Ex-Liverpool boss, Rafa Benitez returns to Anfield this time as the manager of the opposition team, Chelsea. The Reds will take on the Blues in game week 33 of the Barclays Premier League.
Where: Anfield, Liverpool When: 21st April, 2013 at 4pm local time
Liverpool has had a very mixed season thus far. They are in seventh spot with 50 points, eight points off a spot to qualify for European football. Luis Suarez, PFA Player of the year candidate is in fine form and has been carrying Liverpool through time and again. With his new strike partner, Daniel Sturridge Liverpool have looked like a completely different outfit but have not been able to score in their two previous fixtures, both were goalless draws.
At the back Pepe Reina and his back four have been solid. Liverpool has the second highest number of clean sheets. Brendan Rodgers has a perfect set up and Chelsea should expect a tough game as Liverpool manages to step up in games against the bigger teams.
Raheem Sterling, Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and, Martin Kelly will be absent from the Red’s line-up. Stewart Downing who was substituted off last week is in contention.
Chelsea on the other hand has had a good season and enters this game on the back of two victories. They are definitely the stronger side on paper for this game.
Frank Lampard has stated that his team needs to find consistency in the last month of the league so as to remain in the top four. They are in third spot with 61 points and a game in hand over fourth spot Arsenal who have 60 points. A victory in this game would surely better their chances to qualify for Europe.
Juan Mata has been a revelation this season in terms of scoring and setting up goals. Demba Ba has settled in well and has scored two amazing goals in the FA Cup. The others from midfield, Lampard, Eden Hazard and Oscar have all chipped in heavily. Fernando Torres is still a shadow of his former self after having left Liverpool. Will he get into the starting line-up against Liverpool?
The Kop will have a loud day as it will be very enthralling to see them welcome Benitez and Torres back to Anfield.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea