Dentist spells pain for Gerrard

MARKUS MERK will be in charge for the Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night in the latest instalment of the rivalry between Chelsea and Liverpool.

The German is considered one of the top referees in Europe and UEFA’s decision will mean another meeting with Steven Gerrard, who he booked earlier in the season during an England match leading to a suspension for the defeat in Croatia.

Merk, a former dentist, was also in charge when Gerrard’s back-pass gifted France victory against England in Euro 2004, so he is not a lucky charm for the Red’s captain.