Liverpool v Chelsea: Reds can avenge cup defeat with league win

After beating Liverpool to land a fourth FA Cup in six years on Saturday, some will be surprised to see Chelsea as 9/5 underdogs to score another victory on Wednesday night.

The home side stirred up a rousing comeback in the final half hour of Saturday’s final, but were unable to achieve their desired triumphant result, which they are 7/5 to do this week.

Alternatively, the draw can be backed at 12/5, though it was eight meetings ago when these sides last played out a stalemate.

It is worth noting that Liverpool have victored in their last three league meetings with Chelsea, never by more than a two goal margin in this time, so they look good to win a game involving two or less goals at 7/2.

Kenny Dalglish’s side have also won to nil on two of those occasions, and have already bested the Blues via a 2-0 scoreline in the Carling Cup earlier in the season.

For this reason, the home side have appeal to keep a clean sheet at 9/4, whilst they look good to win without conceding at 10/3.

Chelsea’s focus may understandably shift to their upcoming Champions League final, and they could rest several players ahead of the May 19 final in Munich.

This fact could tempt punters to back against both teams scoring in the match at 11/10, though those who feel that both will find the net can take 4/6 odds on that occurrence.

Andy Carroll was tremendous when introduced from the bench on Saturday, scoring as well as causing an abundance of problems for Chelsea’s backline.

He should have done enough to earn a starting berth come Wednesday, and will see support at 6/1 to get the opener.

Fernando Torres should be afforded a start for Chelsea meanwhile, and he is 11/2 to haunt his former club by breaking the deadlock at Anfield.