A Tearful Goodbye - Psych Series Finale/Season 8 Reaction/Review

It's never easy to say goodbye to something that you've loved for a long time. On Wednesday that is exactly what I had to do to one of my favorite shows, Psych. Now I know that I had been harsh on Season 7 of the show in the past but as someone who has followed the show for so long it was rather emotional to see this hilarious series come to a conclusion. The finale itself is hard to judge; on one hand it is an emotional and teary eyed finale that brings the series to a solid conclusion. On the other hand, it feels a little empty and some characters don't seem to get their due. Anyways, let's get into it.

The episode opens up on a note I really didn't expect. When I reviewed Season 7, I mentioned that it felt that Shawn as a character hadn't really developed over the course of the show. Sure, he grew up in certain ways, but at his core it didn't really seem like much had changed for his character from Season 1 to Season 7. However, this episode opens up with no jokes, no shenanigans. Instead we get Shawn Spencer speaking from the heart; this is the real Shawn, not the one who hides away in his jokes and pop culture references. Season 8 of Psych has had a feel of finality to it, things have changed and it appears that all the characters are ready to move on with their lives. Speaking of which, the entire episode is centered around Shawn's futile attempts to tell Gus that he's planning to join Juliet in San Francisco. There is a case in this episode but it serves more to show us that Shawn isn't really needed in Santa Barbara anymore. He's now outclassed by the SBPD's new Head Detective Brannigan and she beats him to the punch for every part of the case. The case itself is rather boring and like I said earlier, serves more as a way to show us that Santa Barbara doesn't need Shawn anymore. However, there's some hilarious scenes throughout the episode like Shawn and Gus sharing a drivers ed car and some classic Gus screaming over a dead body. All the while, Shawn continues to fail to tell Gus that he's leaving which leads us to the end of the episode and the series.

The bromance lives on

Since Shawn cannot bear to break the news to Gus or any of the main cast in person he leaves them all video messages. All of them are especially touching and show how the relationships between all of them have changed over the years. In Lassiter's video message, Shawn finally decides to reveal to Lassiter that he's not a psychic after all, this coming after Shawn acknowledges that Lassiter is truly his friend. However, instead of listening to the words that he's wanted to hear for so long, Lassiter elects to eject the disk and break it in half, choosing to continue to believe that Shawn was for real. Shawn leaves one's for Woody and for a random Dobson character who is introduced simply so Val Kilmer could finally make an appearance on the show (much appreciated by the way). The most touching of them all however is the one that Shawn leaves for Gus which actually brings the main character to tears. Psych has often struggled with the writing for when things are supposed to be serious but they nailed it here. Shawn laments that their adventures together have prevented Gus from living the life he's always dreamed about and that if he hadn't walked into his office 8 years ago, Gus might have gotten a normal life. Gus isn't pleased with this however and after changing his mind about 3 times chases Shawn to San Francisco where he has surprised Juliet and Chief Vick at a crime scene. Gus arrives and chastises Shawn for leaving him and convinces Shawn that he'll move to San Francisco too and Psych will continue to operate. So with all of the main cast all tied up we could finally move onto the big surprise at the end (wasn't really a surprise). Shawn proposes to Juliet in a way that only Shawn Spencer could before a thief makes off with engagement ring. Shawn, Juliet, and Gus then pile into a car and the thief into the sunset as the screen cuts to black. So there, 8 seasons culminated into literally 20 minutes.

Psych's final episode does a lot of things right. It ties up several plot points from the season and the relationships between several of the characters. Seeing Lassiter break the disk rather than hear Shawn admit he is not a psychic was a really strong scene. It was nice to see that Lassiter, who detested Shawn for most of the series, finally give a show of respect to him. However, the finale also does a few things wrong. For one, the touching and heartfelt conclusion of the series is packed into the last 15-20 minutes of the episode, most of that time is spent between Shawn and Gus reconciling and Shawn proposing to Juliet. We get jerked around from one moment to the other that there doesn't feel like there is much time to digest what's going on. Most of these moments have been set up throughout the season so there's at least some pretense to build of off which allows them to move to each storyline quickly. Everybody seems to get a happy ending but even with this pretense it feels a little too crammed together. Maybe it would have been better to avoid having a case altogether and focus on the character interactions (asking Psych to put aside jokes and focus on characters? Please). To be honest, aside from from Shawn and Gus, there really isn't much time to close things off with the other characters. It was surprising we even saw McNabb's storyline get closed off with with clarity than Henry's. I suppose that the episode was mostly going to be about Shawn and Gus but there's no excuse for two characters of the main cast (Juliet and Chief Vick) to only be in the episode for about 15 minutes. Also, I can't say that I was too happy with the way Gus ended the show. After all, throughout the run of the show Gus has been looking for love and many times it has ended terribly mostly due to the writers screwing him over. (his "break-up" with Rachel in Season 7 was an abomination of writing). It was sad to see him end the series still attached by the hip to Shawn without a girl of his own. However, despite my grievances with the series finale there's not much I can do to change it and obviously a series finale never pleases everyone. Overall it's a happy ending that should leave the fans satisfied knowing that even though we won't see it, Shawn and Gus will still be together solving cases.

Shawn and Juliet get their happy ending even if the latter wasn't present for most of the episode...or the season for that matter.

So where does Psych's eighth season stand overall? I thought that it was actually a well-done season and a return to what made Psych so good in the first place. The opening episode of the season was a brilliant one with Cary Elwes coming back in to play the role of Pierre Despereaux. Seeing Shawn and Gus in England was absolutely hysterical. It felt as though this season was a throwback to the earlier seasons. The jokes were crisp, the shenanigans were refreshing, and overall it felt like the writers actually cared as opposed to their terrible job in Season 7. Sure, there were some forgettable episodes thrown in there (the Lassiter focused second episode comes to mind) and Anthony Michael Hall's character was poorly written. Trout was implied to be a very skilled policeman and yet the show turned him largely incompetent and overly strange. It's obvious you're not supposed to like him but he didn't even make a good straight man to Shawn and Gus. However, these bad episodes were counteracted by some really great Gus themed episodes. Also, this being the final season we got to see some heart warming scenes between each other the characters. Like I said before, the season clearly builds to it's end. However, like the finale, there are several key things missing. Juliet, Henry, and Chief Vick played very small roles in the final season which feels like a disservice considering that they are main characters. Since the show was canceled midway through the season and only consists of ten episodes things once again felt a little rushed and somewhat forced. Perhaps a better way to think of the show is a ten episode long farewell tour for the show. In closing, Season 8 is not the best season of Psych but it's definitely not the worst. It actually produced one of the best episodes of the show ever ("Cog Blocked"). It's an enjoyable final season even with it's imperfections; a 3/5 in my book.

Lastly, I suppose it's time for me to write my final words about Psych. I'm definitely going to miss this show which is something that I couldn't really say after Season 7. I'm really happy that Season 8 ended the show on an imperfect but good note. Psych stood out to me more than other detective shows because it was led by a lovable cast and had great writing. It suffered in it's later seasons but any show that goes eight seasons is bound to have some hiccups. Psych lasted eight seasons which is a very impressive accomplishment. It was the first live action show that I followed intently over the entirety of it's run and I'm going to miss tuning in every Wednesday to watch Shawn and Gus solve another murder with plenty of hilarious hijinks. It was always a unique blend of pop culture (mostly 80's) and bromance that made Psych work. I'm going to miss this show so much and I want to thank it for giving me so many memories over the years and catchphrases to use. There's some rumors out there that the show could be getting a big screen adaptation. Whether it does or not I'm always going to look fondly upon this show. Thanks for everything Shawn, Gus, Juliet, Lassiter, Henry, and Chief Vick; it's been a great ride.

Goodbye, I'll miss you all

The Champions League Final Eight: Who Advances?

Over in the states, the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament is up and running. In Europe, the "Elite Eight" of their most prestigious football tourney was set this morning. There weren't many surprises, other than the fact that the four principal favorites (Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG) were spread across the four ties. Whether this is some wizardry by UEFA in order to get the final they want is up for debate but even so, the quaterfinals look to some of the best games of the competition.

FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Atletico have the tools; can they advance?

The last all-Spanish tie in Champions League came in 2011 when Barcelona defeated Real in the semis. The tie involves Barca and the lesser known neighbors from Madrid who have been causing problems for both La Liga heavyweights this season. This tie is difficult to call based simple off the fact that the three meetings between the two this season have been draws with a total of two goals scored. Atletico would appear to have all the things necessary to beat Barcelona, they've proven they could go toe to toe with them in an away leg. They have a star striker and strong back line, things that are invaluable in European competition. However, as a whole they still lack the European experience, the European experience of Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi. Barcelona is struggling in Spain but European competition is a different beast. Atletico has the tools to beat Barcelona, whether they'll be able to win has yet to be seen.

Prediction: Barcelona advances

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

The Bale-Ronaldo partnership is flourishing

Last year a strife-stricken Real Madrid team received a capitulation at the hands of Robert Lewandowski and Dortmund. However, this year the roles are reversed as it is now Dortmund who enter the game strife-stricken and Madrid enters in superb form. Rather than the bland, counter-attacking side that Jose Mourinho would put out each week, Carlo Ancelotti has turned Real into a maurauding force that has eased the burden on Cristiano Ronaldo. Real are rich with attacking options: Ronaldo, Benzema, Gareth Bale, Angel Di Maria, Luka Modric, etc. No team in Europe can match that level of attacking firepower. Madrid has been coldly dispatching everyone in their path. Dortmund meanwhile has seen their fortunes turn for the worse. Last years hero against Madrid, Lewandowski, is suspended for the first leg, robbing Dortmund of their attacking fulcrum. Also, if their display in the second leg against Zenit is any indication, the Dortmund defense might not be up to the task of stopping such a powerful opponent.

Prediction: Real Madrid, Dortmund will do enough to make things interesting but Real's form is too good at the moment

PSG vs Chelsea

The best strikers in Europe face their toughest test yet

Here we come to the most intriguing tie of them all. One one hand we have PSG who view this tie as a chance to prove that they are ready to make the leap into European royalty and claim the Champions League. For them, this would be proof that they have advanced under manager Laurent Blanc. For Chelsea, this offers Jose Mourinho a chance to go up against his former Inter man, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The press conferences before these two games will be absolutely absurd if these two are involved. However, on the pitch, Jose Mourinho has brought his "boring" counter attacking style to Chelsea and it is that style that gives Chelsea the edge in this tie. Ibrahimovic and striking partner Edinson Cavani still get in each others way too often and even if they didn't, Mourinho is a master of taking the other team's star player out of the equation. However, the real question is whether Chelsea have enough attacking quality to hit at PSG, something that Thiago Silva will look to negate. Chelsea still lack an elite striker, their current strikers are all shadows of their former selves. PSG has those elite strikers, capable of drumming up magic which defies the tactics which Mourinho holds so dear. With that in mind, PSG should take this one.

Prediction: PSG win what should be a tense two legs

Bayern Munich vs Manchester United

United will need something special from their stars to beat Bayern

The Manchester United fans who have been so dormant during their shambolic season were out in force after their comeback in the second leg against Olympiakos. United fans are so ecstatic that they're hoping that such a win will lead United down the path of that 2012 Chelsea team which fluked their way to the title. However, such hopes were probably dashed when they received Bayern Munich in the draw, the cup holders and undoubtedly Europe's best team. The real question here is whether United stands a chance over the course of two legs. Yes United were impressive at home against Olympiakos but it should also be noted how open at the back they were. The game was largely a back and forth affair, the scoreline hardly reflecting how close the game actually was on the pitch. Bayern Munich is not Olympiakos, they have a ruthless streak that will punish United if they are that careless again. To win against Bayern, United will need their team in top form and they'll especially need the van Persie who showed up against Olympiakos. However, given that United have been a massive wild-card this season, it's hard to give them much of a chance.

Prediction: Bayern wins handily

The Sad Story of Tottenham Hotspur

In Greek mythology there is the myth of Sisyphus, the man who was tasked with rolling a large boulder up an also large hill. However, every time the boulder would get near the top it would roll back down the hill without fail. It is such a story that relates to the woe of Tottenham Hotspur, that wee little club in North London that so desperately wants to get that boulder to the top of the hill but will fail every time. Yesterday, Tottenham watched the boulder come crashing down yet again this season as they were felled by their hated rivals, Arsenal. With the team now out of the race for Champions League and reeling in the race for Europa League, it's time for them to face some facts.

Arsenal and Spurs had their first match in 1887 but weren't considered rivals until 1913. It was then that Arsenal made the bold decision to move into North London, just four miles away from White Hart Lane, the home of Spurs. Since then each match between the two is known as a North London Derby, one of Europe's fiercest rivalries. The rivalry has continued on and off the pitch with one theme persisting throughout the years: Arsenal's ability to always beat them. For example, in 1919 the English First Division expanded by two teams and there was a vote to elect which teams would get those spots. The first spot was awarded to Chelsea, who despite being in a relegation zone were allowed to stay. This left one spot open and both Arsenal and Spurs bid on the spot. Spurs had finished in 20th and were confident of their chances. Arsenal however had finished 6th in the Second Division. Arsenal won the spot with 18 votes going in their favor while Tottenham was snubbed. Incidents like this have given Tottenham somewhat of a spurned younger brother feeling in that they have been without fail second to Arsenal throughout their existence. The statistics tell a similar story as Tottenham claim 49 league wins against Arsenal compared to Arsenal's 66. Tottenham's trophy cabinet displays 14 domestic trophies while Arsenal have claimed 25 (also Arsenal has 13 league titles while Tottenham can only claim 2. Their last one coming in 1961).

Spurs have had their share of great players over the years, like Gareth Bale. However, rarely has that turned into the success they desire.

Tottenham, despite this second rate status, have been trying for years to elevate themselves not only into England's elite circle but Europe's as well. They are a rather popular worldwide, the 12th most supported team in the world with numbers estimated at around 11m. However, every time that Spurs believe that they have elevated themselves to that level, they soon learn otherwise. Their rivalry with Arsenal has always been viewed as a benchmark game, one that would signify that they are ready to compete in Europe. This isn't exactly an ill-concieved notion, Arsenal have proved over the years that they can compete on an even level with any team in Europe even in recent years where they have lost many of their best players. Spurs have claimed victories against Arsenal over the years which are then followed up by crushing blows in the next game between the two. In the past two seasons, Tottenham has been locked in a race with Arsenal for a spot in the top 4. Last season in particular, Spurs enjoyed a 7 point lead in the standings at one point, which they then quickly bottled and found themselves out of Europe's top competition yet again. Driven by this failure, Tottenham then recommitted themselves to their European dream, which is how we come to the present.

Spurs success during the 2012-2013 season was entirely driven by superstar Gareth Bale. A typical Spurs match would have them play mediocrely for about an hour before getting a highlight reel goal from Gareth Bale to literally steal away the three points. Despite Bale's best efforts, Tottenham still found themselves behind Arsenal and out of a spot in the top 4 at the end of the season. Rumours swirled about Gareth Bale being courted by Real Madrid. Knowing that keeping Bale away from Madrid would be impossible, Tottenham then went on a spending spree to rebuild. The idea was that Tottenham would lose their star but would make the team as a whole better. The spending spree yielded Paulinho, Roberto Soldado, Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen, Vlad Chiriches, Etienne Capoue, and Erik Lamela. Spurs fans were ecstatic, their team had the financial muscles and seemingly the talent to compete with England's elite. There was even belief that maybe Spurs could win the league. Flash forward to the present: Spurs currently sit in 5th place, 7 points behind 4th place Manchester City who have three games in hand. Spurs goal differential is -1 and they can't claim a single win against any of the teams in the top 4. The seven summer signings have been abysmal, only Eriksen and Chiriches have made positive contributions. Soldado has struggled to find the net from anywhere except the penalty spot, Chadli and Paulinho have been ineffective on the field, and Lamela (a record signing by the way) has struggled with form, injuries, and just about everything since joining Spurs. The fact that Emmanuel Adebayor, an ostracized man at the start of the season, has been Spurs best player has been telling.

The summer signings were meant to signify a new era at Tottenham. Instead, they've led to greater regression

The signs were there from the beginning. In August, Arsenal, who hadn't yet made a single move that transfer window, beat Spurs team which had just had 100 million invested in it. Tottenham's losses to Arsenal have only been by one goal however. Their losses against Manchester City and Liverpool have been even more of a reminder that Spurs still can't compete with England's elite. A 3-1 loss to Benfica at home in the Europa League should be a reminder that they aren't ready for Europe either. All of this have made one thing abundantly clear: Spurs have no identity. Or perhaps they do, as second fiddle to Arsenal. All jokes aside however, this season has brought Tottenham's lack of a history and identity to the forefront. They lack the trophy cabinets of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United and they lack the cash reserves of Manchester City and Chelsea. The biggest part of their identity is their rivalry with Arsenal. However, results like the one yesterday prove that Spurs still lag behind Arsenal in not just talent but mental toughness as well. There isn't even a defined Spurs style of play. Arsenal is known for their fluid passing, Chelsea for their defensive discipline, City and Liverpool with their attacking flair. There is no pride in a player wearing the Spurs shirt, no loyalty to the club. Rather, Spurs represents a stepping stone towards bigger things. Spurs have rarely had a player like Tony Adams, Frank Lampard, or Steven Gerrard; a player who lives and breathes the spirit of the club. The players lack a pride for the shirt which could come from the fact the team is made up mostly of internationals. Manchester City makes that work because they have the money to afford any player they want and the collective individual talent seems to work out. Arsenal make it work because of international exposure, international players grew up supporting Arsenal and want to play for them. Spurs have no such cash reserves and no such international reputation. Spurs manager Tim Sherwood said after the Arsenal loss that perhaps Spurs need to sink to dark depths in order to come out well on the other side, using Liverpool's resurgence this season as an example. However, Liverpool will always be able to lean on their history and reputation even in dark times. There will always be players who will want to play for Liverpool because they grew up supporting them, even if they're not English. Liverpool also have a strong leader with a vision in Brendan Rodgers. Tottenham have yet to find a manager of that caliber.

(Here comes the part that is more difficult. I, an Arsenal fan, have to try and say nice things about Spurs)

Spurs need to build around players like Eriksen

What we have here is a matter of a small football club trying to be something it's not. Football is very much a traditionalist and elitist sport and it can be very difficult to break into that elite circle without huge financial backing or a once in a generation manager like Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger. So what exactly should Tottenham do? The first thing would be an acceptance from around the club that this team isn't Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester United. I'm not saying that Tottenham should just resign themselves to being a team that can't compete for silverware. The idea is to create their own identity, something that distinguishes themselves from the rest of English football. What they need is an innovator; someone who can bring something new to the table. It's not as if Tottenham doesn't have a talented side. They have a great goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris, a good rock in the defense with Jan Vertonghen, a creative genius in Christian Eriksen, and, as much as I hate to say it, a striker who can be brilliant when on-form, Emmanel Adebayor. What this team needs is a strong leader who can rally the troops and end this perennial culture of losing. Spurs do have some people they can lean on. Current Holland manager Louis van Gaal is a club legend and would be a great choice for Spurs. For one, he understands what it means to play for Spurs and could instill some pride in the shirt. Second, he's just a good manager.

(Now here's the part where I explain why that won't happen)

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your viewpoint, it is unlikely that Spurs' misfortune is going to end any time soon. After all, if Spurs do have a tradition it is one of falling short of expectations and finding some way to mess things up. I understand that I am an Arsenal fan and my viewpoint will be perceived as biased. However, there is truth to what I am saying. It depends on what Spurs do this summer. The first temptation, in classic Spurs fashion, will be to clean house and move the underachievers out. While this is a classic tactic and works at most clubs, it would only set Spurs back. Arsenal showed this season what continuity can do for a side and while some players in this Spurs side should definitely be sent packing, there are some who should stay. A clearinghouse would only upset the balance of the team more. The second temptation will be to spend again; after this past summer I shouldn't have to explain why that would be a bad idea. All of this obviously comes back to chairman Daniel Levy who was responsible for the summer spending spree. While most of the blame can (and should) be placed on the on-field performance; one can't ignore the fact that Levy wasted the Gareth Bale money and has only held back the team rather than advanced them forward. Until Spurs are able to shake off this legacy of failure and avoid such tragic boardroom errors, it is unlikely the team will ever move forward.

Making the Case for Liverpool

This has certainly been an entertaining season in the Premier League. There are four teams that each could make equal claims for the title and the idea that it could all come down to getting results on the final day of the season is a tantalizing prospect for any fan of English football. Liverpool have bene an interesting case in terms of mounting a title challenge this season. They've managed to hang around and with recent form have closed the gap on their competitors. Despite this, Liverpool still can't seem to get the respect that Chelsea and Man City command. However, I'm going to get on the bandwagon and say right now: Liverpool has as good as a shot as anybody to win this thing.

Why Liverpool?

1.) That offense

Liverpool is getting contributions from everyone, not just the stars

Everybody knows about Liverpool's deadly striker tandem of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez who have combined for 42 goals in the Premier League this season. That total alone is better than every team in the Premier league except for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City (Liverpool also leads the division in goals for with 73). Does anybody really want to cross Liverpool's offense right now? Sturridge and Suarez are the obvious stars but attention must be paid to Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Steven Gerrard. Liverpool has the ability to run and gun with anybody and their players are rounding into form at the right moment this season. This is same team that delivered maulings to Arsenal, Tottenham, and Everton. This team can score with the best of em.

2.) The schedule

Man City beat Liverpool at the Etihad but what about Anfield?

One of the advantages of Liverpool's schedule is that they are out of all cup competitions which will allow them to attack every Premier League game with fresh vigor. However, the one caveat to this is that Manchester City and Arsenal will likely be knocked out of the Champions League shortly which will remove a few games off their schedule. However, Liverpool's remaining schedule is remarkably favorable to them. While the home/away ration of the final ten games is 50/50, their toughest remaining games are at Anfield (Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham). After seeing what Liverpool did to Arsenal at Anfield there's no reason to believe that they couldn't get results in those games. The Chelsea and Man City fixtures are actually so close to each other that it wouldn't be unreasonable to see Liverpool surge into first place with two games to go. Meanwhile, their rivals have to face much greater challenges. Arsenal's form is slipping at the wrong time and they still owe Chelsea a match at Stamford Bridge, not to mention a visit from Man City this month. Man City have a visit to the Emirates to worry about and theres a little fixture against United that is always a challenge, even is Man U haven't entirely been themselves this season. If Liverpool can get points in the rest of their fixtures they'll be in great shape.

3.) Steven Gerrard

This might be Gerrard's best chance to finally win the league

In his illustrious career at Liverpool, captain Steven Gerrard has won just about everything there is to be won. He's won European Cups, FA Cups,  League Cups, and has even won a few individual awards himself. However, there is one honor that has eluded him his entire career: the Premier League title. Gerrard isn't getting any younger and he's running out of time to win one. This might be the best shot he's had in years. Can you imagine Steven Gerrard tearing up the pitch like in the old days, terrorizing defenses with his powerful shot. Gerrard always gives 100 percent on the pitch but the allure of a title push might lift Gerrard to greater heights and take Liverpool with him.


Why Not?

1.) Defense

Liverpool owe most of their success this season to their offensive prowess. However, it is this style of play that sometimes turns out to be their biggest downfall. Liverpool love to press up the pitch and play a fast-paced and attractive style of football. However, many times this can leave them wide open at the back, an obvious problem when playing a team like Manchester City who have players with blazing speed like Jesus Navas or Chelsea's Eden Hazard. Martin Skrtel has been a revelation this season but Daniel Agger and Kolo Toure can hardly be called sure things. The return of Mahamadou Sakho from injury should certainly help things here. At the same time, Liverpool have shown the ability to produce goals out of nowhere. Perhaps Liverpool's offense will continue to mask their defensive problems.

2.) Lack of Depth

For all the power that Liverpool boast in their starting eleven, their bench leaves a little to be desired. The best offensive catalyst off the bench for the team is Victor Moses and he's been inconsistent for most of the season. Each of the other three contenders has a man to call of the bench when they need offense: Arsenal has Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chelsea can turn to Andre Schurrle or Willian, and Man City has a host of strikers who can flip a game on it's head. Liverpool might be a player short in their big fixtures. The biggest nightmare is Suarez and Sturridge going missing in a big game (which has happened believe it or not). If those guys aren't on form on that day, Liverpool is going to need contributions from their bench.

3.) The Jose Mourinho Effect

The Special One has an annoying habit of playing games not to lose rather than playing to win. The Chelsea manager is not afraid to suck the life out of a match, especially against a team like Liverpool. Take for example the incredibly boring draw played between Chelsea and Arsenal at the Emirates in December. By no fault of their own, Liverpool will find themselves against a Chelsea team willing to park the bus instead of dropping points. Chelsea lack the dynamic strikers that Liverpool possess so trying to match them in attacking power, especially at Anfield would be foolish. On that day, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez had better be up to the task or maybe someone like Jordan Henderson will be asked to step up.

Liverpool are the Premier League's hottest team, a title that has changed hands multiple times over the course of the season. However, what can't be denied is that Liverpool are hitting their stride during the most important time of the season. Yes, they have their flaws but Liverpool have more than enough on their side to overcome them. It's been 24 years since the Reds last raised a cup, in fact, they haven't won one since the establishment of the Premier League in the 90's. This year might just be there year, in fact, don't act like I didn't tell you so when they lift the cup.