Chelsea v Liverpool
Stamford Bridge, 10th May 2015
The Blues are back at the Bridge this weekend to round out their season against Liverpool. Before the game even kicks off, all eyes will be on the guard of honour that is the expected etiquette for newly crowned Champions. It feels good doesn’t it.
Liverpool have produced nowhere near the title challenge that got them so excited last season. Their impotence in front of goal has been a major talking point and it’s easy to see why.
Liverpool have scored 49 goals so far this season. At the same stage last season they’d scored 96. That’s very nearly double.
Given our recent solidarity in defence and Jose’s genuine joy at getting one over Liverpool, I can’t see them causing too much trouble.
How Will Chelsea Set Up?
While Mourinho won’t risk any of his players that aren’t 100%, I believe he’ll go with his strongest line-up and complement that with youth on the bench as he has in previous weeks.
Dominic Solanke’s hat-trick against Liverpool’s Under 21s on Thursday night makes things interesting with everyone I’ve spoken to wanting to see him exposed to first team football as soon as possible.
My heart says ‘start him up front’ and my head says that Jose will only let him loose if he’s got a 3 goal lead. Either way, Solanke is doing himself a lot of favours right now.
Meanwhile Ramires’ illness may well open the door for more time on the pitch for Zouma which is no bad thing. He’s proved himself in big games and 90 minutes against Liverpool will be more experience to add to his CV.
Predicted Lineup:
Courtois
Ivanovic
Azpilicueta
Terry
Cahill
Matic
Zouma
Fabregas
Willian
Hazard
Drogba
Predicted Score: Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
