Liverpool and Chelsea failed to win their midweek games in the Champions League ahead of the all important clash on Saturday at Anfield.
This fixture decided the title last season as Blues frustrated the Reds with rigid defense and punished them for errors to win 2-0 on the day.
The difference in quality this time around is huge. Chelsea sit on top of the premier league without any defeat this season while Liverpool are no less than 12 points behind them.
Since the Spurs game, Liverpool’s performances have been mundane, even at Anfield and hopes of a win against Blues are not really high.
As far as the team news is concerned, many first team stars started on the bench against Real Madrid in midweek and are likely to return to starting XI.
One player who might still find himself on the bench is new summer signing Lovren. In his place Kolo Toure produced a brilliant performance in midweek and deserves to retain his place.
Here is Liverpool’s strongest XI to face Chelsea.
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Kolo Starts – Liverpool's Strongest XI to Face Chelsea
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Gerrard? He is an impact player now. Just because Rodgers plays him week in week out doesn’t mean he deserves to play. Lucas has earned his place but Rodgers won’t play him.
If they show the same amount of effort and drive with Chelsea as they did with Real in their backyard, they should do well. I see Balotelli is in the lineup albeit with Borini. That’s fine because I think it has been proven enough times by now that Balotelli does not does well upfront on his own. I am glad that Toure is getting another game because he did well in Madrid, performed well and should get the chance. Maybe if Rodgers had picked a team like he did on Tuesday for the game at Anfield, Liverpool would not have had their butts handed to them. For me, the team and as important, the formation, was all wrong against Real. That was just arrogant and naïve. Hopefully he won’t make the same errors with Chelsea.
I don’t think Gerrard should start anymore.
He is past his prime. Couthino is more of a playmaker.
Stevie G is still an important player, but rather more as an impact or inspiration.
Even if he might to leave and play for another club in England or abroad.
We, the fans will thank him for his years of service.
Lets be clear, its a business; he gets a salary.
Would love to see Origi and Sterling link up with Sturridge.
SOS!! Help!!