Absolutely huge game. If we win we will be big favourites to finish in the top 4, and it will also ruin Liverpool's title chances. If we lose I still think we'll make top 4 but it'll be a lot closer, and Liverpool will probably go on to win the league (which would be a disaster!). A draw would be a decent result for us - a point gained rather than 2 points dropped and City should also be able to close the league out.

Regarding the match, we need to make sure that we keep things tight in the first 30 minutes. Liverpool are a first half team, but you can get to them in the 2nd half when there is less energy in their press. The tighter the game the more pressure on Liverpool as the game goes on as they will desperately be needing the win. 

It may not be a popular opinion on here, but I'd be very tempted to start Kovacic and Willian over RLC and CHO for this match. Then unleash both RLC and CHO after 60 minutes to have a go at Liverpool's fatigued legs. I'd also seriously consider going with a false 9 and use the same line-up as against City at the bridge and in the cup final.

On the back of 3 league wins on the bounce, I'm confident that we'll get something from this match.

Would love the spoil the party again, but this lot are mentally weak and Liverpool are one of the best sides in the world at the moment. I'd be happy with a point.

If we score first we'll win it. I imagine RLC with a deflected shot going in and a nice counter attack for securing the victory, 1:2. 

I want a midfield of Kovacic, Kante and Jorginho for this.

You could just say you want a draw

59 minutes ago, Stim said:

You could just say you want a draw

....and a 0-0 draw at that.

I'm half expecting RLC and CHO not to start this one and for us to be more conservative. As @DannyVbluesays, might be better to "weather the storm" and then throw them on second half and try and nick all 3 points.

Would love to ruin their season but would be happy with a draw.

 

1 hour ago, Nibs said:

I'm half expecting RLC and CHO not to start this one and for us to be more conservative.

I sure at least one won’t start, probably CHO and I understand why. Better to keep it tight defensively for the first half, Willian will probably start on the right for this reason as Liverpool are dangerous down the wings. Then in the second half if we’ve got fresh legs to get forward and grab a goal or two.

Giroud needs to start this one for me too.

We’ll have a very better idea after tomorrow obviously. 

As the 'fat waiter' liked to say here are some facts -

CFC play in Prague on Thursday, Vermin played yesterday & they're at Crapfield so extra 2 days rest and at home.

Form book - Vermin have lost 1 PL match all season, they have won 5 out of the last 6, drawing only 1 at Everton, scoring 16 conceding 5.

CFC last 6 have 4 wins, 1 draw & 1 loss at Everton, scoring 10 conceding 4.

Vermin attackers goal stats (prem)   Salah 18  Mane 17 Firminhio  12  (total team goals 75)

CFC attackers goal stats (prem) Hazard 16 Pedro 5  RLC 5 (Morata 5 lol)  (total teams goals 57)

Vermin have conceded 20 goals to date

CFC have conceded 34 goals to date

Considering the above on paper and with home advantage it appears the Red Vermin should just edge the game, I'll be happy with a draw - it would hurt their chances of winning the title and maybe still keep us in the hat for a top 4 finish. I'm not getting my hopes up though because of the recent away day collapses (Cardiff included because we was jammy that day).

I'll be in Vegas late night before watching Aerosmith, hopefully the games on the room TV.

 

So it just happens that this game is a big one and as such, previous stats do not need to play an important role.

But if stats do matter, Sarri won't prepare the team for this away game and we'll just lose without a shot on target.

On paper Liverpool are clearly favorites but they way Hazard played against West Ham their defenders might just back off and be hesitant to make a tackle in and around the box.  Eden needs to drive at their defence and force them to make tackles rather than passing it around and along the 18 yard line, hopefully he will be supported by CHO and Giroud......what worries me is our horrible defence, if that holds or limits them to one goal we have a chance, otherwise its goodnight Irene. 

7 hours ago, Zeta said:

Would love the spoil the party again, but this lot are mentally weak and Liverpool are one of the best sides in the world at the moment. I'd be happy with a point.

I would like to go in to this game optimistic like I felt our last 2 games, but even if we do perform at a top level the refs eat up their dives and will help them out here.

They may not need it though, that front 3 against jorginho and our defenders. Kepa will have to be prime Cech levels good.

I'd love us to derail their Title bid (again) with a win.

I'll happily take a draw though.

A draw would hugely damage their title hopes. But it would also be a massive blow to our bid for the top 4. A win would be orgasmic.

This game is much much bigger to them than to us. We know what to expect this season. They are chasing a big dream and the pressure is massive. Their squad, management, individual players and past season's success is much more substantial than last time we spoiled their party so I wouldn't draw too many conclusions to that 'slippery season'. 

We are in good form atm and Hazard can literally do anything. So if we remain solid at back and Ruben-Jorg-Kante play great we have a chance to win here. 

I say lets just enjoy this one. We have zero pressure. That means us fans and our squad.

It's up to us to remind them once again that they win f**k all. I can't see it in any other way.

18 hours ago, Munkworth said:

I sure at least one won’t start, probably CHO and I understand why. Better to keep it tight defensively for the first half, Willian will probably start on the right for this reason as Liverpool are dangerous down the wings. Then in the second half if we’ve got fresh legs to get forward and grab a goal or two.

Giroud needs to start this one for me too.

We’ll have a very better idea after tomorrow obviously. 

That will be a mistake in my opinion, sure Mane is a threat on their left but Azpi is more than capable of nullifying him. The bigger issue for me is Robertson who bombs forward at ease and racks up insane assists. Having CHO on the right will limit his runs as he will be mindful of him getting behind him. Sure Willian will keep it tight, but he won’t offer an outlet when Hazard is nullified on the left. 

Agree on starting Giroud, but you need someone to supply him on the right. I’d rather have a go at them as everyone expects them to win. Who knows..

Edited April 11, 20197 yr by ducavis

As much as I don’t like saying this, but currently they certainly are one of the best teams in the world, capable of beating anyone on their day.

But knowing Chelsea, we always step up for big games (Apart from City away) So I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a great performance. The only question is can our defence hold on? I doubt we can keep them out, sadly we aren’t good enough defensively. I reckon 3 - 2 to them.

The two of us have the most late match goals so it could be won or lost in the dying minutes. We need to put a few in early and put it to bed early. 

Double post

Edited April 11, 20197 yr by seanlu13913

On 10/04/2019 at 09:44, The Swan said:

We have had a few false dawns this season.

Yes, recently things have been looking more positive and the manager appears to be becoming more flexible in his starting line ups and tactics.

That said, Liverpool have only lost once this season. Unlike a good cup run a high league position cannot be based on luck alone.

Because things are feeling more positive at Chelsea I go into this game with some trepidation. They could whack us, and our heads could drop like they did at Wolves, Spurs, Bournemouth, Man City and Everton.

But who knows …this is football, and this is Chelsea and we might just pull off something special to piss on their parade.

True a high league position cannot be based on luck... like maybe sitting in 3rd ? 

Want to win this one and would prefer to see Liverpool win PL. City need to be stopped.

I think the selection today means we see Hazard, Hudson-Odoi, Higuain, Emerson, Kante, and Loftus-Cheek start this weekend. Giddy, it's on my birthday as well. I can think of few better presents than a CHO winner to bring Liverpool down

You could just say you want a draw

Yes, I will be very happy with a draw and if we can't get that, I want us to avoid a ridiculous scoreline if we are not taking any points from the game. Goal difference matters a lot right now!

We have a great record at Anfield and I don't remember the last time this lot beat us. Maybe in Conte's first season?

Problem is, this season showed these kind of records doesn't matter and I'm not sure what to expect. 

It seems Sarri has turned a page and 4 wins in a row feels good, but we haven't been really tested in this run.

I won't mind if we take a more conservative approach, like the League Cup final against City.

I'll be content with a draw, considering they have only once against us in a cup game. Over the moon with a win, which will give us breathing room for the trip to United.

Looking forward to this one. Would quite like to see Hazard, Giroud and Hudson Odoi lead the line for this but I reckon Willian will start ahead of one of the latter two depending on the system Sarri wants to play.

However we lineup we'll have a lot more opportunity to break and counter than we have in recent weeks against packed defences. Plays in our favour.

Always fancy us as "underdogs", plus we have a knack of upsetting title runs. Roll on Sunday!