Chelsea v Liverpool Premier league 16th August 2016

Can Chelsea Deny Liverpool's Pressing Game?

Fresh from demolishing last seasons Premier League Champions, Liverpool make the trip to London to confront old enemy Chelsea in the second Friday night fixture of the new season.

Friday night fixtures? I'm not really a fan of the format myself but I suppose it's one of those things we'll all get used to like Johnny and Denise on the “Big Breakfast” which incidentally was a massive nineteen years ago now.

Television trends come and there is no doubt that the thirst for the plain old footie game is as strong as ever. How long will it be until games are played every night of the week?

The money being paid by broadcasting companies means that clubs who become reliant on spending it on player salaries and wages (and that means all of them) can not afford to have it taken away or else they risk European football exile. Hence they'll have to keep toeing the line and playing games at all hours.

Liverpool's Defensive Woes Continue

Liverpool's defensive problem was cruelly exposed last time out when Lucas, who otherwise had an excellent game, passed the ball across the six yard area to Jamie Vardy who will do well to score an easier Premier League goal in his career. It highlighted the issues that prevail in defence for Klopp and hopefully Lovren will recover in time and return to fill the chasm created by his unfortunate injury.

All those armchair managers espousing their Liverpool betting tips and decrying the lack of a left back and “why can't Klopp see” etc. need to get a grip. The Twitter match day feed is an embarrassment to Liverpool supporters. Seconds after Lucas' gaffe came the familiar deluge of “Reds Fans” claiming he wasn't fit to wear the shirt.

Twitter is the last refuge of the imbecilic football supporter and I'm keeping off it during match time. Besides which spending more time watching the Twitter feed is only really useful for things like “University Challenge” where the contestants get ripped to shreds for their bad clothing and hairstyle choices. It's more interesting than the quiz that's for sure.

Anyway, let's turn our thoughts to London

It looks like the captain we all love to hate is going to be out for this one so John Terry will be sitting with his kit on in the stands. The question is “Are Chelsea actually any good under this manager?”

The answer would appear to be yes if Diego Costa can stay on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. The irascible Spaniard is not your stereotypical Tiki Taka exponent and his all action physical style is a perfect match for the Premier League. It is going to be a monumental job to stop him running riot across the defence and that's why it is vital Lovren passes a late fitness test.

Liverpool have no such worries at the other end of the pitch though and they are spoilt with striking options. Firminho and mane are shoe ins and that leaves Sturridge looking over his shoulder at Coutinho and Origi. The latter of which is likely to be preferred for this game by Klopp because of his more aggressive style and physique.

Cue lots of TV time spent looking at Daniel Surridge's sulky face.

I'm thinking a draw would be a good result for Liverpool and therefore I'm betting on the Chelsea win. Anything else is a bonus.

The Bet - Chelsea To Win 5/4 £10 Returns £22.50 At Coral - Bet Now

Outsider - A Draw 2-2 11/1 £10 Returns £120 At Coral  - Bet Now

Longshot - Liverpool To Win 3-0 33/1 £10 Returns £340 At Coral - Bet Now

Sure Bet - Chelsea Or Draw 2/5 £10 Returns £14 At Coral  - Bet Now