Chelsea v Liverpool Pre-match Analysis
Liverpool Take On Title Rivals Chelsea In Early Season Six Pointer
Oct 3, 2009
The last time the two managers went head to head was in the 2007 Champions League Cup Final in Athens where Ancelotti's AC Milan side avenged the famous 2005 defeat in Instanbul. This time round the two men are playing for three points in the Barclays Premier League, but both teams will treat it as a final. The clash between Chelsea and Liverpool could not have come at a better time in the season and with just three points separating the teams the result could have a major bearing on the title race.
Liverpool in Fine Goal Scoring Form
Benitez will be looking for a repeat of last season's triumphant 1-0 score line which ended Chelsea's impressive 86 match unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge. Three points for the Reds this time round will blow the title race wide open whilst defeat will see them slip six points behind the Blues. Liverpool though are in fine goal scoring form and in seven Premier League games have already racked up 22 goals.
Ancelotti will be desperate not to suffer a repeat of last Saturday's defeat at Wigan and Chelsea are likely to signal their intent to claim all three points against Liverpool right from the off. Expect the home side to be forceful and direct in the early stages. Likewise, Liverpool, needing to avoid defeat, cannot afford to rest on their laurels and allow Chelsea to take control of the game and will also go for the jugular. The opening exchanges are likely to be frantic.
Liverpool Sweat on Fitness of Mascherano
Benitez is sweating on the fitness of Javier Mascherano who missed Tuesday's defeat in Florence with a minor hamstring problem. The tough tackling Argentinean captain is pivotal to the balance of Benitez' system and his presence allows Gerrard to play further forward in support of Fernando Torres. If Mascherano is passed fit Fabio Aurelio will make way in an otherwise unchanged side from the one that faced Fiorentina.
Daniel Agger is also close to a return to full fitness after coming through a reserve match and may well be named as a substitute.
Ancelotti has injury concerns over Ashley Cole, Obi Mickel and Alex whilst Petr Cech is suspended after his dismissal in the defeat to Wigan. Henrique Hilario will start in goal whilst Branislav Ivanovic is expected to slot in at fullback. One recent absentee the Blues can welcome back is Michael Ballack who has recovered from a calf injury. The German midfielder has missed the last two matches, but is likely to regain his place alongside Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Florent Malouda in the heart of Chelsea's midfield. Joe Cole is also in contention for a squad place after recovering from a long-term knee injury.
With Torres and Drogba Fans Can Expect Goals
Both sides are full of quality and though there are potential match winners all over the pitch, all eyes will be on Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres. Both strikers are in form with Torres leading the Premier league scoring chart with eight goals whilst Drogba has grabbed six goals in seven appearances this term. With both teams eager for a win fans and neutrals alike can expect goals.
