WHAT a match to welcome back the Premier League this midweek when Liverpool host table toppers Chelsea at Anfield.
It’s been a contrasting few weeks for both of these footballing giants with Liverpool struggling for any form after just one win in their last six matches, and Chelsea pulling NINE points clear at the top of the Premier League table after 13 wins from their last 14 matches.
This is a mini crisis for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and his side have to win this to stand any chance of winning their first English title in 25 years; and although their form is shocking at present, their record against the top teams is very good and they can’t be overlooked.
The Reds’ have no problem when they are up against the best, it’s the lower sides that they can’t find a way past as they’ve let odds-on punters down FIVE times now in their last six matches.
Liverpool isn’t odds-on to win this one, which means they stand a good chance; you can get 2.50 on them for the win and in a game where it arguably means more to them than the visitors, that looks a decent bet.
Earlier on in the season Liverpool went to Stamford Bridge and came away with three points in a 2-1 win, and despite Chelsea’s excellent form, the 3.00 on the Blues’ isn’t a price that I would want to take against a side that they’ve had problems beating recently,
Recent History not Good for the Favourites
In the last six meetings between these two rivals, Chelsea has just one win and it will be interesting to see the tactics that Antonio Conte goes with at Anfield, as a point is a good result for the Londoners’ and Liverpool have struggled this season when teams have come to Merseyside to defend.
In six of the last seven meetings, both teams have scored and that will be a popular bet with punters at 1.66, but in a game that means so much for both sides, I am expecting this one to be tight. I would rather swim against the tide and play “no” at 2.25 with BetVictor, and also get involved in the under 2.5 goal market which is 2.00 with William Hill, which has been a regular winner in Liverpool’s recent matches.
I always like to take Liverpool when they are not expected to perform and on big nights like this under the Anfield lights, the “Kop” can inspire them to a slender 1-0 win, which is a general 9.50, to get their title hopes back on track and a result that will be cheered on by all the other title contenders.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.