Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Saturday evening in a stellar Premier League clash between two teams who have looked in great form recently. These two sides sit in 5th and 3rd place respectively in the table, with just three points separating them heading into Saturday’s clash.
English Premier League – Anfield Saturday 25th November 2017 – 17:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at PaddyPower |
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Liverpool
ChelseaChelsea know that they can ill afford to drop any further behind leaders Manchester City with the gap currently sitting at nine points, whilst Liverpool are arguably already out of the title race and must now be aiming to finish in the top four as a minimum.
Liverpool
Liverpool have been in excellent form in the Premier League lately, winning their four matches previous to Tuesday nights 3-3 draw against Sevilla. Jurgen Klopp stated that the draw felt like a defeat after Liverpool were cruising at half time with a 3-0 lead thanks to two goals from Roberto Firmino and one from Sadio Mane. It all fell apart in the second half though with some suicidal defending and Alberto Moreno was one of the worst culprits before Klopp withdrew him for James Milner. Adam Lallana didn’t make the match day squad again on Tuesday, but he must be approaching fitness now and could be included this weekend. Joel Matip will face a late fitness test ahead of the game and Liverpool will be desperate to get their main central defender back fit.
Chelsea
Chelsea come into this game having won five of their last six matches in all competitions and Antonio Conte must be pleased with the way his side are playing after back to back 4-0 wins against Qarabag and West Bromwich Albion. Eden Hazard appears to be back to his best and along with Alvaro Morata, Conte boasts a superb attacking line. Michy Batshuayi and Victor Moses will miss the game through injury on Saturday, but other than that, Conte has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Talking Points
1. Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight Premier League home matches.
2. Chelsea have won 10 of their last 12 away games in the Premier League.
3. These two clubs are Premier League ever-presents and have met 50 times previously in the competition. There is nothing to split the two clubs with both Liverpool and Chelsea having won 38% of all the top flight encounters since 1992.
Prediction
Liverpool have an excellent record at Anfield this season, having conceded just once and scoring 12 times on their way to four wins and two draws from six matches. I think it will be tough for Chelsea to win the game on Saturday, but Conte is excellent at setting his team up in away matches and indeed, Chelsea have won five of their six road games this season. I can see this one ending in a score draw, but whatever happens, I think it will be an exciting game at Anfield on Saturday.
Betting Tips (PaddyPower)
Liverpool start this match as favourites at odds of 11/10, whilst an away win for Chelsea is priced up at 13/5, with the draw available at 12/5. Those odds on the draw look tempting to me as I can see that being the most likely outcome between two teams who will be desperate not to lose and who look in good form right now. I fancy both teams to score in this one and the 8/13 available on that looks a decent bet too.
Draw – 12/5 (Ladbrokes)