Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview

Match Details

Date: 27th April, 2014Kick Off: 6:30 P.M. IST

Form Guide

Liverpool: WWWWWW

Chelsea: LWLWWL

Liverpool come into the game on the back of an extraordinary run of eleven wins in a row, while Chelsea have been stuttering in the title run-in and build up to this potential title-decider.

Predicted Starting Line-Ups

Liverpool could start with Lucas instead of Allen and Eto’o or Demba Ba could easily replace Torres up front for Chelsea. Mourinho’s claim that he will field a second-string squad is him playing his mind games. But with Jose Mourinho, you never know!

Injuries and Suspensions

Liverpool: Jordan Henderson will miss the game as he serves his three game suspension. Otherwise, Liverpool have a full strength squad.

Chelsea: Terry and Cech were injured in the mid-week and won’t be available. Hazard could recover in time but is likely to be benched for the Champions League semi final. Ramires will also be serving the first of his four game suspension.

Key Clashes

• Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge vs Gary Cahill and David Luiz

Chelsea’s success at Anfield will come down to one thing: whether or not they can keep the deadliest strike partnership in Premier League at bay. And if anybody can stop them, it’s Chelsea who have the tightest defence in the League. However, Cech and Terry will be sorely missed.

• Nemanja Matic and Oscar vs Steven Gerrard

The onus will be on Steven Gerrard to dictate the game in the center of the park against Nemanja Matic, and he would also have to track Oscar’s runs behind the striker. If he succeeds in doing so, the game will be hugely tipped in Liverpool’s favor.

• Ashley Cole vs Raheem Sterling

Whenever a team has managed to contain the SAS duo, it is the young Raheem Sterling who has rose up to the occasion and won the match for Liverpool. If Ashley Cole (or Azpilicueta) can manage to hold back the pacey teen, Chelsea will inch one step closer to the title.

Last Meeting

It finished Chelsea 2:1 Liverpool last time at Stamford Bridge. Eto’o and Hazard scored for Chelsea in reply to Skrtels opener for Liverpool.

Stakes

The game has been billed as a potential title decider. If Liverpool win, they would be firm favourites to win the League unless they slip up pretty bad. If Chelsea beat them, City could overtake Liverpool on goal difference. Chelsea are unlikely contenders for the title, their hopes rest on both Liverpool and City dropping points.

If the game ends in a draw, Chelsea will be effectively out and City could trim Liverpool’s lead to a single point if they win their game in hand and the corresponding fixture will be a very thrilling end to an entertaining campaign.

Referee: Martin Atkinson