Reborn Nic's On Revenge Mission

Feb 10 2008

Chelsea V Liverpool Today, Kick-Off 4pm Live Sky Sports 1

FOOTBALLING nomad Nicolas Anelka reckons he's finally found the perfect home at Chelsea - and is desperate to make Liverpool pay for axeing him in 2002.

The £15million striker has never been happier after swapping a relegation scrap with Bolton for a return to the big time at Stamford Bridge.

Now he's ready to show his former club they were wrong to ditch him six years ago after a successful loan spell.

The 28-year-old French striker has slotted effortlessly into Chelsea's style of play, scoring two goals in his first month, and is relishing the bid for glory on four fronts.

Anelka said: "Everybody speaks tomeas if I've already been here a long time.

"It is strange as it is like I am in another world. I was fighting against relegation at Bolton and now I am fighting to win things."

Chelsea gafferAvramGrant said: "I believe in Nic. He wants to prove himself after being at so many clubs and that is a good combination."

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has made the startling admission that sometimes he gambles too much with his rotation policy.

Benitez, who must cope with a host of injuries today, averages five changes a match and has only named the same side once this term.

He said: "If I need to gamble I will. Sometimes it works, others not. Maybe I take too many gambles but it is necessary when rivals have lots of top-class, expensive players."

Benitez is fuming about the loss of Fernando Torres who was crocked playing for Spain. He said: "We have three big games in 10 days and have lost our top scorer.

"It's difficult to be calm."