At the turn of the year, this was declared a title ‘six-pointer’; it’s now a title-decider. If Liverpool lose, they are out of the title race. The maths may say otherwise but the reality is that they will need to overhaul a gap of twelve points, as well as teams who are in far better form.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have brushed off the defeat at White Hart Lane, and won four games on the bounce. If they win this one, there is a real sense that they will be building an unstoppable momentum toward reclaiming the Premier League title.

The headlines look at Liverpool’s form but of three consecutive defeats, only Swansea City was in the Premier League. That was the first loss in seven games, four of which were won. They have dropped to third but it’s not the disaster it might be.

However, Chelsea have just returned to the groove. Spurs victory over them was the only one in sixteen games; the other fifteen were won. This is a team that doesn’t know how to draw, they just win. Normally to a clean sheet as well, which they’ve done in six of the last eight Premier League games.

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are clinging onto their season by their fingertips. Swansea City, Southampton and now Wolverhampton Wanderers; three of football’s lesser lights have shown no fear at Anfield and deservedly come away with a win under their belts.

Jürgen Klopp’s men can’t score and can’t keep clean sheets; it’s a heady and volatile cocktail, and in danger of sending them into a tailspin out of the top four.

While Klopp will argue that Wolves and Southampton faced a shadow side, the history books don’t care for such niceties. It’s a run of defeats which damages the squad’s collective confidence, bringing a reticence to their passing and movement where it was once flowing.

There are two fundamental problems which the German must solve. One he can work on at Melwood but the second is out of his control. Poor defensive play undid the Reds in those three games with the full backs acting as auxiliary wingers but lacking the awareness and control in when to attack and defend.

The second issue to confront is the absence of Sadio Mane at the Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal are now out of the competition, losing on penalties to Cameroon in the quarter-final, but you would suspect the Chelsea game comes to soon.

In his absence, Liverpool haven’t scored with anything like the frequency when he is in the side. Not that Sane is the Premier League’s most prolific striker, simply that he compensates for the inconsistency of others. Daniel Sturridge is out of form and out of sorts, surprisingly not out of Anfield which is a move he must make to resurrect his career.

CHELSEA

Having hit the front of the title race with the 5 – 0 win over Everton in November, the Blues have been relentless in their pursuit of glory. Forty-five points out of the last forty-eight on offer is the pressure champions put their rivals under.

The trip to Anfield is a genuine test and one which could set the tone for next weekend as well. After this, they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge before facing a run of six games against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Two wins in the next two will send their belief in being crowned champions in the stratosphere. Two defeats and they are most definitely looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack, which Arsenal will probably be leading.

There are few reasons for them to be concerned about this match. They have a decent record at Anfield, unbeaten in the last five visits to this side of Stanley Park. The tribulations over Diego Costa’s future were an unwelcome distraction but one that didn’t prevent them from winning.

However, if the Spanish international loses his focus once again, he is a different beast to the one who has rediscovered his form under Antonio Conte. Chelsea’s season isn’t hanging in the balance but it does stand on the cusp as well.

They can afford to draw both of their next Premier League matches without any damage being done to their title hopes. If they were to win one and lose one, their choice would be this one and for that reason, a more cautious Blues are like

FORM (Last six games)

Liverpool - DLDWLLL
Chelsea - WLWWWW

STATS

• Liverpool haven’t lost three home games in seven days since 1998

• Chelsea have kept 13 clean sheets this season, the most in the Premier League

• Diego Costa has scored with the most frequency of any striker who has played more than 20 Premier League games: 54% (41/74 apps)

• Chelsea have been winning at both HT/FT in 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches.

• 7 of Liverpool’s 10 home games this season has seen +2.5 goals.

• Chelsea have won 15 of their last 16 Premier League games.

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CURRENT MATCH ODDS (BEST PRICED ODDS)

Liverpool: 31/20 (with Boylesports – Bet Here!)    

Draw: 12/5 (with Bet365 – Bet Here!)

Chelsea: 2/1 (with Betfairsportsbook – Bet Here!)

HEAD TO HEAD

• Three of the last six matches between the two sides have been drawn.
• Chelsea have won 2 of the other 3.

• Liverpool haven’t won this fixture since 2012.

• All those games saw 2 or more goals.

Last six meetings
16-09-2016 - Premier League    Chelsea     1 : 2    Liverpool    
28-07-2016 - ICC            Chelsea    1 : 0    Liverpool    
11-05-2016 - Premier League    Liverpool    1 : 1    Chelsea    
31-10-2015 - Premier League    Chelsea    1 : 3    Liverpool    
10-05-2015 - Premier League    Chelsea    1 : 1    Liverpool    
27-01-2015 - EFL Cup final        Chelsea    1 : 0     Liverpool

SUMMING UP!

Chelsea are my favourites to win this match, a situation you wouldn’t have thought likely when Liverpool left Stamford Bridge with three points following their 2 – 1 victory in September.

But the Blues fortunes are looking up while Liverpool come to terms with their horrible home form over the last few weeks.

Plymouth held them, before three defeats saw their dreams of cup glory disappear and problems mount for Jürgen Klopp.

A strong Liverpool line-up with something to fight for at Anfield in this match is something Chelsea will be wary of but such is their form at the moment, they won’t be afraid.

It may not even be that close when the final whistle blows and I expect the final score to be Liverpool 0 – 2 Chelsea (15/1 with BetVictor – Bet Here!)

MY RECOMMENDED BETS

• Chelsea to win at both HT/FT (4/1 with Betfred – Bet Here!)

• Chelsea to win to nil (17/4 with BetVictor – Bet Here!)

• Philippe Coutinho to score, Liverpool to win double (4/1 with Skybet – Bet Here!)

• Under 5.5 corners for Liverpool (11/8 with William Hill – Bet Here!)

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