Premier League preview: Pressured Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield
Liverpool face the strongest possible opposition when Chelsea visit Anfield for the teams' league fixture on Sunday, 7 November.
Roy Hodgon's team will feel inspired by their 3–1 victory over SSC Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday, 4 November, while Chelsea qualified for the knock-out stage of the Champions League after defeating Spartak Moscow 4–1 two days prior.
Both clubs have a successful history, but Liverpool cannot match Chelsea's recent record in the Premier League.
Roy Hodgson's team have gone without a league title since 1990, while Chelsea have been crowned champions three times since 2005.
At 13th in the table, Liverpool can have no hopes of entering the title race this year, but the club, which is due to make additions in the January transfer window, will aim for the top four if its league form recovers.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have ruled out making any signings in January, despite press speculation linking them with a bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
With Nicolas Anelka in strong form and Didier Drogba showing signs of returning to his reliable best, Carlo Ancelotti's attack is in little need of strengthening at present.
The Londoners, who will remain top of the league regardless of the outcome on Sunday, could extend their lead to eight points if Arsenal and Manchester United lose their fixtures against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.
Liverpool are three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, and could advance several positions in the table if they emerge triumphant at Anfield.
Lampard still out for Chelsea
Chelsea will be without Frank Lampard, who has yet to be rid of the hernia problem he had surgery for in August. The midfielder is expected to return to training next week.
Florent Malouda has recovered from an ankle problem, and will compete with Salomon Kalou to start alongside Drogba in attack.
Michael Essien could be sidelined with a toe injury – a chance for new signing Ramires to take his place in midfield.
Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole, who is suffering from a hamstring strain, will not feature against his former club. Torres, who was rested against Napoli, is likely to return for the team.
Dirk Kuyt could return after his ankle injury, while Lucas Leiva, who came off the bench against Napoli to set up Steven Gerrard for his third goal, is likely to start for Hodgson.
Jamie Carragher, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Skrtel will contend for the two places in central defence, with Glen Johnson set to start at right-back.
Chelsea with the statistical upper hand
Despite their lack of silverware, Liverpool have fared relatively well against the league's defending champions in recent seasons. In the teams' 26 meetings since 2004, Chelsea have 12 wins to Liverpool's seven.
Chelsea claimed their first league win at Anfield in four attempts in May, when Ancelotti's team won 2–0 after goals by Drogba and Lampard.
The away team arrive at Anfield on the back of six wins in their last seven games. A victory for Liverpool would prove the perfect confidence booster for Hodgson's struggling side.
Tags: