Liverpool’s valiant defeat at Manchester City on Boxing Day has got the Premier League turning heads towards them. Can they upset Chelsea in the final Premier League game of 2013?
Sunday, 29th December 2013; 4pm kick-off
Premier League
Stamford Bridge
Liverpool slipped down to fourth in the Premier League table after Thursday’s defeat at the Etihad Stadium, so will be looking to bounce back in West London on Sunday.
However, this trip to the capital marks the seventh away trip of the top eight for Brendan Rodgers‘ men this season, and we’re only at the half-way point.
That means in the second half of the 2013/14 campaign, the Reds only face Manchester United away from home, with the remainder of fixtures made up against the league’s bottom 12 clubs.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho also believes Liverpool’s lack of European competition this season will be an advantage in the race for the title.
The opposition
Mourinho’s side sit third in the Premier League after their post-Christmas victory over Swansea at home, which followed a goalless draw at Arsenal and a shocking League Cup exit to the hands of Sunderland.
Chelsea are one point ahead of Liverpool, on 37 points.
Chelsea are without midfielder Ramires, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Swansea and serves a one-match ban.
Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to replace Ashley Cole at left-back, whilst Fernando Torres will likely start against his former club, up front for the home side.
Team news
Liverpool are without five players for this game—with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Jon Flanagan and Jose Enrique all sidelined through injury.
Victor Moses also misses the game as he is currently on-loan from Chelsea, and therefore ineligible to play against his parent club.
Luis Suarez will have been frustrated not to score against Man City in midweek, and hungry to finish 2013 on a high. He is good value at 9/2 to score first.
Let us know your predicted line-up in the comments below, or on Twitter @thisisanfield .
Top Betting Tip
Suarez to score and Liverpool to win 4/1 . £25 wins you £125! Get your FREE £25 BET here!
TV coverage
The match is live on Sky Sports 1 in the Uk, and highlights on Match of the Day on BBC One at 10.30pm.
petikan dari Liverpool FC, This is Anfield, Teamtalk
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