Liverpool v Chelsea (2.05pm, SKY)

Damp squib ?

It’s been frantically hyped as the title showdown at Anfield today but the reality for most punters is that the title has already been handed to Liverpool on a plate (painted in Sunderland’s colours).

Sunderland’s defeat of Chelsea changed things forever and Mourinho is now playing his ‘get out clause’ with all his eggs now in the Champions League basket.

Just how much of a weakened side he puts out this afternoon has been the question of much speculation but punters have reacted by simply putting more money on Liverpool.

The side will be so weakened that even Mourinho isn’t even on the team bus…. OK that’s actually TRUE but with a large dollop of editorial licence applied !!

Mourinho is travelling alone as he is suffering from a bug and did not want to risk spreading it among his squad.

Chelsea meet Atletico Madrid in the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, having drawn 0-0 in Spain last week.

It’s left Mourinho with many dilemmas – not least of which who will be in goal, given Cech is injured and Schwarzer might be rested until Wednesday.

But with all the talk about Chelsea let’s not forget Liverpool would be favourites for this match anyway given their irresistible form this season and generally a good record against Chelsea at Anfield.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Dec 2013 Premier Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
Apr 2013 Premier Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Nov 2012 Premier Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
MAy 2012 Premier Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea
May 2012 FA Cup Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
Nov 2011 Carling Cup Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool
Nov 2011 Premier Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
Feb 2011 Premier Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
Nov 2010 Premier Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
May 2010 Premier Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea

A Chelsea WIN followed by a Man City WIN later this afternoon at Selhurst Park would breath new life into the Premier League title race but the odds say that’s unlikely and by tea-time today it will just about be the red of Liverpool (and Sunderland) on the trophy.

As for Mourinho, it will all be about Wednesday (and today’s referee, no doubt).

Liverpool win, in a stormy match, with hopefully plenty of cards.

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)

BUY BOOKINGS LIVERPOOL / CHELSEA for 10 points at around 54 with Star Spreads
BUY LIVERPOOL / CHELSEA for 10 points at around 1 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (APRIL): LOSS 1436.00 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): LOSS 1000.00 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.