FA Cup: Chelsea vs. Liverpool Preview, Odds and Prediction

The FA Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the world, and probably the most prestigious domestic cup one team can win. That is why the clash between Chelsea and Liverpool generates so much hype. The Blues are in a difficult position lately, and they posted a few bad results in the recent two months. On the other side, Liverpool is showing signs of struggle for the first time this season, and if we may add, in the worst possible moment.

Preview

Chelsea (+130) is a slight favorite here. It is mostly due to the fact that Jurgen Klopp doesn’t like playing domestic cups, and that he prefers focusing on international competitions instead. The Blues have two wins over the last 8 matches and are very inconsistent. The latest failure was in Bournemouth, where they played just 2-2 against the Cherries, who are fighting for their Premiership life. The defense was a problem or Lampard since the season started, but until the winter holidays, the attack was covering that up. Once Abraham and co. stopped producing scores, the issues emerged to the surface. Chelsea allowed at least a goal in the last seven games, and in five at least two. As for the overall efficiency, over 2.5 goals had been seen six times in seven recent games.

Liverpool (+180) lost for the first time this season in the English Premier League. The Reds suffered a knockout in Watford, losing the contest at Vicarage with 3-0. It was the second straight game on the road in which Klopp’s machinery couldn’t score, and besides that posted a defeat. It could be a sign that the Reds are getting tired. If it is, the moment for that is the worst possible moment, because they have the Champions League rematch against Atletico Madrid coming up shortly, and the reigning European champions have to reach a one-goal deficit from the first leg.

Latest News

Abraham and Pulisic are questionable. Ngolo Kante is ruled out due to an injury, while Jorginho skips this one because of a suspension.

Among the Reds, the situation is even worse. Milner, Gomez, Keita, Shaqiri, and Clyne are questionable. Jordan Henderson is out. Do know that Klopp intends to mix his lineup.

Head to Head Games

This is an old derby, and so far, these clubs met 184 times. Liverpool is better with 81 triumphs, while Chelsea has 63; 41 games ended without winners. Recently, Liverpool didn’t lose in four consecutive games versus the Blues, recording two wins and two draws. They already met twice this season, in the Premiership at Stamford, 1-2, and in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul. That game ended 2-2, but Liverpool took the trophy after the penalties.

Prediction

We believe that this match will bring a lot of goals. Chelsea has to win it, and the Blues certainly aren’t going to get it through the defense. Meanwhile, Liverpool regardless of the lineup is very dangerous, but their back line is a bit shaky without one of the regular starters. Therefore, goals on both sides and over 2.5 is the best possible choice. The odds on that take place are -105. Two or more goals in the second half are realistic too.