Liverpool’s poor form to continue against Chelsea in the FA Cup

Chelsea vs Liverpool - 03/03/2020

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Liverpool’s unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end on Saturday against Watford. It was a defeat that had been coming as Liverpool narrowly avoided a loss the match prior versus West Ham.

Jurgen Klopp’s players are out of form and not having injured captain Jordan Henderson in the team has been a major blow. Now, Liverpool, who are 12 points away from the league title, travel to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea in the last 16 of the FA Cup.

Frank Lampard’s Blues are out of form as well and letting the fourth-place Champions League position in the Premier League slip through their hands. Chelsea have won just twice in their last eight matches in all competitions. One of those wins came in the FA Cup fourth round.

Liverpool are unbeaten in four straight games against Chelsea in all competitions. They have played twice already this season in the UEFA Super Cup and Premier League with the former ending in a draw and going to penalties, and the latter ending in a Liverpool 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are a different beast in the FA Cup, however. They defeated Nottingham Forest and Hull City by a combined 4-1 scoreline in the third and fourth rounds.

Liverpool got past Everton 1-0 in the FA Cup third round before being pushed to a replay by Shrewsbury Town in the fourth round. The Reds came through the replay at Anfield 1-0 thanks to an own goal.

Klopp has a big decision to make with his squad. He has used many of his back-ups and under-23 players in previous rounds. It has allowed young midfielder Curtis Jones to become a star and possibly a first-team member next season.

The manager is likely to play Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino, Dejan Lovren, and Joel Matip. He won’t be able to give either Naby Keita or Xherdan Shaqiri a start as he would have wanted. Both players are ruled out through injuries.

Goals have been a problem for Chelsea with Tammy Abraham ruled out through injury. The Blues rode the striker early in the season and now, he is unable to play due to an ankle issue.

Frozen out Frenchman Olivier Giroud has been thawed, but a lack of playing time has hurt his fitness. Giroud is still capable of scoring goals and could get the start over Michy Batshuayi.

N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic are both ruled out of the game with long-term injuries. Callum Hudson-Odoi could be available after suffering a thigh issue.

Neither team is in form. Liverpool’s problems may be deeper than just a blip on the radar and that bad form could continue at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will come through with a win over Liverpool on Tuesday night with under 2.5 goals scored.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

FA

Chelsea Liverpool 03/03/2020 20:45

413524

1

2 - 0

2.48

6°

2.70

2.70 3.70 2.49 1 -1 -1

FT

2 - 0(1 - 0)

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