Liverpool’s final game of an impressive calendar year sees the reds travel to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side that are undefeated in the league at home while Mourinho has been their manager.
Despite succumbing to a 2-1 away defeat in their last outing against Manchester City, Liverpool firmly established themselves not only a serious top four contenders; but also an outside shot for the Barclays Premier League title.
Although Brendan Rodgers will have been encouraged by his side’s performance away at The Etihad on Boxing Day, he will be looking for Liverpool to be more ruthless on Sunday afternoon as to ensure all three points will be returning to Merseyside from London.
Jon Flanagan missed the defeat on Boxing Day through injury and is likely to miss out again against Chelsea, leaving Liverpool with only 16 fit, first-team players to travel to Stamford Bridge.
Youngster Brad Smith earned himself a place on the bench for the first time just a few days ago, however Aly Cissokho is likely to retain his place at left-back; with Jose Enrique still sidelined with injury.
Apart from the aforementioned Flanagan and Enrique, Liverpool are still without skipper Gerrard, former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge and the forgotten man – Sebastian Coates who will all miss this away clash.
Bertrand and van Ginkel both miss out with injury for the hosts and after accumulating five yellow cards so far this season, Ramires will also have to sit out through suspension, meaning Frank Lampard will probably make a return to Mourinho’s side alongside Mikel.
Chelsea’s player of the season for the last two consecutive years – Juan Mata – is also likely to retain his place on the home bench, with Mourinho set to line-up with an attacking trio of Hazard-Oscar-Schurrle.
Former Kop hero Fernando Torres is favourite to start as the lone striker, with Samuel Eto’o still settling and Demba Ba not finding the back of the net often enough.
Fernando Torres is now a long-forgotten name at Anfield, with Luis Suarez taking centre stage; scoring 19 goals in 13 Premier League matches so far this season – a tally he will no doubt be looking to increase on Sunday afternoon.
With Suarez set to spearhead Liverpool’s attacking trio once again, it will see him face Branislav Ivanovic for the first time since his infamous bite earned Suarez a 10-match ban. However, there should be no controversy this time as Mourinho claims Ivanovic has put it behind him and will shake Suarez’s hand pre-match.
This is undoubtedly going to be a very tactical game, which neither manager will want to lose. However, with the Premier League being as tight as it is, a draw right now doesn’t do either teams chance of a title or Champions League charge any favours.
Expect Mourinho’s side to be well disciplined and compact, with Eden Hazard and Oscar the creative sparks at the other end of the field. Liverpool will no doubt be looking at Luis Suarez to return to scoring ways, while the ever improving Jordan Henderson continues to step-up to the plate in Steven Gerrard’s absence.
Liverpool’s recent away record isn’t one to boast about though, with only the 5-0 demolishment of Spurs their only victory in their last 6 away games to go with two draws and three losses. Compare this to Chelsea’ last six home games where they have only dropped 2 points from a possible 18 and you start to see the magnitude of Liverpool’s task to come away with all three points.
However, if Liverpool transfer their performance away at The Etihad to Stamford Bridge, coupled with a bit more ruthlessness and refereeing luck, they could inflict Mourinho’s first ever home defeat in the league.
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Prediction: 1-1
Chelsea XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpelicueta; Mikel, Lampard; Hazard, Oscar, Schurrle; Torres.
Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Cissokho; Lucas, Henderson, Allen; Coutinho, Suarez, Sterling.
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Betting tips:
- Raheem Sterling has really started to turn his potential into real ability in the last few games, turning full-backs inside out with his pace and directness. He should have scored the equaliser against City, but he showed a willingness to get into the right position. Another chance like that won’t go begging, so Raheem Sterling to score anytime and Liverpool to win could be a clever bet with good odds, if you fancy his potential goal to separate the sides.
- Despite Chelsea’s defensive solidarity, Liverpool are struggling to keep clean sheets. With Luis Suarez on the opposing side, Chelsea will struggle to keep one too. Both teams to score should be a banker.
- Although Liverpool have largely been scoring goals for fun, the way Mourinho will set out his side means this game probably won’t see too many goals. Under 2.5 goals could be a good shout.
- If you fancy Chelsea to take the spoils from this encounter, having Eden Hazard to score anytime for them as well will increase your odds and he looks to be their man goal-threat leading their goalscoring charts with 7.
