Chelsea vs Liverpool – December 29, 2013 Prediction, TV Schedule, Probable Lineups, and Highlights

December 28, 2013 11:40 am Modified date: December 29, 2013 11:36 am

The Chelsea vs Liverpool Premier League match will be held this Sunday, December 29, 2013 (8:00 AM Pacific) at Stamford Bridge. The festive period is arguably a time which defines the season for a lot of Premier League teams. The games come-in thick and fast and it is a real test for each of the twenty teams, no matter where you stand in the league.

During such a busy period of the season, Liverpool have probably been handed the toughest run with the Reds now travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea almost immediately after a bruising encounter against Manchester City just three days ago.

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea once again got the job done without looking all that convincing against Swansea City at home in midweek. Despite being in control, the Blues have been failing to seal the game on many occasions this season and such a habit might come back to haunt them against a quality side like Liverpool.

Liverpool did not pass the stern test at Manchester City in midweek but came away from the match with a lot of plaudits for their brave performance. After seeing such an encouraging display from his side against the mighty City, Brendan Rodgers will certainly be fancying his chances against a lackluster Chelsea side on Sunday.

Chelsea

Jose Mourinho rang the changes for Chelsea in their clash against Swansea in midweek and again looks set to rotate his squad for the visit of Liverpool.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill may return to the starting lineup in place of Ashley Cole and David Luiz while Fernando Torres could get the nod to start against his former side and replace the misfiring Samuel Eto’o upfront.

Ramires is suspended for the clash after picking up his fifth booking against the Swans and looks set to be replaced by Frank Lampard with John Obi Mikel partnering the Englishman in midfield. Eden Hazard and Oscar look like certain starters for the game but Juan Mata maybe dropped in favour of either Andre Schurrle or Willian.

Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers has not made any changes in his team selection for the past few weeks but with his side performing so well, it is probably justified. Young Jon Flanagan missed the clash against Man City last week and looks set to miss out against Chelsea as well. Aly Cissokho will continue in place Flanagan at left-back.

With Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Jose Enrique still out, Rodgers looks set to avoid the temptations of making any changes to his side.

Luis Suarez will lead the line with support coming from the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling while Lucas and Joe Allen will marshal the midfield area. Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and Aly Cissokho complete the back four in front of Simon Mignolet who will start in goal.

Probable Lineups

Chelsea (Probabale XI): Cech; Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic; Hazard, Lampard, Oscar, Mikel, Schurrle; Torres

Liverpool (Probable XI): Mignolet; Cissokho, Sakho, Skrtel, Johnson; Coutinho, Allen, Lucas, Henderson, Sterling; Suarez

Last Meeting

21/04/2013 Liverpool 2 – 2 Chelsea

11/11/2012 Chelsea 1 – 1 Liverpool

Chelsea vs Liverpool Prediction

The clashes between Liverpool and Chelsea in the recent past have always been tight affairs and it looks set to be the case on Sunday as well.

Chelsea simply do not lose at home under Jose Mourinho and the tactical mastermind will certainly have a plan up his sleeve to stop the confident Liverpool side. However, the Portuguese manager’s main concern will be his striker’s profligacy in front of goal and if you do not take your chances against Liverpool, they are likely to punish you.

Liverpool came back from the Etihad with their heads held high and there is no reason why Rodgers’side should be thinking of anything other than a victory against Chelsea on Sunday. The trio of Suarez, Henderson and Sterling have been absolutely fantastic and will certainly cause problems to the Chelsea defence.

Ex-Liverpool hero Fernando Torres facing his former employers, Branislav Ivanovic and Luis Suarez going head to head for the first time since the ‘biting’ incident, Jose Mourinho up against his protégé Brendan Rodgers; the clash looks set to be an engrossing one, due to the fact that there are so many sub-plots connected beside the obvious chase for top spot.

Liverpool have been in better form heading into the game but Chelsea are hard to beat especially under Mourinho. The match may end up in a draw with both teams looking equally matched overall. The Chelsea vs Liverpool will end in a 1-1 tie.