Liverpool vs Chelsea: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

FA Cup finalists Liverpool and Chelsea face off against each other for the second time in four days tonight, as the Blues come to Anfield hoping to keep their hopes of a top four finish alive.

Chelsea came out on top at Wembley on Saturday evening after goals from Ramires and Drogba put Roberto Di Mattoe’s side in control, before sub Andy Carroll came off the bench to pull one back and go within inches of claiming a late equaliser when he saw his header clawed off the line by Petr Cech.

Liverpool currently sit ninth in the table and the best they can hope for is a seventh-placed finish, so despite their Carling Cup success, the season will be looked upon as a disappointing one by the majority of Reds fans.

Chelsea on the other hand still have plenty to play for, with not only a Champions League final left to play, they are also still chasing a top four finish after Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle left the door open after all dropping points at the weekend.

Team news

Andy Carroll is almost certain to start after his impressive display on Saturday with Craig Bellamy likely to make way. Kenny Dalglish may also opt to give Dirk Kuyt a start on what is likely to be his final game at Anfield.

Jay Spearing may be dropped after his disappointing performance at Wembley while Maxi is pushing for a recall.

RDM must decide how best to rotate his squad with the final in Munich likely to be at the forefront of his thoughts, despite the need for a win to maintain their top four hopes.

However, the Italian has been dealt a blow with the news that Meireles and John Obi Mikel have both been ruled out through injury, and they join Gary Cahill and David Luiz on the sidelines.

Fernando Torres is expected to face his former club with Dider Drogba dropping to the bench, and Frank Lampard and Juan Mata are likely to be rested.

***UPDATE*** Petr Cech and Dider Drogba have not travelled with the Chelsea squad after Di Matteo elected to rest the pair.

Likely line-ups

Predicted Score

Liverpool will no doubt want revenge for Saturday’s FA Cup loss and also want to end the season on a high after a disappointing league campaign. However, Chelsea will be stubborn opposition and are more than capable of getting something from the game. Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

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