Liverpool have the edge at the Bridge
Chelsea welcome Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in looking to close the gap between themselves and the Premier League title race. Manchester City are commandingly leading the way at the moment but the Reds have been hinting that they are in this one for the long haul. The Blues produced one of their better performances this season in taking a point from Anfield despite playing with ten men for an extended period. The Reds have been flat track bullies at times this season and will be hoping to send a statement to Pep Guardiola by picking up all three points at Stamford Bridge.
Background
Liverpool have an extra day of preparation time for this one as their trip to Leicester City comes the day before Chelsea host Brighton and Hove Albion. The Blues have incredible strength in depth amongst their squad and therefore will still be able to put out a very strong side, Liverpool do not have as much quality in their second string but will still fancy their chances, coming in as very slim favourites.
Process
The Reds pip Manchester City in their attacking process, scoring 50 from 49.2 expected goals (xG), creating an average of 2.73 per game which when you have Mohamed Salah in the form he has been in this season, is a devastating combination. Defensively, these two are very similar with the Reds slightly edging it but Chelsea have only conceded 13 from 19 games and certainly command respect for their rearguard action.
It is a fascinating tactical battle between two managers who know each other well from their time with Borussia Dortmund. It feels as if Chelsea will need to pick up a win here if they are to re-engage in the title race moving into the second half of the season.
Goals?
Not my angle for this encounter but it is worth taking a look at how outstanding these two have performed in both boxes so far this season.
- Chelsea have scored in nine of ten.
- Chelsea have conceded in seven of ten.
- Chelsea have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
- Chelsea have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
- Liverpool have scored in all of their last 27, which is every game this term.
- Liverpool have conceded in five of ten.
- Liverpool have seen both teams score in five of ten.
- Liverpool have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Liverpool edge it when you look at the recent form and the data, suggesting that the Asian Handicap provides value.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-2, looked more comfortable early on than it was, we take the half win.