Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview

Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview

Anfield will hold its breath on Tuesday night as Liverpool host league leaders Chelsea in the first leg of their league cup semi-final.

 

Perhaps the toughest tie possible in the league cup, José Mourinho’s Chelsea will be a tough test for the improving Liverpool, but one they must overcome if they are to reach the final in Wembley.

 

This is a fixture that brings back many memories for me, a Liverpool fan, both good and bad, the most recent being a 2 - 1 loss in November in a game that despite the score line appearing close and the Reds taking the lead, Liverpool never really looked like winning.

 

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has recently spoken of momentum after a resurgence of late, continued with a solid 2 - 0 win vs Aston Villa on Saturday. Chelsea however have the momentum of demolishing a very good Swansea side 5 - 0 away from home.

 

Mourinho may be master tactician but he doesn’t need to be to see where Liverpool’s flaws lie. While 2 clean sheets in the last 2 games has been promising, Liverpool’s defence still looks shaky, especially from set plays and this is an aspect Chelsea will surely look to exploit.

 

Liverpool surely must look to keep the game tight as pick up a win at Anfield. This is easier said than done however against a side that have not failed to score in the last 11 games.

 

Chelsea will feel confident as Liverpool have not won any of the last 5 games against Chelsea. Liverpool can take heart however from their impressive league cup record, being the most prolific winners of the trophy with 8 triumphs.

 

Chelsea’s fan will most likely sin g of Steven Gerrard’s fateful slip over the 2 legged tie. The Liverpool captain, who will probably return to Liverpool’s starting line - up for the game has made a name for himself for producing when it matters and Chelsea would be foolish to underestimate his influence.

 

For other team’s news, I expect a similar starting 11 to the team that beat Aston Villa on Saturday. Lucas is likely to make way for Gerrard if he is fit and Fabio Borini may make way for Adam Lallana but other than that I don’t expect to see any other changes.

 

With Liverpool looking unlikely to capture fourth place and with their exit from the Champions league, a league cup success could be just what is needed to add some shine to a so far disappointing season. It will however be an extremely tough game, but one that Liverpool must surely take something from if they want to progress. Even with an improvement in form I don’t see Liverpool winning this one and I’d predict a draw from the first leg.