Chelsea – Liverpool

Chelsea and Liverpool will engage in a high stakes clash at the top of the standings in the Premier League.

Chelsea has struggled a lot in the last few games. After a pretty good start to the season, the Blues have found themselves playing horrible football in the past 2 months, and the chemistry between Mourinho and the squad is just not working. Currently on the 3rd place, 4 points behind leaders Manchester City, Chelsea owes its placement to some pragmatic and lucky wins, along with the balance at the top in Premier League this season. Having watched the Blues, I can say that their last 9 games were horrible, except for the 0-0 draw at Arsenal two rounds ago. No firepower and bad defense for Mourinho`s side. Chelsea is on the back of an usual 1-0 unimpressive win against Swansea at home. All in all, bad form for the Blues.

Liverpool has surprised everybody with their good record this season. Currently 4th in the Premier League standings, Liverpool will move up to the second place with a win today. The Reds have benefited greatly from the impact of Luis Suarez, who is currently playing at an all-star level and can surely be in the Messi-Ronaldo discussion for the best player in the world. Liverpool is in fantastic form, winning 4 of their last 5 matches clearly, and barely losing 2-1 at the devastating Manchester City in a game in which they deserved at least a draw (they were actually robbed by the referees of a goal at 0-0 in the first half).

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Team news & lineups

Chelsea: Cech – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta – Lampard, Essien – Schurrle, Oscar, Willian – Torres.

Out: Ramires (suspended), Van Ginkel (knee).

Liverpool: Mignolet – Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Cissokho – Lucas – Allen, Henderson – Sterling, Suárez, Coutinho.

Out: Coates, Enrique (both knee), Gerrard, Flanagan (both hamstring), Moses (ineligible), Sturridge (ankle).

There is a big difference in the way these two teams are playing at the moment. Cheslea is struggling to find their rhythm and the best starting 11, while Liverpool is in the best position in years, with high morale and a world class player that can make the difference. I am really confident in Suarez`s abilities, having watched him score and create in unbelievable fashion in the last few games. The downside for ‘Pool is their weak bench with their current injuries, but they managed just fine in the last few games with the current setup.

Look for Liverpool to get something out of this game. They were unlucky to come up empty handed at City, and if they will replicate the same play on Stamford Bridge, then even Liverpool to win might be a good choice. I will take the reds on double chance (+0.5 handicap) at some great odds. Their chemistry and organization should be too much for a struggling Chelsea side, and do not underestimate Liverpool`s counter-attack play, arguably the best in the Premier League – a game plan that will come in handy away at Chelsea. Home court advantage is not enough for the Blues to get a win with their current level of play. No way Liverpool is losing this game if the current playing level and form of the two teams will be kept for this encounter. Bottom line, watching the two teams play, there`s just no way you can go against ‘Pool in this game. My pick for this one is Chelsea – Liverpool 0-2 and +0.5 handicap on the visitors looks like a safe, valuable and all-around excellent bet. High stakes.

Pick: Liverpool (+0.5)
Odds: 1.78 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 7.02
Event date: 29 December

Editor Facts

• Rostick`s last 9 tips saw 7 won, 1 void and 1 lost