The Blues against The Reds

Last updated: October 26, 2015 by Leon Marshal

Chelsea to host Liverpool in the derby clash of the 11th Premiership round. Jose Mourinho hasn’t a dreamed start of the season but he hasn’t lost his title ambitions. If Chelsea to stay in the battle for the top places, The Blues need three points against The Reds.

On the other hand, the new head coach of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, looks like ‘the wind of change’ for The Reds. The German manager is trying now to inculcate his game’s tactics which is called ‘gegenpressing’ but the Liverpool’s players find it difficult to press deeply their opponents for 90 minutes. This style of playing needs some time to be adjusted to The Reds; so in the beginning of Klopp’s ‘era’ they will suffer from dropping points.

Taking a look back in the history Chelsea play successfully against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have won 43 from 83 games at home. The Reds have received three points when visiting Chelsea only on 21 occasions. From this aspect, we can expect Chelsea to have advantage against their opponent.

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Team News

Dejan Lovren has recently recovered from his ankle injury and has returned to training for Liverpool. He is expected to start the match.

Divock Origi is one of the Klopp’s favourites, so the Belgian international will be among the manager’s first choices in The Reds’ attack.

Thibaut Courtois is injured for Chelsea. He is suffering from a knee injury. However, Asmir Begovic is performing well so this is not a huge problem for Mourinho.

Christian Benteke is still injured and can’t be used by Jurgen Klopp. The Belgian is suffering from a hamstring problem.

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Expected line-ups:

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Key Battle

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So far this season

• Chelsea have won only two from their last home Premiership games. The most impressive Blues’ performance was against Arsenal when Chelsea won 2-0.
• Liverpool haven’t lost as a guest since 15th Sep. 2015 when The Reds lost 1-3 to Manchester United at Old Traford.
• The Reds haven’t won against Chelsea since 8th May 2012 when Liverpool won 4-1 at Anfield. Henderson, Agger, Shelvey and Essien’s own goal secured the victory for The Reds.
• The last match between these two teams ended with 1-1 draw. John Terry opened in the 5th minute, but Gerrard equalized just before the half time whistle.

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Head to Head