Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Key Players & Likely Line-Ups

Venue: Anfield Date: Sunday 21st April 2013 Chelsea travel to Anfield on Sunday seeking a win that will reinforce their current third place position and consequently draw closer to Manchester City in second place. That is however easier said than done. The trip to Anfield has never been an easy trip for the London outfit. In 36 games played to date between the two clubs Liverpool have won 13 whereas Chelsea have won 15, the clubs have drawn 8 and scored an average of 1.2 goals each per game. In the last 5 league trips to Anfield the Blues have lost 3 and drawn 1 of those 5 games in the process scoring 4 and conceding 9. Without a doubt therefore the trip will be a difficult test for Chelsea. Chelsea are currently third in the log 11 points ahead of Liverpool. The difference in points notwithstanding Sunday€™s clash still remains one of utmost significance. Chelsea are only 3 points ahead of 5th place Spurs and by the end of the weekend dependent on results it is possible for Chelsea to have dropped to 4th tied on points with Spurs. The match therefore is of great importance to the Blues. For Liverpool their faint hopes of attaining a place in Europe hinge on the Anfield Club getting positive results in their remaining games starting with this clash. With an average possession of 57% throughout the season and having won 77% of tackles the Reds will pose a credible challenge. It will be also a homecoming game for former Reds boss Rafael Benitez who coached the Anfield club for years and mis firing striker Fernando Torres who was once a darling of the Anfield faithful.

Probable Starting 11

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech, Terry (c), Luiz, Bertrand, Azpilicueta, Lampard, Mikel, Moses, Mata, Hazard, Torres Liverpool (4-3-3): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique, Gerrard (c), Lucas, Henderson, Coutinho, Downing, Suarez. It will no doubt be a contest to savour. Both teams will want a win for varied reasons. With a fluid 4-3-3 system that can revert to 4-2-3-1 depending on the pace of the game Liverpool will have to contend with rapid counter attacks from the Chelsea midfield. Click next to reveal the key players who will decide the game for either team...