Chelsea vs Liverpool Picks – Anfield Crowd Powers Reds To Draw Against Mighty Blues
Online betting players are used to seeing Chelsea and Liverpool against each other: since May 2007, these two have faced each other 10 times, and it’s been very even. The two will do battle once again this weekend, and the atmosphere at Anfield may be unrivalled in England. The crowd will inspire Liverpool to snatch a point from an in-form Chelsea side.
- What: Soccer betting
- When: Sunday, May 2, 8:30 AM ET
- Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England
- Key Stat: These two have drawn four of their last 10 meetings
The Storyline: Chelsea vs Liverpool Picks
Chelsea are still at the top of the table after a 7-0 demolition of Stoke at home, but they know they can’t take their foot off the gas as they are only a point ahead of Manchester United. Liverpool sit in seventh place, but they’re only two points behind fourth-place Tottenham after a 4-0 pasting of Burnley away from home. A loss here would essentially end their Champions League dreams.
Offensive Matchups: Chelsea vs Liverpool Picks
Chelsea has scored seven goals on three occasions this year, and are approaching the 100-goal mark. Frank Lampard has been on fire over the last month, while Solomon Kalou had a hat trick in the Stoke rout, and Didier Drogba is, well, Didier Drogba. Nicolas Anelka has scored once since February, but if Lampard is back on his game, it really doesn’t matter.
Liverpool has scored seven goals in their last two games, and Steven Gerrard is influencing the game more, which is encouraging for England fans ahead of the World Cup. Maxi Rodriguez also scored against Burnley, along with Ryan Babel, and the Reds will need them to continue to step up as Dirk Kuyt joins Fernando Torres on the sidelines. Betting Edge: ChelseaDefensive Matchups: Chelsea vs Liverpool Picks
Chelsea’s sportsbook odds may improve even more if Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho can play this weekend. They fared well against Stoke without the suspended John Terry, but that was Stoke, and it was at home. Terry should be back in the lineup for the Blues in this match, and even though Carvalho is missing, Chelsea has a solid replacement in Alex. Michael Ballack can play the defensive-midfield role.
The Reds have allowed just one goal in their last five league matches, and as long as goalkeeper Pepe Reina and defender Jamie Carragher are there, Liverpool has a chance. You also can’t forget about Javier Mascherano, who is one of the best holding midfielders in Europe. But Liverpool may miss Emiliano Insua, who picked up a knock.
Notable Injuries: Chelsea vs Liverpool Picks
Essien (knee) and Carvalho (ankle/foot) are racing to be fit for this match, while Jon Obi Mikel (knee) is still a couple weeks away from match action. Kuyt (calf) and Torres (knee) are out for the remainder of the season, while Insua (thigh) is doubtful, along with David Ngog (back).
Betting Edge: EvenTotals: Chelsea vs Liverpool Picks
Only three of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, but two of those have come in the last three meetings. Chelsea is on fire right now, but Liverpool has scored over 70% of their goals at home at Anfield. We’re taking the over here.
Pick: Over 2.5Betting Prediction: Chelsea vs Liverpool Picks
These two have won three and drawn four of their last 10 meetings, with Chelsea holding a slight 14-13 edge in goals scored. Anelka and Florent Malouda scored in October’s 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, but this will be tougher as Liverpool has won 13 and drawn three of their 18 home games this year, while Chelsea has been beaten five times away from home. Gerrard is going to need the performance of the year to save Liverpool, who are missing a pair of important attackers in Torres and Kuyt. Somehow, due to their brilliant home play and the atmosphere at Anfield, Liverpool will end up with a point, which is a good result for sports betting players.
