Hassan Chamas


What: English Premier League
Who: Chelsea (2nd) vs. Liverpool (3rd)
When: Sunday 4th October, 2009, at 16:00 UK Time
Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England

Cech-Mate

Petr Cech’s sending off against Wigan last week signalled the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s 100% Premier League start. The Czech international’s poor dive at Hugo Rodallega ensured the Lactics the lead. Didier Drogba levelled for the Pensioners, but that was yesterday’s news as Roberto Martinez’s side gained the vital win. Up against minnows APOEL in midweek Champions League drama, an 18th minute Nicolas Anelka strike was enough to sink the Cyprus champions. However, this will prove to be of little importance as much more will be needed should the Londoners wish to carry on their race for prime position with defending champions Manchester United.

Ups and downs

Liverpool’s home defeat to Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa little more than a month ago was the push that the Reds needed in order not to blow their trophy charge off course. Many have felt that this is the Red’s year, as the £17M signing of Glen Johnson was a major boost for the side that lost only twice in the Premier League last season. Worryingly enough, the Merseysiders lost two of their opening three league games, but have since skyrocketed to score 16 goals in four competitive league matches, having still managed to concede five along the way. Last weekend’s impressive 6-1 thrashing of Hull may have boosted Liverpool’s morale, but the clean win scored by Fiorentina against the five-time European Cup winners brought Rafael Benitez’s men back to reality as they prepare for their game of the season so far.

Recent form

Chelsea:
Chelsea 1-0 Queen Park Rangers (Carling Cup)
Wigan Athletic 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
APOEL 0-1 Chelsea (Champions League)

Liverpool:
Leeds United 0-1 Liverpool (Carling Cup)
Liverpool 6-1 Hull City (Premier League)
Fiorentina 2-0 Liverpool (Champions League)

Players to watch

Chelsea: In the absence of Cech, the onus is on John Terry to stop Fernando Torres, and it could turn out to be a rough afternoon for the England captain. Joe Cole will be eager to be integrated in Chelsea’s diamond, and with a strong showing this Sunday, possibly impress Three Lions’ coach Fabio Capello.

Liverpool: No name is praised at Anfield at the moment as much as Fernando Torres. The Spanish international is the current top league goalscorer with eight strikes to his name. Also, keep an eye out for England right-back and former Blues player Glen Johnson as he makes a return to the Bridge. Johnson and Torres have been the lights in this relatively disappointing Liverpool side this year.

Match prediction

Chelsea against Liverpool has happened so many times in the last few years, whether domestically or in the Champions League. While Liverpool has been the victors most of the time in their European clashes, the fact of the matter still remains that over the last five years, Liverpool have only managed one win at the Bridge in league competition, and that was last year, when Xabi Alonso ended the Blues’ 86-match unbeaten record. Chelsea may have the advantage of home soil, but the absence of Cech will give them plenty to think about, especially with Torres’ recent form. The win over APOEL – as narrow as it is – restores confidence at the Bridge, but only just. Expect a 1-1 end to this weekend’s biggest Premier League clash.


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