Blues lose further ground on league leaders with draw against Liverpool

While the Blues began the season in absolutely wonderfully well, the last few games have been a different story with Chelsea struggling to notch up victories. While the match against Manchester United was lost in controversial circumstances, even in that match, the first two goals were conceded so easily. Last week the Blues allowed Swansea to draw level after taking the lead and it was the same story this week as well as Terry's opener was cancelled out by Luiz Suarez. This makes it 3 EPL games without a win and 2 points out of a possible 9 is not at all championship winning form.What will concern more for RDM is that Terry's comeback was cut short by an injury,which looks like will keep him out for some time.

Chelsea had enough chances to win the game and were guilty of not finishing well. There is obviously a lot of tired legs in the midfield, who have been laboring week and week out. While the depth of the squad is great, the rotation seems to be happening only in the defense. Moses has got some action, but the bulk of the matches have seen Mata,Hazard and Oscar line up. It would probably be a good thing to bring in Marin and Piazon for some of the matches to avoid a burnout for Hazard,Mata and Oscar.

The draw saw us lose further ground as United's and City's wins means that Chelsea are now in third position. Next up is West Brom away, which will again be another massive test. West Brom are currently fifth in the table.

Looking ahead to Chelsea vs Liverpool

Competition: EPL
Opponent: Liverpool
Venue: Stamford Bridge,Chelsea

After the mid week triumph against Shakthar Donetsk in the Champions league, Chelsea resume their battle for the EPL crown on Sunday with another tough match, this time against Liverpool. The current table position shows the Blues in second place while Liverpool are languishing in 12th, but that wouldn't mean that this will be an easy game. Liverpool have the habit of raising their game against the likes of Chelsea,Man United,Man City and Arsenal and are a dangerous opponent. The results may have gone against them, but with Suarez,Gerrand,Allen etc in the team, Liverpool are still a strong side. Also, Liverpool have been something of a thorn in the flesh for Chelsea as they have been one of the most successful clubs to have face Chelsea in the recent past. In the last four meetings at the Bridge, the Reds have amazingly won 3 of them, including a 2-1 win last season.

With Chelsea opting the expansive style, goals are something that the Blues are sure to offer these days.But a recent slump in form following the defeat against Man United and an away draw at Swansea saw the Blues losing the top spot in the EPL tables. With Man United winning against the Villans today, Chelsea are now 4 points behind the league leaders and thus this game becomes a must win to keep up with United.

John Terry might have been benched against Shakthar, but I expect him to be given the start against Liverpool, especially after a horror show by the center backs against Shakthar. Cahill would probably keep his place ahead of Luiz. Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are still out injured. Bertrand will obviously start at left back against Liverpool. Bertrand was absolutely poor against Shakthar and will hope that he doesn't make such mistakes in this game especially against the pacy 17 year old Raheem Sterling.

Another key battle is for Torres. Torres had a legendary status at Liverpool before Chelsea prized him away but the Spaniard is yet to score against his old club in three meetings.He will be certainly hoping to add to his Chelsea tally of goals. Torres is still not to his best and needs a good game with a goal or two. The striker at the other end, Suarez has been in red hot form in EPL and has already scored 7 goals. The problem for Liverpool has been that none of the others have been contributing much goals. So stopping Suarez will be of primary importance for the Chelsea defense. Expect Terry to be closely marking Suarez.

The mid field trio of Mata,Hazard and Oscar will again start behind Torres. RDM has been saying about squad rotation and while he has rotated his defenders, he has been reluctant to rotate Mata,Hazard and Oscar. Marin is yet to get a game, while Moses has impressed recently with two goals in the last two matches. If Chelsea need width, then it would be good idea to bring on Moses and Marin as the game progresses.

Probable Team : Cech,Ivanovic,Cahill,Terry,Bertrand,Ramires,Mikel,Mata,Oscar,Hazard,Torres

This is another massively important game and a must win if Chelsea have to keep pace with United and City in the battle for the EPL crown.On paper, the Blues should easily brush aside Liverpool,but recent record for the Kop shows that they perform  really well against the Blues. This could be another match with end-to-end stuff and I am really looking forward to it. Only concern is about the referee, Howard Webb. Hopefully the referee and his assistants won't be in the news for all the wrong reasons after the game.