Chelsea will receive the expected guard of honour from Liverpool as the teams walk out at Stamford Bridge. The game will be the fourth meeting of the two sides this season after the pair went head to head in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup. This fixture last season was a controversial game which ended in a victory for the home side thanks to goals from Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o. Andre Marriner will officiate the game that kicks off at 4pm on Sunday.
Team News
Chelsea will be without Oscar as he continues to his road to recovery, the Blues will also be without fellow Brazilian Ramires who was a late drop out against Crystal Palace. Ramires later confirmed he was suffering with a kidney problem but is recovering well. Diego Costa is unlikely to feature in order to protect him from injury. Jose Mourinho confirmed he could be used against Liverpool if he was needed, with the title now secured it is unlikely.
Loic Remy returned to the bench for the Blues against Crystal Palace and may earn a spot in the starting line-up after Didier Drogba’s recent run in the side. Jose Mourinho has also promised to give opportunities to players who have not featured as much this season in the three remaining games. The likes of Filipe Luis and Juan Cuadrado could be expected to start.
Liverpool will be without former Chelsea player, Daniel Sturridge. As well as Sturridge and Jon Flanagan is also a long term absentee. Both Mario Balotelli and Mamadou Sakho could return to first team action from their respective injuries.
Recent Form
The Premier League champions are enjoying one of the best runs of the season, Chelsea have not tasted defeat since the 5-3 loss to Tottenham back on New Year’s day. The run has seen them charge to the Premier League title almost unchallenged.
In contrast, Liverpool have endured a tough run of recent fixtures. Brendan Rogers’ men have won just two games in their last six outings. Three defeats and a draw has cost them dearly in their hunt for Champions League football. With Liverpool four points behind Manchester United who currently occupy fourth spot, they look destined for the Europa League.
Predictions
With Jose Mourinho set to make some changes to the starting eleven, I can see the tempo of this game being slow. I think Chelsea will go on to collect all three points with a narrow 1-0 score line with Loic Remy grabbing a goal against the side that previously turned him down.
I cannot envisage Liverpool scoring at Stamford Bridge. Goals have been something Liverpool have found hard to come by of late, Chelsea have also kept four clean sheets in their last five games.
