Chelsea face Liverpool tonight in a rematch of the FA Cup Final three days prior, with Liverpool seeking revenge for the loss on home turf.
Chelsea bossed that game, and only the introduction of the much criticised Andy Carroll sparked a comeback, although the reds still lost the game 2-1, missing out on a domestic cup double.
With Champions League qualification seemingly hanging by the thread of the final they play on May 19th, they will no doubt rest players in the run up, with Fernando Torres set to start against his former club.
Cahill and Luiz are both major doubts for tonight, and will not be risked ahead of the big clash with Bayern, whilst the midfield duo of Mikel and Meireles are also ruled out due to injury.
Liverpool are also not at full strength, with Adam and Lucas ruled out for the final weeks of the season, and they may choose to rest several players for this match, knowing that a draw in the last two games will keep them 9th, after a torrid season in the league.
Their torrid form is mostly down to their home form. Anfield, normally a fortress for the reds, has seen just fives wins this campaign, their worst record in over 60 years, with just one of those wins in this calender year, a 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Everton.
However, Chelseas away form has been far from impressive, just one win in their last eight away from the Bridge, that coming at a poor Aston Villa side in March.
I can see it being a cagey affair, and Liverpool won’t want to make their home record any worse, and will settle for a draw today, against a resurgent Chelsea side. The Blues will also be wary of the Munich final soon, and will no doubt be eager for a quiet game, although a win does keep their slim hopes of a top four finish alive.
My bets for tonight are as followed.
Under 2.5 Goals @ EVS – 10 points
Draw or Chelsea @ 4/6 – 12 points
Torres Anytime Scorer @ 7/4 – 4 points
Prediction: Liverpool 1 – 1 Chelsea
By Brad Smith