his last game for the club.
The French defender is out for the season with a knee ligament injury and tipped as a possible summer departure. But Wenger said: "He has a year left on his contract; I envisage him to be here next year." akhan@thenational.ae