Premier League preview and odds: Chelsea vs. Liverpool

Published on: 29/10/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Chelsea vs. Liverpool

October 31, 2015 12:45pm Stamford Bridge

Premier League

Two teams both in search of morale-boosting wins will go head-to-head on Saturday lunchtime when crisis club Chelsea welcome draw specialists Liverpool to Stamford Bridge in the Barclays Premier League.

Chelsea still in turmoil

After falling to West Ham in the league last weekend, and then suffering a disappointing defeat in the midweek Capital One Cup game against Stoke, there is little reason for Chelsea fans to feel optimistic heading into this weekends clash against the team from Merseyside.

Under-fire boss Jose Mourinho has been unable to find an answer to the clubs current woes, despite having a squad of considerable talent and financial value at his disposal. It is hard to believe that this is the same team that strolled to the Premier League title last term.

With owner Roman Abramovich seemingly reluctant to release the Coach from his substantial contract, Mourinho may be afforded more time to turn things around. A win against Liverpool would certainly give the club a much needed boost.

Reds trying to break drawing habit

Liverpool have drawn four of their last five games in the Premier League including the last three in a row. Reds boss Jürgen Klopp has yet to guide his team to a league victory having drawn both domestic games since taking charge. His cause has not been helped by the lack of striking options available since he arrived.

However, the club did secure a win for the new boss in the midweek League Cup game against Bournemouth. Nathaniel Clyne scored his first goal for the club to secure a place in the quarter-finals where they will face last weeks league opponents Southampton.

In that game, the Anfield club took the lead against the Saints with just 13 minutes left but were unable to hang on for all three points. Despite having lost only two games all season, Liverpool seem to have a mental block when it comes to defending a lead, something that Klopp alluded to in his post-game comments. However, the midweek cup win may be a sign that the club is taking a step in the right direction under the German.

Team news

Diego Costa has a rib injury and is expected to miss the game against Liverpool, however, Pedro and Ivanovic are expected to return

Liverpool are still without Daniel Sturridge and striker Christian Benteke remains a slight doubt. Meanwhile, Skipper Jordan Henderson has yet to return to full training.

Recent form (League)

Chelsea: LWLDW

Liverpool: DDDWD

Betting odds and tips

Chelsea are favourites with the bookmakers but Liverpool have the momentum after they extended their unbeaten run to 10 games by beating Bournemouth on Wednesday night. You can back the Reds to follow up that Cup win with their first league triumph at 29/10 with Betvictor.

Jürgen Klopp has indicated that Benteke will be fit to play at the weekend and the Belgian can be backed at 15/8 to score anytime with Betfred.

Published on: 29/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (29/10/2015 12:17:51) but are subject to change.