Capital One Cup Match Preview:
Stakes are higher and prize will be even higher when two giants of English football will go head to head on Tuesday. While the hosts are currently struggling to regain the lost ground that has been lost so far, the visitors are sitting on the epitome of the table as a 5-point lead over Manchester City suggests. However, even though both these teams are in different positions coming into this match, this match has broken stereotypes in the past as evident by the history of this fixture.
So even if Chelsea have the Premier League title at a stone’s throw from them, the London side would want to get their 3rd successive victory at this ground over the past 2 seasons. However, for the former crony of Liverpool now turned as his opponent, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to draw first blood against his former boss Jose Mourinho on Tuesday.
Last time these two sides met in a Cup game, Liverpool were numbed by some Didier Drogba magic as the Reds were the 2nd best in FA Cup final under the tutelage of Kenny Dalglish.
Team News
Looking at their team which featured in their 3rd successive away defeat at Aston Villa, Liverpool fans will be happy to see some players returning back from sidelines. While Adam Lallana was an unused substitute against the Villains on Saturday, the Englishman is expected to start against Chelsea from the first whistle.
But like a concert where the limelight is always on the lead singer, it will be Steven Gerrard whose role will be at a center of discussion. Even though he missed last match against Villa, the former English Capital is looking to meet Chelsea for the 2nd time since that infamous slip last May.
Glen Johnson is also expected to get back to match fitness however looking at the form the current Liverpool defensive force is in, the right back is expected to start the match watching from the bench along with his manager.
Even though they caught Swansea hot-handed on Saturday with a 5-star performance away from home, the current league leaders will be wary of the threat European Champions can pose at their home soil. However, on paper amid their recent form, the 1-time European Champions Chelsea have enough ammunition in their ranks to numb Liverpool at their home.
While their recent performances might suggest Chelsea can’t go better than that, the return of Cesar Azpilicueta can further strengthen them on Tuesday. In addition to the return of the Spaniard, Didier Drogba is another player that might make it to full match fitness on Tuesday. However, looking at the bond which has developed between the Chelsea players off late, Jose Mourinho might not temper with his winning 11.
Stats
• Last time when both these sides met in a Cup game, was in 2011 when Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2-1 to clinch the FA Cup
• Chelsea will be on a 5 match unbeaten streak against Liverpool when both these sides will meet today.
• Last time Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the Premier League was back in 2012 under the leadership of Kenny Dalglish
• Last time when both these sides met in a Capital One Cup, Liverpool snatched a 2-0 victory at the Stamford Bridge courtesy to the goals of Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly
• Both these sides have met each other 168 times in all competitions so far. Liverpool has 75 victories to their name with the Londoners also lurking nearby with 60 wins.
• Last time when Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the Capital One Cup, they went on to win the trophy in 2011
• Last time when Chelsea defeated Liverpool in the Capital One Cup, was in 2007. They also managed to win the trophy that year.
Capital One Cup: Liverpool FC vs Chelsea - Preview, Stats, Team news
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