CHELSEA will have to be at their best to get the better of Liverpool at Wembley, says Roberto Di Matteo, even though the bookmakers say the Champions League finalists should walk it.
The teams have never met in an FA Cup final until now, although the Blues beat the Reds at the Millennium Stadium in the Carling Cup final of 2005 to bring Jose Mourinho (pictured) his first trophy at Stamford Bridge.
But the teams have been drawn together like magnets in Champions League football and that fierce rivalry in recent years guarantees it will not be easy, according to the Chelsea boss.
“We always had difficult games against Liverpool,” said Di Matteo, whose side have been practising penalties every day in case tomorrow's final is decided by spot-kicks.
“They are a good side with some excellent players in their squad, so it's going to be an interesting game and certainly a difficult game.
“It's a one-off as well, a final, so we'll have to be very very good on the day.
“Kenny Dalglish has got a tremendous record as a manager. It's a tough job managing Liverpool, but he's already got a trophy under his belt for this season [in the Carling Cup].
“It's a big club with a big tradition and there are high expectations at the club.”
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