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Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool; Can the Reds qualify at Stamford Bridge?

Will Raheem Sterling score again?

The Reds make the trip down south as they prepare to face Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side and aim to make it to the League Cup final. The match at Anfield ended very fortunately for Chelsea, who did little but convert a penalty early in the game. An inspired performance from Liverpool eventually saw them score through Raheem Sterling, but they will need to be on top form tomorrow to have any hope of going through.

Liverpool are in a similar position injury wise as they were at the weekend. A positive for the Reds though is that Daniel Sturridge could make the bench giving Brendan Rodgers a valuable option. Steven Gerrard should also be recalled to the line up. Mario Balotelli? Who knows, it's guess work.

For Chelsea, they are predicted to recall players such as John Terry and Diego Costa who did not feature in the Blues' embarrassing loss in the FA Cup at the hands of Bradford. Manager Jose Mourinho may also have an eye on his side's clash with Manchester City at the weekend and his team selection may reflect this.

There's no point talking about the last time the two sides met because hopefully it's still fresh in your memory, instead let us take a look at Liverpool's record at Stamford Bridge.

The last match between the sides at the Bridge was in December 2013. A very early goal from Martin Skrtel in that game wasn't enough for Liverpool who ended up losing 2-1.

In November 2012 it was John Terry and Luis Suarez on the score sheet in a 1-1 draw. Most of the matches in London have always been a pretty close and the last time either team scored more than two goals at the Bridge was in the 2009 Champions League tie that ended 4-4. Remember that ingenious Fabio Aurelio free-kick?!

Stat Sandwich

  • Liverpool have won five games on the trot away from home in all competitions.
  • Chelsea have reached the final just six times in their previous 11 semi-final appearances.
  • In Liverpool's previous 14 appearances in the final four, the Reds have made the final on 11 occasions.

 

 

I'm so geared up for this match I can't even explain. I'd love nothing more than to wipe that smug smirk off Jose Mourinho's face. However, you'd be pretty naive to feel confident, Chelsea are a very strong team this season and despite their performance at Anfield it will be a very different show on Tuesday night.

The buses will have reversed off the pitch and in the place of defensive football will be attacking flair. Despite this, Liverpool have every chance to go through, of course it will be tough, but with skillful players like Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling alongside a determined Steven Gerrard? Who knows what could happen.

I asked you for your thoughts on the game and here are a few of the tweets I received:

 

I will definitely be placing some bets tomorrow but not sure what I'm having yet so keep an eye on my Twitter feed.

Enjoy the match folks, wherever you are watching!

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