Liverpool vs Chelsea - Statistical Preview

Brendan Rodgers will be looking to make it 12 straight Premier league wins on Sunday when his Liverpool side face title rivals Chelsea. Liverpool’s last defeat came when the two sides met in December and the Reds haven’t lost in the Premier League this year.

Not many people predicted that Liverpool would be in this position at the start of the season but they have certainly proved their doubters wrong with recent performances. A win on Sunday will put them eight points clear of Chelsea with just two games to go.

Raheem Sterling scored twice in last week’s victory over Norwich, as he continued his impressive season. The 19 year old England midfielder has now scored nine Premier League goals this season, and is the Red’s 4^th top scorer behind Suarez, Sturridge and Gerrard. Sterling’s good form has been a major factor in Liverpool’s successes this season and he will be looking for a repeat of last week’s performance on Sunday

Martin Skrtel has been a rock at the back for Liverpool this season. The centre back is the Premier League’s highest scoring defender this season with seven goals. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index Skrtel has made more defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) than any other Premier League player this season with an impressive 527. Another solid performance against Norwich last weekend showed how important he is for the Liverpool side and he will need to be in similar form on Sunday.

Luis Suarez could be the man to fire Liverpool to victory on Sunday. The Uruguayan striker is currently the Premier Leagues top scorer with an impressive 30 from 30 appearances. Suarez has also made 268 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) this season including 25 assists.

Sunday’s game at Anfield is must win for José Mourinho’s side if they want any chance of reclaiming Premier League title. After last week’s loss to Sunderland nothing but a win will do for Chelsea this weekend. A Liverpool win would end any hopes of a 4^th Premier League crown for the Blues. Mourinho will be without several key first team players on Sunday, with Petr Čech, John Terry, Eden Hazard & Samuel Eto'o all missing through injury.

With Mourinho likely to make several changes to his side on Sunday, Demba Ba could be in line for a rare start at Anfield. Ba has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Chelsea starting line up this season, playing just 487 minutes in 17 appearances. The Senegalese striker has scored four times this season.

Mourinho could also recall Ashley Cole to his starting lineup on Sunday, after missing last week’s loss to Sunderland. If Cole is recalled his experience may prove invaluable for Chelsea as they try to stop the ruthless Liverpool frontline. Cole has made only 14 Premier League appearances this season making a total of 70 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) including 20 clearances and 16 interceptions.  Despite his lack of appearances the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Cole has still won 74% of the 42 tackles he has attempted this term.