However, recent results mean the Blues must revise their lofty ambitions, as there have been recent signs that Jose Mourinho’s side are not quite as omnipotent as once thought.
Saturday’s shock loss to Bradford was the second time this month that their previously acclaimed defence looked decidedly shaky, following their 5-3 loss to Spurs on New Year’s Day.
The Londoners’ excuse was that they put out an understrength team with one eye on tonight’s game, but will the potential psychological damage caused by last weekend’s embarrassment consequently upset their preparation for this evening’s encounter?
2. Are Liverpool set to unleash Daniel Sturridge?
Even though Raheem Sterling has impressed up front in recent weeks, Liverpool remain a pale shadow of the side that scored goals for fun last season.
However, that problem is expected to be at least partially resolved amid the imminent return of Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge formed a formidable partnership with the departed Luis Suarez last year, contributing 21 goals along the way.
Having only signed Mario Balotelli for £16million in August, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has already shown signs that his patience for the mercurial striker is wearing thin.
Asked about the Italian international recently, Rodgers’ assessment was less than glowing.
“It’s difficult for him,” the Liverpool boss said. “He knows now the level of what this team is at. You see the pressing in our game, the aggression in our game. If you can’t do that, then you’re not going to be part of what this team is trying to achieve.”
Moreover, against Liverpool, Chelsea are likely to welcome back John Terry, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic and Willian into their team.
In 10 matches at home in the Premier League, the Londoners have won every game, and conceded just three goals along the way.
Therefore, despite the Reds’ impressive first-leg showing, they are the clear underdogs going into tonight’s encounter.
5. Will tempers flare up following tense first leg?
There is no love lost between Liverpool and Chelsea following a first leg in which the tension was palpable.
Diego Costa and Jordan Henderson in particular were involved in individual spats, with the pair reportedly almost coming to blows in the tunnel after the game.
Whether he can provoke Liverpool this evening remains to be seen, but it could an important factor in the game — semi-finals are often tight affairs decided by small margins and accordingly, it is essential that both sides retain a sense of discipline and self-control on this tense and testing occasion.
5 talking points ahead of tonight's Chelsea-Liverpool League Cup semi
1. Will Chelsea’s confidence be hampered following Bradford debacle?
UNTIL RECENTLY, THERE was optimistic talk of Chelsea doing the quadruple. Their start to the campaign was so impressive that many even speculated that they could go the entire season unbeaten á la Arsenal in 2003-04.
However, recent results mean the Blues must revise their lofty ambitions, as there have been recent signs that Jose Mourinho’s side are not quite as omnipotent as once thought.
Saturday’s shock loss to Bradford was the second time this month that their previously acclaimed defence looked decidedly shaky, following their 5-3 loss to Spurs on New Year’s Day.
The Londoners’ excuse was that they put out an understrength team with one eye on tonight’s game, but will the potential psychological damage caused by last weekend’s embarrassment consequently upset their preparation for this evening’s encounter?
2. Are Liverpool set to unleash Daniel Sturridge?
Even though Raheem Sterling has impressed up front in recent weeks, Liverpool remain a pale shadow of the side that scored goals for fun last season.
However, that problem is expected to be at least partially resolved amid the imminent return of Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge formed a formidable partnership with the departed Luis Suarez last year, contributing 21 goals along the way.
Brendan Rodgers has hinted that the 25-year-old could return for tonight’s fixture, and it would certainly be a much-needed boost for Liverpool, who laboured to a scoreless draw with Championship side Bolton at the weekend.
3. Will the snubbing of Balotelli continue?
Having only signed Mario Balotelli for £16million in August, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has already shown signs that his patience for the mercurial striker is wearing thin.
Asked about the Italian international recently, Rodgers’ assessment was less than glowing.
“It’s difficult for him,” the Liverpool boss said. “He knows now the level of what this team is at. You see the pressing in our game, the aggression in our game. If you can’t do that, then you’re not going to be part of what this team is trying to achieve.”
Nevertheless, Rodgers has said Balotelli will get more chances to prove himself at Liverpool, and a vital goal against Chelsea this evening could at least go some way towards convincing fans that he was worth the £16million gamble.
4. Can Liverpool overcome Chelsea’s excellent Stamford Bridge record?
Granted, League One side Bradford went to Stamford Bridge and won at the weekend, but in general, Chelsea’s record at their home stadium is exceptional.
Moreover, against Liverpool, Chelsea are likely to welcome back John Terry, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic and Willian into their team.
In 10 matches at home in the Premier League, the Londoners have won every game, and conceded just three goals along the way.
Therefore, despite the Reds’ impressive first-leg showing, they are the clear underdogs going into tonight’s encounter.
5. Will tempers flare up following tense first leg?
There is no love lost between Liverpool and Chelsea following a first leg in which the tension was palpable.
Diego Costa and Jordan Henderson in particular were involved in individual spats, with the pair reportedly almost coming to blows in the tunnel after the game.
It is by no means the first time that Costa has got under the skin of a rival player this season, with the Spanish international quickly developing a reputation as a player opposition fans love to hate.
Whether he can provoke Liverpool this evening remains to be seen, but it could an important factor in the game — semi-finals are often tight affairs decided by small margins and accordingly, it is essential that both sides retain a sense of discipline and self-control on this tense and testing occasion.
– First published 07.00
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Analysis All-Ireland Senior HC Capital One Cup Daniel Sturridge Mario Balotelli Semi-final Chelsea Liverpool