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

Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their midweek disappointment when they entertain Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

All eyes will be on Brendan Rodgers team selection after he controversially left several of his key players on the bench for their Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

The ‘reserves’ put in an admirable display, losing 1-0 to a Karim Benzema strike, and Rodgers has warned that not all of those who were rested will automatically come straight back in this weekend.

The Northern Irishman is certainly going to play his strongest side though as Liverpool are in desperate need of a positive result after losing 1-0 to Newcastle last Sunday, with that loss leaving them down in seventh place in the Premier League table.

Chelsea arrive on Merseyside still unbeaten in all competitions and a 2-1 win over West London rivals Queens Park Rangers last weekend made sure they maintained a four-point lead over second-placed Southampton.

Jose Mourinho’s men warmed up for the game with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Maribor on Wednesday night with Eden Hazard wasting a golden opportunity to secure the three points by missing a late penalty.

Therefore, the Portuguese coach will be hoping to get back to winning ways tomorrow and would love a repeat of last years scoreline that saw the Blues leave Anfield with a 2-0 win thanks largely to an untimely slip from Steven Gerrard.

That loss put a huge dent in Liverpool’s title aspirations and another defeat this time around would surely all but end their hopes for another season.

Team news

Despite Rodgers’ warning, Liverpool are expected to recall a number of first team players with Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson both set to start in midfield.

Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho are also likely to start in attack in support of Mario Balotelli up front, with Daniel Sturridge still not ready to return from a calf injury.

Kolo Toure put in a fine display at the Bernabeu but Dejan Lovren could see his way back into the starting eleven. Jose Enrique, Mamadou Sakho, Jon Flanagan and Suso are all still out through injury.

Chelsea have no fresh injury worries and head into the game with a fully-fit squad.

Diego Costa will be restored to the starting eleven after being rested in midweek while the likes of Oscar, Gary Cahill and Thibaut Courtois are also set for recalls.

Loic Remy has recovered from a groin injury and joins John Obi Mikel in the squad after the Nigerian overcame a knee injury that’s kept him out in recent weeks.

Cesar Azpilicueta is available again after serving a three-match ban so Filippe Luis is expected to make way.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Diego Costa: The Spaniard may not be 100% fit yet but he’s still a huge threat and with nine goals already this season, he’s taken immediately to life in the Premier League, so Liverpool will need to pay close attention to the Spaniard tomorrow.

Predicted Score

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: Despite Liverpool’s patchy form of late, I can see them putting in a much-improved display tomorrow and taking something away from the game.

What team would you pick for the game and whats your predicted score?