London, Sept. 16 (The SUN) -- MICHAEL ESSIEN says Chelsea must die for the cause against Liverpool tomorrow.

The midfielder insisted: ?The biggest battle will be in the middle.

?With people like Gerrard, Alonso and Garcia you have to kill yourself for every single ball. We cannot afford to give away possession and give them a chance to use their speed ? they have great players.?

Victory at Stamford Bridge would send the Blues eight points clear of their rivals.

Essien added: ?We know this will not be an easy game, even though Liverpool are coming off a league defeat against Everton.

?I don?t pay much attention to that result because the Reds always improve against us and make things very difficult.

?But it is normal at this stage that teams are not well organised. It happens to us and to all clubs.?