Chelsea FC just finished a scoreless 0-0 away fixture against Champions League semifinals opponent Atlético Madrid. Now the team is set to return to England and face off against current Barclays Premier League leader Liverpool FC.
It is destined to be a tough match for the London team with a self-professed striker problem.
Their Merseyside opponents have not lost a game in 2014 and are currently enjoying an eleven game winning streak.
Chelsea has done well enough themselves, having managed to stay in the running for the Barclays Premier League title while also competing in a major European football tournament.
Though Chelsea’s chance at the PL title seems far weaker than either Liverpool or Manchester City, the Blues should not be underestimated.
Jose Mourinho, no matter how controversial a figure in football, remains a master tactician. Even if he finds himself missing his team’s captain John Terry and first choice goalkeeper Petr Cech through injury, the Portuguese manager is more than capable of putting together a game-winning team.
Many assume that Mourinho will rest key players at Anfield, as his side still has a good chance to advance to the Champions League final. However, the Chelsea manager may elect to play the strongest available team and cripple Liverpool’s chances at the title.
Liverpool’s home form has been particularly strong and Chelsea would be the first team to get points at Anfield in quite some time.
It’s hard to predict which team will emerge on top as Chelsea has proven to be full of surprises.
BREAKING: Petr Cech has dislocated his shoulder. Terrible news for Chelsea – great news for Liverpool! #cfc #lfc pic.twitter.com/GC0yPz2FHf
— Eurosport.com EN (@EurosportCom_EN) April 22, 2014
The only sure prediction for this weekend match is that it is destined to be the thriller the recent trip to Atletico Madrid wasn’t.
The Blues cannot afford to play their typical brand of cynically defensive football against the Reds. They must win this game if they are to have any hope of winning the league.
A win or draw will make Liverpool the likely league champions.
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