Preview
Both sides head into tomorrow’s game needing a good result. Chelsea and Liverpool have both started the season below their targets with Chelsea currently in 15th and Liverpool in 9th.
Chelsea have a good record against Liverpool having not lost against them since 2012. However this counts for little heading into the game due to our poor form. We are currently lacking the ability to kill off games and finish teams off when we are playing well.
Playing at Stamford Bridge is likely to play into Liverpool’s hands too due to their new style under Jurgen Klopp. Klopp likes to set his teams out to press the opposition and force them backwards waiting for their opponent to make a mistake. As they are playing away they aren’t expected to dominate Chelsea meaning this style will suit the game.
However Mourinho is known for providing strong tactical reports on his opponents and providing his players with all the information they need about their opposition. It’s likely to be a case of can his players perform on the day and break Liverpool down, something they have struggled with so far this season.
Many fans will agree that our midweek defeat vs Stoke was one of our best performances of the season despite the result. Chelsea took the game to Stoke and dominated for huge periods of the game but just lacked that killer instinct to get one more goal. If Chelsea can find that tomorrow they have a good chance of winning.
Come on Chelsea!
Match details
Saturday, 31st October, kick off at 12:45 (UK Time) at Stamford Bridge on BT Sport 1.
Recent form and previous meetings
Chelsea head into game in shocking form results wise having won only once (Aston Villa) in our last 5 games. We have drawn 1 (Dynamo Kyiv) and lost the other 3 (Southampton, West Ham and Stoke).
Liverpool also head into the game on poor form but managed to get their first win under Klopp midweek. In their last 5 games they haven’t lost a single game however. They have drawn 4 (Everton, Tottenham, Rubin Kazan and Southampton) and won just 1 vs Bournemouth.
In our last 10 meetings Liverpool have only managed to win once. This was back in 2012 at Anfield, a game Chelsea rested big names due to the upcoming Champions League final. Chelsea have won 5 meetings meaning there has been 4 draws.
In Liverpool’s last 10 visits to Stamford Bridge they have gone home with a win 4 times likewise Chelsea have also got 4 wins making the other 2 games draws.
Team news
Chelsea go into the match with Thibaut Courtois and Branislav Ivanovic both unable to play due to injuries. Pedro and Diego Costa are both doubts and went through late fitness tests today meaning we won’t find out till tomorrow if either will be involved. Nemanja Matic is back from suspension having missed the midweek trip to Stoke after he received a red card vs West Ham at the weekend.
Klopp confirmed in his press conference on Friday that Benteke is back and available for the game. However they have a huge injury list with Kolo Toure, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Rossiter, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson and Jon Flanagan all unavailable.
My prediction
I’m not too confident about Chelsea’s chance of claiming 3 points tomorrow due to our lack of ability to kill off games in recent weeks. I also think playing away will suit Liverpool more due to the way Klopp will set out his side.
My prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool.