Late lapses among 3 reasons why Liverpool can beat Chelsea
Published:Liverpool and Chelsea collide at Anfield for Saturday’s televised lunchtime kick-off from the Premier League and after a spirited performance at Real Madrid, the Reds will harbour hopes of revenge for last season’s title-throwing disaster.
The market is a little closer than one might expect, with Liverpool priced as the very narrow 23/10 outsiders, Chelsea at 23/20 and the draw is a 5/2 chance.
While many punters won’t give the hosts too much chance of halting the Chelsea juggernaut, here are three feasible reasons why they can:
Chelsea are vulnerable to conceding late goals
Half of the 10 Premier League goals Chelsea have given away arrived in the final 15 minutes of games, which offers Liverpool a route to victory, providing they are still in the game.
It’s a good job for Liverpool who have scored eight of their 19 goals in all competitions after the 75-minute mark and they will take heart from Manchester United’s equaliser in the dying embers recently.
Liverpool should have the fresher legs
Just days after both sides faced trips to the continent Liverpool will have had an extra day’s rest, while several of their expected line-up will be raring to go, having been rested in Madrid.
If Liverpool are to rattle the Premier League’s most polished performers of the new season, then tempo will be key and Brendan Rodgers’ maligned Champions League selection may just pay dividends.
Reds have an extra motivation to win
This fixture represented Liverpool’s darkest hour last season and in their Premier League history, where requiring only a point to keep the title firmly in their hands, the Reds were beaten 2-0.
Motivated by revenge and the dire need to begin bridging the widening points gap to the league leaders, Liverpool arguably have more riding on this match.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was publicly critical of his side’s lack of focus after a draw in Maribor and if they suffer a repeat at Anfield the Reds can prosper.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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