Premier League: The New Year Clash Neither Can Afford to Lose

Chelsea vs Liverpool

One of the first heavyweight classes of 2022 and one which could have a major bearing on the outcome of this season’s title race.

With a point separating the sides going into this one, Stamford Bridge should be bouncing as Thomas Tuchel takes on his German compatriot Jurgen Klopp as Chelsea host Liverpool.

In many ways, the European champions need the points more after a wobble which saw them surrender Premier League top spot and slip to third in less than a month (they have now returned to second but Liverpool have a game in hand).

Yet, following a potentially very damaging defeat against injury-hit and fixture congested Leicester City in midweek, the pressure is also on the Merseysiders.

The meeting between these two earlier in the season was a thriller as Chelsea played a whole half of football with 10 men but kept their opponents at bay in a 1-1 draw.

That showed how evenly matched they are and this should be another closely contested battle with the benefit for the winners clear for all to see.

Talking Points

Both sides have received a boost with the news their African stars can take part after it was agreed those involved in next month’s African Cup of Nations can delay travelling to the Ivory Coast.

That is particularly good news for Liverpool as top scorer Mohamed Salah and Sadie Mane will both be available, as will midfielder Naby Keita, while Senegal shot-stopper Edouard Mendy is expected to line-up for Chelsea.

After Covid caused issues for Liverpool a few weeks ago, Chelsea were hit by the same with Tuchel unhappy after his request for their match at Wolves to be postponed was rejected.

Just as they bounced back to winning ways on Boxing Day, they saw victory come at a cost with the influential duo Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante both leaving the fray with injuries during their 3-1 success at Aston Villa.

Their return or otherwise could prove key for the west Londoners in this encounter.

They certainly missed the duo on Wednesday with Brighton (Kante was fit enough to be on the substitutes bench), although did have the boost of Romelu Lukaku starting his first Premier League match since mid October.

While Chelsea were conceding a last-gasp equaliser in that match, Liverpool were going down to a surprise defeat at Leicester.

It was a game they dominated for long spells yet were nullified by a mass of bodies in the box and a remarkable goalkeeping performance by Kasper Schmeichel.

Both men in the dugouts are German and both suffered midweek setbacks but that is where the similarities end.

Tuchel’s stance on vaccinated players differs from Klopp and so does his view on the congested festive schedule,

Klopp has bemoaned it, despite having a strong squad, while Tuchel accepts that the leading clubs have a better depth than most and has reiterated he has no problem with the congested schedule, yet the Chelsea manager is baffled at the reluctance to reintroduce five substitutes per match, which were permitted at the height of the pandemic.

Differing views, differing styles, a new year and Premier League highlights await; but this is all about who claims the points.

History

The corresponding fixture last season was a comprehensive victory for the Merseysiders, who were in control even before the hosts were reduced to 10 men in the first half.

Chelsea are a very different beast now, however.

They won the return fixture at Anfield in March, courtesy of a Mason Mount strike and then, of course, there was the early season fixture in late August when both sides earned a point but 10-man Chelsea took the plaudits.

Overall, Chelsea have 65 victories in all competitions in their head-to-head meetings, Liverpool have 82 successes and there have been 42 draws.

Betting Tip

	Chelsea vs Liverpool	1X2 Draw @ 3.35
	January 3, 00:30 (GMT+8)

Liverpool start as slight favourites with the Sbotop Premier League betting odds.

Klopp’s team can be backed 1X2 @ 2.54 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 1.92.

The hosts are only slightly further adrift and are on offer 1X2 @ 2.66 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.01.

A re-run of their meeting just over four months ago – Correct Score 1-1 – will pay out @ 5.60.

Such is the importance of the encounter, this could be a low-scoring clash and among the options are under 2.50 goals @ 2.01, total goal 0-1 @ 3.55, 2-3 @ 1.91 and 4-6 @ 3.30.

If either side leads at the break yet the match finishes level, a pay day awaits you @ 14.50 with Half Time Full Time Home Draw or Away Draw.

I do expect a draw but am not confident enough to go with one of those bets so my ** prediction is 1X2 Draw @ 3.30.

 

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