SPORTS ANALYSIS

RODGERS LIVERPOOL OUT TO STOP CHELSEA'S TITLE HOPES

Missing Players

Player		Reason		Status
José Enrique				Out
Jordan Henderson				Out
Victor Moses				Out
Daniel Sturridge				Doubtful
Player	Reason		Status
PetrCech			Out
John Terry			Out
Ramires			Out
Eden Hazard			Doubtful
Samuel Eto'o			Doubtful

Team News

Liverpool

• Brendan Rodgers' only real selection dilemma will revolve around the fitness of Daniel Sturridge.
• If the striker is fit then he'll likely replace Lucas, with Philippe Coutinho dropping deeper into midfield.
• Joe Allen should keep his place in the absence of the suspended Jordan Henderson.

        Chelsea 

• Both Petr Cech and John Terry were injured in midweek, with Mourinho claiming that neither will play again in the league this season.
• Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o may well be fit enough to feature but are likely to be rested ahead of the Atletico game next week, with the manager hinting at a weakened team this weekend.
• The likes of Lampard and Mikel are suspended in Europe so they should feature, with Matic also returning given that he is ineligible to play for the club in the Champions League.
• Ramires is suspended for four matches after a blow to Seb Larsson's face last weekend.

Match Facts

1.      Liverpool have won their last 11 matches in the Premier League.
2.      Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in their last 14 home matches in the Premier League.
3.      There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Liverpool's last 11 games in the Premier League.
4.      Liverpool have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 6 home matches in the Premier League.
5.      There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Chelsea's last 7 away games in the Premier League.
6.      Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches against Chelsea in all competitions.

Prediction

·         Jose Mourinho has claimed that his focus is now solely on the Champions League, downplaying this huge clash in turn, but there is no doubt that he would like to dent Liverpool's title hopes, even if he now truly believes that Chelsea have blown their chances.

·         Though there are games left to play after this one the Liverpool fans will no doubt see this as the final hurdle to overcome in their bid to win their first ever Premier League crown.

·         As much as Mourinho is trying to downplay their role in the title race this game is huge so a nervy atmosphere is likely at Anfield, with the home fans hoping that their side can start as strongly as ever.