Chelsea vs. Liverpool Pick to Win
Date:Tuesday, January 31st, 2017
Where: English Premier League Anfield – Liverpool, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Chelsea 2/1, Liverpool 6/5, Draw 5/2
Moneyline: Chelsea +200, Liverpool +150, Draw +250
Over/Under Best Market: NO PLAY
The Blues of Chelsea and the Reds of Liverpool will square off at Anfield in the Merseyside to settle an account between two teams who have led the English Premier League at some point this season., These two teams have both been battling for position in the top quadrant of the English Premier League table. For Liverpool, some slips up and have sent them down the table. They at point were hoping to keep pace with table topper Chelsea with 55 points. The Reds are just ten points back and certainly need a win here to get back in to the fold. Currently, Chelsea are out in front with no one near them as they are eight points clear of the second place team at the moment Arsenal. This one will be subject of global discussion when the Blues and Reds will square off at Anfield in Liverpool on Tuesday in a primetime affair. Liverpool has been dominant at home particularly this season and this has been quantified by their most recent defeat of Manchester City at Anfield.
Liverpool remains is poor form as of late. The Reds have won only won of their last six, with three draws and two losses credited to their account. Most recently, the Reds were defeated 3-2 in a shocker when the Swans of Wales, Swansea City took them down. As for the Blues are coming in off their third consecutive win, most recently taking down the Tigers of Hull City. Previous to this, the Blues captured a key three points in a win against defending champion Leicester City two weeks ago. For the Blues, that win was assuredly vindication of sorts.
The Blues have outscored opponents 9-1 in their last three fixtures and they are showing no signs of attrition in their ranks. The Blues have won their last three contests after losing to cross-city rival Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. The Blues have also defeated Stoke City and Bournemouth by a combined margin of 7-1, absolutely lighting up every team they have come across for the most part. Chelsea most certainly has their eyes set on the English Premier League crown. After an abysmal 2015/16 campaign, the Blues are out with something to prove and a win at Anfield would further solidify their already impressive campaign. As for Liverpool, they themselves are still impressive considering where they stood a year ago. A win for the Reds will undoubtedly get them back in to the Premier League discussion, if not Champions League qualification contention.
After reviewing the markets and reactions from the public, the draw has the most equity. First and foremost, the least of the consensus is playing the draw. Either the public has stepped in on Liverpool by virtue of their perceived home pitch advantage or they have gone in the other direction with Chelsea offered at a-typical inflated odds which seems almost too good to be true. Be that this contest is a huge fixture subjected to a lot of attention across the globe, the books are likely to be extra sharp in this contest and reluctant to make any errors, so the prices are accurate and are by no means a gift. Additionally, mirroring what we championed a week ago, we will not recommend any play in Over/Under markets for total goals be that it is rather risky and potentially depletes a small take back if the draw were to hit. In conclusion, we stand to risk one unit to bank 2.5 units on a draw between both parties which is certainly a possibility. As tempting as it is to take Chelsea given their recent form compared to that of Liverpool who struggled mightily in FA Cup play against Plymouth Argyle. This is the kind of affair Chelsea would look not to lose ground in their march for the title. A draw here helps their cause.
Chelsea Recent Form
W Hull City 2-0
W Leicester City 3-0
W Peterborough United 4-1
L Tottenham Hotspur 0-2
W Stoke City 4-2
Liverpool Recent Form
L Swansea City 2-3
W Plymouth Argyle 1-0
D Manchester United 1-1
L Southampton 0-1
D Plymouth Argyle 0-0
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: DRAW 5/2 (+250) and NO OVER/UNDER PLAY
