Chelsea vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Two of this seasons title challengers go head-to-head this weekend as Chelsea entertain Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Just a single point separates the two sides with the Blues sitting third while Liverpool are hot on their heels in fourth, and both clubs will be looking to end the year on a high.

Chelsea haven’t been firing on all cylinders recently but are still grinding out results with a 1-0 win over Swansea on Boxing Day coming after a drab 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

Liverpool on the other hand saw their impressive recent run ended with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday but the Merseysiders performance at the Etihad gave Brendan Rodgers plenty to be positive about as they pushed the league leaders all the way and were unlucky not to come away with something from the game.

Team News

Chelsea will be without key midfielder Ramires after the Brazilian picked up his fifth booking of the season and will now serve a one-match ban. Frank Lampard is expected to come in having been named among the subs against Swansea.

Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta are likely to be recalled with David Luiz and Ashley Cole dropping out, while Andre Schurrle and Willian are pushing for recalls in attack. Fernando Torres is likely to replace Samuel Eto’o up front.

Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns but will continue to be without Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge as the pair step up their recovery from injuries.

Jon Flanagan is out with a hamstring strain and with Jose Enrique also injured, Brendan Rodgers has a decision to make at left-back. Aly Cissokho got the nod against Man City and could fill in once again but another option is to move Glen Johnson across to the left with Martin Kelly coming in at right-back.

Likely Line-ups

Key Man

Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan was unable to get himself on the score-sheet against City but he will certainly be the man Chelsea will have to keep a close eye on this weekend if they want to keep Liverpool at bay.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool: We expect Liverpool to give Chelsea a real test on Sunday and take a well-earned point back to Merseyside.

What would be your preferred team and what’s your score prediction? Share your views below.