It’s another massive game of the season tomorrow when Liverpool, the current league leaders, take on title rivals Chelsea. A win for Liverpool would almost certainly see them become champions; however, a win for Chelsea and itÂ’s still all to play for between the top three teams depending where other points, if any, are dropped.
A Chelsea win would keep their slim chances of becoming champions alive or they could in fact just help title rivals Manchester City become champions providing that City can win all their remaining matches.
Despite this being such a big game, there has been many reports that Jose may field a so called “weaker team” with the Champions League taking more priority with Chelsea welcoming Atlético Madrid on Wednesday (30th April). Jose refused to confirm if he will or not in his pre-match press conference, but did say he can’t afford to lose any more players. With the squad Chelsea have, though, any team would be strong enough to compete and the players that come in will be eager to impress. The likes of Salah, Mati?, Mikel and Lampard will probably feature as they won’t play in the Champions League game mid-week.
Both sides have injury casualties, however ChelseaÂ’s is considerably worse with key players Petr Cech and John Terry injured mid-week. They will also be without Hazard and EtoÂ’o as they recover from their injuries to be fit for the upcoming games. Liverpool will be without long term casualty Jose Enrique but may have former Chelsea player Sturridge back after his recent injury. As for suspensions, Chelsea will be without Ramires after his four-match ban which sees his season end prematurely after the FA charges during the week, and Liverpool are without Jordan Henderson as he serves his three-match suspension.
Liverpool are currently on a 11-game unbeaten run so it will certainly be tough for Chelsea to win; however, Jose Mourinho has an impressive record against the Reds. The Chelsea manager has won six, drawn one and lost one of his eight previous Premier League meetings with Liverpool. The last five meetings are favourable for Chelsea with two wins, two draws and only one defeat against Liverpool. Also worth remembering is that Chelsea have the best head-to-head record against the top teams this season, managing to take points for all their opponents as well as already beating Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this season 2-1.
Despite all the rumours of Jose focusing more on the Champions League instead of the league this season, with the slim chance of a double this season if results go the right way, Mourinho wonÂ’t be giving up just yet.
