Strongest Chelsea Lineup That Can Tear Liverpool Apart: Oscar Behind Costa, Bench Schurrle Jose Mourinho’s side had little to play for but personal pride when they traveled to Anfield last season after their title hopes were dashed the previous weekend by Sunderland. But the resilience of Chelseadenied Liverpool and Steven Gerrard their first Premier Leaguetitle as the side from Merseyside failed to break down the ‘bus’. This time around, it is Chelsea setting the pace and Liverpool looking a shadow of their prolific self from last season as Chelsea look to extend their lead at the zenith of the Premier Leagueby 12 points with a win in Saturday’s early kickoff. The Portugese manager has no injury concerns to bother him and with a fully fit Diego Costa and the crafty Cesc Fabregas added to the mix, Chelsea are the favorites in a clash between two of the Premier League’s big names. With Loic Remy and John Obi Mikel back from their injury layoff, Mourinho has a full squad to choose from as he lines his team out in one of England’s iconic arenas. This side has enough fire power to secure a comfortable win at Anfield. Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois Thibaut Courtois The Belgian is Chelsea’s undisputed No.1 between the sticks and has been in fine form this season. He will be raring to go after being rested in midweek against NK Maribor. Defence: Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta. Chelsea undoubtedly have the strongest defensive unit in the Premier League, but have recently been guilty of conceding sloppy late goals against Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Branislav Ivanovic offers a defensive assurance combined with attacking impetus down the right, while Cahill and Terry are the bed rock of the back four. Cesar Azpilicueta is a responsible presence down the left side of defence and should come back into the starting lineup after suspension. Midfield: Chelsea – Fabregas & Costa Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard. Nemanja Matic has been hailed as the next Makelele, while some insist he offers more in an attacking sense compared to the former Chelsea midfielder. The Serbian saved Chelsea’s blushes in midweek with his equalizer and would be key in trying to stop the likes of Coutinho and Sterling from exploiting the space in midfield. Cesc Fabregas’ form has dipped ever so slightly, but the former Barcelona man is capable of turning things around with his all-round ability and class. Willian should be preferred over Schurrle, who had a poor game in midweek. Oscar is the kind of player Mourinho prefers in these crunch games, so, we can expect him to play as a no 10 behind Costa. Eden Hazard would be the player to watch out for. The Belgian may have missed a penalty earlier this week, but he is in the form of his life, and would be a nightmare for Javier Manquillo down Liverpool’s right side. Striker Diego Costa The Spaniard should start after two goalless appearances against QPR and Maribor as he returned from a 3-week injury layoff. With a fit Costa in their ranks, Chelsea can wreak havoc on a shaky Liverpool back four. The match-up with Kolo Toure should be an interesting subplot.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 06:09:30 +0000
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