Following another disappointing domestic defeat to Newcastle last Saturday, Brendan Rodgers rang the changes for their Champions League tie against Real Madrid. Despite a stubborn performance, they lost the game 1-0 meaning they come into this match against the league leaders Chelsea having only won one game in their last five in all competitions. Already 12 points behind this weekend’s opponents illustrates the gulf in quality and consistency that there has been between the two sides thus far this season. It remains to be see whether or not last season was a one off for the Reds but they already look out of contention for the league title so the next challenge is to secure another place in the top four. A win against Chelsea would be the perfect platform for them to build on as they attempt to climb the table.
Chelsea were also in action in midweek as they drew 1-1 with Maribor – a result which leaves them with a little work to do to book their place in the knock-out stages. They continue to roll along in the Premier League and remain unbeaten after their first 10 games, winning eight of those. Their two draws came in Manchester and occurred in very similar circumstances as they took the lead, failed to kill the game off – had a man sent off – and conceded a late equaliser. Jose Mourinho probably doesn’t have much to learn when it comes to being a football manager but he’ll know himself that this is another high profile game and he’ll be determined to win this one following those frustrating dropped points in their last two visits to the North West of England.
Rodgers certainly has a decision to make with regards to his team selection following a spirited display by some of his fringe players in Madrid on Tuesday. It’s expected that Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli will come back in to the starting line-up but there’s several other places up for grabs. Whichever team is picked will have the task of improving a record of scoring in just one of their last five games.
Following a blistering start to the season which seen them score 19 in their first six game, things have tailed off slightly in front of goal, scoring seven in their last four. Some of that will be down to the absence of Diego Costa who has been plagued with a thigh injury. I think it’s also in part to a more pragmatic approach at times from Mourinho whose teams are known for getting a lead and defending it.
The last time these two sides met was in April and Liveprool had a chance to all but clinch the league title for the first time in over 20 years. A weakened Chelsea side done a job on them, however, and the rest is history. Its roles reversed this time as Chelsea are the dominant force in English football, again, and looking to strengthen their grip on top spot. The home side have struggled for goals of late whilst Chelsea are looking a lot more resolute than they did at the start of the campaign. With that in mind I can see a similar result to the fixture in April and would not put anybody off backing Chelsea to ‘win to nil’ at 16/5 with Betvictor. I’ll err on the side of caution, though, and select the away win as the best bet.
Chelsea 11/8 @ Bet365
