Here is how Chelsea and Liverpool will line-up for this afternoon’s match at Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea Starting XI: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Lampard, Luiz, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Eto’o
Subs: Schwarzer, Cole, Essien, Mikel, Schurrle, Mata, Torres
Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet, Johnson, Agger, Sakho, Skrtel, Allen, Henderson, Lucas, Sterling, Coutinho, Suarez
Subs: Jones, Toure, Alberto, Aspas, Cissokho, Rossiter, Smith
Just one point and one place separate Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League, so this afternoon’s match is vital as both clubs head in to 2014.
Chelsea will be without the suspended Ramires, while Liverpool are still without long-term absentees Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Jose Enrique.
Matches between the two sides usually throw up a talking point or two, and Jose Mourinho’s return should add a little extra spice to proceedings. He will be hoping for a change of fortune given the Blues’ recent form against the Reds; Chelsea have won only two of their last 13 league matches against the Merseyside club.
Then again, five of the London side’s last seven wins over Liverpool have come with the Portuguese in charge.
So what is going to happen? Well, Luis Suarez will probably score, there will no doubt be a sprinkling of controversy, and it will be close. Beyond that, it is anyone’s guess.
What do you think the result will be this afternoon?
image: © geetarchurchy
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