Ahead of Chelsea’s home clash with Liverpool, each team’s UAE Supporters Clubs preview the game for Sport360, including predicting the likely XIs and picking their players to watch.
Do you agree with the assessments of Tottenham and Liverpool’s Supporters Clubs? Let us know using #360fans on Twitter or commenting on the Sport360 Football Facebook page.
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Toby Young, CHELSEA SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE
Chelsea are currently going through a difficult patch, the like of which has not been seen since the1990s. It is clear that the players are just not reaching the heights of last season and given Chelsea’s recent history with the hiring and firing of managers, many have stated that Mourinho’s future depends on the outcome of Saturdays game.
Most Chelsea fans feel he should be given more time, with speculation rife that something happened at the club over the summer that we are not aware of, with the Dr. Eva debacle an upshot of this.
Jose: ‘It’s not because he missed a penalty I will criticise Eden Hazard. He had a positive game at Stoke and I was pleased with him.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 30, 2015
Whatever the reason, the quality of Chelsea’s performances this season has been awful. Many of the key players have been off colour, notably Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas who were so impressive last season. The former’s intensity seems to have dropped off but has show some signs of re-emergence despite his penalty miss in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup defeat to Stoke, while the latter’s ability to pick out a pass, tackle and even track back have left a lot to be desired. The only blameless players are the goalkeepers and Willian, whose displays have been the one bright spark of the season thus far.
The intensity of the rivalry between Chelsea and Liverpool has grown over the past couple of decades with a number of important games. The Blues have taken plenty of crucial victories – who can forget the Steven Gerrard slip? – and another this Saturday could be key to whether Mourinho stays or goes.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
LIKELY CHELSEA XI: Begovic; Zouma, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Remy
CHELSEA PLAYER TO WATCH: Eden Hazard. Over the last few weeks he has shown glimpses of a return to form; in a high-pressure game like this, Hazard has the quality to add another dimension.
LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO FEAR: Daniel Sturridge. If he is fit to play, Chelsea will have to watch out for their former striker. Injuries have hampered him badly since his successful 2013-14 season but his speed and direct running make him a dangerous proposition.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA-LIVERPOOL MOMENT: There have been epic clashes galore over the past decade but the Fourth Round of the FA Cup in 1997 was one that sticks in the memory. Chelsea were 2-0 down at half-time but brought on Mark Hughes, who inspired the Blues to an eventual 4-2 victory along with Gianfranco Zola and Gianluca Vialli.
WHERE TO WATCH: As ever we will be at Loca, at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa on the big screen. Everyone is welcome so please come and say hello!
TWITTER: @UAECSC
FACEBOOK: Chelsea Supporters Club UAE
Daniel Watson, DUBAI REDS
This weekend will see the Liverpool and Chelsea rivalry resume with a new twist in the tale. Jurgen Klopp will lead out the Reds in his biggest game so far, a game that could spell the end of Jose Mourinho.
The idea of these two managers facing off against each other in the Premier League is one that can’t help but excite football fans, but this could well be the first and last meeting between the two. There are few things that would bring more satisfaction to Liverpool supporters the world over than for the Reds to add to Mourinho and Chelsea’s recent misery, and hammer the final nail in the coffin of Jose’s second reign at Stamford Bridge – preferable with a ghost goal a la Luis Garcia in the 2005 Champions League.
Klopp on Mourinho: “I’m full of respect for his work. If you’re not a journalist or a referee he can be a nice guy.”
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) October 30, 2015
The rivalry between the two clubs was really ignited during the Rafa Benitez era, Chelsea and Liverpool locking horns several times in memorable clashes in Europe; over the course of three years the teams met an incredible 16 times, with most games full of controversy and certainly no love lost. Defeat to Chelsea is now up there with losing to Manchester United and Everton for Reds fans.
This is the first game in which Klopp will taste the rivalry and the Reds are also still searching for a first win in the league under the new boss. There have been plenty of positives since the charismatic German joined and it was good to see him get his first win against Bournemouth in the Capital one Cup.
It will be interesting to see how Liverpool approach the game and also how Klopp builds his team up for the game. His passion and commitment on the sideline is clear for all to see, and delights the fans. What Liverpool need now is for the players to show the same on the pitch and deliver; it would be the perfect game for Klopp’s first league victory.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
LIKELY LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Sakho, Skrtel Moreno; Lucas, Can; Milner, Coutinho, Lallana; Firminio
LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO WATCH: Roberto Firmino.
Now back to full fitness, and on the back of a good performance against Bournemouth and plenty of praise from the manager and fans alike, Firmino will be looking to push on and cement his place. Hopefully he will link up well with compatriot Philippe Coutinho – it’s a big game for both of Liverpool’s Brazilians.
CHELSEA PLAYER TO FEAR: Willian.
A good player who Liverpool were once linked with. One of the few Chelsea players to have been performing at a consistent level, Willian is not a big name in comparison to some but often seems to pop up with important goals and contributions.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA- LIVERPOOL MOMENT:
It has to be the 2005 Champions League semi-final when Luis Garcia scored his infamous ghost goal. Liverpool went on to lift the trophy that year, much to the chagrin of Jose Mourinho, who has barely stopped whinging since!
WHERE TO WATCH: As ever the Dubai Reds will be watching in Goodfellas at the Ramee Rose Hotel, Tecom. We’re expecting a full house for this one, so get down early.
TWITTER: @dubaireds
FACEBOOK: Dubai Reds
