Liverpool vs. Chelsea: Preview and Prediction

Liverpool vs Chelsea this Saturday is without a doubt the game of the weekend. It will offer both sides a huge opportunity to really make a statement.

The last meeting effectively ended Liverpool’s title hopes, can the Reds get their revenge?

Liverpool are already 12 points behind the league leaders, but this is a real chance to kick off the season by breaking the Blues’ unbeaten record.

Chelsea on the other hand, are simply flying with 8 wins out of 10. To win away at Anfield would surely give the London club confidence in the belief that it really is their year.

Team news:

Daniel Sturridge is still a major doubt for the game but is expected to return to the team in time for Crystal Palace next Sunday. Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan, Mamadou Sakho and Suso are also ruled out.

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John Obi Mikel is also unlikely to feature on Saturday; however, he will be an option for the West Brom encounter after the International break. Loïc Rémy has been confirmed unavailable.

Key players:

Liverpool will be relying on their midfield to cause Chelsea problems with available strikers Balotelli, Borini and Lambert yet to score in the Premier League this season. Raheem Sterling is the top scorer with three goals to his name but I think that Coutinho and Lallana will be the two danger-men for the Reds, due to the creativity they both possess.

Diego Costa looks the real deal and will be a certain starter if he’s fit enough. He picked up from where he left off last season at Atletico Madrid, and has already scored nine league goals for his new club. He suffered a minor injury which has let Drogba prove he still has it, but he’s the Blues’ biggest threat. It is dangerous, however, to focus solely on Costa with Fabregas, Hazard and Willian likely to have impressive performances.

Current form:

Liverpool has had a poor start to the season but have reasons to be optimistic after a very respectable display against Real Madrid in mid-week. While the season has looked disappointing if you look at Liverpool’s point tally, in actual fact Liverpool have been hugely unlucky in several games. It is easy to dwell on lost opportunities, yet they need to quickly find some form.

Chelsea will be coming into the game as the favorites, and Mourinho’s team are even being touted as the next “Invincibles” after such a consistent start. Chelsea, however, will have less time to prepare for the game after their Champions League stalemate on Wednesday night, but I think that the incredible depth in the Chelsea team makes this a weak excuse.

Last five league meetings:

Sun 27 Apr 2014 Liverpool 0 – 2 Chelsea
Sun 29 Dec 2013 Chelsea 2 – 1 Liverpool
Sun 21 Apr 2013 Liverpool 2 – 2 Chelsea
Sun 11 Nov 2012 Chelsea 1 – 1 Liverpool
Tue 08 May 2012 Liverpool 4 – 1 Chelsea

Match prediction:

There tends to be an appetite for goals when the two meet. With Liverpool’s leaky defense and Chelsea’s strong attack, it’s difficult to see anything other than a repeat of last season. If Liverpool can bring the effort and desire which was on display against Madrid, then maybe there will an upset — yes that seems a strange way to describe a Liverpool home win! On current form it really would take something special from Liverpool, but football is football and I can only hope.

Heart: 3-1 home win, Brain: 1-2 away win.

Home/Chelsea